[Federal Register: March 31, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 62)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16780-16783]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31mr04-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-NM-41-AD; Amendment 39-13545; AD 2004-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional
Jet Series 700 & 701), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet
Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series
airplanes. This action requires revising the airplane flight manual to
advise the flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the center fuel
tank throughout the flight. This action also requires repetitive tests
to detect a fuel leak between the wing fuel tanks and the center fuel
tank; and further related investigative and corrective actions, if
necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires installation of
flexible hoses and brackets in the fuel feed system. This action is
necessary to detect and correct cracking in the primary fuel ejector.
Cracking in the primary fuel ejector could cause fuel leakage into the
center fuel tank, which could result in engine shutdown during flight.
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective April 15, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 15, 2004.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 30, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-NM-41-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-iarcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via the Internet must contain
``Docket No. 2004-NM-41-AD'' in the subject line and need not be
submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via fax or the Internet as
attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or
2000 or ASCII text.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This information may be
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7321; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA),
which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified the
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-
600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet
Series 900) series airplanes. TCCA advises that there have been two
instances of longitudinal cracks found in the primary fuel ejector on
affected airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
fuel leakage from the wing tanks into the center tank, which could
cause engine shutdown during flight.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued the following Temporary Revisions (TRs) to
the Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM), Document CSP B-012 (for Model CL-
600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) series airplanes) and CSP C-
012 (for Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes):
CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 700/52-2,
dated December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 AFM,
Document CSP B-012.
CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 900/10-1,
dated December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2D24 AFM,
Document CSP C-012.
These TRs describe revisions to the Abnormal Procedures section of
the AFM to advise the flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the
center fuel tank throughout the flight.
Bombardier has also issued CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet Alert Service
Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. This
service bulletin describes procedures for performing repetitive tests
to detect fuel leaking between the wing tanks and the center tank. The
leak test involves filling the wing fuel tanks with a specified
quantity of fuel, and monitoring the amount of fuel increase in the
center tank over time. The service bulletin describes procedures for
sending the results of the leak test to the Bombardier Technical Help
Desk.
If the amount of fuel increase in the center fuel tank is more than
150 pounds (68 Kgs), the service bulletin describes procedures for
further related investigative and corrective actions. The related
investigative action is performing a visual inspection of the center
tank (including the ejectors and fuel system components) to determine
the source of the leak. When the source of the leak is found, the
corrective action is replacing any cracked or damaged part with a new
part. The service bulletin also includes directions for faxing the
results of inspections to Bombardier, and for sending all replaced
parts to Bombardier.
TCCA classified these TRs, and this service bulletin as mandatory
and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-04, dated February
12, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
Canada.
For airplanes having serial number 10005 through 10065 inclusive,
the service bulletin states that, prior to the leak test, flexible
hoses and brackets must be installed in the fuel feed system in
accordance with Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin 670BA-
28-008, Revision C, dated January 23, 2003. These installations are
intended to address conditions that can result in fuel line and
coupling damage, and leakage due to the combined effects of
installation misalignment and vibration.
[[Page 16781]]
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of TCCA,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to revise the AFM to
advise the flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the center fuel
tank throughout the flight. This AD also requires repetitive leak tests
of the center fuel tank; a detailed inspection if a leak is detected;
and repair, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires
installation of flexible hoses and brackets in the fuel feed system.
The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service information described previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Among the Canadian Airworthiness Directive, Service
Bulletin, and This AD
Although Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, and the
Canadian airworthiness directive specify a ``visual inspection'' to
determine the source of any leakage found during the leak test, this AD
requires a ``detailed inspection.'' A definition of ``detailed
inspection'' is included in Note 2 of this AD.
Where the Canadian airworthiness directive refers to airplanes that
have accumulated a certain number of flight hours ``since new,'' this
AD uses the words ``since the date of issuance of the original
Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the Export
Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first.'' This decision
is based on our determination that the words ``since new'' may be
interpreted differently by different operators. We find that the
terminology included in this AD is generally understood within the
industry and records will always exist that establish these dates with
certainty.
The Canadian airworthiness directive allows for leak tests to be
performed in accordance with CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier)
Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, original issue, dated December 12,
2003; or CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin
670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. However, this AD
would require actions to be accomplished in accordance with Revision A.
Revision A contains significant changes to procedures and compliance
times.
Although Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, and the
Canadian airworthiness directive include sending reports of certain
findings to the manufacturer, this AD does not include those
requirements.
Although Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A includes
instructions for sending all damaged parts to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example,
discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change
the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to
the AD is being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data)
for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2004-NM-41-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration
[[Page 16782]]
amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-07-01 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-13545.
Docket 2004-NM-41-AD.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701)
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes, as
listed in CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service
Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003;
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct cracking in the primary fuel ejector,
which could cause fuel leakage into the center fuel tank, and result
in engine shutdown during flight, accomplish the following:
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions
(a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Abnormal Procedures sections of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10
and Model CL-600-2D24 Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM), Documents CSP
B-012 and CSP C-012, to include the applicable Temporary Revisions
(TR) specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
Thereafter, operate the airplane per the limitations specified in
these AFM revisions.
(1) CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 700/52-2, dated December
19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 AFM, Document CSP B-
012.
(2) CRJ (Bombardier) TR RJ 900/10-1, dated December 19, 2003, to
the Bombardier Model CL-600-2D24 AFM, Document CSP C-012.
Note 1: When information identical to that in the applicable TR
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD has been
included in the general revisions of the applicable AFM, the general
revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the TR may be removed
from the AFM.
Prior Requirement
(b) For airplanes having serial numbers (S/N) 10005 through
10065, inclusive; prior to accomplishing the leak test required by
paragraph (c) of this AD, install flexible hoses and brackets in the
fuel feed system in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin, 670BA-28-008,
Revision C, dated January 23, 2003.
Leak Tests
(c) At the applicable compliance time, for the applicable S/N in
Table 1 of this AD, do a leak test between the wing tanks and the
center fuel tank in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin
670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. Thereafter,
repeat the leak test at intervals not to exceed 450 flight hours.
Table 1.--Leak Test Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated flight Inspection
Airplane S/N hours threshold
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10005 through 10065, inclusive.. More than 2,500 Within 100 flight
flight hours hours after the
since effective date of
accomplishment of this AD.
the service
bulletin in
paragraph (b) of
this AD.
-------------------
10005 through 10065, inclusive.. 2,500 flight hours Within 250 flight
or less since hours after the
accomplishment of effective date of
the service this AD.
bulletin in
paragraph (b) of
this AD.
-------------------
10003 and 10004; 10066 through 2,500 flight hours Within 100 flight
10999, inclusive; and 15001 or more since the hours after the
through 15990, inclusive. date of issuance effective date of
of the original this AD.
Airworthiness
Certificate or
the date of
issuance of the
Export
Certificate of
Airworthiness,
whichever occurs
first.
-------------------
10003 and 10004; 10066 through 2,499 flight hours Within 450 flight
10999, inclusive; and 15001 or less since the hours after the
through 15990, inclusive. date of issuance effective date of
of the original this AD.
Airworthiness
Certificate or
the date of
issuance of the
Export
Certificate of
Airworthiness,
whichever occurs
first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Inspection and Repair
(d) If, during the leak test required by paragraph (c) of this
AD, the amount of fuel increase in the center fuel tank is 150
pounds (68 Kgs) or more: Before further flight, do the further
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier)
Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15,
2003.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Actions Accomplished per Previous Releases of Service Bulletin 670BA-
28-008
(e) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin
670BA-28-008, Revision A, dated September 16, 2002; or Revision B,
dated October 2, 2002; are considered acceptable for compliance with
the corresponding action in this AD.
Reporting and Part Return Requirements
(f) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900
Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025,
Revision A, dated December 15, 2003, specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, and to return damaged parts to the
manufacturer; this AD does not include such requirements.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) Temporary
Revision RJ 700/52-2 dated, December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier CL-
600-2C10 Airplane Flight Manual, Document CSP B-012; CRJ Regional
Jet (Bombardier) Temporary Revision RJ 900/10-1, dated December 19,
2003, to the Bombardier CL-600-2D24 Airplane Flight Manual, Document
CSP C-012; CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet
[[Page 16783]]
(Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A,
excluding Appendix A, dated December 15, 2003; and Bombardier CRJ
700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin 670BA-28-008, Revision C, dated
January 23, 2003; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New York; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-2004-04, dated February 12, 2004.
Effective Date
(i) This amendment becomes effective on April 15, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6774 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am]
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