[Federal Register: October 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 197)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 60083-60085]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12oc06-15]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26046; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 &
440) airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting for
discrepancies of the activation mechanism of certain chemical oxygen
generators, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD
results from several incidents, on certain airplane models, of
incorrect installation of the release pin into the safety pin hole of
the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator; this
resulted in failure to activate the chemical oxygen generator when
required. A separate incident occurred on a different airplane model
during deployment of the cabin oxygen system, which resulted in failure
of the release pin to activate the oxygen generator at a flight
attendant station. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the
activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which could
result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible
incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight
decompression.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087,
Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, for service
information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Parillo, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7305; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26046; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes. TCCA advises that several incidents, on certain Bombardier
airplane models, of incorrect installation of the release pin into the
safety pin hole of the activation mechanism occurred in certain
chemical oxygen generators; this resulted in failure to activate the
chemical oxygen generators when required. A separate incident occurred
on a Model CL-600-2C10 airplane during deployment of the cabin oxygen
system, due to failure of the release pin to activate the oxygen
generator at a flight attendant station. Investigation revealed that
the release pin was not aligned with the lanyard tube in the mask
container module, preventing activation of the oxygen generator. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in the unavailability of
supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin
crew during an in-flight decompression.
The design of the activation mechanism of the oxygen generator of
the flight attendant and passenger service units on certain Model CL-
600-2B19 airplanes is similar to the design of the activation mechanism
installed on certain Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes. Therefore, all of
these models may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. Further
rulemaking is currently in process to address this
[[Page 60084]]
unsafe condition for Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated
September 25, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for
inspecting for discrepancies of the release pin in the lanyard tube in
the mask container module of the activation (firing) mechanism in the
chemical oxygen generator of each flight attendant and lavatory oxygen
panel, and each passenger service unit of the passenger oxygen system;
and corrective action if necessary. The discrepancies include
misalignment of the release pin and failure of the pin to engage with
the lanyard tube. The corrective action includes aligning the release
pin and engaging it to the lanyard tube.
Bombardier has also issued Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated
September 8, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for
inspecting for discrepancies of the release pin of the activation
mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, and corrective action if
necessary. The discrepancies include incorrect installation of the
release pin into the activation mechanism. The corrective action
includes correctly installing the release pin.
Service Bulletin 601R-35-016 refers to B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 117003-35-4, dated March 29, 2001, as an additional source of
service information for accomplishing the inspection and corrective
action.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the Bombardier service
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
TCCA mandated the service information and issued Canadian airworthiness
directive CF-2006-11, dated May 31, 2006, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
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 the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have examined TCCA's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspection'' specified
in the Canadian airworthiness directive is referred to as a ``detailed
inspection.'' We have included the definition for a detailed inspection
in a note in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 145 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspection proposed in Service Bulletin A601R-35-014 would take
about 3 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed
AD for U.S. operators is $34,800, or $240 per airplane.
The inspection proposed in Service Bulletin 601R-35-016 would take
about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed
AD for U.S. operators is $11,600, or $80 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket No. FAA-2006-26046;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November
13, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated
September 25, 2003; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-35-016,
dated September 8, 2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several incidents, on certain airplane
models, of incorrect installation of the release pin into the safety
pin hole of the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen
generator; this resulted in failure to activate the chemical oxygen
generator when required. A separate incident occurred on a different
airplane model during deployment of the cabin oxygen system, and
resulted in failure of the release
[[Page 60085]]
pin to activate the oxygen generator at a flight attendant station.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the activation
mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which could result in
the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible
incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight
decompression.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspections/Corrective Action
(f) Do the detailed inspections for discrepancies of certain
chemical oxygen generators of each flight attendant and lavatory
oxygen panel, as applicable, and each passenger service unit of the
passenger oxygen system, as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and
(f)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier
Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated September 25, 2003:
Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a
one-time inspection for correct alignment and engagement of the
release pin with the lanyard tube in the mask container module of
the activation (firing) mechanism in the chemical oxygen generator
by doing all the actions, including all applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated September 25,
2003. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September 8, 2005: Within 1,100
flight hours after the effective date of this AD; do a one-time
inspection for correct installation of the release pin of the
activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, by doing all
the actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September 8, 2005. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Note 2: Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September
8, 2005, refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117003-35-4, dated
March 29, 2001, as an additional source of service information for
accomplishing the inspection and corrective action specified in
paragraph (f) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(h) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-11, dated May 31,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-16881 Filed 10-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P