[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43882-43884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18291]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0700; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-123-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series
705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
The manufacturer has informed Transport Canada that a certain
number of the resolver stators, which were installed in the angle of
attack (AOA) transducers, were not cleaned correctly. This condition
can degrade the AOA transducer performance at low temperatures
resulting in freezing of the AOA transducer resolver, which may
provide inaccurate AOA data to the Stall Protection System (SPS). If
not corrected, this condition can result in early or late activation
of the stick shaker and/or stick pusher.
These conditions could result in reduced ability of the flight crew
to maintain a safe flight and landing of the airplane. The proposed AD
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 10,
2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec
H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Licata, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7361; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0700;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-123-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that
address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to
provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The
comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which
is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-13, dated May 6, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
The manufacturer has informed Transport Canada that a certain
number of the resolver stators, which were installed in the angle of
attack (AOA) transducers, were not cleaned correctly. This condition
can degrade the AOA transducer performance at low temperatures
resulting in freezing of the AOA transducer resolver, which may
provide inaccurate AOA data to the Stall Protection System (SPS). If
not corrected, this condition can result in early or late activation
of the stick shaker and/or stick pusher.
These conditions could result in reduced ability of the flight crew
to maintain a safe flight and landing of the airplane. The required
actions include an inspection to determine if certain AOA transducers
are installed and replacement of affected transducers. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054,
Revision A, dated January 18, 2010. The actions described in this
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
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we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in
the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is
enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 380 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $32,300, or $85 per product.
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 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 this 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2010-0700; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-123-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by September 10, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet
Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes,
certificated in any category, equipped with Thales angle of attack
transducers having part number (P/N) C16258AA.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
``The manufacturer has informed Transport Canada that a certain
number of the resolver stators, which were installed in the angle of
attack (AOA) transducers, were not cleaned correctly. This condition
can degrade the AOA transducer performance at low temperatures
resulting in freezing of the AOA transducer resolver, which may
provide inaccurate AOA data to the Stall Protection System (SPS). If
not corrected, this condition can result in early or late activation
of the stick shaker and/or stick pusher.''
These conditions could result in reduced ability of the flight crew
to maintain a safe flight and landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection
(g) Within 750 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the serial number of each AOA transducer having P/N C16258AA
to determine if the serial number is identified in paragraph 1.A. of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054, Revision A, dated
January 18, 2010, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054, Revision A,
dated January 18, 2010. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the
AOA transducer can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) If the serial number is not listed in paragraph 1.A. of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054, Revision A, dated
January 18, 2010, no further action is required by this AD other
than compliance with paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) If the serial number is listed in paragraph 1.A. of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054, Revision A, dated
January 18, 2010, and has the suffix ``C'', no further action is
required by this AD other than compliance with paragraph (h) of this
AD.
(3) If the serial number is listed in paragraph 1.A. of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054, Revision A, dated
January 18, 2010, and does not have the suffix ``C'', before further
flight, replace the AOA transducer with a new or serviceable
transducer, in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054,
Revision A, dated January 18, 2010.
Note 1: To replace any AOA transducer, the replacement AOA
transducer must either be outside of the affected serial numbers as
identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin
A670BA-27-054, Revision A, dated January 18, 2010, or have the
suffix ``C''.
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no AOA transducer
having both a serial number and P/N C16258AA as identified in
paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-054,
Revision A, dated January 18, 2010, may be installed on any airplane
unless the AOA transducer has been inspected by the manufacturer and
identified with the suffix ``C''.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(i) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft
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Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300;
fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector
(PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or
lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District
Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(j) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-13,
dated May 6, 2010; and Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-27-
054, Revision A, dated January 18, 2010; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 16, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-18291 Filed 7-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P