[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6539-6541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2443]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1109; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-155-AD;
Amendment 39-16597; AD 2011-03-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) Airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15
(Regional Jet Series 705) Airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional
Jet Series 900) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This 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:
Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N)
E0650-069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required
endurance test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N
670-93465-1 * * * was found to be susceptible to chafing on the
primary actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and if both springs
failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the RTL components
would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL. This, in turn,
would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal
structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input,
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 14, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 14,
2011.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 10, 2010
(75 FR 69030). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N)
E0650-069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required
endurance test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N
670-93465-1 (see Note) was found to be susceptible to chafing on the
primary actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and
[[Page 6540]]
if both springs failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the
RTL components would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL.
This, in turn, would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond
normal structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input,
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.
Note: RTL return springs, P/N 670-93465-1, were installed in
production aeroplanes serial number 10266 (CL-600-2C10) and 15182
(CL-600-2D24) respectively and were introduced in-service by
[Bombardier] Service Bulletin (SB) 670BA-27-047. SB 670BA-27-047 has
since been superseded by [Bombardier] SB 670BA-27-055.
This directive mandates repetitive [detailed] inspection of the
RTL [for broken] return springs and [damage through the casing, or
chafing of the casing of the] primary actuator, with replacement of
parts as necessary.
Corrective actions include replacing any broken return springs with
new return springs, repairing any chafing of the primary actuator on
its casing, and replacing any primary actuator that has damage through
its casing with a new actuator. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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 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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 477 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take 2 work-hours per product to comply
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD
to the U.S. operators to be $81,090, or $170 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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2011-03-13 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16597. Docket No. FAA-
2010-1109; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-155-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March
14, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers
10003 and subsequent; and Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series
705) and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes,
serial numbers 15001 and subsequent; certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N)
E0650-069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required
endurance test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N
670-93465-1 * * * was found to be susceptible to chafing on the
primary actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and if both springs
failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the RTL components
would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL. This, in turn,
would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal
structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input,
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within
[[Page 6541]]
the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been
done.
Initial Inspections and Replacement/Repair
(g) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,000 or less total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Before the
accumulation of 6,000 total flight hours, do a detailed inspection
of the RTL for broken return springs and damage through the casing,
or chafing of the casing of the primary actuator, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
670BA-27-055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Before further
flight, replace any broken return springs with new springs, and
repair or replace with a new actuator any chafed or damaged primary
actuator, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision
A, dated August 6, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours.
(h) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 4,000 total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed
inspection of the RTL for broken return springs and damage through
the casing, or chafing of the casing of the primary actuator, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010.
Before further flight, replace any broken return springs with new
springs, and repair or replace any chafed or damaged primary
actuator with a new actuator, as applicable, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-
055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, dated May
11, 2010, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft 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, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district
office/certificate holding 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.
Related Information
(k) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-18,
dated June 16, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055,
Revision A, dated August 6, 2010; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055,
Revision A, dated August 6, 2010, to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this 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.
(3) You may review copies of the 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2443 Filed 2-4-11; 8:45 am]
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