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Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

As Enacted ( Federal Register) Cited authorities 3 Cited in Related
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Federal Register, Volume 79 Issue 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)

Federal Register Volume 79, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)

Proposed Rules

Pages 42708-42710

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2014-17332

Page 42708

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2013-0548; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-008-AD

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of certain oxygen mask lanyards. The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain lanyards for the passenger oxygen masks are longer than the specified length, possibly leading to inactive oxygen masks in an emergency. This action revises the NPRM by proposing to require revised service information with corrected instructions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct lanyards of incorrect length, which might not activate the flow of oxygen in an emergency, resulting in injury to passengers. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 8, 2014.

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 W12-140, 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 Cocircte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Queacutebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI), 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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; 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-2013-0548; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-008-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 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

We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2013 (78 FR 42893). The NPRM proposed to require replacement of certain oxygen mask lanyards.

Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued

Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 42893, July 18, 2013), the airplane manufacturer found that the service information cited in the NPRM had information that caused some airplanes to not be corrected. Also, we have identified an additional Supplemental Type Certificate that is affected by the identified unsafe condition.

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-

2012-31R1, dated September 17, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products, because the previous MCAI referred to the faulty service information. The MCAI states:

The aeroplane manufacturer has determined that the Oxygen Dispensing Unit (ODU) lanyards, in several locations throughout the aeroplane cabin, are excessively long. In an emergency situation where oxygen is required, it is possible that certain occupants may put their oxygen mask on without automatically activating the oxygen flow which could result in a fatal injury.

The original issue of this TCCA AD mandated the replacement of the existing ODU lanyards with lanyards of the correct length.

After the issuance of the original TCCA AD, the aeroplane manufacturer discovered that operators had not replaced all of the affected ODU lanyards due to misinterpretation of the accomplishment instructions of the Basic Issue of SB 700-1A11-35-009. Revision 1 of this TCCA AD is issued to mandate the incorporation of the revised SB with clarified accomplishment instructions.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0548-0002.

Relevant Service Information

Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 700-1A11-35-009, Revision 02, dated May 28, 2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM (78 FR 42893, July 18, 2013). We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another

Page 42709

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.

Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM (78 FR 42893, July 18, 2013). As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this proposed AD.

``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This Proposed AD

Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled ``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD based on a foreign authority's AD.

The MCAI or referenced service information in an FAA AD often directs the owner/operator to contact the manufacturer for corrective actions, such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy Product paragraph allowed owners/operators to use corrective actions provided by the manufacturer if those actions were FAA-approved. In addition, the paragraph stated that any actions approved by the State of Design Authority (or its delegated agent) are considered to be FAA-approved.

In another NPRM, Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013), we proposed to prevent the use of repairs that were not specifically developed to correct the unsafe condition, by requiring that the repair approval provided by the State of Design Authority or its delegated agent specifically refer to the FAA AD. This change was intended to clarify the method of compliance and to provide operators with better visibility of repairs that are specifically developed and approved to correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we proposed to change the phrase ``its delegated agent'' to include a design approval holder (DAH) with State of Design Authority design organization approval (DOA), as applicable, to refer to a DAH authorized to approve required repairs for the proposed AD.

One commenter to the other NPRM, Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-

101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013), stated the following: ``The proposed wording, being specific to repairs, eliminates the interpretation that Airbus messages are acceptable for approving minor deviations (corrective actions) needed during accomplishment of an AD mandated Airbus service bulletin.''

This comment has made the FAA aware that some operators have misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-

required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed that paragraph and retitled it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that for any requirement in this proposed AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the FAA, TCCA, or Bombardier's TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). Where necessary throughout this proposed AD, we also replaced any reference to approvals of corrective actions with a reference to the Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph.

The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. The DAO signature indicates that the data and information contained in the document are TCCA-approved, which is also FAA-

approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer that do not contain the DAO-authorized signature approval are not TCCA-

approved, unless TCCA directly approves the manufacturer's message or other information.

This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an alternative method of compliance.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 22 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 16 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $29,920, or $1,360 per product.

Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here.

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 proposed 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.

Page 42710

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);

  3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

  4. 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.

    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

    0

  5. 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

  6. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

    Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0548; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-008-AD.

    (a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 8, 2014.

    (b) Affected ADs

    None.

    (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, modified by FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST02140NY, issued October 14, 2005 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/6B8CF26D01F5E6DE862570C7006DCD7E?OpenDocument&Highlight=st02140ny) and to airplanes, certificated in any category, modified by FAA STC ST02033NY, issued December 2, 2004 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/99FF781E0BD20AD886256FA300558250?OpenDocument&Highlight=02033).

    (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

    (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain lanyards for the passenger oxygen masks are longer than the specified length, possibly leading to inactive oxygen masks in an emergency. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct lanyards of incorrect length, which might not activate the flow of oxygen in an emergency, resulting in injury to passengers.

    (f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

    (g) Replacement

    Within 750 flight hours or 15 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Replace lanyards having part numbers (PN) B431564-503 and -505 for all passenger oxygen dispensing units, with lanyards having PN B431564-507, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-35-009, Revision 02, dated May 28, 2013.

    (h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

    (i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-31, dated December 7, 2012, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0548.

    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cocircte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Queacutebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-

    7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 15, 2014.

    John P. Piccola,

    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

    FR Doc. 2014-17332 Filed 7-22-14; 8:45 am

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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