Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 237 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)
Proposed Rules
Pages 63594-63596
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2018-26627
Page 63594
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2018-1008; Product Identifier 2018-NM-126-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., 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 certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating there is a possibility of excessive error in the signal generated by the angle of attack (AOA) transducer. This proposed AD would require replacing certain AOA transducers. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cocircte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Queacutebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-
free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email email protected; internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
1008; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email email protected.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-1008; Product Identifier 2018-NM-126-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of 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 NPRM.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2018-17, dated June 29, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The MCAI states:
Bombardier has received reports from the manufacturer of its Angle of Attack (AOA) transducers indicating that there is a possibility of excessive error in the signal generated by the AOA Transducer. It is possible that this error may not be detected by the stall protection computer, which could lead to late stall protection system activation and potentially result in the loss of control of the aeroplane. The error could be a result of incorrect assembly or/and internal wear in the AOA Transducer.
This Canadian AD mandates the modification or replacement of the AOA transducers in order to prevent late activation of the stick pusher in the stall protection system.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
1008.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 601R-27-165, dated December 20, 2016. This service information describes procedures for replacing certain AOA transducers with new or modified AOA transducers. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
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on other products of the same type design.
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The applicability of the MCAI is limited to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes having serial number 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7891 inclusive, and equipped with AOA transducers having part number (P/N) 45-150-340, C16258AA, or C16258AB. However, the applicability of this proposed AD specifies Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes having serial number 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7891 inclusive. Airplanes having serial number 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7891 inclusive that are not equipped with the affected parts must comply with the parts installation prohibition specified in paragraph (h) of this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 525 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425 Up to $6,800......... Up to $7,225......... Up to $3,793,125
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our cost estimate.
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.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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);
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
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 airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-1008; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-126-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 25, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial number 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7891 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports indicating there is a possibility of excessive error in the signal generated by the angle of attack (AOA) transducer. We are issuing this AD to address this potential error, which, if not detected by the stall protection computer, could lead to late activation of the stall protection system and possible loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Replacement of AOA Transducers
Within 9,000 flight hours or 46 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace the AOA transducers having part number (P/N) 45-150-340, C16258AA, or C16258AB, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-27-165, dated December 20, 2016.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any AOA transducer having P/N 45-150-340, C16258AA, or C16258AB, on any airplane.
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(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 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.
(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 Branch, 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-17, dated June 29, 2018, 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 Docket No. FAA-2018-1008.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email email protected.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cocircte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Queacutebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email email protected; internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 28, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2018-26627 Filed 12-10-18; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
