[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-583]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 13, 1994]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-215-AD; Amdt. 39-8796; AD 94-01-14]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) 
series airplanes. This action revises the FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) to require that both integrated drive generators (IDG) be 
operational for dispatch. This AD also requires repetitive inspections 
of the IDG oil level, and replenishing with oil, if necessary; and, for 
certain airplanes, an inspection of the oil level, and replacement of 
the IDG with a serviceable unit. This AD also specifies an optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections and AFM revision. 
This amendment is prompted by reports of failures of the IDG constant 
speed drive (CSD) on Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of engine oil 
and subsequent engine shutdown during flight.

DATES: Effective on January 28, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 28, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 14, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-215-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, Garratt 
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin 
Avenue, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cuneo, Electrical Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANE-173, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin 
Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791-
6427; fax (516) 791-9024.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada Aviation, which is the 
airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet) series airplanes. Transport Canada Aviation advises that 
there have been four reports of failures of the integrated drive 
generator (IDG) constant speed drive (CSD) on Canadair Model CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes. One of these incidents resulted in engine 
shutdown during flight. Investigation revealed that the retaining ring, 
which restrains the CSD input shaft bearing, can become unseated from 
its positional groove on the input shaft. This condition could result 
in loss of IDG oil and subsequent disconnection of the IDG. In 
addition, the input shaft could move abnormally, which could cause 
damage to the engine seal. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in loss of engine oil and subsequent engine shutdown during 
flight.
    Bombardier Inc. has issued Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service 
Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision ``A,'' dated December 1, 1993, that 
describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the IDG oil level, 
and replenishing with oil, if necessary. For airplanes on which the IDG 
has been disconnected during flight, the alert service bulletin 
describes procedures for inspecting the oil level, and replacement of 
the IDG with a serviceable unit.
    The alert service bulletin also references Canadair Regional Jet 
Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision ``A,'' dated December 
3, 1993, which describes procedures for accomplishment of a 
modification that would terminate the repetitive inspections and AFM 
revision. The modification involves installing a new bearing retainer 
and new input shaft bearings in the CSD units. Accomplishment of this 
modification will eliminate the loss of IDG oil and engine oil.
    Transport Canada Aviation classified these alert service bulletins 
as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-93-29, 
dated December 3, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in Canada.
    This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada Aviation has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of Transport Canada Aviation, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent loss of engine 
oil and subsequent engine shutdown during flight. This AD revises the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to 
require that both IDG's be operational for dispatch. This AD also 
requires repetitive inspections of the IDG oil level, and replenishing 
with oil, if necessary. Additionally, for airplanes on which the IDG 
has been disconnected during flight, this AD requires replacement of 
the IDG with a serviceable unit. The inspections and replacement are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet 
Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, described previously.
    In addition, this AD provides an optional terminating modification, 
which, if accomplished, would terminate the repetitive oil level 
inspections and the AFM revision.
    This is considered to be interim action. The FAA is considering 
further rulemaking action to require accomplishment of the optional 
terminating modification specified in this AD. However, the proposed 
compliance time for the modification is sufficiently long so that 
notice and opportunity for public comment would not be impracticable.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' 
All communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the 
comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's 
ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 93-NM-215-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption Addresses.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:


94-01-14 Canadair Limited: Amendment 39-8796. Docket 93-NM-215-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) series 
airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7028 inclusive, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of engine oil and subsequent engine shutdown 
during flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, add the 
following to the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM). This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of 
this AD in the AFM. This AFM revision may be removed from the AFM if 
the optional terminating action specified in paragraph (d) of this 
AD is accomplished.
    Both integrated drive generators must be operational for 
dispatch. Note: This overrides the current applicable Master Minimum 
Equipment List (MMEL) requirement.
    (b) For airplanes on which the IDG has been disconnected during 
flight: Prior to further flight, inspect the integrated drive 
generator (IDG) oil level in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet 
Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated 
December 1, 1993.
    (1) If the oil level is on or below the ``ADD'' mark, prior to 
further flight, replace the IDG with a serviceable unit in 
accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin 
S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated December 1, 1993, or modify 
the IDG in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service 
Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated December 3, 1993.
    (2) If the oil level is above the ``ADD'' mark, replace the IDG 
with a serviceable unit in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet 
Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated 
December 1, 1993, or modify the IDG in accordance with Canadair 
Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' 
dated December 3, 1993. The action shall be accomplished prior to 
further flight, except that a special flight permit may be issued in 
accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a 
location in order to comply with the requirements of this paragraph, 
provided that the IDG remains disconnected.
    (c) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the IDG oil level in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert 
Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated December 1, 
1993. If the oil level is on or below the ``ADD'' mark, prior to 
further flight, replenish with oil in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 30 hours time-in-service.
    (d) Modification of the IDG in accordance with Canadair Regional 
Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated 
December 3, 1993, constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD. If this modification is accomplished, the 
AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD shall be removed 
from the AFM.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, New York ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair 
Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' 
dated December 1, 1993, and Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service 
Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated December 3, 1993. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier 
Regional Aircraft Division, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario 
M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, New 
York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on January 28, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 5, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-583 Filed 1-12-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P