[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26717]


[Federal Register: October 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet) series airplanes. This proposal would require various 
modifications of the passenger doors. This proposal is prompted by 
reports that some passenger doors froze shut during flight and could 
not be opened after landing the airplane. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent the passenger doors from freezing 
shut, and consequently, prohibiting the passengers from exiting the 
airplane in the event of an emergency.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 24, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Maurer, Aerospace 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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal 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 94-NM-97-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    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 some passenger doors froze shut 
during flight and could not be opened after landing of the airplane. In 
some cases, the passenger door outer handle mechanism froze; in others, 
the latching mechanism seized as a result of frost in the latch pins of 
the door. In addition, there have been cases where passenger door pull-
out handles have been found to be damaged as a result of freezing, 
which can result in failure of the door operating mechanism to function 
correctly. Investigation also revealed that the temperature at the 
passenger and service door area is noticeably cooler than in other 
areas of the airplane, due to insufficient insulation of the doors. 
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in the inability of 
passengers to exit the airplane in the event of an emergency.
    Bombardier, Inc., has issued the following service information:
    1. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-002, Revision `C,' 
dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes 
procedures for applying an anti-ice agent to the operating mechanisms 
of the passenger and service doors. The alert service bulletin also 
describes procedures for applying a dry lubrication agent to the seals 
of those doors and to the seals of the overwing emergency exits and 
greasing the passenger door latch pins. Accomplishment of those actions 
will decrease the possibility of seizure of the doors and exits as a 
result of frozen moisture in the mechanisms and seals.
    2. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-007, Revision `B,' dated 
December 1, 1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for 
applying grease to the passenger door latch pins and latch pin 
fittings. Accomplishment of this service bulletin will decrease the 
possibility of seizure of the latching mechanisms as a result of frost 
in the mechanisms and seals.
    3. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-008, Revision `B,' 
dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes 
procedures for temporarily isolating the pull-out handle from the door 
latch mechanism.
    4. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-006, Revision `B,' dated 
December 1, 1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for 
installing sealed insulation packages to the interior of the passenger 
door/stairway, service door, and service door surround. Accomplishment 
of this service bulletin will increase the insulation value of the 
passenger and service doors and will reduce heat loss conditions within 
the passenger and service door areas.
    5. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-009, Revision `B;' 
dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes 
procedures for reaming the passenger door latch pin fittings; 
installing a grease retainer, greasing the tube and nipple assembly; 
and applying grease to the door latch pins and anti-ice compound to the 
door outer handle mechanism. Accomplishment of this alert service 
bulletin will decrease the possibility of seizure of the latching 
mechanism as a result of frost in the latch pins of the door.
    6. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-021, Revision `A,' 
dated December 7, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes 
procedures for reworking the passenger door outer handle mechanism, 
installing a waterproof boot, and greasing the door. Accomplishment of 
this alert service bulletin will ensure that the outer handle mechanism 
on the passenger door does not freeze during flight of the airplane.
    7. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-11-007, dated December 1, 
1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for installing new 
placards on the passenger door structure to advise the crew that when a 
green witness mark is visible, the latch pin is in the correct locked 
position.
    Transport Canada Aviation classified these service bulletins and 
alert service bulletins as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness 
Directive CF-93-02R1, dated March 31, 1994, 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 (14 CFR 21.29) 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, the proposed AD would require various 
modifications of the passenger doors. The actions would be required to 
be accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletins and 
service bulletins described previously.
    The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 67 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $10,945 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$254,405, or $14,965 per airplane.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. 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:

Canadair: Docket 94-NM-97-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) series 
airplanes, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent, certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the inability of passengers to exit the airplane in 
the event of an emergency, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7028, 
inclusive: Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 days until the action 
required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is accomplished, apply an 
anti-icing agent to the operating mechanisms of the passenger door 
in accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin No. S.B. A601R-
52-002, Revision `C,' dated December 1, 1993.
    (b) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7006, 
inclusive, and 7008 through 7010, inclusive: Within 14 days after 
the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 300 hours time-in-service until the actions required by 
paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(3) of this AD are accomplished, apply 
grease to the passenger door latch-pin fittings in accordance with 
Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-007, Revision `B,' dated 
December 1, 1993.
    (c) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7006, 
inclusive, and 7008 through 7010, inclusive: Within 14 days after 
the effective date of this AD, deactivate the pull-out handle 
located on the outside of the passenger door, in accordance with 
Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-008, Revision `B,' 
dated December 1, 1993.
    (d) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7019, 
inclusive: Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, 
install sealed insulation packages to the interior of the passenger 
door in accordance with Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-006, 
Revision `B,' dated December 1, 1993.
    (e) Within 60 days or 600 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the 
procedures specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD:
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7024, 
inclusive: Modify the passenger door latch pin fittings, and install 
grease retain, grease tube, and nipple assembly; and grease the 
latch pins in accordance with paragraphs 2A and 2B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 
A601R-52-009, Revision `B,' dated December 1, 1993.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7028, 
inclusive: Modify the outer handle of the passenger door in 
accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-021, 
Revision `A,' dated December 7, 1993. Repetitive applications of an 
anti-ice agent, as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, must be 
discontinued upon accomplishment of the modification required by 
this paragraph.
    (3) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7024, 
inclusive: Install placards adjacent to the door latch pins on the 
passenger door structure in accordance with Canadair Service 
Bulletin S.B. 601R-11-007, dated December 1, 1993.
    (f) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (e)(1) 
and (e)(3) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive greasing requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (g) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 and subsequent: 
Within 300 hours time-in-service after accomplishing the applicable 
modifications required by paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-
in-service, accomplish the lubrication procedures in specified 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Lubricate the passenger door latch pins in accordance with 
paragraph 2B, Part ``A,'' Items (26) through (28), of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin 
A601R-52-009, Revision B, dated December 1, 1993.
    (2) Lubricate the passenger door outer handle assembly in 
accordance with paragraph 2B, Item (28), of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin No. A601R-52-021, 
Revision A, dated December 7, 1993.
    (h) 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), 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

    (i) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 24, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-26717 Filed 10-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P