[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 110 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28733-28736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14036]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 28734]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-61-AD; Amendment 39-9653; AD 96-12-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes. This
action requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the
microswitches fitted at the water door actuator, and replacement of any
discrepant microswitch. This action also requires a terminating action
for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report
indicating that the water doors on one airplane opened inadvertently
during flight, due to corrosion of the microswitches fitted to the
water door actuator. The actions specified in this AD are intended to
prevent such uncommanded opening of the water doors, especially at high
speed during a takeoff run, a water pick-up run, or a landing run,
which could cause damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective June 21, 1996.
-The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 21, 1996.
-Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before August 5, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-61-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
-The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station
Centre-ville, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This information may be examined
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor,
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: Michelle Maurer, Aerospace Engineer,
New York Aircraft Certification Office, Systems & Flight Test Branch
(ANE-172), Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third
Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7508; fax
(516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada Aviation, which is the
airworthiness authority for Canada, has notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes.
Transport Canada Aviation advises that there has been an incident in
which the water doors on one airplane inadvertently opened during
flight. Investigation revealed that the cause of this malfunction of
the doors was due to corrosion of the microswitches that are fitted to
the water door actuators. The uncommanded opening of these doors at
high speed during the takeoff run, water pick-up run, or landing run
could cause serious damage to the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
-Canadair has issued Alert Service Bulletin 215-A363, dated March
16, 1987. This service bulletin describes procedures for (1) performing
repetitive visual inspections to detect corrosion of the microswitches
fitted to the water door actuator; (2) conducting repetitive resistance
checks and insulation checks of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH)
water door actuator microswitches; and (3) replacing any discrepant
microswitch. Transport Canada Aviation classified this service bulletin
as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-87-08 R1,
dated December 7, 1990, in order to assure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in Canada.
Canadair also has issued Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1,
dated September 30, 1991, which describes procedures for modifying the
water door microswitches. The modification entails replacing the LH and
RH water door actuator microswitches, installing a relay channel and
two relays, and modifying related wiring. Transport Canada Aviation has
classified this service bulletin as ``recommended.''
FAA's Conclusions
-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 21.19) 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.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
-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 the
inadvertent opening of the water doors during flight due to the
problems associated with corrosion of the microswitches fitted at the
water door actuator. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect
discrepancies of these microswitches, and replacement of any discrepant
microswitch. This AD requires modification of the water door
microswitches as terminating action for the repetitive inspections The
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service
bulletins described previously.
Differences Between this AD and Related Canadian AD
-Operators should note that this AD differs from the related
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-87-08 R1 in that this AD requires
the accomplishment of the terminating action for the repetitive
inspections of the microswitches. The FAA has determined that long term
continued operational safety will be better assured by modifications or
design changes to remove the source of the problem, rather than by
repetitive inspections. Long term inspections may not be providing the
degree of safety assurance necessary for the transport airplane fleet.
This, coupled with a better understanding of the human factors
associated with numerous repetitive inspections, has led the FAA to
consider placing less emphasis on special procedures and more emphasis
on design improvements. The modification requirement of this AD is in
consonance with these considerations.
Cost Impact
-None of the Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes affected by this
action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary
to ensure that the unsafe condition is
[[Page 28735]]
addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
-Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to
accomplish the required inspections, at an average labor charge of $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these
required inspections would be $120 per airplane per inspection.
-Accomplishment of the terminating modification would require
approximately 40 work hours, at an average labor charge of $60 per work
hour. Required parts would cost approximately $2,900 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required modification
would be $5,300 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
-Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is
currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and
imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and
public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
-Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and 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 rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-61-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-12-11 Canadair: Amendment 39-9653. Docket 96-NM-61-AD.
Applicability: Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent in the inadvertent opening of the water doors due to
corrosion associated with the microswitches fitted to the water door
actuator, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct
an inspection to detect discrepancies of the left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) microswitches, part number (P/N) 21EN9-6, fitted to
the water door actuator, in accordance with paragraphs 2.D. and 2.E.
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service
Bulletin 215-A363, dated March 16, 1987.
(b) If no discrepancy is detected during the inspection required
by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the inspection in accordance
with the following schedule:
(1) For microswitches that have accumulated less than 5 calendar
years and less than 1,000 total flight hours at the time of the
inspection: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 240
flight hours.
(2) For microswitches that have accumulated 5 or more calendar
years, or 1,000 or more flight hours at the time of the inspection:
Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 50 flight hours.
(c) If any discrepancy is detected during an inspection required
by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight,
accomplish the action specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2)
of this AD:
(1) Replace the microswitch with a serviceable microswitch of
the same part number in accordance with paragraph F. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin 215-
A363, dated March 16, 1987. After replacement, repeat the inspection
in accordance with the schedule specified in paragraph (b) of this
AD.
(2) Modify the water door microswitches in accordance with
Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30,
1991. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
(d) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, modify
the water door microswitches in accordance with Canadair Service
Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1991. This
modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of
this AD.
Note 2: Accomplishment of this modification in accordance with
Canadair
[[Page 28736]]
Service Bulletin 215-389, dated November 15, 1988, prior to the
effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance
with this paragraph.
(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), 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 3: 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
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.
(g) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Canadair
Alert Service Bulletin 215-A363, dated March 16, 1987. The
modification shall be done in accordance with Canadair Service
Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1991. 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., Canadair Aerospace
Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada.
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10
Fifth Street, Third Floor, 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 June 21, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 30, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14036 Filed 6-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U