[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49056-49058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-23713]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-247-AD; Amendment 39-9761; AD 96-19-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A 
and -3R) and CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 and CL-600-2B19 
series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the spring 
bungee assembly of the nose landing gear (NLG) to ensure proper torque 
of the collar and correct clearance between the collar and the body of 
the bungee, and replacement of the spring bungee assembly with a 
serviceable unit, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports 
of failure of the NLG to extend when the landing gear selector was 
placed in the ``DOWN'' position, and failure of the NLG doors to open 
when the NLG door switch was set in the ``SAFETY/DOOR OPEN'' position; 
these conditions may have been caused by a reduced stroke of the spring 
bungee. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
improper operation of the NLG door and consequent inability to extend 
the NLG due to a reduced stroke of the spring bungee.

DATES: Effective October 23, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director

[[Page 49057]]

of the Federal Register as of Octber 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 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: Danko Kramar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth 
Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; telephone (516) 256-7509; 
fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B16 and CL-600-2B19 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on July 8, 1996 (61 FR 35691). That action proposed to require 
a one-time inspection of the spring bungee assembly of the nose landing 
gear (NLG) to ensure proper torque of the collar and correct clearance 
between the collar and the body of the bungee, and replacement of the 
spring bungee assembly with a serviceable (new or reworked) unit, if 
necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 101 Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 and CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, 
that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $24,240, or $240 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

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:

96-19-15  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-9761. 
Docket 95-NM-247-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A and -3R), serial 
numbers 5100 through 5166, inclusive; and Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet Series 100) series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 
through 7048, inclusive; 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 (d) 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 improper operation of the nose landing gear (NLG) 
door and consequent inability to extend the NLG due to a reduced 
stroke of the spring bungee, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform 
a one-time inspection of the spring bungee assembly of the NLG to 
ensure proper torque of the collar and correct clearance between the 
collar and the body of the bungee; in accordance with Canadair 
Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin A601R-32-037, Revision ``A,'' 
dated December 2, 1994 (for Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes); or 
Canadair Challenger Service Bulletin 601-0454, dated May 15, 1995, 
as amended by Service Bulletin Information Sheet 601-0454, dated 
July 14, 1995 (for Model CL-600-2B16 series airplanes); as 
applicable.
    (b) If improper torque of the collar is found, or if incorrect 
clearance between the collar and the body of the bungee is found: 
Prior to further flight, replace the spring bungee assembly with a 
serviceable (new or reworked) unit that has been inspected in 
accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin A601R-
32-037, Revision ``A,'' dated December 2, 1994 (for Model CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes); or Canadair Challenger Service Bulletin 601-
0454, dated May 15, 1995, as amended by Service Bulletin Information 
Sheet 601-0454, dated July 14, 1995 (for Model CL-600-2B16 series 
airplanes); as applicable. Accomplish the replacement in accordance 
with the applicable service bulletin.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a spring bungee assembly having part number 600-86115-1 (for Model 
CL-600-2B16 series airplanes) or 600-86115-5/70 (for Model CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes) on any airplane unless that assembly has been 
inspected and reworked, as necessary, in accordance with paragraph 
(a) of this AD.
    (d) 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

[[Page 49058]]

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.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin A601R-32-037, 
Revision ``A,'' dated December 2, 1994; or Canadair Challenger 
Service Bulletin 601-0454, dated May 15, 1995, as amended by Service 
Bulletin Information Sheet 601-0454, dated July 14, 1995; as 
applicable. 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 23, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-23713 Filed 9-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P