[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 20, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58978-58980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29258]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-82-AD; Amendment 39-9819; AD 96-23-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes. This 
action requires a one-time inspection of the three DC generators to 
ensure that the extra unconnected bare copper wire is properly stowed. 
This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that unconnected bare 
copper wire, which was fitted inside of some DC generators installed on 
these airplanes, could cause a short circuit. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent a fire hazard that would be posed if a 
short circuit were to occur at this area in the presence of a 
combustible fuel-air mixture.

DATES: Effective December 5, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 5, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 21, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-82-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: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7511; fax (516) 568-
2716.

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-215-1A10 series 
airplanes. Transport Canada Aviation advises that it has received 
reports that extra unconnected bare copper wire was fitted inside some 
DC generators [having part number (P/N) 2CM70D( )] that were installed 
on these airplanes. The bare copper wire could cause a short circuit 
and, if a combustible fuel-air mixture is present at this location, it 
could present a fire hazard.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Canadair has issued Service Bulletin 215-414, dated January 4, 
1989, which describes procedures for performing a one-time visual 
inspection of the three DC generators (ENG 1, ENG 2, and GPU2) to 
ensure that the extra unconnected bare copper wire (if fitted from 
inside of the generator) is properly and safely stowed. The service 
bulletin also contains procedures for properly insulating and stowing 
the wire. Transport Canada Aviation classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-89-05, dated 
July 15, 1989, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Canada.

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.

[[Page 58979]]

Explanation of 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 a fire hazard 
that would be created if a short circuit, associated with the extra 
unconnected bare copper wire fitted in the DC generators, were to occur 
in the presence of a combustible fuel-air mixture. This AD requires a 
one-time visual inspection to ensure that the bare copper wire fitted 
in the DC generators is properly insulated and stowed. The actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the Canadair 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 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 4 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$240 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, prior 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-82-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:

96-23-13  Canadair: Amendment 39-9819. Docket 96-NM-82-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes; having serial 
numbers 1001 to 1107 inclusive, and 1110 to 1113 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 
otherwise 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 (c) 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 a fire hazard that would be posed if a short circuit 
were to occur in the presence of combustible fuel-air mixture at the 
location of the DC generators, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, perform a visual inspection of the three DC generators, 
part number (P/N) 2CM70D-( ) (ENG1, ENG2, and GPU2), to determine if 
the extra unconnected copper wire in proximity to terminal ``D'' on 
the terminal block is properly insulated and stowed. Accomplish this 
inspection in accordance with Canadair Service Bulletin 215-414, 
dated January 4, 1989. If any wire is not properly insulated and 
stowed, prior to further flight, rework it in accordance with that 
service bulletin.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a DC generator, P/N 2CM70D-( ), on any airplane unless the extra 
unconnected copper wire in proximity to terminal ``D'' on the 
terminal block is properly insulated and stowed in accordance with 
this AD.
    (c) 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

[[Page 58980]]

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.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair 
Service Bulletin 215-414, dated January 4, 1989. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 5, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 7, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-29258 Filed 11-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U