[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31377-31380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15252]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-116-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100 and 200) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 200) airplanes, that currently
requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the shock
strut end caps and attachment pins of the main landing gear (MLG), and
replacement of discrepant parts with new parts. It also requires a
check for and replacement of certain pins that currently may be
installed on some airplanes. This action would add a requirement for
the installation of new, improved MLG shock strut upper and lower
attachment pins, which would constitute terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. This action also would reduce the applicability
of the existing AD by removing certain airplanes. This proposal is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by
the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of attachment pins and
the attachment pin end caps, which could result in failure of the MLG.
DATES: Comments must be received by July 9, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-116-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00
[[Page 31378]]
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box
6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada; or
Messier-Dowty Inc., 574 Monarch Avenue, Ajax, Ontario L1S 2GB, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Duckett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth
Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516)
256-7525; fax (516) 256-2716.
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 97-NM-116-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-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 97-NM-116-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On October 24, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-22-14, amendment 39-9803
(61 FR 57319, November 6, 1996), applicable to certain Bombardier Model
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 200) airplanes, to require
repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the shock strut end
caps and attachment pins of the main landing gear (MLG), and
replacement of discrepant parts with new parts. It also requires a
check for and replacement of certain pins that currently may be
installed on some airplanes.
That action was prompted by reports of corrosion, wear, and loss of
chrome plating on the upper and lower attachment pins of the shock
strut of the MLG, and reports of cracks in the lower attachment pins
and the end cap of upper attachment pins. The requirements of that AD
are intended to prevent failure of the attachment pin and the
attachment pin end caps, which could result in failure of the MLG.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble to AD 96-22-14, the FAA specified that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that once a
terminating modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA
may consider additional rulemaking action. The manufacturer now has
developed such a modification, and the FAA has determined that further
rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from
that determination.
Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Canadair Regional Jet Service Bulletin
S.B. 601R-32-065, dated November 11, 1996. The Canadair service
bulletin references Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT 17002-32-12,
dated November 6, 1996, as an additional source of service information.
These service bulletins describe procedures for the installation of
new, improved MLG shock strut upper and lower attachment pins. The
effectivity listing of the Canadair service bulletin limits the
accomplishment of the installation to those airplanes on which the
installation was not accomplished during production. Accomplishment of
the installation eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections
required by AD 96-22-14.
Transport Canada Aviation (TCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, classified the Canadair service bulletin as
mandatory and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-96-12R1, dated
January 29, 1997, 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 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of TCA,
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 Requirements of Proposed 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, the proposed AD would supersede AD 96-22-14 to
continue to require the repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies
of the shock strut end caps and attachment pins of the MLG. It also
continues to require a check for and replacement of certain pins that
currently may be installed on some airplanes. This new proposed AD
would add a requirement for the installation of new, improved MLG shock
strut upper and lower attachment pins, which would constitute
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. In addition, this
action would reduce the applicability of the existing AD by removing
certain airplanes.
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with
the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 41 Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series
100 and 200) airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this
proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 96-22-14, and
retained in this proposed AD, take approximately 25 work hours per
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $61,500, or $1,500 per
airplane.
[[Page 31379]]
The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 13 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be supplied by
the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the new actions proposed by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $31,980, or $780 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed
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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9803 (61 FR
57319, November 6, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 97-NM-116-AD.
Supersedes AD 96-22-14, Amendment 39-9803.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and
200) airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7157 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 (f) 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 failure of attachment pins and the attachment pin end
caps of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in failure
of the MLG, accomplish the following:
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 96-22-14
(a) Serial Number Check. For airplanes having serial numbers
7003 through 7126 inclusive: Within 150 landings after November 21,
1996 (the effective date of AD 96-22-14, amendment 39-9803), check
the serial number of each MLG shock strut lower attachment pin, part
number 17144-1, in accordance with paragraphs 2.A. and 2.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service
Bulletin S.B. A601R-32-062, Revision `C,' dated September 18, 1996;
and paragraphs 2.A.(4), 2.B.(4), and 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Messier-Dowty Service BulletinM-DT 17002-32-10,
Revision 3, dated September 6, 1996.
(1) If the serial number is within the range of DCL206 through
DCL259 inclusive, prior to further flight, remove the pin and
install a new pin having a serial number outside (either higher or
lower) of that range, in accordance with the service bulletins.
Thereafter, inspect that replacement pin in accordance with
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD.
(2) If the serial number is outside of the range (higher or
lower) of DCL206 through DCL259 inclusive, thereafter inspect the
pin in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD.
(b) In-Situ Visual Inspection. Within 150 landings after
November 21, 1996, perform an in-situ visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of the left- and right-hand shock strut of the MLG, in
accordance with paragraphs 2.C. and 2.D. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.
A601R-32-062, Revision `C,' dated September 18, 1996; and paragraph
2.B.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Dowty Service
Bulletin M-DT 17002-32-10, Revision 3, dated September 6, 1996.
Note 2: In-situ visual inspections that have been accomplished
prior to November 21, 1996, in accordance with Messier-Dowty Service
Bulletin M-DT 17002-32-10, dated June 13, 1996; Revision 1, dated
June 29, 1996; or Revision 2, dated July 17, 1996; are considered
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (b) of this amendment.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the in-situ visual
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed every ``A'' check
or 400 landings, whichever occurs later.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight,
replace the discrepant part with a new part in accordance with the
service bulletins. Thereafter, repeat the in-situ visual inspection
at intervals not to exceed every ``A'' check or 400 landings,
whichever occurs later.
(c) Detailed Inspection. Within 3,000 landings since the date of
airplane manufacture, or within 400 landings after November 21,
1996, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection to
detect discrepancies of the shock strut end caps and attachment pins
of the MLG, in accordance with paragraphs 2.E. and 2.F. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service
Bulletin S.B. A601R-32-062, Revision `C,' dated September 18, 1996;
and paragraph 2.B.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-
Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT 17002-32-10, Revision 3, dated September
6, 1996. Non-destructive testing (NDT) must be accomplished in
accordance with the instructions provided or references referred to
in these service bulletins. Where instructions in those documents
specify dye penetrant inspections (DPI), accomplish fluorescent
penetrant (Type 1) inspections, sensitivity level 3 or higher, using
material qualified to Military Standard MIL-I-25135.
Note 3: Detailed inspections accomplished prior to November 21,
1996, in accordance with Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT 17002-
32-10, dated June 13, 1996; Revision 1, dated June 29, 1996; or
Revision 2, dated July 17, 1996; are considered acceptable for
compliance with paragraph (c) of this amendment.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the detailed
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight,
replace the discrepant part with a new part in accordance with the
service bulletins. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
(d) As of November 21, 1996, no person shall install on any
airplane an MLG shock strut lower attachment pin, part number 17144-
1, that has a serial number that is within the range of DCL206
through DCL259 inclusive.
[[Page 31380]]
New Requirements of This AD
(e) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, install
new MLG shock strut upper and lower attachment pins in accordance with
Canadair Regional Jet Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-065, dated November
11, 1996. Accomplishment of this installation constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (b) and
(c) of this AD.
Note 4: The Canadair service bulletin references Messier-Dowty
Service Bulletin M-DT 17002-32-12, dated November 6, 1996, as an
additional source of service information to accomplish the
installation.
(f)(1) 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.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 96-22-14, amendment 39-9803, are approved as
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the New York ACO.
(g) 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.
Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-96-12R1, dated January 29, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15252 Filed 6-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U