[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 152 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42217-42219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21098]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-116-AD; Amendment 39-10702; AD 98-16-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 and 200) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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 amendment adds a requirement for the installation of 
new, improved MLG shock strut upper and lower attachment pins, which 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This 
amendment also reduces the applicability of the existing AD by removing 
certain airplanes. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of attachment pins and the attachment pin end caps, which could 
result in failure of the MLG.

DATES: Effective September 11, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 11, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 
No. M-DT 17002-32-10, Revision 3, dated September 6, 1996, and Canadair 
Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-32-062, Revision `C,' 
dated September 18, 1996, was previously approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of November 21, 1996 (61 FR 57319, November 6, 
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, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada; and 
Messier-Dowty Inc., 574 Monarch Avenue, Ajax, Ontario L1S 2GB, 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, 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: George Duckett, Aerospace 
Engineer,Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York 
Aircraft CertificationOffice, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 
Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream,New York 11581; telephone 
(516) 256-7525; fax (516) 256-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-22-14, 
amendment 39-9803 (61 FR 57319, November 6, 1996), which is applicable 
to certain BombardierModel CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 
200) airplanes, was published in theFederal Register on June 9, 1998 
(63 FR 31377). The action proposed to continue 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 proposed to continue to 
require a check for and replacement of certain pins that currently may 
be installed on some airplanes. The action proposed to 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. That action also proposed to reduce the 
applicability of the existing AD by removing certain airplanes.

[[Page 42218]]

Comments

    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 theFAA'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

    There are approximately 41 Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 
100 and 200) airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this 
AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 96-22-14, and 
retained in this 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.
    The new actions that are required by this new AD will take 
approximately 13 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the new requirements of 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 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, theFederal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14CFR 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), amendment 39-10702, to read as follows:

98-16-25  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-10702. 
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)(1) 
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 Bulletin M-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

[[Page 42219]]

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.

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 ServiceBulletin 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.
    (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair 
Regional Jet Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-065, dated November 11, 
1996; Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. M-DT 17002-32-10, Revision 
3, dated September 6, 1996; and Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service 
Bulletin S.B. A601R-32-062, Revision `C,' dated September 18, 1996. 
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.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Canadair Regional Jet 
Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-065, dated November 11, 1996, is 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Messier-Dowty Service 
Bulletin No. M-DT 17002-32-10, Revision 3, dated September 6, 1996, 
and Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-32-062, 
Revision `C,' dated September 18, 1996, was previously approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of November 21, 1996 (61 FR 
57319, November 6, 1996).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, 
Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, 
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.

    Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-96-12R1, dated January 29, 1997.

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on September 11, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 31, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21098 Filed 8-6-98; 8:45 am]
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