[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 244 (Monday, December 21, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70319-70321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33540]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-330-AD; Amendment 39-10955; AD 98-26-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 and 200) 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) that 
is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet 
Series 100 and 200) series airplanes. This action requires a one-time 
visual inspection to detect chafing or cracking of all electrical 
wiring conduits located in the center fuel tank, and inadequate 
clearance between the tube assemblies and adjacent structures; and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This action also requires a 
modification to reinforce the right wing crossflow shutoff valve 
conduit. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct 
chafing or cracking of the electrical conduits in the center fuel tank 
and inadequate clearance between tube assemblies and adjacent 
structures, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent fire 
or explosion in the center fuel tank.

DATES: Effective January 5, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 5, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 20, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-330-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 
Centreville, Montreal, 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, 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: Luciano L. Castracane, Aerospace 
Engineer, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7535; fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada Aviation (TCA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet Series 100 and 200) series airplanes. TCA advises that 
two cases of chafing on the electrical wiring conduits of the right 
wing crossflow valve in the center fuel tank have been reported. 
Findings indicate that chafing of those electrical wiring conduits may 
be caused by inadequate clearance between the tube assemblies and 
adjacent structures. These conditions, if not corrected, could result 
in electrical arcing and consequent fire or explosion in the center 
fuel tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin SB A601R-28-036, 
Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 1998, which describes procedures for 
a one-time inspection to detect chafing or cracking of all electrical 
wiring conduits in the center fuel tank, and inadequate clearance 
between the tube assemblies and adjacent structures. The alert service 
bulletin also describes procedures for corrective actions, which 
include repairing or replacing any damaged conduit that is outside 
specified limits with a tube assembly (as specified in the service 
bulletin), and relocating and reforming the conduits to provide 
adequate clearance. In addition, the alert service bulletin specifies 
procedures for a modification to reinforce the crossflow shutoff valve 
conduit with a bracket to ensure the continued safety of the electrical

[[Page 70320]]

conduit installation in the center fuel tank. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. TCA classified this 
alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued airworthiness directive 
CF-98-35, dated September 15, 1998, 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 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 electrical 
arcing and consequent fire or explosion in the center fuel tank.
    This AD requires a one-time visual inspection to detect chafing or 
cracking of all electrical wiring conduits located in the center fuel 
tank, and inadequate clearance between the tube assemblies and adjacent 
structures; and corrective actions, if necessary.
    This AD also requires a modification to reinforce the right wing 
crossflow shutoff valve conduit by installing a bracket support kit. 
The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
alert service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and the Relevant Service Information

    Operators should note that, although the effectivity of the alert 
service bulletin specifies serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive, 
and 7069 through 7246 inclusive, the applicability of this AD specifies 
serial numbers 7003 through 7246 inclusive. (The Canadian airworthiness 
directive specifies the same serial numbers as shown in the 
Applicability of this AD.)
    Operators also should note that, although Part A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin specifies 
that the operator may accomplish inspections in accordance with either 
Option 1 or Option 2, paragraph (a) of this AD requires the 
accomplishment of Option 1. Option 1 specifies that corrective action 
is required if any sign of damage or inadequate clearance is found, 
whereas Option 2 specifies corrective action only if fuel leakage is 
found. The FAA has determined that, in cases where certain known unsafe 
conditions exist, and where actions to detect and correct that unsafe 
condition can be readily accomplished, those actions must be required. 
The FAA considers that Option 2 would not provide an adequate level of 
safety for the affected fleet. [The Canadian airworthiness directive 
also specifies Part A (Option 1) of the alert service bulletin.]

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an 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 98-NM-330-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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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.


[[Page 70321]]




Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-26-14 BOMBARDIER, INC. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-10955. 
Docket 98-NM-330-AD.
    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 
200) series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7246 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 (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 detect and correct chafing or cracking of all electrical 
wiring conduits in the center fuel tank and inadequate clearance 
between tube assemblies and adjacent structures, which could result 
in electrical arcing and consequent fire or explosion in the center 
fuel tank, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days or 400 flight hours after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish a one-time visual 
inspection of all electrical wiring conduits located in the center 
fuel tank to detect discrepancies (chafing and cracking of conduits, 
and inadequate clearance between tube assemblies and adjacent 
structures), in accordance with Part A (Option 1) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin SB 
A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 1998. During the 
visual inspection of all electrical wiring conduits in the center 
fuel tank, pay particular attention to the right wing crossflow 
shutoff valve conduit.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found, no further action is required by 
this paragraph.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found that is within the limits 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service 
bulletin, no further action is required by this paragraph.
    (3) If any discrepancy is found that is outside the limits 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service 
bulletin, prior to further flight, repair or replace any damaged 
conduit with a tube assembly (as specified in the alert service 
bulletin), and provide adequate clearance between the tube assembly 
and adjacent structure, in accordance with Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.
    (b) Within 60 days or 400 flight hours after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, install a bracket modification 
kit to reinforce the right wing crossflow shutoff valve conduit in 
the center fuel tank, in accordance with Part C of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin SB 
A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 1998.
    (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 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 Alert 
Service Bulletin SB A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 
1998. 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 Centreville, 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, 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-98-35, dated September 15, 1998.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 5, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33540 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U