[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 94 (Monday, May 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26653-26656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-12099]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 94 / Monday, May 17, 1999 / Rules and 
Regulations  

[[Page 26653]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-99-AD; Amendment 39-11170; AD 99-09-52]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and CL-604) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 99-09-52 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet Series 100) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and CL-604) series 
airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires a one-time inspection 
of the cable harness of the integrated drive generator (IDG) in the 
right engine nacelle and the adjacent structure to verify clearances 
and detect chafing; a one-time inspection of both the left and right 
engine nacelles to detect chafing and verify clearances of the adjacent 
10th stage bleed air check valve and fuel manifold pigtails; and repair 
or replacement of discrepant parts, if necessary. This action is 
prompted by reports of chafing of the insulation covering on the IDG 
cable harness and the main engine right fuel manifold. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct concurrent 
chafing of both the fuel manifold and the IDG wire and subsequent 
leakage of fuel, which could come in contact with live wiring and 
result in fire or explosion.

DATES: Effective May 24, 1999, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD T99-09-52, 
issued April 20, 1999, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 24, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 16, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-99-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from Bombardier, 
Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station A, 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: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, 
Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7521; 
fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 20, 1999, the FAA issued emergency 
AD T99-09-52, which is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and CL-604) 
series airplanes.
    That action was prompted by reports of chafing of the insulation 
covering on the integrated drive generator (IDG) cable harness and the 
main engine right fuel manifold. Concurrent chafing of both the fuel 
manifold and the IDG wire, if not corrected, could result in leakage of 
fuel, which could come in contact with live wiring and result in fire 
or explosion.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601R-24-095, Revision 
`A,' dated March 25, 1999 (for Regional Jet series airplanes). That 
alert service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time inspection 
of the IDG cables in the right engine nacelle to verify clearances and 
detect damage. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for 
repair or replacement of the IDG cables, depending on the results of 
the inspection.
    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601R-73-008, Revision 
`A,' dated April 10, 1999 (for Regional Jet series airplanes). That 
alert service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time inspection 
of both the left and right engine nacelles to detect damage of the area 
surrounding the 10th stage bleed air check valve and the top and bottom 
pigtails of the fuel manifold; a one-time inspection to verify 
clearances between the right fuel manifold pigtails and the adjacent 
10th stage bleed air check valve; and repair or replacement of the 
manifold, depending on the results of the inspection.
    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601-0524, dated April 
19, 1999 [for Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R) series airplanes], and 
Alert Service Bulletin A604-73-001, dated April 19, 1999 [for Model CL-
600-2B16 (CL-604) series airplanes]. These alert service bulletins 
describe procedures for a one-time inspection of the IDG cable harness 
in the right engine nacelle and the adjacent structure to verify 
clearances and detect chafing; a one-time inspection of both the left 
and right engine nacelles to detect chafing and verify clearances of 
the adjacent 10th stage bleed air check valve and fuel manifold 
pigtails; and repair or replacement, depending on the results of the 
inspection.
    Transport Canada Aviation (TCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, classified the alert service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-99-09, dated 
April 6, 1999, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United

[[Page 26654]]

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 the Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United 
States, the FAA issued emergency AD 99-09-52 to detect and correct 
concurrent chafing of both the fuel manifold and the IDG wire and 
subsequent leakage of fuel, which could come in contact with live 
wiring and result in fire or explosion. The AD requires accomplishment 
of the actions specified in the alert service bulletins described 
previously, except as discussed below. This AD also requires that 
operators report results of all inspection findings and any repairs 
performed to Bombardier.

Differences Between This AD and the Relevant Service Information

    While the Canadian airworthiness directive and the alert service 
bulletins recommend a compliance time of 50 flight hours, this AD 
specifies a compliance time of 50 flight hours or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first. The Challenger and certain Regional Jet series airplanes 
are operated as business jets, which generally fly fewer hours per day 
than commercial airplanes. The FAA has determined that it is necessary 
to impose a time limit on these airplanes to ensure the safe operation 
of the fleet.
    Operators should further note that, although certain alert service 
bulletins referenced in this AD specify that the manufacturer may be 
contacted for disposition of certain repair conditions, this AD 
requires the repair of those conditions to be accomplished in 
accordance with a method approved by either the FAA or TCA (or its 
delegated agent). In light of the type of repair that would be required 
to address the identified unsafe condition, and in consonance with 
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, the FAA has determined 
that, for this AD, a repair approved by either the FAA or TCA will be 
acceptable for compliance with this AD.

Publication of the Rule

    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on April 20, 1999, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) and CL-600-2B16 
(CL-601-3R and CL-604) series airplanes. These conditions still exist, 
and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment 
to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to 
make it effective as to all persons.

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 99-NM-99-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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

99-09-52  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-11170. 
Docket 99-NM-99-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) 
series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive, and 
7069 through 7303 inclusive; and Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and 
CL-604) series airplanes, serial numbers 5135 through 5194 
inclusive, and 5301 through 5408 inclusive; certificated in any 
category.


[[Page 26655]]


    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 (g) 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 concurrent chafing of both the fuel 
manifold and the integrated drive generator (IDG) wire and 
subsequent leakage of fuel, which could come in contact with live 
wiring and result in fire or explosion, accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series 
airplanes: Within 50 flight hours or 7 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time visual 
inspection of the IDG cables in the right engine nacelle to verify 
clearances and detect damage, in accordance with Canadair Alert 
Service Bulletin A601R-24-095, Revision `A,' dated March 25, 1999.
    (1) If no damage is detected and all clearances are within the 
limits specified by the alert service bulletin, submit a report in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (2) If any damage is detected and the inner core is not visible, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Prior to further flight, repair the cable jacket in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin; and, within 4,000 flight 
hours after accomplishing the repair, replace the cable with a new 
cable; in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Prior to further flight, replace the cable with a new 
cable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (3) If any damage is detected and the inner core is visible, 
prior to further flight, replace the cable with a new cable in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (b) For Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series 
airplanes: Within 50 flight hours or 7 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time visual 
inspection of both the left and right engine nacelles to detect 
chafing of the area surrounding the 10th stage bleed air check valve 
and the top and bottom pigtails of the fuel manifold, in accordance 
with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601R-73-008, Revision ``A,'' 
dated April 10, 1999.
    (1) If no damage is detected, prior to further flight, measure 
the clearance between the right fuel manifold pigtails and the 
adjacent 10th stage bleed air check valve.
    (i) If the clearance is within the limits specified by the alert 
service bulletin, submit a report in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (ii) If the clearance is outside the limits specified by the 
alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, reposition the fuel 
manifold or install shims, as applicable, in accordance with ``Part 
B--Repositioning of the fuel manifold to set the gap'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.
    (2) If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, repair 
the fuel manifold or replace the manifold with a new manifold, as 
applicable, in accordance with ``Part C--Repair or replacement'' of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions specified by Canadair 
Alert Service Bulletin A601R-73-008, dated April 1, 1999, is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this AD.

    (c) For Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and CL-604) series 
airplanes: Within 50 flight hours or 7 days after the effective date 
of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the IDG cable 
harness in the right engine nacelle to verify clearances and detect 
damage, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601-
0524 or A604-73-001, both dated April 19, 1999, as applicable.
    (1) If no damage is detected, submit a report in accordance with 
the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (2) If any clearance is outside the limits specified in the 
applicable alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, adjust 
the clearance in accordance with the applicable alert service 
bulletin.
    (3) If any damage is detected and the inner core is not visible, 
prior to further flight, repair the cable in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin.
    (4) If any damage is detected to the cable jacket and the inner 
core is visible, prior to further flight, accomplish either 
paragraph (c)(4)(i) or (c)(4)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Repair the cable jacket in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin; and, within 300 flight hours after accomplishing the 
repair, replace the cable with a new cable; in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Replace the cable with a new cable, in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin.
    (d) For Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and CL-604) series 
airplanes: Within 50 flight hours or 7 days after the effective date 
of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of both the left 
and right engine nacelles of the area surrounding the 10th stage 
bleed air check valve and the top and bottom pigtails of the fuel 
manifold to verify clearances and detect chafing, in accordance with 
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601-0524 or A604-73-001, both 
dated April 19, 1999, as applicable.
    (1) If the clearances are within the limits specified in the 
alert service bulletin, submit a report in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (2) If any clearance is outside the limits specified in the 
alert wire, prior to further flight, adjust the clearance or add 
spacers, as applicable, in accordance with the applicable alert 
service bulletin.
    (3) If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, repair 
the manifold or replace the manifold with a new manifold, as 
applicable, in accordance with the applicable alert service 
bulletin.

    Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions specified by Bombardier 
Alert Wire TA601-055, dated March 31, 1999, is considered acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of 
this AD.

    (e) If any alert service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies that the manufacturer may be contacted for accomplishment 
of certain repair conditions, those repairs must be accomplished in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate; 
or Transport Canada Aviation (or its designee).
    (f) Submit a report of all inspection findings and any repairs 
performed to the local Bombardier field representative; or to either 
Mr. Denis Methot (fax 514-855-8501) or Mr. Richard Moore (fax 514-
855-7708), Bombardier Aerospace Regional Aircraft, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5; at the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD. The report 
must include the inspection results, a description of any 
discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of 
landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection 
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspections are accomplished 
after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 
days after performing the inspections required by this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspections have been 
accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the 
report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) 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 ACO. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (h) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (i) Except as provided by paragraphs (e) and (f) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair Alert Service 
Bulletin A601R-24-095, Revision `A,' dated

[[Page 26656]]

March 25, 1999; Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601R-73-008, 
Revision `A,' dated April 10, 1999; Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A601-0524, dated April 19, 1999; and Bombardier Alert 
Service Bulletin A604-73-001, dated April 19, 1999; 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 A, 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-99-09, dated April 6, 1999.

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 1999, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 99-09-52, issued April 20, 1999, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 7, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-12099 Filed 5-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U