[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54773-54774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25928]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-385-AD; Amendment 39-11355; AD 99-21-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series
100) series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect
damage of the input connectors and wiring of the main and auxiliary
power unit (APU) battery chargers, and corrective action, if necessary.
This amendment also requires installation of secure connectors for the
battery charger input connections. In addition, this amendment
requires, for certain airplanes, either the installation of a resistor
in the battery charger wiring, or the installation of new batteries
with internal resistors. 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 increased risk of a short circuit and consequent electrical
smoke or fire in the aft fuselage.
DATES: Effective November 12, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 12, 1999.
ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: Louis Castracane, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certifciation Office, 10 Fifth Street,
Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7335;
fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on August 12, 1999 (64 FR 43957). That action proposed
to require a one-time inspection to detect damage of the input
connectors and wiring of the main and auxiliary power unit (APU)
battery chargers, and corrective action, if necessary. If also proposed
to require installation of secure connectors for the battery charger
input connections. In addition, that action proposed to require, for
certain airplanes, either the installation of a resistor in the battery
charger wiring, or the installation of new batteries with internal
resistors.
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 the FAA'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
The FAA estimates that 115 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD. It will take approximately 6 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions (no breakdown of work hours
for each action is provided in the service bulletin), at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided at no
cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
required AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $41,400, or $360 per
airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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, 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:
99-21-11 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-11355.
Docket 98-NM-385-AD.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100)
series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and
7069 through 7250 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability
[[Page 54774]]
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 prevent increased risk of a short circuit and consequent
electrical smoke or fire in the aft fuselage, accomplish the
following:
Inspection and Corrective Action
(a) For all airplanes: Within 450 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in
paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, in accordance with
Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service
Bulletin A601R-24-085, Revision ``C,'' dated November 5, 1998.
(1) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the
input connector of the main battery charger and the wire harness
between the electrical connectors for the main battery and the main
battery charger. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight,
repair it, or replace the wiring or connector with new or
serviceable parts.
(2) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the
input connector of the auxiliary power unit (APU) battery charger
and the wire harness between the electrical connectors for the APU
battery and the APU battery charger. If any damage is detected,
prior to further flight, repair it, or replace the wiring or
connector with new or serviceable parts.
(3) Secure both the spin coupling ring of the input connector of
the main battery charger and the spin coupling ring of the input
connector of the APU battery charger by installing heat shrink
tubing and ty-rap.
Note 2: For the purpose of this AD, a detailed visual inspection
is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Modification or Replacement
(b) For airplane serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and
7069 through 7249 inclusive: Within 450 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in either
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) in accordance with Part B of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin
A601R-24-085, Revision ``C,'' dated November 5, 1998:
(1) Install an external 5.1-Kohm resistor in the mid-voltage
sensing wire for the main battery and an external 5.1-Kohm resistor
in the mid-voltage sensing wire for the APU battery; or
(2) Install main battery P/N 601R59041-3 and APU battery P/N
600-59151-11, which contain an internal resistor for the mid-voltage
sensing wire.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 3: 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
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair Alert
Service Bulletin A601R-24-085, Revision `C,' dated November 5, 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 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, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-98-40, dated November 10, 1998.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25928 Filed 10-7-99 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M