[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 23, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51259-51260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21462]



[[Page 51259]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-68-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive eddy 
current inspections for cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) main 
fittings, and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary 
to prevent failure of the MLG main fitting, which could result in 
collapse of the MLG upon landing. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-68-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-68-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet 
as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    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. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serge Napoleon, Aerospace Engineer, 
ANE-171, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third 
Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7512; fax 
(516) 568-2716.

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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2000-NM-68-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. 2000-NM-68-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may 
exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. TCCA 
advises that three cases of premature failure of the main landing gear 
(MLG) main fitting have been reported. The reports indicated that a 
circumferential crack was found on the MLG main fitting at the radius 
between the fitting cylinder area and the upper attachment lug for the 
shock strut. The exact cause of the cracking is not known at this time. 
Such cracking, if not corrected, could result in failure of the MLG 
main fitting, and consequent collapse of the MLG upon landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601R-32-079, Revision 
`B', including Appendix 1, dated June 1, 2000. The alert service 
bulletin describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection and 
repetitive eddy current inspections to detect cracking of the MLG main 
fittings, and replacement of any cracked fitting with a new or 
serviceable fitting. TCCA issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-
99-32, dated December 21, 1999, 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, TCCA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
TCCA, 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 require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin described 
previously, except as discussed below. The proposed AD also would 
require that operators report results of inspection findings to the 
manufacturer.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Related Service Bulletin

    The alert service bulletin recommends that a visual inspection for 
cracking of

[[Page 51260]]

the MLG main fitting be accomplished as an interim measure, prior to 
accomplishment of the eddy current inspection. However, this AD 
requires only the eddy current inspection to detect cracks, prior to 
the accumulation of 1,500 total flight cycles or within 150 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
Consistent with the findings of TCCA, the FAA considers that a visual 
inspection in this area of the landing gear would not be reliable or 
effective in determining the existence of a crack at this location.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 236 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed inspection on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $14,160, or $60 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 2000-NM-68-AD.
    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes certificated 
in any category, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent.

    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 prevent failure of the main fitting of the main landing gear 
(MLG), which could result in collapse of the MLG upon landing, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection and Replacement

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 1,500 total flight cycles, or 
within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Perform an eddy current inspection to detect 
cracking of the MLG main fittings, in accordance with Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
A601R-32-079, Revision `B', including Appendix 1, dated June 1, 
2000. If any cracking is found, prior to further flight, replace the 
cracked fitting with a new or serviceable fitting in accordance with 
the alert service bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.

Reporting Requirement

    (b) Within 14 days after each inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD, report all findings, positive or negative, to: 
Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft, CRJ Action Desk, fax number 
514-855-8501. 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.

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. 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.

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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-99-32, dated December 21, 1999.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-21462 Filed 8-22-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U