[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 194 (Thursday, October 5, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59383-59385]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-25535]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; CL-604 Variant of Bombardier Model 
Canadair CL-600-2B16 Series Airplanes Modified in Accordance With 
Supplemental Type Certificate SA8060NM-D, SA8072NM-D, or SA8086NM-D

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Model CL-604 variant of 
Bombardier Model Canadair CL-600-2B16 series airplanes modified in 
accordance with certain Supplemental Type Certificates that currently 
requires that the fuel service panel maintenance light on the fuel 
service panel be disconnected. This action would require modification 
of the wiring of the fuel port flood light (which is the name given to 
the fuel service

[[Page 59384]]

panel maintenance light in the service bulletin that describes the 
wiring modification). This proposal is prompted by a report indicating 
that an electrical spark was noted when the fuel cap chain contacted 
the fuel port flood light housing of the fuel service panel. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent electrical 
sparks from a grounded object from coming into contact with the fuel 
port flood light housing of the fuel service panel, which could result 
in a fuel fire due to the proximity of the fuel service panel to the 
fuel port.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 6, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-80-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
9-anm-nprmcomment @faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-80-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 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Malmir, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5351; fax (562) 627-5210.

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 No. 2000-NM-80-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-80-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On January 13, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-01-51, amendment 39-
11519, (65 FR 3379, January 21, 2000) applicable to CL-604 variant of 
Bombardier Model Canadair CL-600-2B16 series airplanes modified in 
accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA8060NM-D, SA8072NM-D, 
or SA8086NM-D. That AD required that the fuel service panel maintenance 
light on the fuel service panel be disconnected. That action was 
prompted by a report indicating that an electrical spark was noted when 
the fuel cap chain contacted the maintenance light housing of the fuel 
service panel. The requirements of that AD were intended to prevent 
electrical sparks from a grounded object from coming into contact with 
the maintenance light housing of the fuel service panel, which could 
result in a fuel fire due to the close proximity of the fuel service 
panel to the fuel port.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble of AD 2000-01-51, the FAA indicated that the action 
required by that AD was considered ``interim action'' and that further 
rulemaking was being considered. Since the issuance of that AD, the 
manufacturer has advised that it has developed a modification that will 
positively address the unsafe condition. The FAA has determined that 
further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from 
that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletins TUC-33-30-01-1, dated 
February 1, 2000, and TUC-33-30-01-1, Revision A, dated March 10, 2000, 
which describe procedures for modification of the wiring of the fuel 
port flood lights. The modification involves re-routing the wires in 
the flood light assembly, verifying the proper termination, adding an 
additional ground wire to the flood light assembly, and verifying the 
bonding of the fuel port flood light to the airplane structure. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. The FAA has 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 supersede AD 2000-01-51 to 
require modification of the wiring of the fuel port flood lights. The 
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletins described previously. The FAA has determined that 
long term operational safety will be better assured by this 
modification than by leaving the fuel port flood lights disconnected. 
This

[[Page 59385]]

determination was based in part on the possibility of human error 
associated with possible future reconnection of the lights.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 22 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of the parts required for 
each airplane are minimal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $2,640, or $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 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 removing Amendment 39-11519 (65 FR 
3379, January 21, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 2000-NM-80-AD. 
Supersedes AD 2000-01-51, Amendment 39-11519.

    Applicability: CL-604 Variant of Bombardier Model Canadair CL-
600-2B16 Series Airplanes Modified in Accordance with Supplemental 
Type Certificate SA8060NM-D, SA8072NM-D, or SA8086NM-D

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (b)(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 electrical sparks from a grounded object from coming 
into contact with the fuel port flood light housing of the fuel 
service panel, which could result in a fuel fire due to the close 
proximity of the fuel service panel to the fuel port, accomplish the 
following:

Modification

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the wiring of the fuel port flood light in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin TUC-33-
30-01-1, dated February 1, 2000, or Revision A, dated March 10, 
2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b)(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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2000-01-51, amendment 39-11519, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-25535 Filed 10-4-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P