[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 78 (Tuesday, April 23, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19644-19646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9572]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-12716; AD 2002-08-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model 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 amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R and 
CL-604) series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to 
detect chafing and other damage of the integrated drive generator (IDG) 
cables on both left and right engines between the service pylon 
connections to the IDG, corrective action if necessary, and 
installation of protective Teflon tubing and additional clamps on the 
IDG cable harnesses. This action is necessary to prevent electrical 
arcing between the IDG cable and the engine cowling, which could result 
in in-flight fire and/or loss of electrical power. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 8, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 8, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 23, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-211-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9a.m. and 3p.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: [email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain 
``Docket No. 2001-NM-211-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 this AD 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; 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, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, 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 Civil Aviation (TCCA), 
which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 
(CL-601-3R and CL-604) series airplanes. TCCA advises that it has 
received a report of electrical arcing between the integrated drive 
generator (IDG) cable and an engine cowl door on a Model CL-600-2B19 
series airplane. The electrical arcing has been attributed to chafing 
of the IDG cable. The IDG cable installation in Model CL-600-2B16 
series airplanes is similar to that in Model CL-600-2B19 series 
airplanes. Electrical arcing between the IDG cable and the engine 
cowling, if not corrected, could result in in-flight fire and/or loss 
of electrical power.

Related AD

    The FAA issued AD 2001-06-07, amendment 39-12154 (66 FR 16114, 
March 23, 2001), as an immediately adopted rule, applicable to 
Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. The unsafe condition, 
required actions, and inspection compliance times in AD 2001-06-07 are 
the same as those identified in this AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Bombardier Alert Service Bulletins

[[Page 19645]]

A601-0542 (for Model CL-601) and A604-73-002 (for Model CL-604), both 
dated January 12, 2001. These alert service bulletins describe 
procedures for a one-time inspection of the IDG cables on both left and 
right engines to detect chafing and other damage; repair or replacement 
of any damaged IDG cable if its inner core is not visible and not 
damaged; replacement of any damaged IDG cable with a new cable if the 
inner core is visible or damaged; and installation of protective Teflon 
tubing and additional clamps on the IDG cable harness. Accomplishment 
of the actions specified in the alert service bulletins is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. TCCA classified 
these alert service bulletins as mandatory and issued Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2001-06, dated January 26, 2001, to ensure 
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 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 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 between the IDG cable and the engine cowling, which could result 
in in-flight fire and/or loss of electrical power. This AD requires a 
one-time inspection to detect chafing and other damage of the 
integrated drive generator (IDG) cables on both left and right engines 
between the service pylon connections to the IDG, corrective action if 
necessary, and installation of protective Teflon tubing and additional 
clamps on the IDG cable harnesses. The AD also requires that operators 
report results of positive inspection findings to Bombardier.

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.
    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 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 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 2001-NM-211-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2002-08-08  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-
12716. Docket 2001-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3R) series airplanes, 
serial numbers 5135 through 5194 inclusive; and Model CL-600-2B16 
(CL-604) series airplanes, serial numbers 5301 through 5481 
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

[[Page 19646]]

accordance with paragraph (d) 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 arcing between the integrated drive 
generator (IDG) cable and the engine cowling, which could result in 
in-flight fire and/or loss of electrical power, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection of the IDG cables on both left and 
right engines to detect chafing and other damage between the service 
pylons to the IDG, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A601-0542 (for Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601) series airplanes) 
or A604-73-002 (for Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604) series airplanes), 
both dated January 12, 2001; as applicable. If any chafing or other 
damage is found: Prior to further flight, repair the damaged cable 
or replace it with a new cable, as applicable, in accordance with 
the applicable alert service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

Installation of Teflon Tubing and Clamps

    (b) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
install protective Teflon tubing and additional clamps on the IDG 
cable harnesses, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A601-0542 (for Model CL-601) or A604-73-002 (for Model CL-
604), both dated January 12, 2001; as applicable.

Reporting

    (c) If any chafing or other damage is found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Submit a report of 
the findings to Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. 
Box 6087, Station Centreville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. 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 inspection is accomplished after 
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days 
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished 
prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 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

    (e) 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

    (f) Except as required by paragraph (c) of this AD: The actions 
must be done in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
A601-0542, dated January 12, 2001; or Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A604-73-002, dated January 12, 2001; as applicable. (The 
manufacturer's name is listed only on the first page on both of 
these documents; no other page contains this information.) 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, 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-2001-06, dated January 26, 2001.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 8, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 12, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-9572 Filed 4-22-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U