[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 8 (Monday, January 13, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1566-1568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-642]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-311-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes

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 certain Bombardier Model 
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet series 100) series airplanes, that currently 
requires repetitive lubrication with grease of the sliding shaft of the 
input plunger of the brake control valve assembly. This action would 
add requirements for modifying the brake control valve assembly, and 
subsequent repetitive lubrications of the valve. Accomplishment of the 
modification would terminate the repetitive lubrications of the sliding 
shaft of the input plunger required by the existing AD. This proposal 
is prompted by reports of temporary loss of braking action upon 
landing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent temporary loss of braking action due to the freezing of 
moisture of the input plunger of the brake control valve during steep 
descent.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000NM-311-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: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-311-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: Dan Parrillo, 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) 256-7505; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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-311-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-311-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On January 12, 1994, the FAA issued AD 93-21-04, amendment 39-8801 
(59 FR 2952, January 20, 1994), applicable to certain Bombardier Model 
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet series 100) series airplanes, to require 
repetitive lubrication with grease of the sliding shaft of the input 
plunger of the brake control valve assembly. That action was prompted 
by reports of temporary loss of braking action upon landing. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to prevent temporary loss of 
braking action due to the freezing of moisture on the input plunger of 
the brake control valve during steep descent.

Action Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, Transport Canada Civil Aviation 
(TCCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, issued 
Canadian airworthiness directive CF-93-26R2, dated January 18, 1994, in 
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Canada. The Canadian airworthiness directive requires, among other 
things, modifying the brake control valve assembly by installing new 
greasing provisions, and subsequent repetitive lubrications of the 
valve using the newly installed grease fittings.
    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-017, dated 
November 9, 1993. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
modification of the brake control valve assembly, and subsequent 
repetitive lubrications of the valve. Accomplishment of the 
modification eliminates the need for the existing repetitive 
lubrications of the sliding shaft of the input plunger required by AD 
93-21-04. The modification includes installing a new crossbeam assembly 
into the dual-brake

[[Page 1567]]

control valve, torquing bolts, and inspecting for leaks. The new 
crossbeam assembly incorporates a lubrication fitting to allow 
lubrication of the brake control valve plungers. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. TCCA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory 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 supersede AD 93-21-04 to 
continue to require lubrication with grease of the sliding shaft of the 
input plunger of the brake control valve assembly. The proposed AD 
would add requirements for modifying the brake control valve assembly; 
and subsequent repetitive lubrications of the valve. Accomplishment of 
the modification would terminate the repetitive lubrications of the 
sliding shaft of the input plunger. The new actions would be required 
to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Canadian Airworthiness Directive

    The proposed AD would differ from the parallel Canadian 
airworthiness directive in that it would NOT require the following 
actions:
    [sbull] Revising the Airplane Flight Manual to provide the 
flightcrew with operational procedures for abnormal brake-pedal action; 
and
    [sbull] Cleaning and drying the bushings and plungers, and applying 
lubricant to these components.
    We have determined that these actions are unnecessary because those 
actions are intended to mitigate the identified unsafe condition before 
accomplishment of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-017. The 
modification of the brake control valve assembly and subsequent 
lubrication schedule specified in that service bulletin render the 
preceding actions unnecessary. TCCA has no objections to our proposed 
requirements.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 2 Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet series 
100) series airplanes of U.S. registry that are affected by AD 93-21-
04. The actions that are currently required by that AD take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $120, or $60 per airplane.
    There are approximately 194 Model CL-600-2B19 series 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 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $3,812 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed modification of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $786,088, or $4,052 per airplane.
    The lubrication of the brake control valve that is proposed in this 
AD action would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of this proposed lubrication of this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $11,640, or $60 per airplane, per 
lubrication.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. 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 removing amendment 39-8801 (59 FR 
2952, January 20, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

    Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 2000-NM-311-AD. 
Supersedes AD 93-21-04, Amendment 39-8801.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet series 100) series 
airplanes, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent, 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

[[Page 1568]]

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 (d)(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 temporary loss of braking action due to the freezing 
of moisture on the input plunger of the brake control valve during 
steep descent, accomplish the following:

Requirements of AD 93-21-04

Lubrications

    (a) Within 3 days after February 4, 1994 (the effective date of 
AD 93-21-04, amendment 39-8801), and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 3 days, lubricate with grease the sliding shaft of the input 
plunger of the brake control valve assembly per Canadair Regional 
Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-32-016, dated October 14, 1993, 
until modification of the brake control valve, as required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD, is accomplished.

New Actions Required By This AD

Modification

    (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the brake control valve assembly by accomplishing all the actions 
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-017, dated 
November 9, 1993, per the service bulletin. Such modification 
terminates the repetitive lubrications of the sliding shaft of the 
input plunger of the brake control valve assembly required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

Repetitive Lubrications

    (c) Within 1,500 flight hours after doing the modification 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals of 
1,500 flight hours, lubricate with grease the brake control valve 
per paragraph 2.B.(18) of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-32-017, dated November 9, 
1993.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(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, 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 93-21-04, amendment 39-8801, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

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.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-93-26R2, dated January 18, 1994.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 7, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-642 Filed 1-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P