[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 209 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61615-61620]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-27209]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-209-AD; Amendment 39-13353; AD 2003-19-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2003-19-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Bombardier 
Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes by individual notices. This 
AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking or 
deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, on the lower panel of the 
left- and right-hand main landing gear (MLG) doors, as applicable, and 
corrective actions if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the lower panel of the MLG door, the 
lower panel's departure from the airplane, and consequent damage to 
airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's 
continued safe flight and landing. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective November 3, 2003, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2003-19-51, 
issued September 17, 2003, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 28, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-209-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. 2003-NM-209-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    Information pertaining to this AD 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, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street,

[[Page 61616]]

Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7512; 
fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 17, 2003, the FAA issued 
emergency AD 2003-19-51, which is applicable to certain Bombardier 
Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes.

Background

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series 
airplanes. The lower panel of the door of the right-hand main landing 
gear (MLG) of a Model CL-600-2C10 series airplane departed the airplane 
during landing. The airplane was able to land safely, though the 
departed panel damaged the trailing edge flap and punctured the rear 
fuselage near the floor level, below the engine pylon. Investigation 
revealed cracking of the hinge lug of the door panel, which led to 
detachment of adjacent fasteners and increased loading on the remaining 
fasteners. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of 
the lower panel of the MLG door, the lower panel's departure from the 
airplane, and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could 
adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.
    The left- and right-hand MLG doors on certain Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 
900) series airplanes are identical to the affected right-hand MLG door 
on the affected Model CL-600-2C10 series airplane. Therefore, the MLG 
doors on all of these airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition.
    TCCA has issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2003-23R1, 
dated September 16, 2003, to ensure 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 the Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United 
States, the FAA issued emergency AD 2003-19-51 to prevent failure of 
the lower panel of the MLG door, the lower panel's departure from the 
airplane, and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could 
adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.
    The AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking or 
deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, on the lower panel of the 
left- and right-hand MLG doors, as applicable. These inspections are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with Figures 1, 2, and 3 of 
this AD.
    Necessary corrective action may involve repair of the lower panel 
of the MLG door, or replacement with a new or serviceable lower panel. 
The repair of the lower panel of the MLG door, if accomplished, is 
required to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the 
FAA or TCCA (or its delegated agent). The replacement of the lower 
panel of the MLG door, if accomplished, is required to be accomplished 
in accordance with Task Cards 32-12-01-000-801-A01 and 32-12-01-400-
801-A01 of the CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet Aircraft Maintenance Manual. In 
lieu of repair or replacement, this AD provides for removing the 
affected door panel assembly; revising the Configuration Deviation List 
(CDL), Appendix 1, of the airplane flight manual to include new 
limitations; and operating the airplane in accordance with those CDL 
limitations.
    The AD also requires that operators report the results of the 
inspections to the airplane manufacturer. Because the cause of the 
cracking is not known, these required inspection reports will help 
determine the extent of the cracking or other discrepancies in the 
affected fleet. The need for further corrective action will be 
evaluated based on the results of these reports.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on September 17, 2003, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) 
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes. These 
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal 
Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

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.
    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 Number 2003-NM-209-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

[[Page 61617]]

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, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-19-51 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-13353. 
Docket 2003-NM-209-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet series 700 & 701) 
series airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 10003 through 10999 
inclusive; and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet series 900) series 
airplanes, S/Ns 15002 through 15990 inclusive; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the lower panel of the main landing gear 
(MLG) door, the lower panel's departure from the airplane, and 
consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely 
affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing, accomplish 
the following:

Initial Compliance Time

    (a) Perform the initial inspection in paragraph (b) of this AD 
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) For airplanes with less than 1,500 total flight cycles as of 
the effective date of this AD: Do the inspections before the 
accumulation of 1,050 total flight cycles, or within 50 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
    (2) For airplanes with 1,500 or more total flight cycles as of 
the effective date of this AD: Do the inspections within 10 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD.

Inspections

    (b) Perform detailed inspections of the lower panel, P/N CC670-
10520, of the left- and right-hand MLG doors for the conditions and 
in the areas specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and 
(b)(4) of this AD; and Figures 1, 2, and 3 of this AD.

    Note 1: 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.''

    (1) Inspect the cross member, part number (P/N) CC670-10572, of 
the MLG door lower panel for cracking or deformation, in accordance 
with Figure 2 of this AD.
    (2) Inspect the inner skin, P/N CC670-10577, of the MLG door 
lower panel at the cross member (P/N CC670-10572) for cracking or 
deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, in accordance with 
Figure 2 of this AD.
    (3) Inspect the outer skin, P/N CC670-10574, of the MLG door 
lower panel at the cross member (P/N CC670-10572) for cracking or 
deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, in accordance with 
Figure 2 of this AD.
    (4) Inspect the forward member, P/N CC670-10570, and aft member, 
P/N CC670-10571, of the MLG door lower panel, for cracking or 
deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, in accordance with 
Figure 3 of this AD. Figures 1 through 3 of this AD follow.
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Repetitive Inspections

    (c) If no cracking or deformation, or pulled or missing 
fastener, as applicable, is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD, repeat the inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles.

Corrective Actions

    (d) If any cracking or deformation, or pulled or missing 
fastener, as applicable, is found during any inspection in 
accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD: Before further 
flight, accomplish paragraph (d)(1), (d)(2), or (d)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Repair the damage in accordance with a method approved by 
either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (or its delegated agent); 
and accomplish repetitive inspections in accordance with a method 
and at a repetitive interval approved by same.
    (2) Replace the lower panel assembly, P/N CC670-10520, of the 
affected MLG door with a new or serviceable lower panel assembly 
having the same P/N, in accordance with Task Cards 32-12-01-000-801-
A01 and 32-12-01-400-801-A01 of the CRJ 700/900 Series Regional Jet 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual; and repeat the inspections specified in 
paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 100 flight 
cycles.
    (3) Remove the lower panel assembly, P/N CC670-10520, of the 
affected MLG door, and accomplish paragraph (d)(3)(i) or (d)(3)(ii), 
as applicable.
    (i) For Model CL600-2C10 (Regional Jet series 700 & 701) series 
airplanes: Revise the Configuration Deviation List (CDL), Appendix 
1, of the airplane flight manual (AFM), to include the following 
limitations. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the CDL of the AFM.
    ``For Model CL600-2C10 series airplanes: If one or both door 
panel assemblies, part number CC670-10520, is missing:
    (1) Take-off Weight is reduced by 202.5 kg/door, or 450 lb/door
    (2) Enroute Climb is reduced by 445.5 kg/door, or 990 lb/door
    (3) Landing Weight is reduced by 202.5 kg/door, or 450 lb/door
    (4) Fuel Consumption is increased by +3.42% on fuel used/door
    (5) Cruise Airspeed is limited to not more than 0.78 Mach.''
    (ii) For Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet series 900) series 
airplanes: Revise the CDL, Appendix 1, of the AFM, to include the 
following limitations. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy 
of this AD into the CDL of the AFM.
    ``For Model CL600-2D24 series airplanes: If one or both door 
panel assemblies, part number CC670-10520, is missing:
    (1) Take-off Weight is reduced by 245 kg/door, or 540 lb/door
    (2) Enroute Climb is reduced by 551 kg/door, or 1,215 lb/door
    (3) Landing Weight is reduced by 245 kg/door, or 540 lb/door
    (4) Fuel Consumption is increased by +3.42% on fuel used/door
    (5) Cruise Airspeed is limited to not more than 0.78 Mach.''

Reporting Requirement

    (e) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) 
of the inspections required by paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this 
AD, as applicable, to Bombardier Aerospace Technical Help Desk; fax 
(514) 855-8501; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (e)(1) 
or (e)(2) of this AD. 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. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained 
in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120 0056.
    (1) If the inspection is done after the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 5 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done prior to the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 5 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

[[Page 61620]]

Parts Installation

    (f) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
lower panel assembly, P/N CC670-10520, on the left- or right-hand 
MLG door on any airplane, unless the lower panel assembly has been 
inspected as required by paragraph (b) of this AD and found to be 
free of cracking or deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York ACO, 
is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this 
AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2003-23R1, dated September 16, 2003.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 3, 2003, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 2003-19-51, issued September 17, 2003, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 23, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-27209 Filed 10-28-03; 8:45 am]
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