[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 228 (Wednesday, November 26, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66321-66323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-29532]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 26, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 66321]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-159-AD; Amendment 39-13372; AD 2003-24-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet 
Series 700 & 701) series airplanes, that currently requires a revision 
to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operations into known 
or forecast icing conditions under certain conditions. That AD also 
requires an inspection to detect damage of the wing anti-ice (WAI) 
ducts to determine if the external shrouds of the ducts are open or 
cracked, and replacement of any damaged duct with a new duct or a duct 
with the same part number, and an optional terminating action. This 
amendment requires accomplishment of the previously optional 
terminating action for the AFM revision and inspection. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent the WAI ducts from 
collapsing, cracking, or rupturing, which could cause leakage of hot 
air in the under-floor pressurized area of the fuselage when the anti-
ice system is turned on. Such leakage of hot air results in 
insufficient heat for the anti-ice system and consequent aerodynamic 
degradation. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective December 31, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of June 27, 2003 (68 FR 35152, June 12, 2003).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 
6087, Station Centreville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2003-12-06, 
amendment 39-13191 (68 FR 35152, June 12, 2003), which is applicable to 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) 
series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on August 22, 
2003 (68 FR 50729). That action proposed to require an inspection to 
detect damage of the wing anti-ice (WAI) ducts to determine if the 
external shrouds of the ducts are open or cracked, and replacement of 
any damaged duct with a new duct or a duct with the same part number, 
and an optional terminating action for the AFM revision and inspection. 
That action also proposed to require accomplishment of the previously 
optional terminating action for the AFM revision and inspection.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comment received.

Request To Require Replacement Parts With Sufficient Strength

    One commenter is concerned that the language of the AD calls for 
replacement of any damaged duct with a new or undamaged duct of the 
same part number that was previously installed; and that a replacement 
duct of the same part number would not be of sufficient strength to 
withstand the applied differential pressures it will experience. The 
commenter requests that the FAA mandate the replacement of a damaged 
wing anti-ice (WAI) duct with a stronger duct with a new part number.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concern. The purpose of this 
AD action is to supersede AD 2003-12-06, amendment 39-13191 (68 FR 
35152, June 12, 2003), which provides an interim action that prohibits 
operations into known or forecast icing conditions when there are 
indications of a damaged WAI duct. That action also provides for 
inspections and interim replacements of damaged ducts. This new action 
terminates the interim actions of AD 2003-12-06 by mandating the 
replacement of all four WAI ducts with new WAI ducts that have new part 
numbers. We find that these new ducts are of sufficient strength to 
withstand the applied differential pressure, as requested by the 
commenter. We have not changed the final rule regarding this issue.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 55 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The AFM revision that is currently required by AD 2003-12-06 takes 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the previously required actions on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,575, or $65 per airplane.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 2003-12-06 takes 
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based

[[Page 66322]]

on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required inspection 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $14,300, or $260 per airplane.
    The new action that is required by this new AD will take 
approximately 48 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the new requirement of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $171,600, or $3,120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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

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 removing amendment 39-13191 (68 FR 
35152, June 12, 2003), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13372, to read as follows:

2003-24-03 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-13372. 
Docket 2003-NM-159-AD. Supersedes AD 2003-12-06, Amendment 39-13191.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) 
series airplanes, serial numbers 10004 through 10119 inclusive; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the wing anti-ice (WAI) ducts from collapsing, 
cracking, or rupturing, consequent leakage of hot air in the under-
floor pressurized area of the fuselage when the anti-ice system is 
turned on, insufficient heat for the anti-ice system, and 
aerodynamic degradation, accomplish the following:

Referenced Service Information

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Series Regional Jet 
(Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-30-007, Revision A, dated 
April 15, 2003, including Appendices A and B, dated March 18, 2003.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2003-12-06, Amendment 39-13191

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (b) Within 48 hours after June 27, 2003 (the effective date of 
AD 2003-12-06, amendment 39-13191), revise the Limitations Section 
of the CRJ 700 AFM to include the following (this may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM):

    1. Anti-Ice Bleed Leak Detection Controller (AILC) Channels (see 
Note 1):
    Flight with ``WING A/I FAULT'' status message on the engine 
indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) is not authorized, 
except as follows:
    One may be inoperative as indicated by ``WING A/I FAULT'' status 
message on EICAS provided:
    (a) Wing Anti-Ice switch is selected OFF, and
    (b) Operations are not conducted into known or forecast icing 
conditions.
    2. Wing/Fuselage Anti-Ice Bleed Leak Detection Loops (see Note 
1):
    Flight with Wing/Fuselage Anti-Ice Bleed Leak Detection Loops 
inoperative is not authorized, except as follows:
    One loop (A or B) may be inoperative provided:
    (a) Wing Anti-Ice switch is selected OFF, and
    (b) Operations are not conducted into known or forecast icing 
conditions.

    Note 1: This limitation supersedes the Master Minimum Equipment 
List (MMEL).''

Detailed Inspection and Corrective Actions if Necessary

    (c) Within 150 flight hours after June 27, 2003, do a detailed 
inspection to detect damage of the four WAI ducts and to determine 
if the external shrouds of the WAI ducts are open or cracked, per 
the alert service bulletin.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found, no further action is required by 
this paragraph.
    (2) If any external shroud of a WAI duct is found open or 
cracked, before further flight, inspect the surrounding equipment 
and structure per a method approved by the Manager, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent).
    (3) If any damaged WAI duct is found, before further flight, 
replace the WAI duct with a new duct or a duct with the same part 
number (P/N) that is free of any dent, crease, or other handling 
damage, per the alert service bulletin.

    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.''

Reporting Requirement

    (d) Submit a report of the results of the inspection required by 
paragraph (c) of this AD per the alert service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD. Information collection requirements 
contained in this AD 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) If the inspection was done after June 27, 2003: Submit the 
report within 14 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to June 27, 2003: 
Submit the report within 14 days after June 27, 2003.

New Requirements of This AD

Terminating Action

    (e) Within 1,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, replace all four WAI ducts with new ducts having P/N GG670-
80504-5 or -6, or P/N GG670-80312-3 or -4, as applicable, per the 
alert service bulletin. Replacement of all four WAI ducts terminates 
the requirements of this AD. After doing the replacement, the AFM 
revision required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be removed.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

[[Page 66323]]

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with CRJ 700/900 Series Regional Jet (Bombardier) 
Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-30-007, Revision A, dated April 15, 
2003, including Appendices A and B, dated March 18, 2003. This 
incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of June 27, 2003 (68 FR 35152, June 12, 
2003). 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2003-07, effective on March 25, 2003.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 31, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 20, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 03-29532 Filed 11-25-03; 8:45 am]
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