[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 97 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28865-28867]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11289]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) series airplanes. This proposal 
would require an inspection of the thrust reverser cascades for correct 
installation; removing and reinstalling the cascade in the correct 
location, if necessary; and reworking the thrust reverser cascades to 
add locating spigots (metal protrusions) to each cascade; as 
applicable. This action is necessary to prevent asymmetric reverse 
thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse 
thrust operation. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 18, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-46-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-46-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.
    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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, 
Westbury, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7321; fax (516) 794-5531.

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:
     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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2003-NM-46-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. 2003-NM-46-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590.

Discussion

    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-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 
& 701) series airplanes. TCCA advises that an incident occurred during 
a pre-delivery flight where, upon landing and application of maximum 
thrust reverser, the airplane veered to the right from the runway 
heading. Investigation revealed that the thrust reverser cascades 
configuration of the left engine was incorrectly installed during 
production. The cascades have different part numbers to control the 
correct installation location; however, it is physically possible that 
diagonally opposed thrust reverser cascades can be intermixed in either 
engine at any time the assemblies are changed. Incorrectly installed 
thrust reverser cascades, if not corrected, could cause asymmetric 
reverse thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during 
reverse thrust operation.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    For certain airplanes, Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin 
A670BA-78-001, Revision A, dated April 23, 2002, which describes 
procedures for performing a general visual inspection of the thrust 
reverser cascades for correct installation, and removing and 
reinstalling the cascade in the correct cascade location, if necessary. 
TCCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2002-30, dated May 22, 2002, in order to 
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
    For certain airplanes, Bombardier has also issued Service Bulletin 
670BA-78-003, dated January 22, 2004, which describes procedures for 
reworking the thrust reverser cascades to add locating spigots (metal 
protrusions) to each

[[Page 28866]]

cascade. TCCA has approved this service bulletin.
    Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-78-003 refers to GE Aircraft 
Engines Service Bulletin 670GE-78-008, dated December 17, 2003, as an 
additional source of information for accomplishment of the rework.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Bombardier 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 
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 require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the applicable Bombardier service bulletins 
described previously.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Canadian Airworthiness Directive

    Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2002-30 requires inspection of 
the thrust reverser cascades (interim action) per Bombardier Alert 
Service Bulletin A670BA-78-001, Revision A. Unlike the Canadian 
airworthiness directive, for certain airplanes, the proposed AD would 
require rework of the thrust reverser cascades (terminating action) per 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-78-003. After the issuance of the 
Canadian airworthiness directive, TCCA approved Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-78-003, and is considering superseding CF-2002-30 to 
mandate rework of the thrust reverser cascades (terminating action).

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 102 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $65 per work 
hour.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,630, or $65 
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed modification. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the proposed rework on U.S. operators is estimated to be $26,520, or 
$260 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed 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. Manufacturer warranty 
remedies may be available for labor costs associated with this proposed 
AD. As a result, the costs attributable to the proposed AD may be less 
than stated above.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 2003-NM-46-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) 
series airplanes, serial numbers 10003 through 10116 inclusive, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent asymmetric reverse thrust and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane during reverse thrust operation, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection

    (a) For airplanes with serial numbers 10005 through 10040 
inclusive: Within 72 flight hours or 30 days from the effective date 
of the AD, whichever occurs first, perform a general visual 
inspection of the thrust reverser cascades for correct installation, 
per the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A670BA-78-001, Revision A, dated April 23, 2002.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Repetitive Inspections for Certain Airplanes

    (b) For airplanes with serial numbers 10003 through 10116 
inclusive: Each time the thrust reverser cascade is removed and 
reinstalled, perform the action specified in paragraph (a) of this 
AD.

Corrective Action

    (c) If any thrust reverser cascade is found to be incorrectly 
installed during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of 
this AD, before further flight, remove and reinstall the cascade in 
the correct location, per the Accomplishment Instructions of

[[Page 28867]]

Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-78-001, Revision A, dated 
April 23, 2002.

Terminating Action

    (d) Within 6,000 flight hours from the effective date of the AD, 
rework the thrust reverser cascades by accomplishing all the actions 
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-78-003, dated January 22, 2004. Accomplishment of the rework 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

    Note 2: Bombardier Service Bulletin 670A-78-003, references GE 
Aircraft Engines Service Bulletin 670GE-78-008, dated December 17, 
2003, as an additional source of service information for the 
accomplishment of the rework.

Parts Installation

    (e) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, as 
of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any 
airplane a thrust reverser cascade with powerplant system, serial 
numbers PS0003 through PS0116 inclusive, left- and right-hand, 
unless it has been reworked per Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
78-003, dated January 22, 2004.

Previous Actions

    (f) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD per Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-78-001, dated April 
19, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph 
(a) and (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2002-30, dated May 22, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11289 Filed 5-18-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P