[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 197 (Thursday, October 12, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60083-60085]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16881]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26046; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 
440) airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting for 
discrepancies of the activation mechanism of certain chemical oxygen 
generators, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD 
results from several incidents, on certain airplane models, of 
incorrect installation of the release pin into the safety pin hole of 
the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator; this 
resulted in failure to activate the chemical oxygen generator when 
required. A separate incident occurred on a different airplane model 
during deployment of the cabin oxygen system, which resulted in failure 
of the release pin to activate the oxygen generator at a flight 
attendant station. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the 
activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which could 
result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible 
incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight 
decompression.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, 
Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, for service 
information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Parillo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7305; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26046; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes. TCCA advises that several incidents, on certain Bombardier 
airplane models, of incorrect installation of the release pin into the 
safety pin hole of the activation mechanism occurred in certain 
chemical oxygen generators; this resulted in failure to activate the 
chemical oxygen generators when required. A separate incident occurred 
on a Model CL-600-2C10 airplane during deployment of the cabin oxygen 
system, due to failure of the release pin to activate the oxygen 
generator at a flight attendant station. Investigation revealed that 
the release pin was not aligned with the lanyard tube in the mask 
container module, preventing activation of the oxygen generator. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the unavailability of 
supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin 
crew during an in-flight decompression.
    The design of the activation mechanism of the oxygen generator of 
the flight attendant and passenger service units on certain Model CL-
600-2B19 airplanes is similar to the design of the activation mechanism 
installed on certain Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes. Therefore, all of 
these models may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. Further 
rulemaking is currently in process to address this

[[Page 60084]]

unsafe condition for Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated 
September 25, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
inspecting for discrepancies of the release pin in the lanyard tube in 
the mask container module of the activation (firing) mechanism in the 
chemical oxygen generator of each flight attendant and lavatory oxygen 
panel, and each passenger service unit of the passenger oxygen system; 
and corrective action if necessary. The discrepancies include 
misalignment of the release pin and failure of the pin to engage with 
the lanyard tube. The corrective action includes aligning the release 
pin and engaging it to the lanyard tube.
    Bombardier has also issued Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated 
September 8, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
inspecting for discrepancies of the release pin of the activation 
mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, and corrective action if 
necessary. The discrepancies include incorrect installation of the 
release pin into the activation mechanism. The corrective action 
includes correctly installing the release pin.
    Service Bulletin 601R-35-016 refers to B/E Aerospace Service 
Bulletin 117003-35-4, dated March 29, 2001, as an additional source of 
service information for accomplishing the inspection and corrective 
action.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the Bombardier service 
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. 
TCCA mandated the service information and issued Canadian airworthiness 
directive CF-2006-11, dated May 31, 2006, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. We have examined TCCA's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspection'' specified 
in the Canadian airworthiness directive is referred to as a ``detailed 
inspection.'' We have included the definition for a detailed inspection 
in a note in the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 145 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The inspection proposed in Service Bulletin A601R-35-014 would take 
about 3 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed 
AD for U.S. operators is $34,800, or $240 per airplane.
    The inspection proposed in Service Bulletin 601R-35-016 would take 
about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed 
AD for U.S. operators is $11,600, or $80 per airplane.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket No. FAA-2006-26046; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-172-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 
13, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category; as 
identified in Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated 
September 25, 2003; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, 
dated September 8, 2005.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several incidents, on certain airplane 
models, of incorrect installation of the release pin into the safety 
pin hole of the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen 
generator; this resulted in failure to activate the chemical oxygen 
generator when required. A separate incident occurred on a different 
airplane model during deployment of the cabin oxygen system, and 
resulted in failure of the release

[[Page 60085]]

pin to activate the oxygen generator at a flight attendant station. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the activation 
mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which could result in 
the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible 
incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight 
decompression.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspections/Corrective Action

    (f) Do the detailed inspections for discrepancies of certain 
chemical oxygen generators of each flight attendant and lavatory 
oxygen panel, as applicable, and each passenger service unit of the 
passenger oxygen system, as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated September 25, 2003: 
Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time inspection for correct alignment and engagement of the 
release pin with the lanyard tube in the mask container module of 
the activation (firing) mechanism in the chemical oxygen generator 
by doing all the actions, including all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-35-014, dated September 25, 
2003. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September 8, 2005: Within 1,100 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD; do a one-time 
inspection for correct installation of the release pin of the 
activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, by doing all 
the actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September 8, 2005. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''


    Note 2: Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-35-016, dated September 
8, 2005, refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117003-35-4, dated 
March 29, 2001, as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishing the inspection and corrective action specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (h) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-11, dated May 31, 
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-16881 Filed 10-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P