[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 21, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65474-65476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22726]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0215; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-216-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 supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently 
requires inspecting contactors 1K4XD, 2K4XD, and K4XA to determine the 
type of terminal base plate, and applying sealant on the terminal base 
plates if necessary. This proposed AD would require an inspection to 
determine if certain alternating current (AC) service and utility bus 
contactors have a terminal base plate made from non-G9 melamine 
material, and corrective actions if necessary; or reidentification of 
the mounting tray of the contactors; as applicable. This proposed AD 
also limits the applicability of the existing AD. This proposed AD 
results from incidents of short circuit failures of certain AC 
contactors located in the avionics bay. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent short circuit failures of certain AC contactors, which could 
result in arcing and consequent smoke or fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, 
Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, 
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, 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) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0215; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-216-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On August 14, 2006, we issued AD 2006-17-14, amendment 39-14735 (71 
FR 49337, August 23, 2006), for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 
(Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. That AD requires inspecting 
contactors 1K4XD, 2K4XD, and K4XA to determine the type of terminal 
base plate, and applying sealant on the terminal base plates, if 
necessary. That AD resulted from incidents of short circuit failures of 
certain alternating current (AC) contactors located in the avionics 
bay. We issued that AD to prevent short circuit failures of certain AC 
contactors, which could result in arcing and consequent smoke or fire.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2006-17-14 explains that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

[[Page 65475]]

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 601R-24-123, Revision B, 
dated February 16, 2007. The service bulletin describes the following 
actions, depending on the airplane configuration:
     Doing a visual inspection to determine if AC utility bus 
contactors 1K4XD and 2K4XD, part number (P/N) D-18ZZA, and the AC 
service bus contactor K4XA, P/N D-7GRZ, have a terminal base plate made 
from non-G9 melamine material (Ultem 2200 material or black in color), 
and doing applicable corrective actions. The corrective actions include 
replacing damaged terminal lugs with new lugs, repairing or replacing 
damaged wire with new wire, and replacing a certain AC service or 
utility bus contactor with a new one; as applicable.
     Changing the service bulletin number on the mounting tray 
of the contactors.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, 
mandated the service information and issued Canadian airworthiness 
directive CF-2006-17R1, dated May 30, 2007, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplanes 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 AD action is 
necessary for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2006-17-14 and would continue 
to require inspecting contactors 1K4XD, 2K4XD, and K4XA to determine 
the type of terminal base plate, and applying sealant on the terminal 
base plates if necessary. This proposed AD also would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service bulletin described 
previously, which would constitute terminating action for the 
requirements of this proposed AD.

Change to Existing AD

    AD 2006-17-14 affects Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet 
Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category; serial 
numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive and 8000 and subsequent. This 
proposed AD would limit the applicability to those airplanes having 
serial numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive and 8000 through 8070 
inclusive. This change parallels the applicability of the Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2006-17R1.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                      Number of U.S.-
             Action                          Work hours              Average labor          Cost per airplane           registered        Fleet cost
                                                                     rate per hour                                       airplanes
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Inspection (required by AD 2006-  3...............................             $80  $240............................             739  $177,360.
 17-14).
New proposed actions (depending   1 or 2..........................              80  $80 or $160.....................             739  Between $59,120
 on the airplane configuration).                                                                                                       and $118,240.
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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 
removing amendment 39-14735 (71 FR 49337, August 23, 2006) and adding

[[Page 65476]]

the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket No. FAA-2007-0215; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-216-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 
21, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-17-14.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category; 
serial numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive, and 8000 through 8070 
inclusive.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from incidents of short circuit failures of 
certain alternating current (AC) contactors located in the avionics 
bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuit failures of 
certain AC contactors, which could result in arcing and consequent 
smoke or fire.

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.

Requirements of AD 2006-17-14

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (f) Within 800 flight hours or four months after September 7, 
2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-17-14), whichever occurs first: 
Do a general visual inspection of AC bus contactors 1K4XD and 2K4XD, 
part number (P/N) D-18ZZA, and the bus contactor K4XA, P/N D-7GRZ, 
to determine which contactors have an Ultem 2200 terminal base plate 
(i.e., the plate is made from a black molded thermal plastic 
material), and apply RTV sealant to the terminal base plate, as 
applicable, by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, Revision A, 
dated July 13, 2006. Do all applicable applications of sealant 
before further flight.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``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 
ensure visual access to all 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.''

Previous Actions Accomplished According to Other Service 
Information

    (g) Actions accomplished before September 7, 2006, in accordance 
with Bombardier Drawing Number K601R50180, dated June 2, 2006; or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, dated June 27, 2006; are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (h) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection, reidentification, and corrective actions, 
as applicable, by doing all the applicable actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-
123, Revision B, dated February 16, 2007. Do the applicable 
corrective action before further flight. Accomplishment of these 
actions constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any AC contactor 1K4XD, 2K4XD, or K4XA, having a non-G9 melamine 
terminal base plate, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

Related Information

    (k) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-17R1, dated May 30, 
2007, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-22726 Filed 11-20-07; 8:45 am]
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