[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 72 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19979-19982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7294]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0047; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-295-AD; 
Amendment 39-15461; AD 2008-08-09]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 400) airplanes. That AD currently requires revising 
the airworthiness limitations section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness of the maintenance requirements manual (MRM) by 
incorporating procedures for repetitive functional tests of the pilot 
input lever of the pitch feel simulator (PFS) units. That AD also 
requires new repetitive functional tests of the pilot input lever of 
the PFS unit, and corrective actions if necessary; and after initiating 
the new tests, requires removal of the existing procedures for the 
repetitive functional

[[Page 19980]]

tests from the MRM. This new AD requires revised procedures for the 
functional tests. This AD results from a report that the shear pin 
located in the input lever of two PFS units failed due to fatigue. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent undetected failure of the shear pins of 
both PFS units simultaneously, which could result in loss of pitch feel 
forces and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 19, 2008.
    On March 27, 2006 (71 FR 12277, March 10, 2006), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144, Revision A, dated 
February 14, 2006, including Appendix A, dated September 15, 2005.
    On February 13, 2004 (69 FR 4234, January 29, 2004), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
Bombardier Temporary Revision 2B-1784, dated October 24, 2003, to the 
CL-600-2B19 Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual, Part 
2, Appendix B, ``Airworthiness Limitations.''

ADDRESSES: 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-05-11 R1, 
amendment 39-14528 (71 FR 15323, March 28, 2006). The existing AD 
applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 
100 & 400) airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register 
on January 24, 2008 (73 FR 4125). That NPRM proposed to continue to 
require revising the airworthiness limitations section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the maintenance 
requirements manual (MRM) by incorporating procedures for repetitive 
functional tests of the pilot input lever of the pitch feel simulator 
(PFS) units. That NPRM also proposed to continue to require new 
repetitive functional tests of the pilot input lever of the PFS unit, 
and corrective actions if necessary; and after initiating the new 
tests, requires removal of the existing procedures for the repetitive 
functional tests from the MRM. That NPRM also proposed to require 
revised procedures for the functional tests.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been received on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Number of U.S.-
            Action               Work hours     Average labor      Cost per        registered       Fleet cost
                                                rate per hour      airplane         airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise MRM...................               1             $80  $80.............             684  $54,720.
Functional tests.............               1              80  $80, per test                684  $54,720, per
                                                                cycle.                            test cycle.
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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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

[[Page 19981]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14528 (71 FR 15323, March 28, 2006) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-08-09 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-15461. 
Docket No. FAA-2008-0047; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-295-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-05-11 R1.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 400) airplanes, certificated in any category, 
serial numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive, and 8000 and subsequent.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that the shear pin located in 
the input lever of two pitch feel simulator (PFS) units failed due 
to fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected failure of 
the shear pins of both PFS units simultaneously, which could result 
in loss of pitch feel forces and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.

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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2006-05-11 R1

Revise Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) Section of Maintenance 
Requirements Manual

    (f) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7990 
inclusive: Within 14 days after February 13, 2004 (the effective 
date of AD 2004-02-07, which was superseded by AD 2006-05-11 R1), 
revise the AWL section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness of the maintenance requirements manual by 
incorporating the functional check of the PFS pilot input lever, 
Task R27-31-A024-01, as specified in Bombardier Temporary Revision 
(TR) 2B-1784, dated October 24, 2003, to the CL-600-2B19 Canadair 
Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual, Part 2, Appendix B, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' into the AWL section.

New Repetitive Functional Tests and Corrective Actions

    (g) Before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or 
within 100 flight hours after March 27, 2006 (the effective date of 
AD 2006-05-11 R1), whichever occurs later: Do a functional test of 
the pilot input lever of the PFS units to determine if the lever is 
disconnected, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144, Revision A, dated 
February 14, 2006, including Appendix A, dated September 15, 2005, 
except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the test at 
intervals not to exceed 100 flight hours. Accomplishing the initial 
functional test terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of this 
AD and the repetitive functional checks of the PFS pilot input 
lever, Task R27-31-A024-01, as specified in the AWL section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of CL-600-2B19 Canadair 
Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual.
    (h) If any lever is found to be disconnected during any 
functional test required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin A601R-27-144, Revision A, dated February 14, 2006, 
including Appendix A, dated September 15, 2005, except as required 
by paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) Before further flight, replace the defective PFS with a 
serviceable PFS in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the alert service bulletin; and
    (2) Within 30 days after removing the defective PFS, submit a 
test report to the manufacturer in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (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.

Previously Accomplished Actions

    (i) Actions done before March 27, 2006, in accordance with 
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144, including Appendix 
A, dated September 15, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

New Service Bulletin for Functional Tests

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, Bombardier Alert 
Service Bulletin A601R-27-144, Revision B, dated December 20, 2006, 
including Appendix A, Revision A, dated December 20, 2006, must be 
used for the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 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

    (l) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2005-41, dated December 
22, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the applicable service information listed in 
Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

                                  Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Bombardier service information                 Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144,    A..................................  February 14, 2006.
 including Appendix A, dated September
 15, 2005.
Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144,    B..................................  December 20, 2006.
 including Appendix A, Revision A,
 dated December 20, 2006.
Temporary Revision 2B-1784 to the CL-   Original...........................  October 24, 2003.
 600-2B19 Canadair Regional Jet
 Maintenance Requirements Manual, Part
 2, Appendix B, ``Airworthiness
 Limitations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
A601R-27-144, Revision B, dated December 20, 2006, including 
Appendix A, Revision A,

[[Page 19982]]

dated December 20, 2006, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51.
    (2) On March 27, 2006 (71 FR 12277, March 10, 2006), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-144, 
Revision A, dated February 14, 2006, including Appendix A, dated 
September 15, 2005.
    (3) On February 13, 2004 (69 FR 4234, January 29, 2004), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Bombardier Temporary Revision 2B-1784, dated October 
24, 2003, to the CL-600-2B19 Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, Part 2, Appendix B, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations.''
    (4) Contact Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. 
Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7294 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
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