[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 230 (Friday, November 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72316-72320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-28103]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1238; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-181-AD;
Amendment 39-15753; AD 2008-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
During scheduled maintenance inspection, a bolt which connects
the PCU (power control unit) to the elevator surface was found
fractured in the assembly. Further inspection of the assembly
revealed that the bearing on the PCU rod end had seized, which
resulted in damage to the attachment fitting bushing and fracture of
the bolt. Inspection of other in-service airplanes revealed two more
seized PCU attachment joints. However, except seizure, no fractured
bolt was found on these airplanes. Failure of the bolts in both PCUs
on one side could result in disconnection of the elevator control
surface which would lead to flutter and loss of the aircraft.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 15,
2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 29, 2008.
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.
[[Page 72317]]
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
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 street address for
the Docket Operations 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: Pong K. Lee, 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) 228-7324; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Emergency Airworthiness
Directive CF-2008-31, dated October 9, 2008 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
During scheduled maintenance inspection, a bolt which connects
the PCU (power control unit) to the elevator surface was found
fractured in the assembly. Further inspection of the assembly
revealed that the bearing on the PCU rod end had seized, which
resulted in damage to the attachment fitting bushing and fracture of
the bolt. Inspection of other in-service airplanes revealed two more
seized PCU attachment joints. However, except seizure, no fractured
bolt was found on these airplanes. Failure of the bolts in both PCUs
on one side could result in disconnection of the elevator control
surface which would lead to flutter and loss of the aircraft.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued to mandate the
inspection and lubrication of all part number (P/N) GT411-3800-5 and
GT411-3800-7 PCU attachment joints.
The required actions include inspections for damage and seizure
(including signs of seizure) of the PCU attachment joints, an
inspection for damage (including wear damage, fretting, corrosion,
galling, scoring, fretting wear, and parts that do not meet inspection
requirements) of the PCU attachment joint components, and applicable
corrective actions. You may obtain further information by examining the
MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued the service information in the following
table. The actions described in the service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Service Bulletins
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Service Bulletin Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin A700-1A11-27-024.
Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin A700-27-066.
Bombardier Service Bulletin Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-1A11-27-025.
Bombardier Service Bulletin Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-27-067.
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FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
failure of the bolts in both PCUs on one side of the airplane could
cause disconnection of the elevator control surface which could result
in flutter and consequent loss of the airplane. Therefore, we
determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1238; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NM-181-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.
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
[[Page 72318]]
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 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 this AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-24-12 Bombardier: Amendment 39-15753. Docket No. FAA-2008-1238;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-181-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
15, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-
1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/Ns)
9002 through 9222 inclusive; equipped with elevator power control
units (PCUs) having part number (P/N) GT411-3800-5 or GT411-3800-7.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During scheduled maintenance inspection, a bolt which connects
the PCU (power control unit) to the elevator surface was found
fractured in the assembly. Further inspection of the assembly
revealed that the bearing on the PCU rod end had seized, which
resulted in damage to the attachment fitting bushing and fracture of
the bolt. Inspection of other in-service airplanes revealed two more
seized PCU attachment joints. However, except seizure, no fractured
bolt was found on these airplanes. Failure of the bolts in both PCUs
on one side could result in disconnection of the elevator control
surface which would lead to flutter and loss of the aircraft.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued to mandate the
inspection and lubrication of all part number (P/N) GT411-3800-5 and
GT411-3800-7 PCU attachment joints.
The required actions include inspections for damage and seizure
(including signs of seizure) of the PCU attachment joints, an
inspection for damage (including wear damage, fretting, corrosion,
galling, scoring, fretting wear, and parts that do not meet
inspection requirements) of the PCU attachment joint components, and
applicable corrective actions.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done: For airplanes on which elevator PCUs
with P/N GT411-3800-5 or P/N GT411-3800-7, S/N 0615 and lower, are
installed, excluding P/N GT411-3800-7 PCUs having a serial number
listed in Table 1 of this AD, and excluding P/N GT411-3800-7 PCUs on
which less than 1,000 flight hours have accumulated on the PCUs as
of the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
Note 1: Units listed in Table 1 of this AD have been lubricated
by the vendor and the inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1),
(f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD are not required for those
units.
Table 1--Serial Numbers
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0030 0097 0156 0188 0218 0369 0438
0031 0101 0161 0190 0222 0406 0453
0033 0105 0163 0191 0223 0407 0491
0041 0108 0164 0197 0240 0408 0495
0046 0109 0165 0198 0262 0413 0504
0060 0110 0171 0199 0265 0420 0506
0062 0111 0173 0202 0281 0427 0513
0066 0119 0174 0205 0296 0429 0533
0081 0130 0178 0206 0301 0430 0536
0083 0138 0179 0208 0310 0431 0586
0087 0141 0181 0210 0323 0433
0092 0145 0183 0214 0365 0435
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(1) Within 10 flight cycles or 50 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Inspect for
damage and wear and lubricate the PCU attachment joints in
accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A700-1A11-27-024,
Revision 01, dated October 3, 2008; or Bombardier Alert Service
Bulletin A700-27-066, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2008; as
applicable.
(2) Within 90 days or 200 flight hours after performing the
actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, whichever occurs
first: Repeat the inspection and lubrication of the PCU attachment
joints in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A700-
1A11-27-024, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2008; or Bombardier Alert
Service Bulletin A700-27-066, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2008; as
applicable.
(3) Within 45 days or 100 flight hours after performing the
actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs
first: Repeat the inspection and lubrication of the
[[Page 72319]]
PCU attachment joints in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service
Bulletin A700-1A11-27-024, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2008; or
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A700-27-066, Revision 01, dated
October 3, 2008; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 45 days or 100 flight hours, whichever
occurs first, until paragraph (f)(4) of this AD is accomplished.
(4) Completion of a disassembly with an inspection for damage,
applicable corrective actions, and lubrication of the PCU attachment
joint components in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-
1A11-27-025, dated October 9, 2008; or Bombardier Service Bulletin
700-27-067, dated October 9, 2008; as applicable; constitutes
terminating action for the inspections required by paragraphs
(f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
(5) Unless already done, if any damage or seizure is found
during any inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3),
and (f)(4) of this AD, before further flight, replace the affected
part in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-025,
dated October 9, 2008, or Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-067,
dated October 9, 2008, as applicable.
(6) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Bombardier Alert Service Bulletins A700-1A11-27-
024 and A700-27-066, both dated October 2, 2008, are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
(7) Unless already done, submit a report to Bombardier of all
findings found during any inspection required by this AD, in
accordance with the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of
this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the effective date
of this AD.
Table 2--Service Bulletins for Reports
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Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin; A700-1A11-27-024.
Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin; A700-27-066.
Bombardier Service Bulletin; Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-1A11-27-025.
Bombardier Service Bulletin; Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-27-067.
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FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows:
(1) This AD does not mandate the terminating action specified in
paragraph A.4. of the MCAI; it is included as an optional
terminating action in paragraph (f)(4) of this AD. The planned
compliance times for that action would allow enough time to provide
notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of
those actions. Therefore, we are considering further rulemaking to
require the terminating action on all affected airplanes.
(2) Paragraph A.3. of the MCAI requires a one-time inspection;
however, since we have changed the terminating action in paragraph
A.4. of the MCAI to an optional action, paragraph (f)(3) of this AD
requires repeating the inspections until the terminating action is
performed.
(3) This AD does not require the inspection and lubrication of
PCUs specified in Paragraph B. of the MCAI. The planned compliance
times for those actions would allow enough time to provide notice
and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of those
actions. Therefore, we are considering further rulemaking to address
this issue.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Pong K. Lee, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York
ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7324; fax (516) 794-5531. 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
(4) Special Flight Permits: As described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), special flight permits are not allowed.
Related Information
(h) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Transport Canada Civil Aviation Emergency Airworthiness
Directive CF-2008-31, dated October 9, 2008, and the service
information specified in Table 2 of this AD, for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information specified in Table 3 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
(3) 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin A700-1A11-27-024.
Bombardier Alert Service 01.............. October 3, 2008.
Bulletin A700-27-066.
Bombardier Service Bulletin Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-1A11-27-025.
Bombardier Service Bulletin Original........ October 9, 2008.
700-27-067.
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[[Page 72320]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 16, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-28103 Filed 11-26-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P