[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 9, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68690-68693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28174]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0548; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-041-AD; 
Amendment 39-16497; AD 2010-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and 
BD-700-1A11 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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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:

    Following five reported cases of balance washer screw failure on 
similar RATs [ram air turbines]/air driven generators installed on 
other aircraft types, an investigation * * * determined that a 
specific batch of the screws had a metallographic non-conformity 
that increased their susceptibility to brittle fracture. * * *
    Failure of a balance washer screw can result in loss of the 
related balance washer, with consequent turbine imbalance. Such 
imbalance could potentially result in RAT structural failure 
(including blade failure), loss of RAT electrical power and 
structural damage to the aircraft and, if deployment was activated 
by a dual engine shutdown, could also result in loss of hydraulic 
power for the flight controls [and consequent reduced ability of the 
flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane].
* * * * *

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 14, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Alfano, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7340; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 4, 2010 (75 FR 
31731). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Following five reported cases of balance washer screw failure on 
similar RATs [ram air turbine]/air driven generators installed on 
other aircraft types, an investigation by Hamilton Sundstrand 
determined that a specific batch of the screws had a metallographic 
non-conformity that increased their susceptibility to brittle 
fracture. Subsequently, it was established that 187 RATs [Part 
Number (P/N) GL456-1101-7 and Hamilton Sundstrand P/Ns in the 762826 
series] had non-conforming screws installed either during production 
or possibly during maintenance or repair at Hamilton Sundstrand 
repair stations.
    Failure of a balance washer screw can result in loss of the 
related balance washer, with consequent turbine imbalance. Such 
imbalance could potentially result in RAT structural failure 
(including blade failure), loss of RAT electrical power and 
structural damage to the aircraft and, if deployment was activated 
by a dual engine shutdown, could also result in loss of hydraulic 
power for the flight controls [and consequent reduced ability of the 
flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane].
    This [Canadian] directive mandates checking of the RAT and 
replacing the balance washer screws, if required. It also prohibits 
future installation of unmodified RATs.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

    We have determined that this AD should refer to the latest service 
information. We have reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-24-
014, Revision 02, dated March 15, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 
700-24-075, Revision 02, dated March 15, 2010; which introduce minor 
changes, but do not add any additional work. We have revised this final 
rule to include the latest version of the applicable Bombardier service 
information and to provide credit for work done before the effective 
date of this AD, in accordance with the previous revisions of the 
service information.

[[Page 68691]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This 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 our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 115 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $9,775, or $85 per product.

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 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.

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 the NPRM, 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.

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:

2010-23-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16497. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0548; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-041-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
14, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and 
BD-700-1A11 airplanes, serial numbers 9002 and subsequent; 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: 
Electrical power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Following five reported cases of balance washer screw failure on 
similar RATs [ram air turbines]/air driven generators installed on 
other aircraft types, an investigation by Hamilton Sundstrand 
determined that a specific batch of the screws had a metallographic 
non-conformity that increased their susceptibility to brittle 
fracture. Subsequently, it was established that 187 RATs [Part 
Number (P/N) GL456-1101-7 and Hamilton Sundstrand P/Ns in the 762826 
series] had non-conforming screws installed either during production 
or possibly during maintenance or repair at Hamilton Sundstrand 
repair stations.
    Failure of a balance washer screw can result in loss of the 
related balance washer, with consequent turbine imbalance. Such 
imbalance could potentially result in RAT structural failure 
(including blade failure), loss of RAT electrical power and 
structural damage to the aircraft and, if deployment was activated 
by a dual engine shutdown, could also result in loss of hydraulic 
power for the flight controls [and consequent reduced ability of the 
flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane].
    This [Canadian] directive mandates checking of the RAT and 
replacing the balance washer screws, if required. It also prohibits 
future installation of unmodified RATs.

Compliance

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

Inspection

    (g) For airplanes having serial numbers 9002 through 9380 
inclusive: At the earliest of the times identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3) and (g)(4) of this AD, inspect to determine 
the serial number of the installed ram air turbine (RAT), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD. This inspection may 
be conducted visually, which requires lowering the RAT. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the serial number of the RAT can be conclusively 
determined from that review.

[[Page 68692]]

    (1) Within 500 flight hours or 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first; or
    (2) Prior to the next in-flight or on-ground functional test of 
the RAT, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD; 
or
    (3) Prior to the next in-flight or on-ground operational test of 
the RAT, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD; 
or
    (4) Prior to the next scheduled RAT in-flight deployment.
    (h) If the RAT serial number, as determined in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, is not listed in paragraph 1.A of the applicable service 
bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD, no further action is required 
by this AD, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

                                           Table 1--Service Bulletins
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                                         Bombardier Service
               Model--                       Bulletin--          Revision--                 Dated--
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BD-700-1A11.........................  700-1A11-24-014........              02  March 15, 2010.
BD-700-1A10.........................  700-24-075.............              02  March 15, 2010.
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     (i) If the RAT serial number, determined in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, is listed in paragraph 1.A. of the applicable service 
bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD, before further flight, 
inspect to determine if the symbol ``24-7'' is marked on the RAT 
identification plate, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 1 of 
this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection if the symbol ``24-7'' mark can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) If the symbol ``24-7'' is marked on the RAT identification 
plate, the balance washer screws have already been replaced and no 
further action is required by this AD, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) If the symbol ``24-7'' is not marked on the RAT 
identification plate, before further flight, replace all balance 
washer screws with new balance washer screws, part number MS24667-
14, and mark the RAT identification plate with the symbol ``24-7,'' 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (j) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install on any airplane a replacement or spare RAT (P/N 
GL456-1101-7; Hamilton Sundstrand P/Ns in the 762826 series) having 
one of the S/Ns listed in paragraph 1.A. of the applicable service 
bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD unless the balance washer 
screws have already been replaced and the symbol ``24-7'' is marked 
on the RAT identification plate.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD, 
in accordance with the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 
of this AD, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in this AD.

                                        Table 2--Credit Service Bulletins
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                                         Bombardier Service
               Model--                       Bulletin--          Revision--                 Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BD-700-1A11.........................  700-1A11-24-014........              01  July 15, 2009.
BD-700-1A10.........................  700-24-075.............              01  July 15, 2009.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-01, 
dated January 18, 2010, recommends accomplishing the visual 
inspection prior to the next scheduled in-flight operational test of 
the RAT, we have determined that interval would not address the 
identified unsafe condition soon enough to ensure an adequate level 
of safety for the affected fleet in light of the degree of urgency 
associated with the subject unsafe condition. This difference has 
been coordinated with Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (l) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, 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: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York, 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal 
maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), 
as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight 
Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (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 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (m) Refer to MCAI TCCA Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-01, dated 
January 18, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletins 700-24-075, 
Revision 02, dated March 15, 2010, and 700-1A11-24-014, Revision 02, 
dated March 15, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletins 700-24-075, 
Revision 02, dated March 15, 2010; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 
700-1A11-24-014, Revision 02, dated March 15, 2010; as applicable; 
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 of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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.


[[Page 68693]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington on October 21, 2010.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-28174 Filed 11-8-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P