[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 173 (Thursday, September 6, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54846-54848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21946]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0930; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-251-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of a screw cap or 
end cap of the auxiliary hydraulic system accumulator while on the 
ground, which resulted in loss of use of that hydraulic system and 
high-energy impact damage to adjacent systems and structures. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting for the correct serial number of a 
certain hydraulic system accumulator, and replacing affected hydraulic 
system accumulators with new or serviceable accumulators. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent failure of a screw cap or end cap and loss 
of the related hydraulic system, which could result in damage to 
airplane structure and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 
2012.

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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.

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 proposed 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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; 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-2012-0930; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-251-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 based on 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

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2011-41, dated October 31, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Seven cases of on-ground hydraulic accumulator screw cap/end cap 
failure have been experienced on CL-600-2B19 aeroplanes, resulting 
in loss of the associated hydraulic system and high-energy impact 
damage to adjacent systems and structure. To date, the lowest number 
of flight cycles accumulated at the time of failure has been 6991.
    Although there have been no failures to date on any BD-100-1A10 
aeroplanes, accumulators similar to those installed on the CL-600-
2B19 are installed on them. The affected part numbers (P/Ns) of the 
accumulators installed on BD-100-1A10 are 900095-1 (Auxiliary 
Hydraulic System accumulator), 08-60219-001 (Inboard Brake 
accumulator), and 08-60218-001 (Outboard Brake accumulator).
    A detailed analysis of the calculated line of trajectory of a 
failed screw cap/end cap for the accumulator has been conducted, 
resulting in the identification of areas where systems and/or 
structural components could potentially be damaged. Although all of 
the failures to date have occurred on the ground, an in-flight 
failure affecting such components could potentially have an adverse 
effect on the controllability of the aeroplane.
    This [TCCA] directive provides the initial action by mandating 
the replacement of the Auxiliary Hydraulic System accumulators that 
are not identified by the letter ``E'' after the serial number on 
the identification plate. Further corrective actions are anticipated 
to rectify similar safety concerns with the Inboard and Outboard 
Brake accumulators.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 100-29-14, dated December 
16, 2010. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 75 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD

[[Page 54847]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
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Inspection to determine part numbers  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85           $6,375
                                       hour = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements.

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydraulic accumulator replacement............  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0             $340
                                                $340.
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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 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 this 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0930; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-251-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 22, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 
(Challenger 300) airplanes, certificated in any category, having 
serial numbers 20003 through 20335 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of a screw-cap or end 
cap of the auxiliary hydraulic system accumulator while on the 
ground, which resulted in loss of use of that hydraulic system and 
high-energy impact damage to adjacent systems and structures. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of a screw cap or end cap and 
loss of the related hydraulic system, which could result in damage 
to airplane structure and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or 
(g)(3) of this AD: Inspect the identification plate on the hydraulic 
system accumulator having part number (P/N) 900095-1 to determine if 
an ``E'' is part of the suffix of the serial number stamped on the 
identification plate, as listed in paragraph 2.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-29-
14, dated December 16, 2010. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the suffix of 
the serial number can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) For an accumulator that has accumulated more than 3,150 
total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD, inspect 
that accumulator within 350 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) For an accumulator that has accumulated 3,150 or fewer total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD, inspect that 
accumulator before it has accumulated 3,500 total flight cycles.
    (3) For an accumulator on which it is not possible to determine 
the total flight cycles accumulated as of the effective date of this 
AD, inspect that accumulator within 350 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD.

(h) Replacement

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any accumulator having P/N 900095-1 is found on which the letter 
``E'' is not part of the suffix of the serial number on the 
identification plate: Before further flight, replace the accumulator 
with a new or serviceable accumulator, in accordance with paragraph 
2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 100-29-14, dated December 16, 2010.

[[Page 54848]]

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane a hydraulic system accumulator having P/N 900095-1, on 
which the letter ``E'' is not part of the suffix of the serial 
number on the identification plate.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the ACO, send it to Program Manager, Continuing 
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; fax (516) 794-
5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-41, 
dated October 31, 2011; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-29-14, 
dated December 16, 2010; for related information.
    (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; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 24, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-21946 Filed 9-5-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P