[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 1 (Thursday, January 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72-74]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31301]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1070; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-175-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 CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the finding of an 
uncertified main landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction actuator bracket 
pin installed on an in-service airplane, which could result in pin 
failure. This proposed AD would require inspection of the MLG inboard 
retraction actuator bracket for a part number, and replacement if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct uncertified 
pins in the MLG inboard retraction actuator bracket, which could result 
in pin failure, leading to an MLG extension without damping, and a 
potential for MLG structural damage and possible collapse during 
landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18, 
2014.

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 view this 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 MCAI, 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: Luke Walker, 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 516-228-7363; 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-2013-1070; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-175-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.

[[Page 73]]

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-23, dated August 13, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    An uncertified main landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction 
actuator bracket pin, part number (P/N) 49131-1, was found installed 
on an in-service aeroplane. Five other uncertified pins were also 
returned to the manufacturer. The uncertified pin, P/N 49131-1, is 
weaker than the approved pin, P/N 49131-3. An MLG inboard retraction 
actuator bracket pin failure could result in an MLG extension 
without damping, and a potential for MLG structural damage and 
possible collapse during landing.
    This [TCCA] AD mandates the inspection for and removal of the 
uncertified pins.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2013-1070.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-32-044, dated May 29, 
2013. 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 affects 416 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $35,360, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $85 
per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this action.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-1070; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-175-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 18, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes, serial number (S/N) 10002 and subsequent.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705); and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; S/N 15001 
and subsequent.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, S/N 19001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the finding of an uncertified main 
landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction actuator bracket pin installed 
on an in-service airplane, which could result in pin failure. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct uncertified pins in the MLG 
inboard retraction actuator bracket, which could result in pin 
failure, leading to an MLG extension without damping, and a 
potential for MLG structural damage and possible collapse during 
landing.

(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

    Within 6,600 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever

[[Page 74]]

occurs first, do an inspection of the MLG inboard retraction 
actuator bracket for any uncertified pin having part number (P/N) 
49131-1, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-044, dated May 29, 2013.

(h) Replacement

    If any uncertified pin having P/N 49131-1 is found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace all uncertified pins, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
044, dated May 29, 2013.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANE-
170, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7363; 
fax 516-794-5531, 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 NYACO, send it to ATTN: 
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, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent, or by the DAH with a State of Design Authority's 
design organization approval). For a repair method to be approved, 
the repair approval must specifically refer to this AD. You are 
required to ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to 
service.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-23, dated August 13, 2013, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-1070.
    (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 view this 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 December 20, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-31301 Filed 12-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P