[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 229 (Monday, November 30, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74673-74676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30182]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5819; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-166-AD; 
Amendment 39-18336; AD 2015-24-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. 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 certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes, CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, 
CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, CL-600-2D24 (Regional 
Jet Series 900) airplanes, and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the cage 
assembly, window louver panel assemblies (WLPAs), and blowout panels 
(BOPs), and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by 
reports of several

[[Page 74674]]

cases of damaged or detached decompression WLPAs and BOPs. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged and detached WLPAs and 
BOPs. A detached WLPA or BOP could delay smoke detection in the cargo 
compartment, and in the event of a cargo compartment fire, this could 
lead to an uncontrolled cargo compartment fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 15, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 14, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-5819.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5819; 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7329; fax 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-28, dated October 21, 2015 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc Model CL-600-
2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705) airplanes, CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and 
CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several cases of damaged decompression window louver panel 
assemblies (WLPAs) have been reported in-service. Subsequent review 
of in-service data also showed multiple reports of detached blowout 
panels (BOPs). Damaged or detached WLPAs or BOPs create openings in 
the cargo compartment.
    The presence of unintended openings on the WLPAs and BOPs could 
delay smoke detection in the cargo compartment. In addition, the 
cargo compartment may not be able to maintain Halon concentration 
required for fire suppression. In the event of a cargo compartment 
fire, this condition could lead to an uncontrolled cargo compartment 
fire.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the repetitive inspection of the 
affected WLPAs and BOPs.

    Required actions include repetitive detailed inspections for 
damaged and detached WLPAs and BOPs. Corrective actions include repair. 
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-5819.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information:
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-25-201, dated July 21, 
2015.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-25-100, dated July 21, 
2015.
    The service information describes procedures for repetitive 
detailed inspections for damage of the cage assembly, WLPAs, and BOPs, 
and repair and replacement of damaged parts. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

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 these 
same type designs.

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 a 
detached WLPA or BOP could delay smoke detection in the cargo 
compartment, and in the event of a cargo compartment fire, this could 
lead to an uncontrolled cargo compartment fire. 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-2015-5819; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-166-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 based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://

[[Page 74675]]

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 986 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $167,620, or $170 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in 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 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 that 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);
    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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-24-04 Bombardier Inc.: Amendment 39-18336. Docket No. FAA-2015-
5819; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-166-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 15, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD, 
configured with a Class C cargo compartment.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 
& 440) airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 7003 and subsequent.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701 & 702) airplanes, S/Ns 10002 and subsequent.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) 
airplanes, S/Ns 15001 and subsequent.
    (4) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes, S/Ns 15001 and subsequent.
    (5) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, S/Ns 19001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of several cases of damaged or 
detached decompression WLPAs and BOPs. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct damaged and detached WLPAs and BOPs. A detached 
WLPA or BOP could delay smoke detection in the cargo compartment, 
and in the event of a cargo compartment fire, this could lead to an 
uncontrolled cargo compartment fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Repair

    Within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes: Do a detailed inspection of the cage assembly for damage 
(including bent and damaged vertical and horizontal guard rails), do 
a detailed inspection of the WLPAs to detect discrepancies 
(including dents, bends, and deformations, and inadequate 
clearances), and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
601R-25-201, dated July 21, 2015, except as required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
100 flight hours.
    (2) For Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) 
airplanes, CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, CL-600-
2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and CL-600-2E25 (Regional 
Jet Series 1000) airplanes: Do a detailed inspection of the cage 
assembly to detect damage (including bent or deformed tubing and 
frame, broken joints), and do a detailed inspection of the WLPAs to 
detect damage (including bent support pins and louver panels; 
inadequate clearances; and missing, torn, or unbonded fire blocking 
fabric and foams), and do a detailed inspection of the BOPs to 
detect damage (including bends, dents, punctures, and deformations; 
inadequate sealing tape; and a loose or frayed jumper), and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-25-100, dated July 
21, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. All 
applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 
flight hours.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-25-201, dated July 21, 
2015; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-25-100, dated July 21, 
2015, specify to contact Bombardier for disposition of certain 
conditions, before further flight, repair using a method approved by 
the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO).

(i) 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

[[Page 74676]]

Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved 
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-28, dated October 21, 2015, 
for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-5819.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-25-201, dated July 21, 
2015.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-25-100, dated July 21, 
2015.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30182 Filed 11-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P