[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1568-1570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-33281]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8431; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-128-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-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that the network 
interface installed between the Information Management System (IMS) 
6000 unit and the Cabin Entertainment System (CES) network could affect 
the Aircraft Control Domain (ACD) and result in the transmission of 
misleading navigational information to the flightcrew. This proposed AD 
would require inspecting the network interface installation between the 
IMS and the CES, and disconnecting the installation, if necessary. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent the transmission of misleading 
navigational information, which could adversely affect the ability of 
the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 29, 
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 proposed AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, 
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8431; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7301; 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-2015-8431; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-128-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-
2015-19, dated July 20, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    It was discovered that on certain aeroplanes, the network 
interface installed between the Information Management System (IMS) 
6000 unit and the Cabin Entertainment System (CES) network may 
affect the Aircraft Control Domain (ACD). This could potentially 
compromise the operational integrity of the avionics system and 
result in misleading navigational information to the flight crew. 
Misleading navigational information could have adverse effects on 
the safe operation of the aeroplane.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the [general visual] inspection [to 
determine if pins are present at positions 25, 27, 48, and 50] and 
disconnection, as required, of the network interface installation 
between the IMS and the CES.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/
/

[[Page 1569]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8431.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for an inspection of the network interface 
installation between the IMS and CES and disconnection of the 
installation.
     Service Bulletin 700-46-5005, Revision 02, dated June 18, 
2015 (for Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes).
     Service Bulletin 700-46-6005, Revision 02, dated June 18, 
2015 (for Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes).
    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.

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 77 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. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $6,545, or $85 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on action would 
take about 3 work-hours, for a cost of $255 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-2015-8431; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-128-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 29, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated 
in any category, specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, serial numbers 9381, 9432 
through 9708 inclusive; 9711 through 9718 inclusive; and 9720 
through 9730 inclusive.
    (2) Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, serial numbers 9386, 9401, 9445 
through 9707 inclusive; 9710 through 9717 inclusive; and 9722, 9732, 
9734, and 9737.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the network 
interface installed between the Information Management System (IMS) 
6000 unit and the Cabin Entertainment System (CES) network could 
affect the Aircraft Control Domain (ACD) and result in the 
transmission of misleading navigational information to the 
flightcrew. We are issuing this AD to prevent the transmission of 
misleading navigational information, which could adversely affect 
the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and 
landing of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Disconnection, if Necessary

    Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the network interface installation 
between the IMS and CES to determine if pins are present at 
positions 25, 27, 48, and 50; and if any pins are present, before 
further flight, disconnect the installation; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-5005, Revision 02, dated 
June 18, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes).
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-6005, Revision 02, dated 
June 18, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes).

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the

[[Page 1570]]

effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD, as 
applicable. This service information is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-5005, dated February 23, 
2015.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-5005, Revision 01, dated 
March 20, 2015.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-6005, dated February 23, 
2015.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-46-6005, Revision 01, dated 
March 20, 2015.

(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 Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the ACO, 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 Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-19, dated July 20, 
2015, 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 Docket No. FAA-2015-8431.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; 
fax 416-375-4539; 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 29, 2015.
Philip Forde,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-33281 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P