[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 102 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33371-33374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12157]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6892; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-057-AD; 
Amendment 39-18529; AD 2016-11-02]
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 all 
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 
702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; 
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-
600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD requires a 
detailed visual inspection of the upper and lower engine pylons for 
protruding, loose, or missing fasteners; and repair, including 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by reports of loose or

[[Page 33372]]

missing Hi-Lite fasteners on the upper and lower engine pylon structure 
common to the upper and lower pylon skin panels and engine thrust 
fitting. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct protruding, 
loose, or missing fasteners, which could result in structural failure 
of the engine pylons.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 10, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 10, 
2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 11, 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 final rule, 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-2016-6892.

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-2016-
6892; 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-
2016-10, dated April 27, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. 
The MCAI states:


    There have been several reported findings of loose or missing 
Hi-Lite fasteners on the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) upper 
and lower engine pylon structure common to the upper and lower pylon 
skin panels and engine thrust fitting. Missing fasteners in these 
areas are shown to significantly reduce the safety margins and could 
result in a structural failure of the engine pylon.
    Bombardier has issued a new Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 
task for detailed inspection of the engine pylon rib and skin 
fasteners to inspect for protruding, loose or missing fasteners and 
rectify any discrepancies [repair including applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions] noted in accordance with a 
Repair Engineering Order (REO).
    This AD is issued to mandate a repeat inspection to mitigate the 
risk of a structural failure of the engine pylons and repair any 
loose or missing fasteners as required.

Related investigative actions include visual inspections for cracks. 
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-2016-6892.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 670-54-51-034, 
``Repair for Missing or Loose/Protruding Fasteners in Upper and Lower 
Pylon Skins FS 1088-FS 1098, PBL 69.3 L & RHS,'' dated March 7, 2016. 
The service information describes procedures for repair, including 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions.
    We also reviewed Bombardier Temporary Revision 54-0007, dated March 
8, 2016, to the CRJ700/900/1000 AMM. The service information describes 
procedures for a detailed visual inspection for protruding, loose, or 
missing fasteners of the left-hand and right-hand upper and lower 
engine pylons.
    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 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 this same 
type design.

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 loose 
or missing Hi-Lite fasteners on the upper and lower engine pylon 
structure common to the upper and lower pylon skin panels and engine 
thrust fitting could result in structural failure of the engine pylons. 
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-2016-6892; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-NM-057-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

[[Page 33373]]

amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 531 airplanes 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 on U.S. operators to be $45,135, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take up to 32 work-hours for a cost of $2,720 per product, plus the 
cost of parts. We have received no definitive data that would enable us 
to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in 
this AD. 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 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 available 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 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):

2016-11-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18529. Docket No. FAA-
2016-6892; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-057-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 10, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) 
airplanes.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes.
    (4) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
Pylons.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of loose or missing Hi-Lite 
fasteners on the upper and lower engine pylon structure common to 
the upper and lower pylon skin panels and engine thrust fitting. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct protruding, loose, or 
missing fasteners, which could result in structural failure of the 
engine pylons.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD, do a detailed visual inspection for protruding, loose, 
or missing fasteners of the upper and lower engine pylons, in 
accordance with Bombardier Temporary Revision (TR) 54-0007, dated 
March 8, 2016, to the CRJ700/900/1000 Aircraft Maintenance Manual. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 
flight hours.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 840 total 
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 660 
flight hours or 3 months, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 840 total flight hours 
or less as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the 
accumulation of 1,500 total flight hours.

(h) Repair

    If any protruding, loose, or missing fastener is found during 
any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further 
flight, repair, including applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Engineering 
Order (REO) 670-54-51-034, ``Repair for Missing or Loose/Protruding 
Fasteners in Upper and Lower Pylon Skins FS 1088-FS 1098, PBL 69.3 L 
& RHS,'' dated March 7, 2016, except where Bombardier REO 670-54-51-
034, ``Repair for Missing or loose/Protruding Fasteners in Upper and 
Lower Pylon Skins FS 1088-FS 1098, PBL 69.3 L & RHS,'' dated March 
7, 2016, specifies to contact Bombardier for further instruction, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA; 
or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s 
TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit only for the initial inspection 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Reference 
Instruction Letter 4212, dated December 23, 2015; or Bombardier 
Reference Instruction Letter 4212A, Revision A, dated January 28, 
2016. This service information is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO,

[[Page 33374]]

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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2016-10, dated April 27, 
2016, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2016-6892.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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 Repair Engineering Order 670-54-51-034, ``Repair 
for Missing or Loose/Protruding Fasteners in Upper and Lower Pylon 
Skins FS 1088-FS 1098, PBL 69.3 L & RHS,'' dated March 7, 2016.
    (ii) Bombardier Temporary Revision 54-0007, dated March 8, 2016, 
to the CRJ700/900/1000 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
    (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 May 17, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-12157 Filed 5-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P