[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45997-46000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16731]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8177; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-129-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 existing 
instruction in a certain task in the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM)

[[Page 45998]]

will not accomplish the intent of a certification maintenance 
requirement (CMR). This CMR task tests the pitch feel (PF) and rudder 
travel limiter actuator (RTLA) back-up modules in the flight control 
unit (FCU) to detect dormant failures. This proposed AD would require 
doing an operational test of the FCU back-up modules, and repair if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct a dormant 
failure of both FCU back-up modules. This condition, in combination 
with other failures in the FCU, may result in the inability to maintain 
the minimum control requirements for the PF and RTLA, which could 
create hazardous flight control inputs during flight.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 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:
     Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
8177; 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-2016-8177; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-129-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-
2015-06R1, dated April 22, 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 the existing instruction in the Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 27-61-05-710-801 will not accomplish 
the intent of the Certification Maintenance Requirement (CMR) task 
number 27-61-05-201. This CMR task was required to test the Pitch 
Feel (PF) and Rudder Travel Limiter Actuator (RTLA) back-up modules 
in the Flight Control Unit (FCU) to detect dormant failures. If not 
detected, a dormant failure of both FCU back-up modules, in 
combination with other failures in the FCU, may result in the 
inability to maintain the Minimum Control Requirements for the PF 
and RTLA, which could create hazardous flight control inputs during 
flight.
    The original issue of this [Canadian] AD mandated the 
performance of an operational test of the FCU back-up modules using 
the proper AMM task instructions [and repair if necessary].
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is to correct the model number 
designation in the Applicability section.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
8177.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information. This service 
information describes procedures for doing an operational test of the 
FCU back-up modules.
     Bombardier Global 5000, BD-700 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-48, dated October 5, 2015.
     Bombardier Global 5000, GL 5000 FEATURING GLOBAL VISION 
FLIGHT DECK--Aircraft Maintenance Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision 
No. 27-24, dated October 5, 2015.
     Bombardier Global 6000, GL 6000 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-24, dated October 5, 2015.
     Bombardier Global Express, BD-700 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-78, dated October 5, 2015.
     Bombardier Global Express XRS, BD-700 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-47, dated October 5, 2015.
    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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    The MCAI specifies accomplishing an operational test of the FCU 
back-up modules, but does not specify a corrective action if the test 
is failed. If any FCU fails any operational test, this proposed AD 
would require repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or

[[Page 45999]]

Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours 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 $19,380, or $255 
per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this NPRM.

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-2016-8177; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-129-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 29, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
9002 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing 
instruction in a certain task in the aircraft maintenance manual 
(AMM) will not accomplish the intent of a certification maintenance 
requirement (CMR). This CMR task tests the pitch feel (PF) and 
rudder travel limiter actuator (RTLA) back-up modules in the flight 
control unit (FCU) to detect dormant failures. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct a dormant failure of both FCU back-up 
modules. This condition, in combination with other failures in the 
FCU, may result in the inability to maintain the minimum control 
requirements for the PF and RTLA, which could create hazardous 
flight control inputs during flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) FCU Operational Test

    (1) For airplanes with an FCU that has accumulated 3,000 total 
flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 15 
months or 700 hours flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD, do an operational test of the FCU back-up 
modules, in accordance with the applicable service information 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with an FCU that has accumulated less than 
3,000 hours total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD, 
and on which an operational test has been accomplished as specified 
in AMM Task 27-61-05-710-801 prior to the applicable AMM revisions 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 15 months or 700 hours 
flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of 
this AD, do an operational test of the FCU back-up modules, in 
accordance with the applicable service information specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes with an FCU that has accumulated less than 
3,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD, and on 
which an operational test has not been accomplished as specified in 
AMM task 27-61-05-710-801: Before the FCU accumulates 3,000 total 
flight hours, perform an operational test of the FCU back-up 
modules, in accordance with the applicable service information 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Service Information for Accomplishing Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD in 
accordance with the applicable service information specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(5) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Global 5000, BD-700 Aircraft Maintenance Manual--
Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-48, dated October 5, 2015.
    (2) Bombardier Global 5000 FEATURING GLOBAL VISION FLIGHT DECK, 
GL 5000 Aircraft Maintenance Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 
27-24, dated October 5, 2015.
    (3) Bombardier Global 6000, GL 6000 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-24, dated October 5, 
2015.
    (4) Bombardier Global Express, BD-700 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-78, dated October 5, 
2015.
    (5) Bombardier Global Express ERS, BD0700 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual--Part II, Temporary Revision No. 27-47, dated October 5, 
2015.

(i) AMM Revisions Referred to in Paragraph (g)(2) of This AD

    The following AMM revisions are used to comply with paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes: Use the AMM revision 
specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii), as applicable.
    (i) Bombardier Global Express GL700 AMM--Part II, Revision 61, 
dated March 3, 2014.
    (ii) Bombardier Global Express GL XRS AMM--Part II, Revision 39, 
dated March 3, 2014.
    (iii) Bombardier Global Express GL 6000 AMM--Part II, Revision 
9, dated March 3, 2014.
    (2) For Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes: Use Bombardier Global 
Express GL 5000 AMM--Part II, Revision 42, dated March 3, 2014; or

[[Page 46000]]

GL 5000 GVFD AMM--Part II, Revision 9, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable.

(j) Corrective Action

    If any FCU fails any operational test required by this AD: 
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).

(k) 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 TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved 
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-06R1, dated April 
22, 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-2016-8177.
    (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 July 8, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16731 Filed 7-14-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P