[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49156-49158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17538]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8435; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-049-AD; 
Amendment 39-18594; AD 2016-15-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports of operator inability to open the main 
passenger door following severe hot soak conditions. This AD requires 
the incorporation of a new configuration to the passenger door external 
handle detent to enhance the performance across the full range of the 
airplane operating temperatures. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
thermal expansion and permanent deformation at severe hot soak 
conditions, creating high friction between the spring pot housing and 
the slider that could result in inability to open the main passenger 
door and impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.

DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 31, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: 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-2015-
8435.

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-
8435; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar A. Gomez, 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 516-228-7318; fax 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on January 13, 2016 (81 FR 1584) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of operator inability to open the main 
passenger door following severe hot soak conditions. The NPRM proposed 
to require the incorporation of a new configuration to the passenger 
door external handle detent to enhance the performance across the full 
range of the airplane operating temperatures. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent thermal expansion and permanent deformation at severe hot soak 
conditions, creating high friction between the spring pot housing and 
the slider that could result in inability to open the main passenger 
door and impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-03, dated March 13, 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:

    There have been reports where operators experienced an inability 
to open the main passenger door following severe hot soak 
conditions.
    Investigation determined that the nylon slider in the plunger 
assembly of the door handle is susceptible to thermal expansion

[[Page 49157]]

and permanent deformation at severe hot soak conditions, creating 
high friction between the spring pot housing and the slider.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in an inability 
to open the main passenger door and could impede evacuation in the 
event of an emergency.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of a new 
configuration to the passenger door external handle detent to 
enhance the performance across the full range of the aeroplanes 
operating temperatures.

    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-
8435.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier issued the following service Information:
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-52-021, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-044, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 2015.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5008, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6008, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015.
    The service information describes procedures to incorporate a new 
configuration to the passenger door external handle detent. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 60 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this 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 AD on 
U.S. operators to be $20,400, or $340 per product.

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):

2016-15-03 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18594. Docket No. FAA-
2015-8435; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-049-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 31, 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 (S/Ns) 
9002 through 9515 inclusive and S/N 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of operator inability to open 
the main passenger door following severe hot soak conditions. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent thermal expansion and permanent 
deformation at severe hot soak conditions, creating high friction 
between the spring pot housing and the slider that could result in 
inability to open the main passenger door that could impede 
evacuation in the event of an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, 
incorporate the new configuration to the passenger door external 
handle detent, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(4) of this AD:
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-52-021, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes).
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-044, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes).
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5008, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes).
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6008, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 2015 (for Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes).

[[Page 49158]]

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the following service information, as 
applicable. This service information is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-52-021, dated November 
9, 2012.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-044, dated November 9, 
2012.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5008, dated November 9, 
2012.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6008, dated November 9, 
2012.

(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

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-03, dated March 26, 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-2015-8435.

(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 700-1A11-52-021, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-044, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 2015.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5008, Revision 01, 
dated February 3, 2015.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6008, Revision 01, dated 
February 3, 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 July 19, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-17538 Filed 7-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P