[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58874-58877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20378]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8847; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-020-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 CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two cases where 
the main landing gear (MLG) failed to fully extend; it was determined 
that interference between the MLG door and the MLG fairing seal 
prevented the MLG door from opening fully. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive detailed inspections of the MLG fairing, fairing 
seal, door, and adjacent structures; and replacement or repair of 
affected parts and fasteners, or removal of the door, if necessary. 
This proposed AD would also require installation of a safety guide in 
the MLG fairing and an increase of the spacing between the MLG door and 
the fairing, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct interference between the MLG 
door and the MLG fairing seal. Such interference could result in a MLG 
failing to fully extend, which could cause an unsafe asymmetric landing 
configuration.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 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: 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-
8847; 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: Fabio Buttitta, 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 516-228-7303; 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-2016-8847; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-020 -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

[[Page 58875]]

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-
2015-30, dated January 13, 2016 (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-
2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two cases of main landing gear (MLG) failure to fully extend 
have been reported on model CL-600-2C10/-2D15/-2D24 aeroplanes. 
Investigation determined that interference between the MLG door and 
the MLG fairing seal prevented the MLG door from opening.
    Although model CL-600-2E25 aeroplanes feature new MLG door 
design, similar interference between the MLG door and the MLG 
fairing seal could exist on aeroplanes listed in the Applicability 
section of this [Canadian] AD. An MLG failing to extend may result 
in an unsafe asymmetric landing configuration.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the repetitive inspection and 
rectification, as required, of the MLG fairing and seal, MLG door, 
and adjacent structures, until the mandatory terminating action is 
completed.

    The terminating action includes installation of a safety guide in 
the MLG fairing and an increase of the spacing between the MLG door and 
the fairing, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. 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-
8847.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-041, dated March 
28, 2013. The service information describes procedures for detailed 
inspections of the MLG fairing, fairing seal, door, and adjacent 
structures; replacement or repair of affected parts and fasteners and 
removal of the door. We have also reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-32-049, May 26, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for installation of a safety guide in the MLG fairing and an 
increase of the spacing between the MLG door and the fairing.
    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 these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 40 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Installation.......  50 work-hours x $85 per                $0           $4,250         $170,000
                                     hour = $4,250.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements/
removals that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. We have received no definitive data on the costs for the 
on-condition repairs that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements/removals/repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
            Action                   Labor cost              Parts cost             product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of damaged         6 work-hours x $85     $921 per seal...........  $1,431 per seal  $57,240 per
 fairing seal.                  per hour = $510 per                              replacement.     seal
                                seal replacement.                                                 replacement.
Removal of MLG door..........  3 work-hours x $85     $0......................  $255 per         $10,200 per
                                per hour = $255 per                              removal of MLG   removal of MLG
                                removal of MLG door.                             door.            door.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
            Action                   Labor cost              Parts cost             product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of MLG door.....  13 work-hours x $85    $0                                $1,105          $44,200
                                per hour = $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,

[[Page 58876]]

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-2016-8847; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-020-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 11, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional 
Jet Series 1000) airplanes, certificated in any category, serial 
numbers 19002 through 19041.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of two cases where the main 
landing gear (MLG) failed to fully extend; it was determined that 
interference between the MLG door and the MLG fairing seal prevented 
the MLG door from opening fully. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct interference between the MLG door and the MLG fairing 
seal. Such interference could result in a MLG failing to fully 
extend, which could cause an unsafe asymmetric landing 
configuration.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of MLG Fairing, Seal, Door, and Adjacent Structures

    Within 660 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
conduct a detailed inspection for damage to the MLG fairing, fairing 
seal, door, and adjunct structures, and for missing parts and 
fasteners, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-041, dated 
March 28, 2013. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 660 flight hours until the installation required by paragraph 
(m) of this AD is done.

(h) Replacement of MLG Fairing Seal or Door Removal

    If damage to the MLG fairing seal is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace 
the seal, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-041, dated 
March 28, 2013; or remove the door, in accordance with Part C of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
041, dated March 28, 2013.

(i) Repair of the MLG Door or Door Removal

    If damage to the MLG door is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 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); or remove the door, in accordance with Part C of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-32-041, dated March 28, 2013.

(j) Repair of the MLG Fairing

    If damage to the MLG fairing is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; 
or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO.

(k) Repair of the Adjacent Structure and Other Corrective Actions

    If damage to the adjacent structure is found or if any part or 
fastener is found missing or damaged during any inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Replace missing or damaged parts and fasteners, in 
accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instruction of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-041, dated March 28, 2013, 
except where Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-041, dated March 
28, 2013, specifies to contact Bombardier, before further flight, 
repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-
170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO.
    (2) Repair damaged structure using a method approved by the 
Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s 
TCCA DAO.

(l) Reinstallation of the MLG Inboard Door

    For any MLG inboard door that has been removed as specified in 
paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD: Reinstallation of the door, 
if accomplished, must be done in accordance with Part D of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
041, dated March 28, 2013. Before further flight after any 
reinstallation, the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
must be done and the inspection must be repeated thereafter at the 
times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD until the installation 
required by paragraph (m) of this AD is done.

(m) Installation of a Safety Guide on the MLG Fairing and Increase of 
Spacing Between MLG Door and Fairing

    Except as required by paragraph (n) of this AD: Within 6,600 
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD, install a safety guide on the MLG fairing 
and increase the spacing between the MLG door and the fairing, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-32-049, dated May 26, 2015. Accomplishment of 
these actions terminates the requirement of paragraph (g) of this 
AD.

(n) Provisions for Removed/Reinstalled Doors

    If the MLG door has been removed in accordance with Part C of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-32-041, dated March 28, 2013, the installation required by 
paragraph (m) of this AD may be delayed until the MLG door is 
reinstalled in accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD. When the 
removed MLG door is reinstalled, the installation required by 
paragraph (m) of this AD must be done at the time specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD or before further flight after 
reinstallation of the removed MLG door, whichever occurs later.

[[Page 58877]]

(o) Other FAA AD Provisions

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

(p) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-30, dated January 
13, 2016, 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-2016-8847.
    (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 August 18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20378 Filed 8-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P