[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25943-25946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11289]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0124; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-166-AD; 
Amendment 39-18911; AD 2017-11-12]
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-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
several reports of nose wheel steering failures in service. This AD 
requires a part verification and replacement of certain steering 
manifolds. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 11, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 25944]]

of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11, 2017.

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-2017-
0124.

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-2017-
0124; 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: 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:

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-100-1A10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on February 28, 2017 (82 FR 12071). The NPRM was prompted by several 
reports of nose wheel steering failures in service. The NPRM proposed 
to require a part verification and replacement of certain steering 
manifolds. We are issuing this AD to prevent moisture from entering the 
electrical stage of the electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV), which, in 
combination with a steering selector valve failure, could lead to 
uncommanded nose wheel steering, and a consequent runway excursion at 
high speed.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2016-24, dated August 19, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several cases of nose wheel steering failures have been reported 
in service. In one case, the aeroplane experienced uncommanded nose 
wheel steering, resulting in a runway excursion.
    Investigations found the presence of moisture inside the 
electrical stage of the electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV) unit, 
which resulted in low insulation resistance and corrosion. This 
condition, in combination with a steering selector valve failure, 
could result in uncommanded nose wheel steering, which could lead to 
a runway excursion at high speed.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the replacement of the steering 
manifold to provide better moisture ingress protection of the EHSV.

    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-2017-
0124.

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

    We reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, 
dated June 30, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
a one-time verification of the steering manifold part number and 
replacement of the steering manifold and mod plate. 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 161 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Action                      Labor cost                 Parts cost                   Cost per  product           Cost on U.S.  operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steering manifold part              1 work-hour x $85 per  $0............................  $85...........................  $13,685.
 verification.                       hour = $85.
Replacement of steering manifold..  Up to 4 work-hours x   Up to $18,522.................  Up to $18,862.................  Up to $3,036,7823.
                                     $85 per hour = $340.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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

[[Page 25945]]

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):

2017-11-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18911; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0124; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-166-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 11, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, dated June 30, 2015.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by several reports of nose wheel steering 
failures in service. We are issuing this AD to prevent moisture from 
entering the electrical stage of the electro-hydraulic servo valve 
(EHSV), which in combination with a steering selector valve failure, 
could lead to uncommanded nose wheel steering, and a consequent 
runway excursion at high speed.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Verification and Replacement of Steering Manifold

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, do a one-
time inspection to determine the part number of the steering 
manifold, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, dated June 30, 
2015.
    (1) If the airplane has steering manifold part number (P/N) 
40750-103, within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, 
write ``SB100-32-018'' on the nose landing gear (NLG) mod plate. If 
the mod plate is missing or full, within 48 months after the 
effective date of this AD, install a new plate, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-
32-25, Revision 01, dated June 30, 2015.
    (2) If the airplane has steering manifold P/N 40750-101, within 
48 months after the effective date of this AD, replace it in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, dated June 30, 2015, and 
write ``SB100-32-018'' on the NLG mod plate. If the mod plate is 
missing or full, within 48 months after the effective date of this 
AD, install a new plate, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, 
dated June 30, 2015.

(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 Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-25, dated 
September 24, 2014.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
steering manifold, P/N 40750-101, on the NLG assembly of any 
airplane.

(j) 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 manager of 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.
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2016-24, dated August 19, 
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-2017-0124.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Assata 
Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-
172, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7301; fax 516-794-5531.
    (3) 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 Service Bulletin 100-32-25, Revision 01, dated 
June 30, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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

[[Page 25946]]

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 23, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11289 Filed 6-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P