[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 165 (Monday, August 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40690-40692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17588]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0481; Product Identifier 2016-NM-196-AD; Amendment 
39-19003; AD 2017-17-13]
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 
reports of low clearance in the aft equipment bay between auxiliary 
power unit (APU) generator power cables and a hydraulic line, which can 
cause damage to wire insulation. This AD requires an inspection of the 
APU generator power cables and the adjacent hydraulic line for damage, 
and repair, if necessary; and modification of the APU generator power 
cable installation. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 2, 
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 Standards Branch, 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-
0481.

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-
0481; 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 Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 
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 May 19, 2017 (82 FR 22913) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of low clearance in the aft equipment bay between APU generator 
power cables and a hydraulic line, which can cause damage to wire 
insulation. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the APU 
generator power cables and the adjacent hydraulic line for damage, and 
repair, if necessary; and modification of the APU

[[Page 40691]]

generator power cable installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
electrical arcing from power cables, which could cause a fire in the 
aft equipment bay.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2016-28, dated September 15, 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:

    Low clearance between the APU generator power cables and a 
hydraulic return line was found in the Aft Equipment Bay (AEB) on 
some aeroplanes in service. Absence of clearance can cause damage to 
the insulation of the wire, which can lead to a fault in the APU 
electrical system or arcing with the metallic hydraulic return line 
and could cause a fire in the AEB.
    This [Canadian] AD is issued to mandate an [general visual] 
inspection [for damage] of the APU generator power cables and the 
hydraulic return line, [and repair, if necessary] and a modification 
of the clamp arrangement to give sufficient clearance between the 
power cables and the hydraulic return line.

    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-
0481.

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 100-24-28, dated July 27, 
2016; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-003, dated July 27, 2016. 
This service information describes procedures for the inspection of the 
APU generator power cables and adjacent hydraulic line for damage, and 
repair, if necessary; and modification of the APU generator power cable 
installation. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane configurations. 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 162 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect and modify cables.............  1 work-hour x $85 per              (\1\)             $85         $13,770
                                         hour = $85.
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\1\ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the parts cost
  associated with the modification specified in this AD.

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                           Labor cost             Parts cost         Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair...............................  Up to 5 work-hours x $85 per            (\1\)  Up to $425.
                                        hour = Up to $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the parts cost
  associated with the repair specified in this AD.

    According to the manufacturer, all 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 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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,

[[Page 40692]]

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):

2017-17-13 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19003; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0481; Product Identifier 2016-NM-196-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 2, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 20003 
through 20635 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of low clearance in the aft 
equipment bay between auxiliary power unit (APU) generator power 
cables and a hydraulic line, which can cause damage to wire 
insulation. We are issuing this AD to prevent electrical arcing from 
power cables, which could cause a fire in the aft equipment bay.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of APU Generator Power Cables and Hydraulic Line, 
Repairs, and Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 20003 through 20500 
inclusive: Do a general visual inspection of the APU generator power 
cables and the adjacent hydraulic line for damage, and do all 
applicable repairs; and modify the APU generator power cable 
installation; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-28, dated July 27, 2016, except 
as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable repairs 
before further flight.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 20501 through 20635 
inclusive: Do a general visual inspection of the APU generator power 
cables and the adjacent hydraulic line for damage, and do all 
applicable repairs; and modify the APU generator power cable 
installation; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-003, dated July 27, 2016, except 
as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable repairs 
before further flight.

(h) Exception to the Service Information

    Where Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-28, dated July 27, 
2016; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-003, dated July 27, 
2016, specify to contact the manufacturer for repair, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO).

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, 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 certification 
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 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 
Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2016-28, dated September 
15, 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-2017-0481.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Assata 
Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7301; fax 516-794-5531.

(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 100-24-28, dated July 27, 2016.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-003, dated July 27, 
2016.
    (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 
Standards Branch, 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 August 9, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-17588 Filed 8-25-17; 8:45 am]
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