[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 221 (Friday, November 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54304-54306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24814]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1025; Product Identifier 2017-NM-137-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-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several incidents of 
electrical shorting and sparks caused by de-icing fluid leaks between 
flight deck windshields and side windows. This proposed AD would 
require water spray tests and general visual inspections for water in 
the flight compartment, and water removal and sealant application if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.

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; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-
free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; 
fax 514-855-7401; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. 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.

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-
1025; 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 NPRM, 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: Steven Dzierzynski, Aerospace 
Engineer, Avionics and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7367; 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-2017-1025; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-137-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2017-28, dated August 23, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional 
Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several incidents of electrical shorting and sparks have been 
reported in the cockpit of CL-600-2C10 and CL-600-2D24 aeroplanes. 
De-icing fluid can leak between the windshields and side windows, 
leading to possible damage to the cockpit floodlight wires and 
electrical connections. If not corrected, this condition may result 
in a flight compartment fire.
    This [Canadian] AD is issued to mandate a water spray test and 
[general visual] inspection for evidence of fluid ingress into the 
flight compartment. It also provides mandatory instructions for 
sealant application if required.

    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-
1025.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-56-003, 
Revision A, dated April 13, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for doing water spray tests on the flight deck windows, 
doing general visual inspections for water in the flight compartment, 
removing water, and applying sealant to the flight deck windows. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business

[[Page 54305]]

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 543 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spray tests and inspections........  2 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $170         $92,310
                                      = $170.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary water removal 
and sealant application that would be required based on the results of 
the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need this water removal and sealant application:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water removal and sealant application......  4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.            $308            $648
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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 proposed 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 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-2017-1025; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-137-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 
700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10003 through 10342 
inclusive.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705) and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, 
serial numbers 15001 through 15367 inclusive.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19001 through 19041 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

[[Page 54306]]

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by several incidents of electrical shorting 
and sparks caused by de-icing fluid leaks between flight deck 
windshields and side windows. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct de-icing fluid entering the flight deck, which could damage 
the flight deck floodlight wires and electrical connections, and 
ultimately could lead to a fire in the flight compartment.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Left Flight Deck Windshield and Side Window Spray Test, Inspection, 
Water Removal and Sealant Application

    For airplanes on which a left flight deck windshield or a left 
flight deck side window was replaced as specified in Bombardier 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 56-11-01-400-801, Revision 
48, dated March 25, 2015, or any previous revision of that task; or 
Bombardier AMM task 56-12-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 
2015, or any previous revision of that task: At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, perform a water 
spray test and do a general visual inspection of the left flight 
deck windshield and left flight deck side window for evidence of 
water ingress into the flight deck, in accordance with Part A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-56-
003, Revision A, dated April 13, 2016. If water is found in the 
flight compartment: Before further flight, remove the water, and 
apply sealant on the left flight deck windows in accordance with 
Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-56-003, Revision A, dated April 13, 2016.
    (1) For airplanes on which Bombardier in-service ModSum 
IS67033110181 has not been incorporated: Within 2,500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which Bombardier in-service ModSum 
IS67033110181 has been incorporated: Within 6,600 flight hours after 
the effective date of this AD.

(h) Right Flight Deck Windshield and Side Window Spray Test, 
Inspection, Water Removal and Sealant Application

    For airplanes on which a right flight deck windshield or a right 
flight deck side window was replaced as specified in Bombardier AMM 
task 56-11-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 2015, or any 
previous revision of that task; or Bombardier AMM task 56-12-01-400-
801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 2015, or any previous revision of 
that task: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, perform a water spray test and do a general 
visual inspection of the right flight deck windshield and right 
flight deck side window for evidence of water ingress into the 
flight deck, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-56-003, Revision 
A, dated April 13, 2016. If water is found in the flight 
compartment: Before further flight, remove the water, and apply 
sealant on the right flight deck windows in accordance with Part D 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-56-003, Revision A, dated April 13, 2016.
    (1) For airplanes on which Bombardier in-service ModSum 
IS67033110181 has not been incorporated: Within 2,500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which Bombardier in-service ModSum 
IS67033110181 has been incorporated: Within 6,600 flight hours after 
the effective date of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) 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 service information specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1)(i), (i)(1)(ii), or (i)(1)(iii) of this AD; 
provided that the left flight deck side window or left flight deck 
windshield have not been subsequently replaced as specified in 
Bombardier AMM task 56-11-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 
2015, or any previous revision of that task; or Bombardier AMM task 
56-12-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 2015, or any previous 
revision of that task.
    (i) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-56-002, dated 
January 7, 2008.
    (ii) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-56-002, Revision 
A, dated February 26, 2008.
    (iii) Part A and Part C, as applicable, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-56-003, dated May 
28, 2015.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraphs (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), or (i)(2)(iii) of this AD; 
provided that the right flight deck side window or right flight deck 
windshield have not been subsequently replaced as specified in 
Bombardier AMM task 56-11-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 
2015, or any previous revision of that task; or Bombardier AMM task 
56-12-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 25, 2015, or any previous 
revision of that task.
    (i) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-56-002, dated 
January 7, 2008.
    (ii) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A670BA-56-002, Revision 
A, dated February 26, 2008.
    (iii) Part B and Part D, as applicable, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-56-003, dated May 
28, 2015.

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a left or right flight deck windshield as specified 
in Bombardier AMM task 56-11-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 
25, 2015, or any previous revision of that task.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a left or right flight deck side window as specified 
in Bombardier AMM task 56-12-01-400-801, Revision 48, dated March 
25, 2015, or any previous revision of that task.

(k) 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2017-28, dated August 23, 
2017, 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-2017-1025.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Steven 
Dzierzynski, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative 
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7367; fax 516-794-
5531.
    (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; Widebody Customer Response Center 
North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial 
telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 8, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24814 Filed 11-16-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P