[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2090-2092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00340]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1246; Product Identifier 2017-NM-086-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-02-
01, which applies to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705), and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. 
AD 2014-02-01 requires repetitive inspections of the rudder travel 
limiter (RTL) return springs and primary actuator, and corrective 
actions if necessary; and replacement of certain RTL return springs. 
Since we issued AD 2014-02-01, we received reports that when installing 
the RTL return springs, the RTL limiter arm assembly lug can become 
deformed. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the RTL 
return springs for signs of chafing; an inspection of the casing of the 
primary actuator for signs of chafing or missing paint; replacement of 
the RTL return springs; and an inspection of the lugs of the RTL 
limiter arm assembly for cracks, and modification or replacement, as 
applicable; and applicable corrective actions. This proposed AD would 
also add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 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 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.

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-
1246; 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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7318; 
fax: 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1246; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-086-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 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

    We issued AD 2014-02-01, Amendment 39-17729 (79 FR 7382, February 
7, 2014) (``AD 2014-02-01''), for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-

[[Page 2091]]

600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), Model CL-600-2D15 
(Regional Jet Series 705), and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 
900) airplanes. AD 2014-02-01 was prompted by reports of failure of the 
RTL return spring. AD 2014-02-01 requires repetitive inspections of the 
RTL return springs and primary actuator, and corrective actions if 
necessary; and replacement of certain RTL return springs, including 
related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. We issued 
AD 2014-02-01 to prevent failure of the RTL, which would permit an 
increase of rudder authority beyond normal structural limits and 
consequently affect the controllability of the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2014-02-01, we received reports that when 
installing RTL return spring part number BA670-93468-1, the RTL limiter 
arm assembly lugs can become deformed when the RTL return spring 
attachment bolt is torqued. We have also determined that additional 
airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-19, dated June 6, 
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), Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and Model CL-
600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Transport Canada AD CF-2010-18R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2014-02-01] mandated a repetitive inspection and introduced a new 
rudder travel limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N) BA670-
93468-1, to correct the potential dormant RTL spring failure. This 
[Canadian] AD is issued to supersede the repetitive inspection and 
the replacement of the RTL spring due to discoveries made after the 
issuance of [Canadian] AD CF-2010-18R1.
    When installing the RTL return spring P/N BA670-93468-1 as 
mandated by [Canadian] AD CF-2010-18R1, it was found that it is 
possible for the RTL limiter arm assembly lug to be deformed. The 
lugs become bent when the RTL return spring attachment bolt is 
torqued. This condition, if not corrected, can lead to failure of 
the limiter arm assembly lug. In combination with failure of the 
RTL, failure of the limiter arm assembly lug could affect the 
controllability of the aeroplane.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection for cracked RTL 
limiter arm lugs and modification of the RTL limiter arm to prevent 
the RTL limiter arm lugs from bending during RTL assembly.

    Required actions include: A detailed visual inspection of the RTL 
return springs for signs of chafing; a detailed visual inspection of 
the casing of the primary actuator for signs of chafing or missing 
paint; replacement of the RTL return springs; an eddy current 
inspection of the lugs of the RTL limiter arm assembly for cracks, and 
modification or replacement of the RTL limiter arm assembly, as 
applicable; and applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions 
include: replacement of the RTL return springs, repair of the primer 
and topcoat of the primary actuator, and replacement of the primary 
actuator. 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-2017-1246.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-
070, Revision B, dated March 31, 2017. The service information 
describes procedures for an inspection of the RTL return springs for 
signs of chafing; an inspection of the casing of the primary actuator 
for signs of chafing or missing paint; replacement of the RTL return 
springs; and an inspection of the lugs of the RTL limiter arm assembly 
for cracks, and modification or replacement, as applicable; and 
applicable corrective actions. 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 544 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate that it would take about 16 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $2,960 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $2,350,080, or $4,320 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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 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

[[Page 2092]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-02-01, Amendment 39-17729 (79 FR 7382, February 7, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2017-1246; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-086-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-02-01, Amendment 39-17729 (79 FR 7382, 
February 7, 2014) (``AD 2014-02-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 
700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial number 10002 through 10344 
inclusive.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705) airplanes and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes, serial numbers 15001 through 15397 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that when installing the rudder 
travel limiter (RTL) return springs, the RTL limiter arm assembly 
lug can become deformed. We are issuing this AD to prevent deformed 
RTL limiter arm assembly lugs, which can lead to failure of the 
limiter arm assembly lug. In combination with failure of the RTL, 
failure of the limiter arm assembly lug could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections, Modification, and Replacement

    (1) For airplanes equipped with RTL return spring part number 
BA-670-93465-1 or E0650-069-02750S: Within 800 flight hours or 4 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, 
do a detailed visual inspection of the casing of the primary 
actuator for signs of chafing or missing paint, and all applicable 
corrective actions; replace the RTL return springs; and do an eddy 
current inspection of the lugs of the RTL limiter arm assembly for 
cracks, and modify or replace the RTL limiter arm assembly, as 
applicable; in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-070, Revision 
B, dated March 31, 2017. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059 does not meet the 
requirements of this paragraph.
    (2) For airplanes equipped with RTL return spring part number 
BA-670-93468-1: Within 8,000 flight hours after the effective date 
of this AD, do a detailed visual inspection of the RTL return 
springs for signs of chafing, and applicable corrective actions; a 
detailed visual inspection of the casing of the primary actuator for 
signs of chafing or missing paint, and all applicable corrective 
actions; and do an eddy current inspection of the lugs of the RTL 
limiter arm assembly for cracks, and modify or replace the RTL 
limiter arm assembly, as applicable; in accordance with Part B of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-27-070, Revision B, dated March 31, 2017. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059 
does not meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(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 service information specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-070, dated December 17, 
2015.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-070, Revision A, dated 
September 01, 2016.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 ACO, 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. 
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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-19, dated June 6, 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-2017-1246.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Cesar Gomez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone: 516-228-7318; 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 December 28, 2017.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-00340 Filed 1-12-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P