[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21966-21968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09846]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0399; Product Identifier 2018-NM-008-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-17-
04, 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 2015-17-04 requires replacement of left and right fixed control rods 
and lever assemblies of the elevator control system. Since we issued AD 
2015-17-04, we have received a report indicating that certain revisions 
of the service information were missing instructions. This proposed AD 
would require a detailed visual inspection of the key washers and self-
locking nuts of the elevator control linkages and corrective actions 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 June 25, 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, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0399; 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: 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-2018-0399; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-008-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 2015-17-04, Amendment 39-18237 (80 FR 50556, August 
20, 2015) (``AD 2015-17-04''), 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. AD 2015-17-04 requires replacement of left and right 
fixed control rods and lever assemblies of the elevator control system. 
AD 2015-17-04 resulted from reports of a disconnect between the 
elevator lever and control rod. We issued AD 2015-17-04 to prevent a 
disconnect between the elevator lever and control rod, which could lead 
to uncommanded elevator movement of the associated control surface, a 
large difference between the position of the left and the right 
elevator control surfaces, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane and degradation of the structural integrity of the 
horizontal stabilizer.

Actions Since AD 2015-17-04 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-17-04, we have received a report indicating 
that certain revisions of the service information were missing 
instructions for proper installation of the key washers part number 
BA698-93726-3.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2014-44R1, dated 
October 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:

    During an engineering review of the Elevator Control system, it 
was discovered that a disconnect between the elevator lever and 
control rod could lead to an uncommanded elevator movement of the 
associated control surface. This uncommanded movement may cause a 
large difference between the position of the left and the right 
elevator control surface resulting in reduced controllability of the 
aeroplane and compromised structural integrity of the horizontal 
stabilizer.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the replacement of the existing 
elevator lever assemblies and control rods with newly designed ones, 
which will prevent a disconnect between the components of the 
elevator control system should a failure occur.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to require operators, 
* * * [regardless of previously accomplished actions], to perform

[[Page 21967]]

a detailed visual inspection for the correct installation of the tab 
key washers and to re-torque the nut(s) [and corrective actions that 
include bending one tab of the key washer on a flat surface of the 
self-locking nut] if the tab key washer(s) does not have one tab 
bent on a flat surface of the self-locking nut.

    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-2018-
0399.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued the following service information:
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision C, 
dated February 13, 2015. This service information describes procedures 
for replacing the elevator lever assemblies and control rods.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision E, 
dated June 8, 2017. This service information describes procedures for 
replacing the elevator lever assemblies and control rods, and a 
detailed visual inspection of the key washers and self-locking nuts of 
the elevator control linkages and corrective actions, which include 
bending the tab of the key washers and re-torqueing the self-locking 
nuts.
    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 549 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Replacement of fixed control rods and   14 work-hours x $85 per           $6,712          $7,902      $4,338,198
 lever assemblies (retained actions      hour = $1,190.
 from AD 2015-17-04).
Detailed visual inspection of the key   3 work-hours x $85 per                 0             255         139,995
 washers and self-locking nuts (new      hour = $255.
 proposed action).
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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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-17-04, Amendment 39-18237 (80 FR 50556, August 20, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0399; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-008-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 25, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-17-04, Amendment 39-18237 (80 FR 50556, 
August 20, 2015) (``AD 2015-17-04'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.

[[Page 21968]]

    (1) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 
700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10002 through 10337 
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 15298 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of a disconnect between the 
elevator lever and control rod and a report indicating that certain 
revisions of the service information were missing instructions for 
proper installation of the key washers part number BA698-93726-3. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent a disconnect between the elevator 
lever and control rod, which could lead to uncommanded elevator 
movement of the associated control surface, a large difference 
between the position of the left and the right elevator control 
surfaces, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane and 
degradation of the structural integrity of the horizontal 
stabilizer.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Replacement of Elevator Lever Assemblies and Control Rods, 
With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-17-04, with revised service information. Within 9,200 flight 
hours or 5 years, whichever occurs first, after September 24, 2015 
(the effective date of AD 2015-17-04): Replace the left and right 
fixed control rods and lever assemblies of the elevator control 
system with newly designed control rods and lever assemblies, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision C, dated February 13, 2015; 
or Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision E, dated June 
8, 2017. After the effective date of this AD, only Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision E, dated June 8, 2017, may 
be used.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Detailed Visual Inspection and 
Corrective Actions

    Within 8,800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
do a detailed visual inspection of the key washers and self-locking 
nuts of the elevator control linkages, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision 
E, dated June 8, 2017. Do all applicable corrective actions before 
further flight.

(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 Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
27-062, dated December 12, 2013; Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
27-062, Revision A, dated April 1, 2014; Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-27-062, Revision B, dated October 10, 2014; or Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision D, dated December 1, 2015. 
This service information is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (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) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD, provided those 
actions were done concurrently with Bombardier Service Non-
Incorporated Engineering Order (SNIEO) KBA670-93707 S02, dated July 
21, 2015.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, dated December 12, 
2013; Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision A, dated 
April 1, 2014; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision 
B, dated October 10, 2014. This service information is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-062, Revision C, dated 
February 13, 2015 (80 FR50556, August 20, 2015). This service 
information is incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (3) 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 Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
27-062, Revision D, dated December 1, 2015. This service information 
is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) 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 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.
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-17-04, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 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 
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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2014-44R1, dated October 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-2018-0399.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 1, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09846 Filed 5-10-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P