[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25882-25885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11414]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1246; Product Identifier 2017-NM-086-AD; Amendment 
39-19297; AD 2018-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-02-01, 
which applied 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 required 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. This AD 
requires 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 AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was 
prompted by reports that when installing the RTL return springs, the 
RTL limiter arm assembly lug(s) can become deformed. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 10, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 10, 
2018.

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; 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. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-1246.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The 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: 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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2014-02-01, Amendment 39-17729 (79 FR 7382, 
February 7, 2014) (``AD 2014-02-01''). AD 2014-02-01 applied 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. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on January 16, 2018 (83 FR 2090). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports that when installing RTL return spring part number 
BA-670-93468-1, the RTL limiter arm assembly lug(s) can become deformed 
when the RTL return spring attachment bolt is torqued; and the 
determination that additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe 
condition. The NPRM proposed to 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

[[Page 25883]]

actions. The NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent deformed RTL limiter arm assembly 
lug(s), which can lead to failure of the RTL limiter arm assembly 
lug(s). In combination with failure of the RTL, failure of the RTL 
limiter arm assembly lug(s) could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane.
    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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Air Line Pilots 
Association, International supported the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, 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

    Bombardier has issued Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-070, 
Revision B, dated March 31, 2017. This 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 544 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,360........................          $2,960           $4,320       $2,350,080
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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 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);

[[Page 25884]]

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

2018-11-09 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19297; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1246; Product Identifier 2017-NM-086-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 10, 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(s) can become deformed. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
deformed RTL limiter arm assembly lug(s), which can lead to failure 
of the RTL limiter arm assembly lug(s). In combination with failure 
of the RTL, failure of the RTL limiter arm assembly lug(s) 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

    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.

(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) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(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 670BA-27-070, Revision B, dated 
March 31, 2017.
    (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; 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.
    (4) 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.
    (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.


[[Page 25885]]


    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 18, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11414 Filed 6-4-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P