[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31705-31708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14506]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0587; Product Identifier 2018-NM-054-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22-
10, which applies to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 
(Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet 
Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. AD 2012-22-10 requires repetitive inspections to determine 
that cotter pins are installed at affected wing-to-fuselage attachment 
joints and replacement if necessary. Since we issued AD 2012-22-10, we 
determined that additional nuts of the forward keel beam attachment 
joint should be inspected, and that repetitive inspections of certain 
wing-to-fuselage attachment joints are not necessary. This proposed AD 
would retain the initial inspection of the wing-to-fuselage attachment 
joints, and remove the repetitive inspections of all but the forward 
keel beam attachment joint. This proposed AD would also change the 
repetitive inspection interval for the forward keel beam attachment 
joint. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 23, 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 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, 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-
0587; 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7329; 
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-2018-0587; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-054-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 2012-22-10, Amendment 39-17246 (77 FR 67267, November 
9, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-10''), for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-
600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701,

[[Page 31706]]

& 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) 
airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and 
Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. AD 2012-22-10 
requires repetitive inspections to determine that cotter pins are 
installed at affected wing-to-fuselage attachment joints and 
replacement if necessary. AD 2012-22-10 resulted from a report that 
certain wing-to-fuselage attachment nuts do not conform to the 
certification design requirements for dual locking features. We issued 
AD 2012-22-10 to prevent loss of wing-to-fuselage attachment joints, 
which could result in the loss of the wing.

Actions Since AD 2012-22-10 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-22-10, we determined that additional nuts 
of the forward keel beam attachment joint should be inspected, and that 
repetitive inspections of certain wing-to-fuselage attachment joints 
are not necessary.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD CF-2012-10R1, dated January 
22, 2018 (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) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes, and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. 
The MCAI states:

    The manufacturer has determined that wing-to-fuselage attachment 
nuts, part number (P/N) SH670-35635-1, SH670-35440-951, SH670-35440-
3, SH670-35635-1, and 95136D-2412, installed at six attachment joint 
locations, do not conform to the certification design requirements 
for dual locking features. The nuts are not of the self-locking type 
as required and do not provide the frictional thread interference 
required to prevent the nut from backing off the bolt. As a result, 
only a single locking device, the cotter pin, is provided at these 
critical joints. In the case where a nut becomes loose, in 
combination with a missing or broken cotter pin, the attachment bolt 
at the wing-to-fuselage joint could migrate and fall out. Loss of 
two attachment joints could potentially result in the loss of the 
wing.
    The original version of this [Canadian] AD [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2012-22-10] mandated initial and repeat detailed visual 
inspections (DVIs) of each affected wing-to-fuselage attachment 
joint to ensure that a cotter pin was installed.
    Design review and analysis of the inspection findings since the 
original issue of this [Canadian] AD have led us to determine that 
additional nuts at the forward keel beam joint should also be 
included in the inspection and that the repetitive inspection of 
some wing-to-fuselage attachment joints is not required. This 
[Canadian] AD maintains the initial inspection requirements [for 
missing or failed (. . .) cotter pins] for six attachment joint 
locations, and removes the repetitive inspection requirements for 
all but the forward keel beam attachment joint. This [Canadian] AD 
also requires a different repetitive inspection interval, and the 
[Canadian] AD applicability has been changed for the initial 
inspection to account for changes made in production.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, Revision 
B, dated October 20, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for detailed inspections of the wing-to-fuselage attachment 
joints, and of the attachment nuts at the forward keel beam attachment 
joint for missing or failed cotter pins. 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 design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 274 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 work-hours x $85 per hour = $935..........................            $100           $1,035         $283,590
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that may need 
these actions.

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.

[[Page 31707]]

    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) 
2012-22-10, Amendment 39-17246 (77 FR 67267, November 9, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0587; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-054-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-22-10, Amendment 39-17246 (77 FR 67267, 
November 9, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-10'').

(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 10002 and subsequent.
    (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 and subsequent.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain wing-to-fuselage 
attachment nuts do not conform to the certification design 
requirements for dual locking features, and a determination that 
additional nuts of the forward keel beam attachment joint should be 
inspected, and that repetitive inspections of certain wing-to-
fuselage attachment joints are not necessary. We are issuing this AD 
to address loss of the wing-to-fuselage attachment joints, which 
could result in loss of the wing, and consequent reduced, or 
complete loss of, controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Initial Inspection of the Wing-to-Fuselage Attachment Joint

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD: Within 3,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever 
occurs first after December 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-
22-10), perform a detailed inspection for missing or failed cotter 
pins at each affected wing-to-fuselage attachment joint, in 
accordance with Part A through Part C of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, Revision 
B, dated October 20, 2017.
    (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 15299 inclusive.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19001 through 19037 inclusive.

(h) Initial and Repetitive Inspections of the Attachment Nuts at the 
Forward Keel Beam Attachment Joint

    Within the compliance time specified in figure 1 to paragraph 
(h) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the attachment nuts 
at the forward keel beam attachment joint for missing or failed 
cotter pins, in accordance with Part D of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, Revision 
B, dated October 20, 2017. Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 8,800 flight hours, in accordance with Part 
E of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-53-042, Revision B, dated October 20, 2017.

[[Page 31708]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09JY18.003

(i) Corrective Action

    If any cotter pin is found missing or failed during any 
inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
cotter pin 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) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the initial inspections 
required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if the inspection was 
performed before the effective date of this AD, using Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, dated December 21, 2011; or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, Revision A, dated April 
27, 2012.
    (2) For Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes, S/Ns 10002 through 10337 
inclusive: This paragraph provides credit for the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if the inspection was 
performed before the effective date of this AD, using Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, dated December 21, 2011; or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-53-042, Revision A, dated April 
27, 2012.

(k) 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, New York 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 2012-22-10, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions in paragraphs (g) and (h) 
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 TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA 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 AD CF-2012-10R1, dated January 22, 2018, 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-2018-0587.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7329; 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 514-855-5000; 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 June 27, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14506 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P