[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40703-40708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17622]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0710; Product Identifier 2018-NM-079-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 BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by in-service findings that a cotter pin 
at the main fitting joint of the nose landing gear (NLG) retraction 
actuator to the NLG strut showed evidence of shearing after a NLG 
retraction-extension cycling. This proposed AD would require revising 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, a general visual 
inspection for damage of a certain cotter pin present on certain 
configurations of the NLG strut assembly and for the modification 
number shown on the identification plate for the NLG strut, and 
modification of the NLG retraction actuator hardware on any damaged NLG 
strut assembly. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 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; 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.

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-
0710; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (phone: 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; email [email protected].

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-2018-0710; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-079-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 because 
of 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 AD CF-2018-05, dated January 
23, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-
1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There have been in-service findings whereby the cotter pin at 
the retraction actuator to nose landing gear (NLG) strut main 
fitting was observed to be damaged after a NLG retraction-extension 
cycling. This condition could lead to a loss of hardware and result 
in an actuator disconnect resulting in a failure to retract or 
extend, or in an undamped freefall of the NLG [which could adversely 
affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing].
    This AD mandates a revision to the approved maintenance 
schedule. This AD also mandates a visual inspection of the cotter 
pin for certain configurations of NLG strut assembly, and if found 
damaged, the incorporation of a modification which introduces a new 
castellated nut, spacer, end plate and sleeve to the NLG retraction 
actuator to main fitting joint.


[[Page 40704]]


    The required actions also include a prohibition on accomplishing 
Liebherr-Aerospace Service Bulletin 1285A-32-07 at any revision level 
on the NLG strut assemblies of any Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 
or BD-700-1A11 airplane in order to prevent the installation of the 
affected configuration of the NLG strut assembly. 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-2018-0710.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for a general visual inspection for damage of the 
cotter pin retaining the bolt that secures the main fitting joint of 
the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut and for the modification 
number shown on the identification plate for the NLG strut, and 
modifying the attachment hardware that secures the NLG retraction 
actuator to the NLG strut. These documents are distinct since they 
apply to different airplane models in different configurations.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-022, Revision 2, 
dated November 6, 2017.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-035, Revision 2, dated 
November 6, 2017.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5011, Revision 2, dated 
November 6, 2017.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6011, Revision 2, dated 
November 6, 2017.
    Bombardier has issued the following service information, which 
identifies airworthiness limitation tasks for restoration of the main 
fitting joint of the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models in 
different configurations.
     Task 32-33-01-111 of Bombardier Global 5000 BD-700 Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks, Revision 19, dated November 13, 2017, for 
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes.
     Task 32-33-01-111 of Bombardier Global 5000 GL 5000 
Featuring Global Vision Flight Deck--Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, 
Revision 9, dated November 13, 2017, for Bombardier Model BD-700-1A11 
airplanes.
     Task 32-33-01-111 of Bombardier Global Express BD-700 Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks, Revision 28, dated November 13, 2017, for 
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
     Task 32-33-01-111 of Bombardier Global Express XRS BD-700 
Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, Revision 15, dated November 13, 2017, 
for Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
     Task 32-33-01-111 of Bombardier Global 6000 GL 6000 Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks, Revision 9, dated November 13, 2017, for 
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
    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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.
    This proposed AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with 
these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have 
been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed 
by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the 
actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 
14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative 
method of compliance according to paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD. 
The request should include a description of changes to the required 
actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected 
structure.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Explanation of Service Bulletin Effectivity

    Where Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-022 erroneously 
specifies ``BD-700-1A10 aircraft'' in paragraph 1.A, ``Effectivity,'' 
the effectivity should be Bombardier, Inc., Model ``BD-700-1A11 
airplanes'' instead.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 60 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...........................              $0             $340          $20,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
    We estimate the following costs to do the necessary on-condition 
action that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
                   Labor cost                     Parts cost    product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85................    $10,487     $10,572
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected

[[Page 40705]]

individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our cost 
estimate.

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-2018-0710; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-079-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
9002 through 9638 inclusive and 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by in-service findings that a cotter pin at 
the main fitting joint of the nose landing gear (NLG) retraction 
actuator to the NLG strut showed evidence of shearing after a NLG 
retraction-extension cycling. We are issuing this AD to address this 
condition which could lead to a loss of hardware and result in an 
actuator disconnect and the NLG failing to retract or extend, or in 
an undamped freefall, which could adversely affect the airplane's 
continued safe flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) Task 32-33-
01-111, ``Restoration of the Nose Landing Gear Shock-Strut Assembly 
to Retraction-Actuator Main-Fitting Joint,'' as specified in the 
applicable time limits/maintenance checks (TLMC) manual identified 
in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, as applicable. The initial 
compliance time for doing the task is at the time specified in the 
applicable TLMC manual listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
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[[Page 40706]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16AU18.000

(h) Inspection and Modification

    (1) Except for airplanes identified in paragraph (h)(2) of this 
AD: Within 6 months from the effective date of this AD, perform a 
general visual inspection for damage of the cotter pin retaining the 
bolt that secures the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut, and 
a general visual inspection of the modification number shown on the 
identification plate for the NLG strut, and, if applicable, mark the 
correct modification number on the identification plate of the NLG 
strut, in accordance with the applicable Bombardier service 
information as shown in figure 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD. If 
damage to the cotter pin is present: Before further flight, perform 
the modification of the NLG attachment joint in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Bombardier service 
information as shown in figure 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) The actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD are not 
required for airplanes that do not have the NLG configuration 
specified in Paragraph 1.A, ``Effectivity'' of the applicable 
Bombardier service information as shown in figure 2 to paragraph (h) 
of this AD.

[[Page 40707]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16AU18.001

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals, may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of 
this AD.

(j) 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 
figure 3 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16AU18.002

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    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(viii) of this AD, 
provided that it can be confirmed that at least 25 NLG extension-
retraction cycles had been completed on the NLG at the time of 
completion of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through 
(j)(2)(viii) of this AD; and provided neither the NLG nor the NLG 
retract actuator has been replaced or modified since the completion 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
information specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(viii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-022, dated May 13, 
2015.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-022, Revision 1, 
dated August 26, 2015.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-035, dated May 13, 
2015.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-035, Revision 1, dated 
August 26, 2015.
    (v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5011, dated May 13, 2015.
    (vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5011, Revision 1, dated 
August 26, 2015.
    (vii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6011, dated May 13, 
2015.
    (viii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6011, Revision 1, 
dated August 26, 2015.

(k) Service Information Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may incorporate 
Liebherr-Aerospace Service Bulletin 1285A-32-07 at any revision 
level on the NLG strut assemblies of any Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-
700-1A10 or BD-700-1A11 airplane.

(l) 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

[[Page 40708]]

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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-05, dated January 23, 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-2018-0710.
    (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; email [email protected].
    (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; 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 August 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17622 Filed 8-15-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P