[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 200 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52137-52140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22136]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0587; Product Identifier 2018-NM-054-AD; Amendment 
39-19451; AD 2018-20-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22-10, 
which applied 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 required repetitive inspections to determine that cotter 
pins are installed at affected wing-to-fuselage attachment joints and 
replacement if necessary. This AD retains the initial inspection of the 
wing-to-fuselage attachment joints, and removes the repetitive 
inspections of all but the forward keel beam attachment joint. This AD 
also changes the repetitive inspection interval for the forward keel 
beam attachment joint. This AD was prompted by 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 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 20, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 20, 
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 
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. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0587.

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 Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other

[[Page 52138]]

information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7330; 
fax 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-22-10, Amendment 39-17246 (77 FR 67267, 
November 9, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-10''). AD 2012-22-10 applied 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. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on July 9, 2018 (83 FR 31705). The NPRM was 
prompted by 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. The NPRM proposed to 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. The NPRM 
also proposed to change the repetitive inspection interval for the 
forward keel beam attachment joint. 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.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has 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.

    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-
0587.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Air Line 
Pilots Association, International (ALPA) reviewed and expressed support 
for the NPRM.

Clarification of Credit Paragraph

    We have removed paragraph (j)(2) of the proposed AD and 
redesignated paragraph (j)(1) of the proposed AD as paragraph (j) of 
this AD because the airplanes identified in paragraph (j)(2) of the 
proposed AD are included in paragraph (j)(1) of the proposed AD. We 
have also clarified in paragraph (j) of this AD that any previous 
inspection done using earlier revisions of the service information is 
acceptable.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 274 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 work-hours x $85 per hour = $935..........................            $100           $1,035         $283,590
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 52139]]

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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 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 and 
associated appliances 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);
    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) 
2012-22-10, Amendment 39-17246 (77 FR 67267, November 9, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-20-17 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19451; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0587; Product Identifier 2018-NM-054-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 20, 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 52140]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16OC18.000

(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

    This paragraph provides credit for the 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.

(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 Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7330; 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 (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(m) 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-53-042, Revision B, dated 
October 20, 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 514-855-5000; 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 25, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-22136 Filed 10-15-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P