[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 189 (Tuesday, September 29, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60900-60904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21411]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0206; Product Identifier 2019-NM-202-AD; Amendment 
39-21220; AD 2020-17-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), 
CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional 
Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain 
airplanes have outdated magnetic variation (MV) tables inside 
navigation systems. This AD requires revising the existing airplane 
flight manual (AFM) to update the Flight Management System (FMS), 
Inertial Reference System (IRS), and Attitude and Heading Reference 
System (AHRS) limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 3, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact MHI RJ Aviation ULC, 12655 Henri-Fabre Blvd., Mirabel, 
Qu[eacute]bec J7N 1E1 Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North 
America toll-free telephone +1-844-272-2720 or direct-dial telephone 
+1-514-855-8500; fax +1-514-855-8501; email [email protected]; internet 
https://mhirj.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0206.

[[Page 60901]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0206; 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, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations 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: Siddeeq Bacchus, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7362; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2019-40, dated November 
1, 2019 (``Canadian AD CF-2019-40'') (also referred to as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC (type certificate 
previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet 
Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), 
CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional 
Jet Series 1000) airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0206.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all MHI RJ Aviation ULC 
Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 
550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet 
Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2020 (85 FR 17036). 
The NPRM was prompted by a determination that certain airplanes have 
outdated MV tables inside navigation systems. The NPRM proposed to 
require revising the existing AFM to update the FMS, IRS, and AHRS 
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address outdated MV tables 
inside navigation systems, which can affect the performance of the 
navigation systems and result in the presentation of misleading 
magnetic heading references on the Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and 
Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), positioning the airplane outside of the 
terrain and obstacle protection provided by instrument flight 
procedures and flight route designs (e.g., outdated MV tables can lead 
to significantly inaccurate heading, course, and bearing calculations). 
See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Airline Pilots Association, International stated its support 
for the NPRM.

Request To Refer to the Latest Service Information

    Bombardier requested that the FAA refer to the latest service 
information in the NPRM. Bombardier noted that the proposed rule does 
not refer to the latest AFM revisions, but acknowledged that the 
proposed rule does refer to the AFM revisions that introduced changes 
to the MV tables in the limitations sections of the AFMs. Bombardier 
listed the current AFM revisions as of the time the comment was 
submitted.
    The FAA does not agree. This AD does not directly mandate 
incorporating a specific revision level of the corresponding AFMs, but 
does require incorporating the information provided in the referenced 
AFM revisions in paragraph (g) of this AD. The language in paragraph 
(g) of this AD is designed to allow the incorporation of this 
information to be accomplished independent of the revision level of the 
AFM, under the condition that the incorporated information is identical 
to the information that is provided in the referenced AFM revisions 
specific in paragraph (g) of this AD. The FAA notes that when this 
comment was submitted, the information provided by the revisions of the 
AFMs listed by the commenter was identical to the information provided 
in the referenced AFM revisions in paragraph (g) of this AD. The FAA 
has not changed the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for updating, among other systems, the FMS, IRS, 
and AHRS. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models.
     Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2B19 Airplane Flight Manual, CSP A-012, Volume 1, Revision 71A, dated 
April 26, 2019.
     Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2C10 (Series 700, 701, 702) Airplane Flight Manual, CSP B-012, Revision 
26, dated March 1, 2019.
     Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2C10 (Series 700, 701, 702) and CL-600-2C11 (Series 550) Airplane 
Flight Manual, CSP B-012, Revision 28, dated September 18, 2019.
     Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2D24 (Series 900) and CL-600-2D15 (Series 705) Airplane Flight Manual, 
CSP C-012, Volume 1, Revision 21, dated March 29, 2019.
     Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2E25 (Series 1000) Airplane Flight Manual, CSP D-012, Revision 21, 
dated February 15, 2019.
    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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,072 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.

[[Page 60902]]

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85          $91,120
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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.
    The FAA is 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.

Regulatory Findings

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2020-17-15 MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-21220; Docket No. FAA-2020-0206; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-202-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 3, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to MHI RJ Aviation ULC (type certificate 
previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet 
Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), 
CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 
(Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes, certificated in any category, 
all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that certain airplanes 
have outdated magnetic variation (MV) tables inside navigation 
systems. The FAA is issuing this AD to address outdated MV tables 
inside navigation systems, which can affect the performance of the 
navigation systems and result in the presentation of misleading 
magnetic heading references on the Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) 
and Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), positioning the airplane outside 
of the terrain and obstacle protection provided by instrument flight 
procedures and flight route designs (e.g., outdated MV tables can 
lead to significantly inaccurate heading, course, and bearing 
calculations).

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing AFM to incorporate the information specified in Section 02-
09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 2--LIMITATIONS, of the 
applicable Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet AFM specified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

[[Page 60903]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29SE20.032

(h) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or MHI RJ 
Aviation ULC's TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved 
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2019-40, dated November 1, 2019, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0206.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Siddeeq Bacchus, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7362; fax 516-794-5531; email 
[email protected].

(j) 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) Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 2--
LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2B19 Airplane Flight Manual, CSP A-012, Volume 1, Revision 71A, 
dated April 26, 2019.
    (ii) Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-
600-2C10 (Series 700, 701, 702) Airplane Flight Manual, CSP B-012, 
Revision 26, dated March 1, 2019.

    Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(ii):  Page 02-09-1 of this document 
is identified as Revision 22, dated September 15, 2017.

    (iii) Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-
600-2C10 (Series 700, 701, 702) and CL-600-2C11 (Series 550) 
Airplane Flight Manual, CSP B-012, Revision 28, dated September 18, 
2019.

    Note 2 to paragraph (j)(2)(iii):  Page 02-09-1 of this document 
is identified as Revision 22, dated September 15, 2017.

    (iv) Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 
2--LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-
600-2D24 (Series 900) and CL-600-2D15 (Series 705) Airplane Flight 
Manual, CSP C-012, Volume 1, Revision 21, dated March 29, 2019.

    Note 3 to paragraph (j)(2)(iv):  Page 02-09-1 of this document 
is identified as Revision 17, dated October 13, 2017.

    (v) Section 02-09--Navigation System Limitations, of Chapter 2--
LIMITATIONS, of the Bombardier CRJ Series Regional Jet Model CL-600-
2E25 (Series 1000) Airplane Flight Manual, CSP D-012, Revision 21, 
dated February 15, 2019.


[[Page 60904]]


    Note 4 to paragraph (j)(2)(v):  Page 02-09-1 of this document is 
identified as Revision 17, dated June 16, 2017.

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact MHI 
RJ Aviation ULC, 12655 Henri-Fabre Blvd., Mirabel, Qu[eacute]bec J7N 
1E1 Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-
free telephone +1-844-272-2720 or direct-dial telephone +1-514-855-
8500; fax +1-514-855-8501; email [email protected]; internet https://mhirj.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21411 Filed 9-28-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P