[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4170-4173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01477]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0016; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00945-T]
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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that the nose wheel steering 
selector valve (SSV) can be slow to deactivate under low temperature 
conditions. This proposed AD would require replacing the affected nose 
wheel SSV with a redesigned nose wheel SSV, and performing an 
operational test of the nose wheel SSV and nose wheel steering control 
system. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a 
certain nose wheel SSV. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 14, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR

[[Page 4171]]

11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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 
Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road 
West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-2999; 
email [email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0016; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chirayu Gupta, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0016; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00945-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Chirayu Gupta, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and 
Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-
794-5531; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2021-29, dated August 18, 
2021 (TCCA AD CF-2021-29) (also referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0016.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the nose wheel SSV 
can be slow to deactivate under low temperature conditions. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address a slow nose wheel SSV deactivation, which, 
in combination with an un-commanded steering input, could lead to a 
delayed transition to free castor mode and result in an aircraft runway 
excursion. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 100-32-35, dated March 30, 
2021, and Service Bulletin 350-32-011, dated March 30, 2021. This 
service information describes procedures for replacing the existing 
nose wheel SSV (part number 41130-107) with a redesigned nose wheel SSV 
(part number 41130-111), and performing an operational test of the nose 
wheel SSV and nose wheel steering control system. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane configurations. 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 the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 660 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 4172]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...........................          $5,793           $6,133       $4,047,780
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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

    The FAA 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) 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.

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:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0016; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00945-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by March 14, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 20003 
through 20892 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the nose wheel steering 
selector valve (SSV) can be slow to deactivate under low temperature 
conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a slow nose wheel 
SSV deactivation, which, in combination with an un-commanded 
steering input, could lead to a delayed transition to free castor 
mode and result in an aircraft runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of Nose Wheel SSV

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the nose wheel SSV part number 41130-107 with the redesigned nose 
wheel SSV part number 41130-111; and before further flight, perform 
an operational test of the nose wheel SSV and nose wheel steering 
control system; in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD. If any test 
fails, do applicable corrective actions and repeat the test until 
the part passes the test.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-35, dated March 30, 2021.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-32-011, dated March 30, 
2021.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    Do not install nose wheel SSV, part number 41130-107 on any 
airplane as of the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have nose wheel SSV, part number 41130-
107 installed as of the effective date of this AD: After replacement 
of nose wheel SSV as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, do 
not have nose wheel SSV, part number 41130-107 installed: As of the 
effective date of this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (2) of this AD specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 
responsible Flight Standards 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 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2021-29, dated August 18, 2021, 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-2022-0016.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Chirayu Gupta, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,

[[Page 4173]]

Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531; email 
[email protected].
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 
C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; 
telephone 514-855-2999; email [email protected]; internet 
http://www.bombardier.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.

    Issued on January 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01477 Filed 1-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P