[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 2, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14-17]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28800]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1706; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00039-T; 
Amendment 39-22625; AD 2023-24-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by reports that the nose wheel steering selector 
valve (SSV) can be slow to deactivate under low temperature conditions. 
This AD requires replacing the affected SSV with a re-designed SSV that 
has an improved response time. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 6, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 6, 
2024.

ADDRESSES:
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1706; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 bombardier.com">ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website 
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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1706.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, 
Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on August 9, 2023 (88 FR 53823). The NPRM was 
prompted by AD CF-2023-02, dated January 11, 2023, issued by Transport 
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada (referred to after 
this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that following a runway excursion on 
a different model, an investigation revealed that the nose wheel SSV 
can be slow to deactivate under low temperature conditions. A similar 
SSV is installed on the airplanes to which this AD is applicable. In 
the event of an un-commanded steering input, a slow SSV deactivation 
could lead to a delayed transition to free caster mode and result in an 
aircraft runway excursion.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the affected SSV 
with a re-designed SSV that has an improved response time. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1706.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from NetJets. The following presents the 
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.

Request To Add Bombardier Part Numbers

    NetJets suggested adding Bombardier part numbers GW415-6275-1 & 
GW415-6275-3 to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD, in addition to Safran 
part numbers, as stated in SB 700-32-6021, paragraph 3., MATERIAL 
INFORMATION. NetJets stated that, at new aircraft delivery, the 
Bombardier part numbers are provided in the documentation of the 
aircraft. The FAA infers that NetJets would like to ensure the proper 
identification of the parts.

[[Page 15]]

    The FAA concurs with the suggestion. To aid in identifying the 
parts, paragraph (g) of this AD has been changed to add the referenced 
Bombardier part numbers.

Conclusion

    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 this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial 
changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted 
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following Bombardier service information.
     Service Bulletin 700-32-044, Revision 01, dated December 
7, 2022.
     Service Bulletin 700-32-6021, Revision 01, dated December 
7, 2022.
     Service Bulletin 700-32-6507, Revision 01, dated December 
7, 2022.
     Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-031, Revision 01, dated 
December 7, 2022.
     Service Bulletin 700-32-5021, Revision 01, dated December 
7, 2022.
     Service Bulletin 700-32-5507, Revision 01, dated December 
7, 2022.
    This service information specifies procedures for replacing the 
affected SSV with a re-designed SSV. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 442 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
                  Labor cost                     Parts cost    product            Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340............       $5,542       $5,882  Up to $2,599,844.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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.

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:

2023-24-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22625; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1706; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00039-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 6, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc., airplanes, certificated 
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-32-044, Revision 01, dated December 7, 2022.
    (2) Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-32-6021, Revision 01, dated December 7, 2022.
    (3) Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-32-6507, Revision 01, dated December 7, 2022.
    (4) Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-031, Revision 01, dated December 7, 
2022.
    (5) Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-32-5021, Revision 01, dated December 7, 2022.
    (6) Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, as identified in Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 700-32-5507, Revision 01, dated December 7, 2022.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that the nose wheel steering 
selector valve (SSV) can be slow to deactivate under low temperature

[[Page 16]]

conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a possible delayed 
transition to free caster mode in the event of an un-commanded 
steering input. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in an aircraft runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    Within 66 months or 3,200 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD: Replace SSV part number (P/N) 
23600-101 (Bombardier P/N GW415-6275-1) with SSV P/N 23600-103 
(Bombardier P/N GW415-6275-3) in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Bombardier service bulletin listed in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--Service Bulletin References
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02JA24.000

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    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 applicable Bombardier service bulletin 
listed in figure 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD.

Figure 2 to Paragraph (h)--Credit Service Bulletins
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02JA24.001

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation 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 
International Validation Branch, mail it to ATTN: Program Manager, 
Continuing Operational Safety, at the address identified in 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. 
If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada or Bombardier, Inc.'s 
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-02, dated January 11, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1706.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].

(k) 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 700-32-044, Revision 01, dated 
December 7, 2022.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6021, Revision 01, dated 
December 7, 2022.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6507, Revision 01, 
dated December 7, 2022.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-031, Revision 01, 
dated December 7, 2022.
    (v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5021, Revision 01, dated 
December 7, 2022.
    (vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5507, Revision 01, dated 
December 7, 2022.

[[Page 17]]

    (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 bombardier.com">ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website 
bombardier.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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on November 29, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28800 Filed 12-29-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P