[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 12, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17719-17723]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05191]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2001; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00666-T; 
Amendment 39-22676; AD 2024-03-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-20-
13, which applied to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 
Variant) airplanes. AD 2021-20-13 required repetitive lubrication and 
repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVI) and non-destructive test 
(NDT) inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut lower 
pins, and replacement if necessary. This AD continues to require the 
lubrication and inspections specified in AD 2021-20-13 until the MLG 
shock strut assembly is modified by replacing the trailing arm bushing 
and installing new dynamic joint components. This AD was prompted by a 
new design solution for this potential failure of the shock strut lower 
pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16, 
2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
November 18, 2021 (86 FR 57033, October 14, 2021).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2001; 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,

[[Page 17720]]

Inc., 200 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 2A3, 
Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial 
telephone 1-514-855-2999; 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 Street, 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-2023-2001.

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 to supersede AD 2021-20-13, Amendment 39-21751 (86 FR 
57033, October 14, 2021) (AD 2021-20-13). AD 2021-20-13 applied to 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. AD 
2021-20-13 required repetitive lubrication and repetitive DVI and NDT 
inspections of the MLG shock strut lower pins, and replacement if 
necessary. The FAA issued AD 2021-20-13 to correct an unsafe condition 
identified as cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin part number 
19146-3.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 25, 2023 (88 
FR 73265). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-32, dated May 9, 2023, 
issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-32) (also referred to as the MCAI). The 
MCAI states there is a new design solution for this potential failure 
of the shock strut lower pin, which involves replacing the training arm 
bushings at the attachment and reassembly of the MLG shock strut 
assembly to training arm assembly joint with new dynamic joint 
components. As a result, the MCAI requires this new design as 
terminating action for the requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-
54R1.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the 
lubrication and inspections specified in AD 2021-20-13 until the MLG 
shock strut assembly is modified by replacing the trailing arm bushing 
and installing new dynamic joint components. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of one 
or both MLG.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2001.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three commenters, including 
Executive Jet Management, Inc., NetJets, and Boeing. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Request To Update the Service Information to the Latest Revision and 
Provide Credit

    Executive Jet Management, Inc. NetJets, and Boeing requested the 
FAA revise the proposed AD to allow using Bombardier Service Bulletin 
604-32-031 Revision 01, dated March 17, 2023; Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 605-32-008 Revision 01, dated March 17, 2023; and Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 650-32-005 Revision 01, dated March 17, 2023. NetJets 
also requested that the proposed AD be revised to add credit for using 
the original issues of the service information.
    The FAA agrees to update this final rule to reference Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 604-32-031 Revision 01, dated March 17, 2023; 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-008 Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-005 Revision 01, dated 
March 17, 2023, which include minor changes that do not affect the 
substantive requirements proposed in the NPRM. The FAA has revised this 
AD to reflect the updated service bulletins. The FAA has also added 
paragraph (n) of this AD to provide credit for the original issues of 
the applicable service bulletins, and redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly.

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 604-32-031, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.
     Service Bulletin 605-32-008, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.
     Service Bulletin 650-32-005, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.
    This service information contains procedures for disassembling the 
left- and right-hand MLG shock strut and trailing arm joint, replacing 
the trailing arm bushings at the attachment, and re-assembling the 
joint with new dynamic joint components. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane configurations.
    This AD also requires the following Bombardier service information, 
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation 
by reference as of November 18, 2021 (86 FR 57033, October 14, 2021):
     Service Bulletin 604-32-030, dated June 30, 2020.
     Service Bulletin 605-32-007, dated June 30, 2020.
     Service Bulletin 650-32-004, dated June 30, 2020.
    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 433 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 17721]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubrication and inspections        7 work-hours x $85               $0  $595 per cycle.....  $257,635 per cycle.
 (retained actions from AD 2021-    per hour = $595.
 20-13).
Modification and testing (new      9 work-hours x $85            2,435  $3,200.............  $1,385,600.
 actions).                          per hour = $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacement that would be required based on the results of 
the repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

               Estimated Costs of On-Condition Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510....          $2,435           $2,945
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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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-20-13, Amendment 39-21751 (86 
FR 57033, October 14, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new Airworthiness Directive:

2024-03-06 Bombardier, Inc: Amendment 39-22676; Docket No. FAA-2023-
2001; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00666-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 16, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-20-13, Amendment 39-21751 (86 FR 57033, 
October 14, 2021) (AD 2021-20-13).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 
Variant) airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 5301 through 5665 
inclusive, 5701 through 5988 inclusive, and 6050 through 6188 
inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main landing 
gear (MLG) shock strut lower pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of 
one or both MLG.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Lubrication, With Revised Applicability

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-20-13, with revised applicability. Within 200 flight hours (FH) 
or 12 months after November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-
20-13), whichever occurs first, lubricate the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) MLG shock strut lower pins having part number (P/N) 
19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 2.B., ``Part A,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. Repeat 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 FH or 12 months, whichever 
occurs first.
    (1) For airplanes having S/N 5301 through 5665 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-030, dated June 30, 2020.
    (2) For airplanes having S/N 5701 through 5988 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-007, dated June 30, 2020.
    (3) For airplanes having S/N 6050 through 6188 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-004, dated June 30, 2020.

(h) Retained Detailed Visual Inspections (DVI), With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-20-13, with no changes. At the applicable compliance time 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, perform the 
DVI for cracking and damage of the LH and RH MLG shock strut lower 
pins having part number (P/N) 19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 
2.C., ``Part B,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (3) of this AD.

[[Page 17722]]

Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 FH or 24 months, 
whichever occurs first. If the DVI coincides with a non-destructive 
testing (NDT) inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, the 
NDT inspection supersedes the DVI for that interval only. If the 
accumulated flight cycles (FC) of the MLG shock strut lower pin are 
not known, use the related MLG assembly accumulated FC to determine 
when to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.
    (1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13) and on which 
an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated fewer than 600 total FC 
on the pin as of November 18, 2021: Before the accumulation of 750 
total FC on the pin.
    (2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13) and on which 
an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated 600 total FC or more on 
the pin as of November 18, 2021: Within 150 FC after November 18, 
2021.
    (3) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 
18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13): Before the 
accumulation of 750 total FC.

(i) Retained NDT Inspection, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2021-20-13, with no changes. At the applicable compliance time 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (4) of this AD: Perform the 
NDT inspection for cracking and damage of the LH and RH MLG shock 
strut lower pins having P/N 19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 
2.D., ``Part C,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (3) of this AD. Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
900 FC. If the accumulated FC of the MLG shock strut lower pin is 
not known, use the related MLG assembly accumulated FC to determine 
when to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.
    (1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13) and on which 
an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated fewer than 1,200 total 
FC on the pin as of November 18, 2021: Before the accumulation of 
1,500 total FC on the pin.
    (2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13) and on which 
an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated 1,200 total FC or more 
but fewer than 2,000 total FC on the pin as of November 18, 2021: 
Within 300 FC after November 18, 2021, or before the accumulation of 
2,200 total FC on the pin, whichever occurs first.
    (3) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13) and on which 
an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated 2,000 total FC or more 
on the pin as of November 18, 2021: Within 200 FC after November 18, 
2021.
    (4) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 
18, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-20-13): Before the 
accumulation of 1,500 total FC.

(j) Retained Replacement, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2021-20-13, with no changes. If, during any inspection required by 
this AD, any crack or damage of the MLG shock strut lower pin is 
detected, before further flight, replace the affected MLG shock 
strut lower pin with a new part in accordance with paragraph 2.E., 
``Part D,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of 
this AD.

(k) New Requirement of This AD: Modification

    Within 60 months from the effective date of this AD, modify the 
LH and RH MLG assembly in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having S/N 5301 through 5665 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-031, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.
    (2) For airplanes having S/N 5701 through 5988 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-008, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.
    (3) For airplanes having S/N 6050 through 6188 inclusive: 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-005, Revision 01, dated March 17, 
2023.

(l) New Requirement of the AD: Testing

    Before further flight after completing the actions required by 
paragraph (k) of this AD, perform the testing of the MLG shock strut 
assembly to trailing arm assembly joint in accordance with paragraph 
2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (3) of this AD.

(m) Terminating Action

    Modifying and testing an airplane as required by paragraphs (k) 
and (l) of this AD terminates the initial and repetitive lubrication 
and inspections required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD 
for that airplane.

(n) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (k) and (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 604-32-031, dated December 29, 2022; Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 605-32-008, dated December 29, 2022; or Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 650-32-005, dated December 29, 2022.

(o) Additional AD Provisions

    (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 the address identified 
in paragraph (p)(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.

(p) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-32, dated May 9, 2023, 
for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found in 
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2001.
    (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].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (q)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(q) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 16, 2024.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-031, Revision 01, dated 
March 17, 2023.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-008, Revision 01, dated 
March 17, 2023.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-005, Revision 01, dated 
March 17, 2023.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 18, 2021 (86 FR 57033, October 14, 2021).
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-030, dated June 30, 2020.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-007, dated June 30, 
2020.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-004, dated June 30, 
2020.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., 200 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1-

[[Page 17723]]

866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; email 
bombardier.com">ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website bombardier.com.
    (6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th 
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) 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/[email protected]">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected].

    Issued on February 7, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-05191 Filed 3-11-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P