[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 86 (Thursday, May 2, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35693-35695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09351]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2402; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00370-T; 
Amendment 39-22731; AD 2024-07-10]
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 CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a new filter plate 
connector for the nose wheel steering (NWS) system electronic control 
module (ECM) does not meet certain certification requirements. This AD 
requires replacing all affected ECMs. This AD also prohibits the 
installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

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

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2402; 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-2023-2402.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: 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 CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2023 (88 FR 
89633). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-14R1, dated May 15, 2023 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-14R1) (referred to after this as the 
MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada. The MCAI states that the manufacturer of the NWS system ECM, 
part number (P/N) 601-86100-27, introduced a new filter plate connector 
that does not meet the certification requirements related to the 
susceptibility of electronic components to high intensity radiated 
field. This non-compliant filter plate connector, if not replaced, 
could result in a malfunction of the NWS system causing potential un-
commanded steering or lateral excursion from the runway.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing all affected 
non-compliant ECMs. 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-2023-2402.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters, Bombardier and 
NetJets. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request to Provide a Figure Title

    Both Bombardier and NetJets requested that a title be provided for 
the figure referenced in paragraph (g) of the NPRM because the title is 
missing.
    The FAA agrees. The title ``Figure 1 to the introductory text of 
paragraph (g)--Applicable Bombardier Service Bulletins'' has been added 
to the referenced figure.

Request To Change the Applicability

    Bombardier also requested that the Applicability of the proposed AD 
be changed. Bombardier noted that Model 601-3A and 601-3R variants are 
not impacted by this issue and should not be subject to this AD.
    The FAA agrees. The Applicability of this AD has been changed 
accordingly.

Request for Clarification of Service Information Effectivity

    NetJets noted that Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-006 is 
effective only for serial numbers 6050 through 6171. NetJets requested 
that the proposed AD be revised to provide direction for airplane 
serial numbers outside that range.
    The FAA does not agree to revise this AD but will clarify. 
Bombardier has confirmed that all instructions in Service Bulletin 650-
32-006 can be accomplished on serial numbers 6172 and subsequent. 
Because the affected ECMs are rotable parts, the FAA has determined 
that these parts could later be installed on airplanes that were 
initially delivered with acceptable ECMs, thereby subjecting those 
airplanes to the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed this AD as a 
result of this comment.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another

[[Page 35694]]

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 604-32-032, dated October 18, 2021.
     Service Bulletin 605-32-009, dated October 18, 2021.
     Service Bulletin 650-32-006, dated October 18, 2021.
    This service information specifies procedures for removing and 
replacing all affected non-compliant ECMs, P/N 601-86100-27. 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 164 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510...........................         $75,972          $76,482      $12,543,048
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    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:

2024-07-10 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22731; Docket No. FAA-
2023-2402; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00370-T.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 
Variant) airplanes, certificated in any category, with serial 
numbers 5301 through 5665 inclusive, 5701 through 5990 inclusive, 
and 6050 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a new filter 
plate connector for the nose wheel steering (NWS) system electronic 
control module (ECM) does not meet certain certification 
requirements. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this non-
compliant filter plate connector, which, if not replaced, could 
result in a malfunction of the NWS system causing potential 
uncommanded steering or lateral excursion from the runway.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Verification of Airplane Technical Records

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
the serial number of the ECM, part number (P/N) 601-86100-27, in 
accordance with Section 2.B. Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information listed in figure 
(1) to the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD to 
determine if the serial number of the ECM, P/N 601-86100-27, is 
listed in Table 1 of Section 1.A. of the applicable service 
information listed in figure (1) to the introductory text of 
paragraph (g) of this AD. A review of maintenance records is also 
acceptable if the serial number of the ECM can be conclusively 
determined from that review.

[[Page 35695]]



     Figure 1 to the Introductory Text of Paragraph (g)--Applicable
                      Bombardier Service Bulletins
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                                                          Applicable
              Model                   Serial Nos.     bombardier service
                                                           bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CL-600-2B16.....................  6050 and            650-32-006, dated
                                   subsequent.         October 18, 2021.
CL-600-2B16.....................  5701 through 5990.  605-32-009, dated
                                                       October 18, 2021.
CL-600-2B16.....................  5301 through 5665.  604-32-032, dated
                                                       October 18, 2021.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) If the serial number of the ECM is listed in Table 1 of 
Section 1.A. of the applicable service information or is not 
reidentified on the nameplate as SB-1, then the actions of paragraph 
(h) of this AD are required.
    (2) If the serial number of the ECM is not listed in Table 1 of 
Section 1.A. of the applicable service information or is 
reidentified on the nameplate as SB-1, then the actions of paragraph 
(h) of this AD are not required.

(h) Replacement

    For airplanes identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: Do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the ECM, P/N 601-86100-27, identified in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, in accordance with Section 2.C. Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
listed in figure 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (2) Prior to return to service, complete the operational test of 
the NWS system in accordance with Section 2.D. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information listed in figure 
1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, it is prohibited to install 
ECM, P/N 601-86100-27, as a replacement part, if the serial number 
is listed in Table 1 of Section 1.A. of the applicable service 
information listed in figure 1 to the introductory text of paragraph 
(g) of this AD, unless the ECM has been reidentified with SB-1 on 
the name plate.

(j) 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, 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (k)(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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-14R1, dated May 15, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2402.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Steven 
Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: [email protected].

(l) 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 604-32-032, dated October 18, 
2021.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-009, dated October 18, 
2021.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-006, dated October 18, 
2021.
    (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 April 2, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09351 Filed 5-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P