[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 93 (Monday, May 13, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41301-41304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09546]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2397; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00601-T; 
Amendment 39-22730; AD 2024-07-09]
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 the discovery that existing maintenance tasks 
do not detect the potential failure of the passenger door detent 
mechanism because there is no procedure for inspecting the passenger 
door locking mechanism. This AD requires revising the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to require use of a certain aircraft 
maintenance manual (AMM) task during accomplishment of a specified 
maintenance check. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 17, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 17, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2397; 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 Bombardier material, 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 material 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-2023-2397.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, 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 BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on December 22, 2023 (88 FR 88541). The NPRM 
was prompted by AD CF-2023-25, dated April 13, 2023 (referred to after 
this as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation 
authority for Canada. The MCAI states time limited maintenance check 
(TLMC) item 52-11-00-201, ``Passenger Door Mechanism Functional Test,'' 
does not detect potential failure of the passenger door detent 
mechanism. Associated aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) task 52-11-00-
720-801, ``Passenger Door Mechanism Functional Test,'' does not provide 
a procedure for inspecting the passenger door locking mechanism.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the maintenance 
or inspection program, as applicable, to require use of a certain AMM 
task during accomplishment of a specified maintenance check. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address potential failures of the uninspected 
detents (external handle detent and torque tube detent) in combination 
with a failure of the tension pot spring assembly. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in the main passenger door 
opening during unpressurized flight.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2397.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Request To Refer to Most Recent AMM Revision Level

    NetJets Inc. asked that the AMM task revision levels identified in 
the NPRM be changed, as there have been recent improvements to the 
documents. NetJets Inc. added that credit for the revisions currently 
listed should also be included in the proposed AD. Bombardier noted 
that the referenced AMM revision levels were revised during the public 
comment period of the NPRM.
    The FAA provides the following clarification denoting that the 
requested changes are unnecessary. This AD requires incorporating the 
information specified in the referenced AMM revisions identified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. The language in paragraph (g) of 
this AD allows the incorporation of the specific information, 
regardless of the AMM revision level in use, provided the language is 
identical to the information provided in Task 52-11-00-720-801, 
specified in the applicable AMMs specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD. The language in a later revision of the applicable AMMs 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD may be incorporated 
if it is identical. Therefore, if operators incorporate later AMMs into 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, with identical 
language they are in compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD. The FAA 
has confirmed that the revisions cited by the commenter are

[[Page 41302]]

identical to the revisions specified in this AD.
    If the language provided in a later AMM revision is not identical 
to the language provided in the task specified in the applicable AMMs 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, operators must 
submit a request for approval of an alternate method of compliance 
(AMOC) with supporting data that demonstrates an acceptable level of 
safety for a task that differs from Task 52-11-00-720-801. The FAA has 
revised paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify that it's the information 
in the applicable AMM that is mandated and not limited to the AMM 
revision specified in figure 1 of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Additional Change to This AD

    Paragraph (i) of this AD has been added to clarify that no changes 
to actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD are allowed without an 
AMOC, which also reinforces the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD.

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 Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the 
Passenger Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' 
Chapter 52, ``Doors,'' of the following AMMs. This task specifies new 
inspection instructions for the passenger door detent mechanisms.
     Bombardier Global Express AMM, Part Two, Publication No. 
BD-700 AMM, Revision 97, dated March 30, 2023. (For obtaining the task 
for Bombardier Global Express AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 
AMM, use Document Identification No. GL 700 AMM.)
     Bombardier Global 5000 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-
700 AMM, Revision 78, dated March 30, 2023. (For obtaining the task for 
Bombardier Global 5000 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 AMM, use 
Document Identification No. GL 5000 AMM.)
     Bombardier Global 5000 Featuring Global Vision Flight Deck 
AMM, Part Two, Publication No. GL 5000 GVFD AMM, Revision 45, dated 
March 30, 2023.
     Bombardier Global 5500 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. GL 
5500 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 30, 2023.
     Bombardier Global 6000 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. GL 
6000 AMM, Revision 46, dated March 30, 2023.
     Bombardier Global 6500 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. GL 
6500 AMM, Revision 15, dated March 30, 2023.
     Bombardier Global Express XRS AMM, Part Two, Publication 
No. BD-700 XRS AMM, Revision 75, dated March 30, 2023. (For obtaining 
the task for Bombardier Global Express XRS AMM, Part Two, Publication 
No. BD-700 XRS AMM, use Document Identification No. GL XRS AMM.)
    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 482 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the 
agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. 
Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes 
for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator 
estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the 
agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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:

2024-07-09 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22730; Docket No. FAA 
2023-2397; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00601-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/
Ns) 9002 through 60065 inclusive.

[[Page 41303]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery that existing maintenance 
tasks do not detect the potential failure of the passenger door 
detent mechanism because there is no procedure for inspecting the 
passenger door locking mechanism. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address potential failures of the uninspected detents (external 
handle detent and torque tube detent) in combination with a failure 
of the tension pot spring assembly. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in the main passenger door opening during 
unpressurized flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Task Restrictions

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to use 
the information specified in Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 
52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger Door 
Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of the applicable AMMs identified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, when performing time limited maintenance 
check item 52-11-00-201.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--Bombardier AMM
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR13MY24.113

(h) AMM Revision Prohibition

    After revising the maintenance or inspection program as required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, it is prohibited to use AMM Task 52-11-
00-720-801, dated May 19, 2022, or earlier.

(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, may be used unless the 
actions, intervals, are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(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 of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-
[email protected]. 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-2023-25, dated April 13, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2397.
    (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].

(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) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global 5000 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
(AMM), Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 AMM, Revision 78, dated 
March 30, 2023.

[[Page 41304]]

    Note 1 to paragraph (l)(2)(i): For obtaining the task for 
Bombardier Global 5000 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 AMM, 
use Document Identification No. GL 5000 AMM.
    (ii) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global 5000 Featuring Global Vision Flight 
Deck AMM, Part Two, Publication No. GL 5000 GVFD AMM, Revision 45, 
dated March 30, 2023.
    (iii) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global 5500 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. 
GL 5500 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 30, 2023.
    (iv) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global 6000 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. 
GL 6000 AMM, Revision 46, dated March 30, 2023.
    (v) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global 6500 AMM, Part Two, Publication No. 
GL 6500 AMM, Revision 15, dated March 30, 2023.
    (vi) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global Express AMM, Part Two, Publication 
No. BD-700 AMM, Revision 97, dated March 30, 2023.
    Note 2 to paragraph (l)(2)(i): For obtaining the task for 
Bombardier Global Express AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 AMM, 
use Document Identification No. GL 700 AMM.
    (vii) Task 52-11-00-720-801, ``Functional Test of the Passenger 
Door Mechanism,'' Subject 52-11-00, ``Passenger Door,'' Chapter 52, 
``Doors,'' of Bombardier Global Express XRS AMM, Part Two, 
Publication No. BD-700 XRS AMM, Revision 75, dated March 30, 2023.
    Note 3 to paragraph (l)(2)(vii): For obtaining the task for 
Bombardier Global Express XRS AMM, Part Two, Publication No. BD-700 
XRS AMM, use Document Identification No. GL XRS AMM.
    (3) For Bombardier service information, 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 material 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 26, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09546 Filed 5-10-24; 8:45 am]
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