2020-02837. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of incorrectly installed flight compartment door edge protection plates on both sides of the upper decompression panel. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a functional check of the flight compartment door decompression latches. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective March 19, 2020.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 19, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0714.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0714; 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 regulatory evaluation, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2019-20R1, dated May 31, 2019 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0714.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2019 (84 FR 54051). The NPRM was prompted by a report of incorrectly installed flight compartment door edge protection plates on both sides of the upper decompression panel. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a functional check of the flight compartment door decompression latches. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect installation of the flight compartment door edge protection plates on both sides of the flight compartment door upper decompression panel. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the flight compartment door upper decompression panel to open during a rapid decompression event. This inability to relieve the pressure in the flight compartment may compromise the structural integrity of the bulkhead between the flight compartment and the passenger cabin. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment received. Victor Oscilowicz indicated his support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Bombardier, Inc., has issued Task 251700-202, “Functional Check of the Flight Compartment Door Decompression Latches,” of Section 1, “Systems and Power Plant Program,” Subject 1-25, “Equipment and Furnishings,” of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Review Board Report, Maintenance Requirements Manual—Part 1, Volume 1, CSP B-053, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018. This service information describes a functional check of the flight compartment door decompression latches. 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 522 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. 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 FAA estimates the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $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.

This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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

Adoption of 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2019-26-10 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-21021; Docket No. FAA-2019-0714; Product Identifier 2019-NM-103-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective March 19, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(1) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes.

(2) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes.

(3) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes.

(4) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report of incorrectly installed flight compartment door edge protection plates on both sides of the upper decompression panel. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect installation of the flight compartment door edge protection plates on both sides of the flight compartment door upper decompression panel. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the flight compartment door upper decompression panel to open during a rapid decompression event. This inability to relieve the pressure in the flight compartment may compromise the structural integrity of the bulkhead between the flight compartment and the passenger cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Task 251700-202, “Functional Check of the Flight Compartment Door Decompression Latches,” of Section 1, “Systems and Power Plant Program,” Subject 1-25, “Equipment and Furnishings,” of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Review Board Report, Maintenance Requirements Manual—Part 1, Volume 1, CSP B-053, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018. The initial compliance time for doing the task is within 8,000 flight hours after this task is incorporated into the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the task thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours.

(h) No Alternative Actions or 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) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

(i) 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 local Flight Standards District 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 [phone]; fax [phone]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action 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.

(j) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2019-20R1, dated May 31, 2019, 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-2019-0714.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

(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) Task 251700-202, “Functional Check of the Flight Compartment Door Decompression Latches,” of Section 1, “Systems and Power Plant Program,” Subject 1-25, “Equipment and Furnishings,” of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Review Board Report, Maintenance Requirements Manual—Part 1, Volume 1, CSP B-053, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet https://www.bombardier.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 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 service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [e-mail], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on January 3, 2020.

John P. Piccola,

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.