2017-03020. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-23-06 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. AD 2014-23-06 required modifying the main landing gear (MLG) by installing a new bracket on the left and right lower aft-wing planks. This new AD requires modification of the MLG with an improved design. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that inboard and outboard hydraulic lines of the brakes were found connected to the incorrect ports on the swivel assembly of the MLG. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective March 28, 2017.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 28, 2017.

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 http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9190.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9190; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone [phone]) is Docket Management Facility, 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:

Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2014-23-06, Amendment 39-18022 (79 FR 69037, November 20, 2014) (“AD 2014-23-06”). AD 2014-23-06 applied to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2016 (81 FR 73042). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that inboard and outboard hydraulic lines of the brakes were found connected to the incorrect ports on the swivel assembly of the MLG. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the MLG with an improved design. We are issuing this AD to prevent incorrect installation of the brake hydraulic lines, which could cause the brakes and the anti-skid system to operate incorrectly, and result in catastrophic failure of the airplane during a high-speed rejected takeoff.

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-10R1, dated May 4, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The MCAI states:

Cases of inboard and outboard hydraulic brake lines connected to the incorrect port of the swivel assembly on the main landing gear were found in service. Cross-connected brake hydraulic lines can cause the brakes and/or the anti-skid system to operate incorrectly. During a high speed rejected take-off, inability for the brakes to operate correctly could be catastrophic. The original issue of this [Canadian] AD mandated the modification to prevent inadvertent cross-connection of the inboard and outboard hydraulic brake lines.

Following the initial release of this [Canadian] AD, operators reported that the modifications required by Bombardier Service Bulletin (SB) 601R-32-110 Rev. NC., dated 19 December 2013, still have a potential for incorrect connection. Subsequently, the SB has been revised to introduce a modified design and this [Canadian] AD revision is issued to mandate the incorporation of the modified design.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9190.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting 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

We reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, Revision C, dated May 4, 2016. The service information describes procedures for modifying the MLG by installing a block on the left and right lower aft-wing planks. 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

We estimate that this AD affects 526 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We also estimate that it will take about 9 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $190 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $502,330, or $955 per product.

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.

We are 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

We 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. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);

3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

4. 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-23-06, Amendment 39-18022 ( 79 FR 69037, November 20, 2014), and adding the following new AD:

2017-04-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18797; Docket No. FAA-2016-9190; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-087-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective March 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2014-23-06, Amendment 39-18022 (79 FR 69037, November 20, 2014) (“AD 2014-23-06”).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that inboard and outboard hydraulic lines of the brakes were found connected to the incorrect ports on the swivel assembly of the main landing gear (MLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent incorrect installation of the brake hydraulic lines, which could cause the brakes and the anti-skid system to operate incorrectly, and result in catastrophic failure during a high-speed rejected takeoff.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification of the MLG

(1) For airplanes on which Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, dated December 19, 2013, has been incorporated: Within 6,600 flight hours or 37 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the MLG, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, Revision C, dated May 4, 2016.

(2) For airplanes on which Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, dated December 19, 2013, has not been incorporated: Within 4,400 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the MLG, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, Revision C, dated May 4, 2016.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Part B of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, Revision A, dated October 29, 2015; or Revision B, dated January 26, 2016.

(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Part A of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-32-110, Revision A, dated October 29, 2015; or Revision B, dated January 26, 2016.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, 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 New York ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 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: As of the effective date of this AD, 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, ANE-170, 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 Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-10R1, dated May 4, 2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9190.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(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 601R-32-110, Revision C, dated May 4, 2016.

(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 http://www.bombardier.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2017.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.