98-4250. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 9928-9930]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-4250]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-108-AD; Amendment 39-10356; AD 98-04-45]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
    Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet 
    Series 100) series airplanes, that currently requires revisions to the 
    Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to advise the flight crew of the need to 
    perform daily checks to verify proper operation of the elevator control 
    system, and to restrict altitude and airspeed operations under certain 
    conditions. That AD also requires removal of all elevator flutter 
    dampers. That AD was prompted by reports that the installation of 
    certain shear pins may jam or restrict movement of the elevator. The 
    actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent such jamming or 
    restricting movement of the elevator and the resultant adverse effect 
    on the controllability of the airplane. This amendment adds inspections 
    of certain airplanes to detect deformation or discrepancies of the 
    flutter damper hinge fittings and lug of the horizontal stabilizer, the 
    elevator hinge/damper fitting, and the shear pin lugs; and requires 
    replacement of discrepant parts with serviceable parts. This amendment 
    also requires installation of new elevator flutter dampers, and 
    replacement of shear pins and shear links with new, improved pins and 
    links.
    
    DATES: Effective April 3, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of Canadair Regional Jet Service 
    Bulletin S.B. 601R-27-040, Revision `B,' dated September 11, 1995, as 
    listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal 
    Register as of April 3, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of Canadair Regional Jet Alert 
    Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-041, dated October 28, 1994, as listed 
    in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the 
    Federal Register as of December 14, 1994 (59 FR 60888, November 29, 
    1994).
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained
    
    [[Page 9929]]
    
    from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, 
    Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This 
    information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
    (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
    SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
    Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, 
    Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal 
    Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Franco Pieri, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, New York Aircraft 
    Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth 
    Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 
    256-7526; fax (516) 568-2716.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 94-24-02, 
    amendment 39-9075 (59 FR 60888, November 29, 1994), applicable to 
    certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series 
    airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on February 3, 1997 
    (62 FR 4941). That action proposed to continue to require the removal 
    of the originally installed elevator dampers. That action also proposed 
    to continue to require revisions to the Limitations Section of the FAA-
    approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to restrict altitude and airspeed 
    operations under conditions of single or double hydraulic system 
    failure, and to advise the flight crew of the need to perform daily 
    checks to verify proper operation of the elevator control system.
        For certain airplanes, this new action proposes to add inspections 
    of certain airplanes to detect deformation or discrepancies of the 
    flutter damper hinge fittings and lug of the horizontal stabilizer, the 
    elevator hinge/damper fitting, and the shear pin lugs; and requires 
    replacement of discrepant parts with serviceable parts. For those and 
    other airplanes, the proposed AD also would require installation of new 
    elevator flutter dampers, and replacement of shear pins and shear links 
    with new, improved pins and links.
    
    Interim Action
    
        This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
    identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    
    Comments
    
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
    to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    
    Conclusion
    
        The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
    require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 21 Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
    Jet Series 100) series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected 
    by this AD.
        The actions that are currently required by AD 94-24-02, and 
    retained in this AD, take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
    these figures, the cost impact of the previously required actions on 
    U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,560, or $360 per airplane. The FAA 
    estimates that all affected U.S. operators have previously accomplished 
    these requirements, therefore, the future cost impact of these 
    requirements is minimal.
        For operators that are required to accomplish the inspections in 
    this new AD, it will take approximately 26 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish them, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based 
    on these figures, the cost impact of the new inspection requirements of 
    this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,560 per airplane.
        The installations that are required in this AD will take 
    approximately 12 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
    manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of the installations required by this AD on U.S. operators 
    is estimated to be $15,120, or $720 per airplane.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
    AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
    future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
    from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
    ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9075 (59 FR 
    60888, November 29, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-10356, to read as follows:
    
    98-04-45 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-10356. 
    Docket 96-NM-108-AD. Supersedes AD 94-24-02, Amendment 39-9075.
    
        Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) 
    series airplanes, having serial numbers 7003 through 7054 inclusive, 
    certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
    alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
    this AD.
    
    [[Page 9930]]
    
    The request should include an assessment of the effect of the 
    modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent failure of lugs and/or pins, which may increase the 
    likelihood of jamming or restricting movement of the elevator and 
    the resultant adverse effect on controllability of the airplane, 
    accomplish the following:
    
    Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-01-09
    
        (a) Within 30 days after January 26, 1994 (the effective date of 
    AD 94-01-09, amendment 39-8791), revise the Limitations Section of 
    the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the 
    following restrictions of altitude and airspeed operations under 
    conditions of single or double hydraulic system failure; and advise 
    the flight crew of these revised limits. Revision of the AFM may be 
    accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD or AFM Revision 34, 
    dated June 12, 1995, in the AFM.
    
                         Single Hydraulic System Failure                    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Altitude limit  (maximum)            Airspeed limit  (maximum) 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    31,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (199 KIAS).       
    30,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (204 KIAS).       
    28,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (213 KIAS).       
    26,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (222 KIAS).       
    24,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (232 KIAS).       
    22,000 feet...............................  0.55 Mach (241 KIAS).       
    20,000 feet and below.....................  252 KIAS.                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
                         Double Hydraulic System Failure                    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Altitude limit  (maximum)            Airspeed limit  (maximum) 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    10,000 feet...............................  200 KIAS.                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Note 2: The restrictions described in the AFM Temporary Revision 
    (TR) RJ/30, dated December 16, 1993, meet the requirements of this 
    paragraph. Therefore, inserting a copy of TR RJ/30 in lieu of this 
    AD in the AFM is considered an acceptable means of compliance with 
    this paragraph.
    
    Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-24-02
    
        (b) Within 7 days after December 14, 1994 (the effective date of 
    AD 94-24-02, amendment 39-9075), accomplish the requirements of 
    paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD:
        (1) Until the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this AD are 
    accomplished, remove the elevator dampers in accordance with 
    Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-041, 
    dated October 28, 1994.
        (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to 
    include the following, which advises the flight crew of daily checks 
    to verify proper operation of the elevator control system. Revision 
    of the AFM may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD or AFM 
    Revision 32, dated March 30, 1995, in the AFM.
    
        Note 3: The daily check described in the AFM Temporary Revision 
    (TR) RJ/40, dated October 28, 1994, meets the requirements of this 
    paragraph. Therefore, inserting a copy of TR RJ/40 into the AFM in 
    lieu of this AD is considered an acceptable means of compliance with 
    this paragraph.
    
        ``Elevator, Before Engine Start (First Flight of Day)
    
    (1) Elevator........................  Check                             
                                          Travel range (to approximately \1/
                                           2\ travel) using each hydraulic  
                                           system in turn, with the other   
                                           hydraulic systems                
                                           depressurized.''                 
                                                                            
    
    New Requirements of This AD
    
        (c) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    perform the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, 
    as applicable, in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Service 
    Bulletin S.B. 601R-27-040, Revision `B,' dated September 11, 1995.
        (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7049, 
    inclusive: Perform the inspections specified in paragraphs 
    (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), and (c)(1)(iii) of this AD in accordance with 
    Section 2.B., Part A, of the service bulletin.
        (i) Remove the shear pins and shear links of the flutter dampers 
    and perform a visual inspection to detect any deformation or 
    discrepancy of the flutter damper hinge fitting and lug of the 
    horizontal stabilizer. Prior to further flight, replace any deformed 
    or discrepant part with a serviceable part in accordance with the 
    service bulletin.
        (ii) Perform a visual inspection to detect any deformation or 
    discrepancy of the elevator hinge/damper fitting and shear pin lugs. 
    Prior to further flight, replace any discrepant part with a 
    serviceable part in accordance with the service bulletin.
        (iii) Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection and a 
    dimensional inspection to detect any deformation or discrepancy of 
    the shear pin lugs. If any deformation or discrepancy is found on 
    the lugs, prior to further flight, replace the elevator with a new 
    or serviceable elevator in accordance with the service bulletin.
        (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7054, 
    inclusive: Install new shear pins [part number (P/N) 601R24063-953] 
    and new elevator flutter dampers (P/N 601R75142-7) in accordance 
    with Section 2.B., Part B, of the service bulletin:
        (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
    Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Operators shall 
    submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
    Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
    Manager, New York ACO.
    
        Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the New York ACO.
    
        (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair 
    Regional Jet Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-27-040, Revision `B,' dated 
    September 11, 1995, and Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin 
    S.B. A601R-27-041, dated October 28, 1994.
        (1) The incorporation by reference of Canadair Regional Jet 
    Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-27-040, Revision `B,' dated September 11, 
    1995, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
    accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
        (2) The incorporation by reference of Canadair Regional Jet 
    Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-041, dated October 28, 1994 was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    December 14, 1994 (59 FR 60888, November 29, 1994).
        (3) Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, 
    Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, 
    Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
    Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New 
    York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
    Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
    800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
        Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
    airworthiness directive CF-94-21R1, dated November 3, 1995.
    
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 1998.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1998.
    Gilbert L. Thompson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-4250 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
4/3/1998
Published:
02/27/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-4250
Dates:
Effective April 3, 1998.
Pages:
9928-9930 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-108-AD, Amendment 39-10356, AD 98-04-45
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-4250.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13