[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 15, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18302-18304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9594]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 72 / Tuesday, April 15, 1997 /
Proposed Rules
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model
CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the
Limitations Section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the
flight crew with procedures to check the travel range of the aileron.
It also requires inspection for damage of the shear pins of the aileron
flutter damper and aileron hinge fittings, and various follow-on
actions. This action would add a requirement for accomplishment of an
installation that eliminates the need for the AFM revision. This action
also would add airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This
proposal is prompted by reports of failure of shear pins in the aileron
flutter damper. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended
to prevent damage to the aileron hinge fittings due to failed shear
pins, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 23, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-48-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair Aerospace Group, P.O. Box
6087, Station Centre-ville, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This information
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth
Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Franco Pieri, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth
Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516)
256-7526; fax (568) 258-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-48-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 97-NM-48-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On December 13, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-26-07, amendment 39-9465
(60 FR 65521, December 20, 1995), applicable to certain Bombardier
Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. That AD requires the following
actions:
1. Revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with procedures to check
the travel range of the aileron.
2. A visual inspection to detect damage of the shear link, the
shear pin, and the aileron attachment fitting; and repair of the
aileron attachment fitting, if necessary.
3. Removal of the aileron flutter dampers, the shear links, the
pivots, and the attaching hardware.
Additionally, for certain airplanes on which no damaged shear pin
is found, that AD provides for accomplishment of the visual inspections
on a repetitive basis until the aileron flutter dampers are removed.
That action was prompted by reports of failure of shear pins in the
aileron flutter damper. The requirements of that AD are intended to
prevent damage to the aileron hinge fittings due to failed shear pins,
which subsequently could cause reduced controllability of the airplane.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble to AD 95-26-07, the FAA specified that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that once a
terminating modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA
may consider additional rulemaking action. The manufacturer now has
developed such a modification, and the FAA has determined that further
rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from
that determination.
Issuance of New Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Canadair Regional Jet Service Bulletin
S.B. 601R-27-065, dated September 16, 1996. This
[[Page 18303]]
service bulletin describes procedures for the installation of
redesigned aileron flutter damper shear pins and shear links, the
aileron flutter dampers, pivots, and new shear link assemblies.
Accomplishment of this installation will provide increased reliability
for the aileron system. Accomplishment of the installation eliminates
the need for the AFM revision.
The manufacturer also has released Temporary Revision (TR) RJ/45-2,
dated April 30, 1996, of the AFM. That TR adds airplanes to its
effectivity. The TR indicates that the daily checks to verify proper
operation of the aileron control system must be performed on these
additional airplanes.
Transport Canada Aviation, which is the airworthiness authority for
Canada, classified this service information as mandatory, and issued
Canadian airworthiness directive CF-95-14R1, dated November 13, 1996,
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
Canada.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada Aviation has kept
the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined
the findings of Transport Canada Aviation, reviewed all available
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United
States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 95-26-07. It
would continue to require the following:
1. Revision of the Limitations Section of the AFM that advises the
flight crew of the need to perform daily checks to check the travel
range of the aileron control system;
2. Visual inspection to detect damage of the shear link, the shear
pin, and the aileron attachment fitting, and repair of the aileron
attachment fitting, if necessary;
3. Removal of the aileron flutter dampers, the shear links, the
pivots, and the attaching hardware.
Additionally, for certain airplanes on which no damaged shear pin
is found, that AD provides for accomplishment of the visual inspections
on a repetitive basis until the aileron flutter dampers are removed.
This new proposed AD would revise the applicability of the existing
AD to add certain airplanes that are subject to the currently required
AFM revision. This proposed AD also would require installation of
redesigned aileron flutter damper shear pins and shear links, aileron
flutter dampers, pivots, and new shear link assemblies. Accomplishment
of the installation constitutes terminating action for the AFM
revision.
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with
the service bulletin and AFM TR described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 41 Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 series
airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 95-26-07 take
approximately 10 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 currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $24,600, or $600 per airplane.
The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be supplied by
the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $17,220, or $420 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed
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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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 39-9465 (60 FR
65521, December 20, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 97-NM-48-AD. Supersedes
AD 95-26-07, Amendment 39-9465.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100)
series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7134 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
otherwise 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 (i) of
this AD. 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 damage to the aileron hinge fittings due to failure
of the shear pins, and
[[Page 18304]]
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 95-26-07:
(a) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7079
inclusive: Within 7 days after January 4, 1996 (the effective date
of AD 95-26-07, amendment 39-9465), revise the Limitations Section
of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the
following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD
in the AFM.
``Before engine start, prior to the first flight of each day,
the flight crew or certificated maintenance personnel shall perform
a check of the travel range of the aileron as follows:
Aileron--Check travel range (to approx 1/2 travel) using each
hydraulic system in turn, with the other hydraulic systems
depressurized.''
Note 2: This AFM revision may also be accomplished by inserting
a copy of Temporary Revision RJ/45, dated September 7, 1995, or
Temporary Revision RJ/45-2, dated April 30, 1996, in the AFM. When
these temporary revisions have been incorporated into general
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM, provided the information contained in the general revisions is
identical to that specified in Temporary Revision RJ/45 or RJ/45-2.
Note 3: Operators should note that operation of the aircraft
remains restricted to the altitude and airspeed limits currently
specified in the FAA-approved AFM, Revision 34, Chapter 5, Abnormal
Procedures, Section 13, Hydraulic Power, Paragraphs ``A'' through
``C'' and ``M'' through ``O.''
(b) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7079
inclusive: Perform a visual inspection to detect damage of the shear
link, the shear pin, and the aileron attachment fitting, in
accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.
A601R-27-058, Revision 'A,' dated September 8, 1995, at the time
specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7054
inclusive: Inspect at the next scheduled shear pin replacement, but
no later than 30 days after January 4, 1996.
(2) For airplanes having serial numbers 7055 through 7079
inclusive: Inspect at the next scheduled shear pin replacement, but
no later than 400 flight hours after January 4, 1996.
(c) If no shear pin is found to be damaged during the inspection
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of
either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2), as applicable, at the times
specified:
(1) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7054
inclusive: At the next scheduled shear pin replacement, but no later
than 400 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection specified
in paragraph (b) of this AD, remove the aileron flutter dampers,
shear link, and pivot, in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet
Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-058, Revision `A,' dated
September 8, 1995. Following removal of the flutter dampers, the
shear pin replacement in accordance with the FAA-approved
maintenance program is not required.
(2) For airplanes having serial numbers 7055 through 7079
inclusive: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this
AD at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. At the next
scheduled shear pin replacement, but no later than 1,500 landings
after accomplishing the initial inspection specified in paragraph
(b) of this AD, remove the aileron flutter dampers, shear link, and
pivot, in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service
Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-058, Revision `A,' dated September 8, 1995.
Following removal of the flutter dampers, the shear pin replacement
in accordance with the FAA-approved maintenance program is not
required.
(d) If any shear pin is found to be damaged during the
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to further
flight, remove the aileron flutter dampers, shear link, and pivot,
in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.
A601R-27-058, Revision `A,' dated September 8, 1995. Following
removal of the flutter dampers, shear pin replacement in accordance
with the FAA-approved maintenance program is not required.
(e) If any aileron hinge fitting is found to be damaged during
the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to
further flight, repair in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet
Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-27-058, Revision `A,' dated
September 8, 1995.
New Requirements of this AD
(f) For airplanes having serial numbers 7080 through 7134
inclusive: Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the
following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD
in the AFM.
``Before engine start, prior to the first flight of each day,
the flight crew or certificated maintenance personnel shall perform
a check of the travel range of the aileron as follows:
Aileron--Check travel range (to approx 1/2 travel) using each
hydraulic system in turn, with the other hydraulic systems
depressurized.''
Note 4: This AFM revision may also be accomplished by inserting
a copy of Temporary Revision RJ/45-2, dated April 30, 1996, in the
AFM. When this temporary revision has been incorporated into general
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM, provided the information contained in the general revisions is
identical to that specified in Temporary Revision RJ/45-2.
Note 5: Operators should note that operation of the aircraft
remains restricted to the altitude and airspeed limits currently
specified in the FAA-approved AFM, Revision 34, Chapter 5, Abnormal
Procedures, Section 13, Hydraulic Power, Paragraphs ``A'' through
``C'' and ``M'' through ``O.''
(g) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7134
inclusive: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
install redesigned aileron flutter damper shear pins and shear
links, aileron flutter dampers, pivots, and new shear link
assemblies; in accordance with Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-
27-065, dated September 16, 1996. Accomplishment of this
installation constitutes terminating action for the AFM revisions
required by paragraphs (a) and (f) of this AD.
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an aileron flutter damper assembly, part number 600-10179-1, on any
airplane.
(i) 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 6: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the New York ACO.
(j) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 8, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-9594 Filed 4-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
