2023-10787. Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440); CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702); CL–600–2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550); CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705); CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900); and CL–600–2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive AMM and CMR tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective June 26, 2023.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 26, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0167; 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 service information identified in this final rule, contact MHI RJ Aviation Group, Customer Response Center, 3655 Ave. des Grandes-Tourelles, Suite 110, Boisbriand, Québec J7H 0E2 Canada; North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; website mhirj.com.

• You may view this service information 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–2023–0167.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

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 all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440); CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702); CL–600–2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550); CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705); CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900); and CL–600–2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 16, 2023 (88 FR 10060). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF–2022–32, dated June 13, 2022, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that it was discovered that the 10-year (120-month) periodic hydrostatic tests of the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fire extinguishing bottles on Model CL–600–2B19 airplanes and of the engine, APU, and cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles for Model CL–600–2C10, CL–600–2C11, CL–600–2D15, CL–600–2D24, and CL–600–2E25 airplanes were not performed. This could mean that the functional test of the pressure switch, which should be performed as part of the hydrostatic tests, may have been omitted on several airplanes in service. Failure to perform the pressure switch test and the 10-year overhaul or restoration of the FIREX bottles could result in a dormant loss of fire extinguishing capability.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive AMM and CMR tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address undetected loss of fire extinguishing capability for the engine, APU, or cargo compartment. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an inability to put out a fire in the engine, APU, or cargo compartment area.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0167.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.

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 comment 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, 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 Bombardier Temporary Revisions 2A–73 and 2A–74, both dated June 5, 2020. This service information specifies new or more restrictive CMR tasks.

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 1,114 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 × $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

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:

2023–09–02 MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39–22425; Docket No. FAA–2023–0167; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00762–T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 26, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any category.

(1) Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes.

(2) Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes.

(3) Model CL–600–2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes.

(4) Model CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes.

(5) Model CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes.

(6) Model CL–600–2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire Protection.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address undetected loss of fire extinguishing capability for the engine, APU, or cargo compartment. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an inability to put out a fire in the engine, APU, or cargo compartment area.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision for Model CL–600–2B19 Airplanes

For Model CL–600–2B19 airplanes: Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Bombardier Temporary Revisions 2A–73 and 2A–74, both dated June 5, 2020. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is at the applicable times specified in Bombardier Temporary Revisions 2A–73 and 2A–74, both dated June 5, 2020, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision for Other Model Airplanes

For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2) through (6) of this AD:

(1) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The initial compliance time for doing the task is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.

(i) If a restoration (previously called a hydrostatic test) of any cargo compartment fire extinguisher bottle was accomplished on or before June 5, 2014, do the applicable maintenance task on that bottle within 48 months after the effective date of this AD.

(ii) If a restoration (previously called a hydrostatic test) of any cargo compartment fire extinguisher bottle was accomplished after June 5, 2014, do the applicable maintenance task on that bottle within 10 years after the most recent restoration was accomplished.

Figure 1 to paragraph (h)(1)— AMM task for the cargo fire extinguisher bottle

(2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Figure 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The initial compliance time for doing the task is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.

(i) If a restoration (previously called a hydrostatic test) of any engine or auxiliary power unit (APU) fire extinguisher bottle was accomplished on or before June 5, 2014, do the applicable maintenance task on that bottle within 48 months after the effective date of this AD.

(ii) If a restoration (previously called a hydrostatic test) of any engine or APU fire extinguisher bottle was accomplished after June 5, 2014, do the applicable maintenance task on that bottle within 10 years after the most recent restoration was accomplished.

Figure 2 to paragraph (h)(2)— AMM tasks for the engine and APU fire extinguisher bottles

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraphs (g) and (h) 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 (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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]. 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, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or MHI RJ Aviation ULC'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–2022–32, dated June 13, 2022, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0167.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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 Temporary Revision 2A–73, dated June 5, 2020.

(ii) Bombardier Temporary Revision 2A–74, dated June 5, 2020.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact MHI RJ Aviation Group, Customer Response Center, 3655 Ave. des Grandes-Tourelles, Suite 110, Boisbriand, Québec J7H 0E2 Canada; North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; website mhirj.com.

(4) You may view this service information 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 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: www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on April 28, 2023.

Gaetano A. Sciortino,

Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.