94-15595. Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-600-1A11, -2A12, and -2B16 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page ]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-15595]
    
    
    [Federal Register: June 28, 1994]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 93-NM-207-AD]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-600-1A11, -2A12, and 
    -2B16 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
    comment period.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
    directive (AD), applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-600-1A11, -
    2A12, and -2B16 series airplanes, that would have required a test of 
    the engine throttle quadrant to determine if the throttle lever 
    bypasses the idle stop into the shut-off position, and modification of 
    the throttle quadrant or replacement of the throttle quadrant with a 
    modified unit. That proposal was prompted by reports of unintentional 
    engine shutdown on certain of these airplanes. This action revises the 
    proposed rule by requiring a different test and eventual replacement of 
    the throttle quadrant. The actions specified by this proposed AD are 
    intended to prevent inadvertent shutdown of an engine while the 
    airplane is taxiing or in flight.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by August 2, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-207-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
    Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location 
    between 9 a.m. and 3 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 A, Montreal, 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, Engine and Propeller 
    Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin 
    Avenue, Valley Stream, New York.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond J. O'Neill, Aerospace 
    Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANE-174, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
    Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin 
    Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791-
    7421; fax (516) 791-9024.
    
    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 93-NM-207-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. 93-NM-207-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056. Discussion
        A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
    certain Canadair Model CL-600-1A11, -2A12, and -2B16 series airplanes, 
    was published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
    Register on February 9, 1994 (59 FR 5966). That NPRM would have 
    required a test of the engine throttle quadrant to determine if the 
    throttle lever bypasses the idle stop into the shut-off position, and 
    modification of the throttle quadrant or replacement of the throttle 
    quadrant with a modified unit. That NPRM was prompted by reports of 
    unintentional engine shutdown on Model CL-600-2A12 and -2B16 series 
    airplanes. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
    inadvertent shutdown of an engine while the airplane is taxiing or in 
    flight.
        Subsequent to the issuance of that NPRM, Transport Canada Aviation, 
    which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, advised the FAA of an 
    additional unsafe condition that may exist on these, and additional, 
    airplanes. While performing a test of the engine throttle quadrant, one 
    operator discovered that a quick, sharp pull of the throttle lever, 
    combined with contamination of the surfaces of the idle stop plate and 
    pawl, could result in inadvertent run-through of the lever past the 
    idle stop and through the shut-off position. If this were to occur 
    while the airplane was in flight or while taxiing, it could result in 
    the inadvertent shutdown of the engines.
        Canadair has issued Challenger Service Bulletins 600-0629 (for 
    Model CL-600-1A11 series airplanes) and 601-0410 (for Model CL-601-2A12 
    and -2B16 series airplanes), both dated November 1, 1993. These service 
    bulletins contain new procedures for conducting a check of the idle 
    stop function of the throttle quadrant and procedures for cleaning, 
    retesting, and/or replacement of the throttle quadrant, if necessary. 
    These service bulletins also contain instructions for installing a 
    modified throttle quadrant. Operators that have previously accomplished 
    the check and/or modification of the throttle quadrants in accordance 
    with Canadair Challenger Service Bulletin A600-0615, dated June 10, 
    1992 (for Model CL-600-1A11 series airplanes), and Service Bulletin 
    A601-0374 (for Model CL-600-2A12 and -2B16 series airplanes), Revision 
    1, dated September 30, 1992, must re-check and replace in accordance 
    with the new service bulletins. The new service bulletins list part 
    numbers of additional affected throttle quadrants, and serial numbers 
    of additional (Model CL-600-2B16) airplanes that may also be subject to 
    the addressed unsafe condition.
        Transport Canada Aviation classified these service bulletins as 
    mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-92-23R1, dated 
    March 31, 1994, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
    airplanes in Canada.
        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.
        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 require a check of the idle 
    stop function of the throttle quadrant, and repair or replacement of 
    the throttle quadrant if the check fails. In addition, this proposed AD 
    would require the eventual replacement of the throttle quadrant with a 
    new model. The proposed actions would be required to be accomplished in 
    accordance with the new service bulletins described previously. 
    Additionally, the applicability of the proposed rule would be expanded 
    to include additional airplanes that are subject to the addressed 
    unsafe condition.
        Since these changes expand the scope of the originally proposed 
    rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
    period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.
        The FAA estimates that 150 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
    affected by this proposed AD.
        The proposed functional check of the throttle quadrant would take 
    approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $55 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
    impact of the proposed functional check on U.S. operators is estimated 
    to be $8,250, or $55 per airplane.
        The proposed installation of a modified throttle quadrant would 
    take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
    average labor rate of $55 per work hour. Required parts would be 
    provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
    figures, the total cost impact of the proposed installation on U.S. 
    operators is estimated to be $82,500, or $550 per airplane.
        Based on the figures discussed above, the total cost impact of this 
    proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $90,750, or $605 per 
    airplane. This total cost impact figure is based on assumptions that no 
    operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this 
    AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
    future if this AD were not adopted.
        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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
    106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
    
    CANADAIR: Docket 93-NM-207-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model CL-600-1A11 series airplanes, serial 
    numbers 1004 through 1085, inclusive, equipped with throttle 
    quadrant part numbers 600-90601-69, -71,, -73, -75, -77, and -79; 
    Model CL-600-2A12 series airplanes, serial numbers 3001 through 
    3066, inclusive, equipped with throttle quadrant part numbers 600-
    90601-983, -987, -989, -1013, -1015, -1017, -1019, -1021, -1023, 
    1025, and -1027; and Model CL-600-2B16 series airplanes, serial 
    numbers 5001 through 5139, inclusive, equipped with throttle 
    quadrant part numbers 600-90601-983, -987, -989, -1013, -1015, -
    1017, -1019, -1021, -1023, -1025, and -1027; certificated in any 
    category.
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent inadvertent shutdown of an engine while the airplane 
    is taxiing or in flight, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 150 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
    this AD, perform a functional test (check) of the idle stop function 
    of the throttle quadrant in accordance with Part A of the 
    Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Challenger Service Bulletins 
    A600-0629, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model CL-600-1A11 series 
    airplanes), or A601-0410, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model CL-600-
    2A12 and -2B16 series airplanes), as applicable. If the idle stop 
    functional test fails, prior to further flight, repair or replace 
    the throttle quadrant in accordance with the applicable service 
    bulletin.
        (b) Within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
    AD, replace the throttle quadrant in accordance with Part B of the 
    Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Challenger Service Bulletins 
    A600-0629, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model CL-600-1A11 series 
    airplanes), or A601-0410, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model CL-600-
    2A12 and -2B16 series airplanes), as applicable.
        (c) Replacement of the throttle quadrant in accordance with Part 
    B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Challenger Service 
    Bulletins A600-0629, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model CL-600-1A11 
    series airplanes), or A601-0410, dated November 1, 1993 (for Model 
    CL-600-2A12 and -2B16 series airplanes), as applicable, constitutes 
    terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
        (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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
    FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
    requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
    who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        (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.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 1994. Original signed 
    by:
    S.R. Miller,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 94-15595 Filed 6-27-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
06/28/1994
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period.
Document Number:
94-15595
Dates:
Comments must be received by August 2, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (None pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: June 28, 1994, Docket No. 93-NM-207-AD
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13