[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42866-42868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20328]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-260-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 (Regional Jet Series 100) series airplanes, that currently
requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to require the
flight crew to check, and reset, if necessary, certain instrument
settings prior to each takeoff and after any event during which
generators are switched. This action would add a new revision to the
AFM and would revise the applicability of the existing AD. This action
also would require modification of the air data reference systems. This
proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent uncommanded
changes in certain instrument settings on the pilot's and co-pilot's
instrument displays, which could result in confusion among the flight
crew about the correct position and flight configuration of the
airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 7, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98 NM-260-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, 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, 10 Fifth
Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cuneo, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street,
Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7506;
fax (516) 568-2716.
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 98-NM-260-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-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-260-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
[[Page 42867]]
Discussion
On October 1, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-21-02, amendment 39-9778
(61 FR 52688, October 8, 1996), applicable to certain Bombardier Model
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series airplanes. That AD
requires revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to require the
flight crew to check, and reset, if necessary, certain instrument
settings prior to each takeoff and after any event during which
generators are switched. That action was prompted by reports indicating
that the co-pilot's air data reference system has intermittently failed
following the switching of power between generators. The requirements
of that AD are intended to prevent uncommanded changes in certain
instrument settings on the co-pilot's instrument display, which, if not
corrected, could result in confusion among the flight crew about the
correct position and flight configuration of the airplane.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble of AD 96-21-02, the FAA indicated that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this AD follows from
that determination.
Transport Canada Aviation (TCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, has notified the FAA that the pilot's air data
reference system also may experience uncommanded changes following
power transfer to the air driven generator or auxiliary power unit
generator in the event that the primary electrical power is lost.
Following from that, the manufacturer has developed a modification that
positively addresses the unsafe condition by replacing the existing air
data reference panels (ARP) and air data computers (ADC) with new,
improved ARP's and ADC's, respectively. The manufacturer also has
indicated that this modification would be incorporated on subsequent
airplanes before delivery.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Canadair Regional Jet Publication CSP
A-012, Temporary Revision RJ/50-2, dated June 1, 1997. The temporary
revision provides information for the flight crew concerning
intermittent failures of the air data system resulting in uncommanded
changes to the pilot's or co-pilot's flight instruments, and provides
procedures for the flight crew to check and reset certain instrument
settings as necessary.
Bombardier also has issued Canadair Regional Jet Service Bulletin
S.B. 601R-34-094, Revision `B,' dated November 14, 1997, which
describes procedures for modification of the air data reference
systems. The modification involves replacing the ARP's and the ADC's
with new, improved ARP's and ADC's, respectively. Accomplishment of the
actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately
address the identified unsafe condition. TCA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-
96-16R1, dated June 24, 1998, 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, TCA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of TCA,
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 96-21-02 to
continue to require revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-
approved AFM to require the flight crew to check, and reset, if
necessary, certain instrument settings prior to each takeoff and after
any event during which generators are switched.
The proposed AD would add a new temporary revision to the
Emergency, Normal, and Abnormal Procedures Sections and Supplements 4
and 8 of the FAA-approved AFM to provide information for the flight
crew concerning intermittent failures of the air data system resulting
in uncommanded changes to the pilot's or co-pilot's flight instruments,
and to provide procedures for the flight crew to check and reset
certain instrument settings. This proposed AD also would limit the
applicability of the existing AD to exclude certain airplanes on which
the modification was accomplished during manufacture. This action also
would require modification of the air data reference systems, which,
when accomplished, would terminate the requirement for revising the
AFM. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance
with the service bulletin and temporary revision to the AFM described
previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 86 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be
affected by this proposed AD.
The AFM revision that is currently required by AD 96-21-02, and is
retained in this proposed AD, takes approximately 1 work hour 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 AFM
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,160, or $60 per airplane.
The new AFM revision that is proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the new AFM revision proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $5,160, or $60 per airplane.
The new modification that is proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by
the manufacturer at no charge to the operators. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $56,760, or $660 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''
[[Page 42868]]
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 39-9778 (61 FR
52688, October 8, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 98-NM-260-AD.
Supersedes AD 96-21-02, Amendment 39-9778.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100)
series airplanes, having serial numbers 7003 through 7207 inclusive;
except those airplanes on which Canadair Regional Jet Service
Bulletin S.B. 601R-34-094, Revision `B,' dated November 14, 1997,
has been accomplished; 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 (d) 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 uncommanded changes in the settings on the pilot's
and co-pilot's instrument displays, which could result in confusion
among the flight crew about the correct position and flight
configuration of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 96-21-02, Amendment 39-9778
(a) Within 3 days after October 15, 1996 (the effective date of
AD 96-21-02, amendment 39-9778), revise the Limitations Section of
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the
following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of
this AD in the AFM.
``Prior to each takeoff and after any event during which
generators are switched, check the settings of the barometric
altimeter, altitude pre-selector, V-speed, and speed bug. If any
discrepancy is detected, reset, as necessary.''
New Requirements of This AD
AFM Temporary Revision
(b) Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Emergency, Normal, and Abnormal Procedures Sections, and
Supplements 4 and 8 of the FAA-approved AFM by inserting Canadair
Regional Jet Publication CSP A-012, Temporary Revision RJ/50-2,
dated June 1, 1997, into the applicable section of the AFM.
Note 2: The AFM revisions required by paragraph (b) of this AD
are accomplished by inserting a copy of the Temporary Revisions into
the applicable section of the AFM. When these Temporary Revisions
have been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, provided that the
information contained in the general revisions is identical to that
specified in the Temporary Revisions.
Replacement
(c) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the air data reference systems in accordance with Canadair Regional
Jet Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-34-094, Revision `B,' dated November
14, 1997. After accomplishment of the modification, the AFM
revisions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD may be
removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the New York ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-96-16R1, dated June 24, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-20328 Filed 8-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
