2021-12351. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut lower pin. This proposed AD would require repetitive lubrication and repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVI) and non-destructive test (NDT) inspections of the MLG shock strut lower pins, and replacement if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 29, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet https://www.bombardier.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.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0462; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “Docket No. FAA-2021-0462; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01714-T” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments.

Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Chirayu Gupta, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-54R1, dated December 23, 2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-54R1) (also referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0462.

This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin part number (P/N) 19146-3. The subsequent investigation concluded that the friction torque when the shock strut is under compression loading, causes the pin anti-rotation tangs to become loaded beyond their load carrying capability. This overload condition can result in pin fracture originating at the base of the pin anti-rotation tang. Inadequate lubrication aggravates the condition. The FAA is proposing this AD to address cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin. If not addressed, this condition could result in structural failure of one or both MLG. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Bombardier, Inc., has issued the following service information:

• Service Bulletin 604-32-030, dated June 30, 2020.
• Service Bulletin 605-32-007, dated June 30, 2020.
• Service Bulletin 650-32-004, dated June 30, 2020.

This service information describes procedures for lubricating, inspecting (DVI and NDT inspections for cracking and damage, including fracture of the MLG shock strut lower pin at the pin rotation tang location), and replacing the MLG shock strut lower pin. These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane configurations. 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.

FAA's Determination

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 the State of Design Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 433 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions

Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595	$0	$595	$257,635

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

Estimated costs of on-condition actions

Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510	$2,435	$2,945

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators.

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

The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2021-0462; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01714-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 5301 through 5665 inclusive, 5701 through 5988 inclusive, and 6050 through 6999 inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut lower pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the MLG shock strut lower pin. If not addressed, this condition could result in structural failure of one or both MLG.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Lubrication

Within 200 flight hours (FH) or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, lubricate the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG shock strut lower pins having part number (P/N) 19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 2.B., “Part A,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 FH or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

(1) For airplanes having S/N 5301 through 5665 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-030, dated June 30, 2020.

(2) For airplanes having S/N 5701 through 5988 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-007, dated June 30, 2020.

(3) For airplanes having S/N 6050 through 6999 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-004, dated June 30, 2020.

(h) Repetitive Detailed Visual Inspections (DVI)

At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, perform the DVI for cracking and damage of the LH and RH MLG shock strut lower pins having part number (P/N) 19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 2.C., “Part B,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 FH or 24 months, whichever occurs first. If the DVI coincides with a non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, the NDT inspection supersedes the DVI for that interval only. If the accumulated flight cycles (FC) of the MLG shock strut lower pin are not known, use the related MLG assembly accumulated FC to determine when to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

(1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and on which an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated fewer than 600 total FC on the pin as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 750 total FC on the pin.

(2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and on which an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated 600 total FC or more on the pin as of the effective date of this AD: Within 150 FC after the effective date of this AD.

(3) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 750 total FC.

(i) Repetitive NDT Inspection

At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (4) of this AD: Perform the NDT for cracking and damage of the LH and RH MLG shock strut lower pins having P/N 19146-3, in accordance with paragraph 2.D., “Part C,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. Repeat thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 FC. If the accumulated FC of the MLG shock strut lower pin is not known, use the related MLG assembly accumulated FC to determine when to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

(1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and on which an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated fewer than 1,200 total FC on the pin as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 1,500 total FC on the pin.

(2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and on which an MLG shock strut lower pin has accumulated 1,200 total FC or more but fewer than 2,000 total FC on the pin as of the effective date of this AD: Within 300 FC after the effective date of this AD, or before the accumulation of 2,200 total FC on the pin, whichever occurs first.

(3) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and on which an MLG shock strut lower pin that has accumulated 2,000 total FC or more on the pin as of the effective date of this AD: Within 200 FC after the effective date of this AD.

(4) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 1,500 total FC.

(j) Replacement

If, during any inspection required by this AD, any crack or damage of the MLG shock strut lower pin is detected, before further flight, replace the affected MLG shock strut lower pin with a new part in accordance with paragraph 2.E., “Part D,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD.

(k) 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]; fax [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 Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2020-54R1, dated December 23, 2020, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0462.

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

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone [phone] or direct-dial telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet https://www.bombardier.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.

Issued on June 8, 2021.

Lance T. Gant,

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.