Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 85 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21983-21985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-10651]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-49-AD; Amendment 39-12738; AD 2002-09-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes, 
that requires a one-time inspection of the fuel-level sensing wires in 
the center fuel tank for damage and for clearance

[[Page 21984]]

from the adjacent structure; and corrective action, if necessary. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct 
inadequate clearance between the fuel-level sensing wires in the center 
fuel tank and adjacent structures, which could lead to chafing of the 
wires, resulting in electrical arcing between the fuel-level sensing 
wires and the center fuel tank and a consequent fire or explosion in 
the center fuel tank. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 6, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 6, 2002.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luciano Castracane, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7535; fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 
22, 2002 (67 FR 8214). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection of the fuel-level sensing wires in the center fuel tank for 
damage and for clearance from the adjacent structure; and corrective 
action, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received. The commenter states that an inspection of 
the fuel-level sensing wires in the center fuel tank has revealed no 
damage or chafing on its airplanes.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 160 Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will be provided at no charge by the manufacturer. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$96,000, or $600 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-09-05  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): 
Amendment 39-12738. Docket 2001-NM-49-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes, serial 
numbers 7003 through 7295 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 
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 detect and correct inadequate clearance between the fuel-
level sensing wires in the center fuel tank and adjacent structures, 
which could lead to chafing of the wires, resulting in electrical 
arcing between the fuel-level sensing wires and the center fuel tank 
and a consequent fire or explosion in the center fuel tank, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) At the next ``A'' check but no later than 500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual 
inspection of the fuel-level sensing wires in the center fuel tank 
for damage and for clearance from adjacent structures, in accordance 
with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 601R-28-042, Revision `A,' 
dated January 12, 2001. If the inspection reveals that the clearance 
between the fuel-level sensing wires and adjacent structures is less 
than the minimum clearance specified in the service bulletin,

[[Page 21985]]

prior to further flight, adjust the clearance in accordance with the 
service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''


    Note 3: Inspection, adjustment of the clearance between the 
fuel-level sensing wires and adjacent structures, and replacement of 
damaged fuel-level sensing wires accomplished prior to the effective 
date of this AD, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin 601R-28-042, dated August 14, 2000, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in 
this AD.

Replacement

    (b) If the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
reveals damage to the fuel-level sensing wires: Prior to further 
flight, replace the damaged fuel-level sensing wires having part 
number (P/N) 601R57137-1/01 with new, improved fuel-level sensing 
wires having P/N 601R57137-1/S01, in accordance with Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin 601R-28-042, Revision `A,' dated January 12, 
2001.

Installation of Cushioned Clamps

    (c) Prior to further flight after accomplishing the actions 
required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, if applicable: 
Install cushioned clamps between pipe P/N 601R62261-55 and the fuel-
level sensing wires, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin 601R-28-042, Revision `A,' dated January 12, 2001.

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. 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 4: 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin 601R-28-042, Revision `A,' dated January 12, 
2001. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director 
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, 
Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, 
Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 
10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2000-31, dated October 4, 2000.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2002.
Lirio Liu-Nelson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-10651 Filed 5-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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