Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 218 (Monday, November 14, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69073-69075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22309]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22867; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-209-AD; 
Amendment 39-14359; AD 2005-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Canadair 
Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual by incorporating new 
procedures for repetitive detailed and special detailed inspections for 
cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead. This AD results from a fatigue 
test, which revealed cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead; subsequent 
in-service reports show that fatigue cracking has been found on other 
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the 
aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 29, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 29, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, 
Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, for service 
information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Beckwith, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7302; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes. TCCA advises that during a complete aircraft fatigue test, 
cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead was found. Subsequent in-service 
reports show that fatigue cracking has been found on airplanes with as 
few as 17,821 total flight cycles. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in reduced structural integrity and rapid decompression of 
the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Canadair Regional Jet Temporary Revision (TR) 
2B-2109, dated October 13, 2005, to the Canadair Regional Jet 
Maintenance Requirements Manual (MRM), Part 2, Appendix B, 
``Airworthiness Limitations.'' This TR incorporates repetitive special 
detailed and detailed inspections for cracking of the aft pressure 
bulkhead, in accordance with the procedures specified in the applicable 
task identified in the TR, into the MRM. TCCA mandated airworthiness 
limitations (AWL) Number 53-61-153 of the TR and issued Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2005-13R1, dated October 6, 2005, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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, TCCA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. We have examined TCCA's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in 
the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane. This AD requires 
revising the AWL section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness of the Canadair Regional

[[Page 69074]]

Jet MRM by incorporating new repetitive detailed and special detailed 
inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead. This AD requires 
incorporating the actions specified in AWL Number 53-61-153 of the TR 
described previously into the Canadair Regional Jet MRM.

Difference Between the AD and Canadian Airworthiness Directive

    The initial compliance times specified in the Canadian 
airworthiness directive are different than those that are required by 
this AD. The Canadian airworthiness directive contains a phase-in 
period based on a previous issue of that airworthiness directive; this 
AD does not include those compliance times. This difference has been 
coordinated with TCCA.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22867; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-209-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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.
    We are 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

    We have determined that 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-23-01 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-14359. 
Docket No. FAA-2005-22867; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-209-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective November 29, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, certificated in any category, 
having serial numbers 7003 through 8025 inclusive, 8030 and 8034.

    Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (h) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA 
has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular 
(AC) 25-1529.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a fatigue test which revealed cracking 
of the aft pressure bulkhead; subsequent in-service reports show 
that fatigue cracking has been found on certain other airplanes. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the aft 
pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane.

[[Page 69075]]

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Revision to the Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) Section

    (f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness of the Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance 
Requirements Manual (MRM), Part 2, Appendix B, ``Structural 
Airworthiness Limitations'' by incorporating the information 
specified in AWL Number 53-61-153 of the Canadair Regional Jet 
Temporary Revision (TR) 2B-2109, dated October 13, 2005, into the 
AWL section. Perform the applicable detailed and special detailed 
inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, as specified 
in the TR, at the applicable compliance time specified in Table 1 of 
this AD. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 1,085 flight cycles, and repeat the special detailed 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,360 flight 
cycles, in accordance with the procedures specified in Structural 
Airworthiness Limitations, AWL Number 53-61-153, as introduced by 
the MRM.

           Table 1.--Compliance Times for Initial Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of the effective date of this AD: If
 the total flight cycles accumulated on    Inspect before the airplane
           the airplane are--                     accumulates--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,000 or fewer.........................  12,000 total flight cycles.
More than 8,000 but fewer than 12,000..  15,000 total flight cycles or
                                          within 4,000 flight cycles
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever is first.
12,000 or more but fewer than 15,000...  17,000 total flight cycles or
                                          within 3,000 flight cycles
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever is first.
15,000 or more but fewer than 17,000...  18,500 total flight cycles or
                                          within 2,000 flight cycles
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever is first.
17,000 or more but fewer than 18,500...  19,500 total flight cycles or
                                          within 1,500 flight cycles
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever is first.
18,500 or more but fewer than 19,500...  20,000 total flight cycles or
                                          within 1,000 flight cycles
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever is first.
19,500 or more.........................  500 flight cycles after the
                                          effective date of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) When the information in AWL Number 53-61-153 of the Canadair 
Regional Jet TR 2B-2109, dated October 13, 2005, is included in the 
general revisions of the MRM, the general revisions may be inserted 
into the AWL section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, and this information may be removed from the MRM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (i) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2005-13R1, dated October 
6, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Canadair Regional Jet Temporary Revision 2B-
2109, dated October 13, 2005, to the Canadair Regional Jet 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, Part 2, Appendix B, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' to perform the actions that are required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station 
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_ register/code--of--federal-- regulations/
ibr--locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 31, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-22309 Filed 11-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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