Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36129-36131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14042]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0293; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-034-AD; 
Amendment 39-17081; AD 2012-12-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 
702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, 
and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of a bleed air leak from the high pressure ducts 
which was not immediately detected by the bleed leak detection system. 
This AD requires installing new sensing elements in the main landing 
gear wheel well and the overwing area, protective blankets on the upper 
surface of the wing box and fuel tubes, and protective shields on the 
rudder quadrant support-beam in the aft equipment compartment. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an undetected bleed

[[Page 36130]]

air leak which can cause loss of rudder control, can lead to 
degradation of structural integrity, and could be a potential heat 
source that can lead to fuel being ignited.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 23, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 23, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2012 (77 FR 
16490). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    There have been multiple events reported where a bleed air leak 
from the high pressure ducts was not immediately detected by the 
Bleed Leak Detection System (BLDS).
    An investigation revealed that if a bleed air leak develops due 
to a cracked or ruptured duct, the duct shroud may not channel 
sufficient bleed air to the sensing loop elements to enable an 
automatic shutdown of the bleed air system. The inability to detect 
a bleed air leak could result in the rudder quadrant bracket, 
pressure floor, pressure floor beam, fuel vent boot or fuel tubes 
being exposed to high temperatures. This could potentially lead to 
the loss of rudder control, degrade the structural integrity of 
primary structure or fuel ignition.
    This [Canadian] Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates the 
installation of newly designed sensing elements in the main landing 
gear wheel well and the overwing area, protective blankets on the 
upper surface of the wing box and fuel tubes, as well as protective 
shields on the rudder quadrant support-beam in the aft equipment 
compartment.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 16490, March 21, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 409 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 78 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $21,353 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $11,445,047, or $27,983 per product.

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 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 this AD:
    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 16490, March 21, 
2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2012-12-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17081. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0293; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-034-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 23, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.

[[Page 36131]]

    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10003 through 10331 inclusive.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) 
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial numbers 
15001 through 15279 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 36: Pneumatic.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of a bleed air leak from the 
high pressure ducts which was not immediately detected by the bleed 
leak detection system. We are issuing this AD to prevent an 
undetected bleed air leak which can cause loss of rudder control, 
can lead to degradation of structural integrity, and could be a 
potential heat source that can lead to fuel being ignited.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Install Protective Shields

    For Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes having serial numbers 10003 
through 10326 inclusive, and Model CL-600-2D15 and CL-600-2D24 
airplanes having serial numbers 15001 through 15267 inclusive: 
Within 6,600 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, install protective shields on the 
rudder quadrant support-beam in the aft equipment compartment, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-36-014, Revision A, dated October 11, 2011.

(h) Install Protective Blankets and Sensing Elements

    For Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes having serial numbers 10003 
through 10331 inclusive and Models CL-600-2D15 and CL-600-2D24 
airplanes having serial numbers 15001 through 15279 inclusive: 
Within 6,600 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, install protective blankets on the 
upper surface of the wing box and fuel components, and install new 
sensing elements in the wheel well of the main landing gear and the 
overwing area, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-36-016, Revision A, dated October 
11, 2011.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for installations, required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-36-014 or 670BA-36-016, both dated April 7, 2011, as 
applicable.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, 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 local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before 
using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-06, dated 
January 26, 2012, and the service bulletins specified in paragraphs 
(k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-36-014, Revision A, dated 
October 11, 2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-36-016, Revision A, dated 
October 11, 2011.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-36-014, Revision A, dated 
October 11, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-36-016, Revision A, dated 
October 11, 2011.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, 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 May 31, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14042 Filed 6-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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