Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 51 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11404-11407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05021]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0626; Product Identifier 2016-NM-210-AD; Amendment 
39-19226; AD 2018-06-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 11405]]

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports of in-flight uncommanded rudder movements on 
airplanes with an installation similar to the installation on certain 
Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. This AD requires 
modification of the wiring harness for the yaw damper control system. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 19, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 19, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North 
America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-
514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0626.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0626; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., 
Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 27, 2017 (82 FR 29014) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of in-flight uncommanded rudder movements 
on airplanes with an installation similar to the installation on 
certain Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. The NPRM proposed 
to require modification of the wiring for the yaw damper control 
system. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight uncommanded rudder 
movements, which could lead to structural failure and subsequent loss 
of the airplane.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2016-38, effective December 12, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-
2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The [Canadian] AD CF-2013-22 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-
16-06, Amendment 39-17930 (79 FR 48972, August 19, 2014)] was issued 
on 12 August 2013 to mandate the introduction of an emergency 
procedure to the Aeroplane Flight Manual to address the uncommanded 
rudder movement.
    Since the original issue of [Canadian] AD CF-2013-22, Bombardier 
Aerospace has developed a wiring modification for the yaw damper 
control system to prevent uncommanded movement of the rudder.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of Service 
Bulletins (SB) 604-22-007 and 605-22-002 * * * *.

    This AD requires modification of the wiring for the yaw damper 
control system. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0626.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to that comment.

Request To Clarify Airplane Model That Experienced In-Flight 
Uncommanded Rudder Movement

    Bombardier, Inc., requested that the Reason section (paragraph (e) 
of the proposed AD) be revised to clarify that the in-flight 
uncommanded rudder movements occurred on airplanes with an installation 
similar to the installation on certain Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes and 
did not occur on Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes. Bombardier, Inc., stated 
that it is not aware of any in-flight uncommanded rudder movements that 
were experienced by operators of Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes, but as 
written, the Reason section of the NPRM implied that these events 
occurred on Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes.
    For the reason provided by the commenter, we agree to revise the 
SUMMARY and Discussion sections of this final rule and paragraph (e) of 
this AD to clarify that the in-flight uncommanded rudder movements 
occurred on airplanes with an installation similar to the installation 
on certain Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes. We have issued AD 2013-14-11, 
Amendment 39-17516 (78 FR 44871, July 25, 2013) to address the same 
unsafe condition for Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes, 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.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., issued Service Bulletin 604-22-007, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2016; and Service Bulletin 605-22-002, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the wiring harness for the yaw damper control system. 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

[[Page 11406]]

or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification....................  50 work-hours x     Up to $478........  Up to $4,728......  Up to $567,360.
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   $4,250.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-06-06 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19226; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0626; Product Identifier 2016-NM-210-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 
Variant) airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/
Ns) 5301 through 5665 inclusive, 5701 through 5911 inclusive, 5913, 
and 5914.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Autopilot 
System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight uncommanded rudder 
movements on airplanes with an installation similar to the 
installation on certain Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) 
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight uncommanded 
rudder movements, which could lead to structural failure and 
subsequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the 
wiring harness for the yaw damper control system, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
information identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 5301 through 5665 
inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-22-007, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2016.
    (2) For airplanes having S/Ns 5701 through 5911 inclusive, 5913, 
and 5914: Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-22-002, Revision 01, dated 
July 25, 2016.

(h) Part Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane a yaw damper actuator having part number 622-9968-002, 
unless the modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD has 
been accomplished.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if the modification was performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the applicable service 
information identified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-22-007, dated June 23, 2015.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-22-002, dated June 23, 2015.

(j) 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as

[[Page 11407]]

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 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2016-38, effective December 12, 2016, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0626.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Cesar Gomez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7318; fax 516-794-5531.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier, Inc., Service Bulletin 604-22-007, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2016.
    (ii) Bombardier, Inc., Service Bulletin 605-22-002, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2016.
    (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; Widebody Customer Response Center 
North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial 
telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email 
[email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 6, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-05021 Filed 3-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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