Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 214 (Monday, November 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55249-55252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23687]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0585; Product Identifier 2018-NM-070-AD; Amendment 
39-19481; AD 2018-22-08]
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 BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports that non-conforming FIREX squib wire harness 
connectors may have been installed, which could result in FIREX squib 
wire harness connectors being connected to the wrong FIREX bottle 
connectors on affected aircraft. This AD requires a visual inspection 
of the connections between the FIREX squib wire harness connectors and 
FIREX bottle connectors, installation of split ring lanyards on the 
FIREX squib wire harness connectors, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 10, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 10, 
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; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; email [email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com. 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0585.

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-2018-
0585; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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: John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Electrical Systems Services Section, FAA, New York ACO 
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 
516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

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 BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on July 6, 2018 (83 FR 31491). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports that non-conforming FIREX squib wire harness connectors may 
have been installed, which could result in FIREX squib wire harness 
connectors being connected to the wrong FIREX bottle connectors on 
affected aircraft. The NPRM proposed to require a visual inspection of 
the connections between the FIREX squib wire harness connectors and 
FIREX bottle connectors, installation of split ring lanyards on the 
FIREX squib wire harness connectors, and corrective actions if 
necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address this wiring discrepancy, which, 
in the event of an engine fire, could result in misrouting the supply 
of fire extinguishing agent to the wrong engine, or limit the supply 
from both FIREX bottles to only one engine, which could result in the 
inability to extinguish an engine fire.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2018-08R1, dated March 
2, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-
1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:

Bombardier Inc. has been made aware that non-conforming squib 
connector wire harnesses may have been installed on one of the two 
engine FIREX bottle installations on some of the affected 
aeroplanes. The subject non conformity of squib connector wire

[[Page 55250]]

length can allow cross connection between the two squib connectors 
on one of the engine FIREX bottles, preventing proper function of 
the engine FIREX system.
    In the event of an engine fire, this wiring discrepancy may 
potentially misroute the supply of fire extinguishing agent to the 
wrong engine, or limit the supply from both FIREX bottles to only 
one engine, hence impacting the operational safety of the aeroplane.
    Bombardier Inc. issued service bulletins (SB) 700-26-011, 700-
26-5003, 700-26-6003, and 700-1A11-26-004, for the affected model 
aeroplanes, to address the potentially unsafe condition caused by 
the non-conforming FIREX bottle squib connector wiring.
    The original version of this [Canadian] AD was issued to mandate 
compliance with the above-mentioned SBs, as applicable.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to correct an error 
in the applicability section of the original AD.

    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-2018-
0585.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Information

    Bombardier requested that the NPRM be updated to reference the 
current revision of certain service information to avoid issuing an 
Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) following the release of this AD. 
Bombardier noted that four service bulletins referred to in the NPRM 
have been revised. Bombardier stated that the latest revisions correct 
a minor error in the original weight and balance section. Bombardier 
also noted that a previous revision to the service information included 
mention of the Canadian AD CF-2018-08R1, as well as a clarifying note 
in the close-out instruction of the service information for operator 
convenience and ease of use.
    We agree with the commenter's request. Because the revised service 
information does not include any additional actions, we have updated 
the preamble and figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to the 
revised service information.
    Bombardier also requested that we revise the NPRM to include 
previous revisions of the service information as credit for operators 
who have already accomplished the required actions to avoid issuance of 
AMOCs following the release of this AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request. Because the previous 
revisions of the service information do not include any additional 
actions, we have revised paragraph (h) of this AD to provide credit for 
actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD using the 
applicable Bombardier service information identified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) through (h)(12) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule 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 addressing 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 final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. issued the following service information:
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, Revision 03, 
dated August 24, 2018.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, Revision 03, dated 
August 24, 2018.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, Revision 03, 
dated August 24, 2018.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, Revision 03, 
dated August 24, 2018.
    This service information describes procedures for a visual 
inspection of the connections between the FIREX squib wire harness 
connectors and the FIREX bottle connectors to determine whether the 
connectors are installed correctly, and installation of split ring 
lanyards on the FIREX squib wire harness connectors. This service 
information also describes procedures for reconnecting incorrectly 
installed connectors to the appropriate mating connectors and an 
operational test of the fire extinguishing system. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different 
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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 358 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/Modification............  2 work-hours x $85 per hour             $55            $225         $80,550
                                      = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all 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 known 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,

[[Page 55251]]

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 and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-22-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19481; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0585; Product Identifier 2018-NM-070-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 10, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
9001 through 9839 inclusive, and serial number 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that non-conforming FIREX squib 
wire harness connectors may have been installed, which could result 
in FIREX squib wire harness connectors being connected to the wrong 
FIREX bottle connectors on affected aircraft. We are issuing this AD 
to address this wiring discrepancy, which, in the event of an engine 
fire, could result in misrouting the supply of fire extinguishing 
agent to the wrong engine, or limit the supply from both FIREX 
bottles to only one engine, which could result in the inability to 
extinguish an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 1,000 flight hours or 15 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection for 
correct connections between the FIREX squib wire harness connectors 
and FIREX bottle connectors, and install split ring lanyards on the 
FIREX squib wire harness connectors, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. If any incorrect 
connections are found: Before further flight, re-connect the 
connectors to the appropriate mating connecters and do an 
operational test of the fire extinguishing system, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05NO18.000

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the applicable service information listed in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(12) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, dated December 
28, 2017.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, Revision 01, 
dated February 15, 2018.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, Revision 02, 
dated July 27, 2018.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, dated December 28, 
2017.
    (5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, Revision 01, dated 
February 15, 2018.
    (6) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, Revision 02, dated 
July 27, 2018.
    (7) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, dated December 28, 
2017.

[[Page 55252]]

    (8) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, Revision 01, dated 
February 15, 2018.
    (9) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, Revision 02, dated 
July 27, 2018.
    (10) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, dated December 28, 
2017.
    (11) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, Revision 01, dated 
February 15, 2018.
    (12) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, Revision 02, dated 
July 27, 2018.

(i) 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 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-08R1, dated March 2, 2018, 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-2018-0585.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca, 
Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email 
[email protected].

(k) 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 Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, Revision 03, 
dated August 24, 2018.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, Revision 03, dated 
August 24, 2018.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, Revision 03, 
dated August 24, 2018.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, Revision 03, dated 
August 24, 2018.
    (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 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 October 22, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-23687 Filed 11-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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