Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32266-32268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14416]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0119; Product Identifier 2018-NM-156-AD; Amendment 
39-19663; AD 2019-12-08]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), 
CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet 
Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that certain 
aft fuselage fittings are susceptible to cracking because they were not 
manufactured correctly. This AD requires replacement of those fittings 
with correctly manufactured parts, an eddy current inspection of 
certain fastener holes for cracking, and corrective actions if 
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 12, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 12, 
2019.

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 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-2019-0119.

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-2019-
0119; 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 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 
11590; telephone: 516-287-7329; fax: 516-794-5531; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA 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-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2019 
(84 FR 8832). The NPRM was prompted by reports that certain aft 
fuselage fittings are susceptible to cracking because they were not 
manufactured correctly. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of 
those fittings with correctly manufactured parts, an eddy current 
inspection of certain fastener holes for cracking, and corrective 
actions if necessary.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of undetected 
cracks developing in the aft fuselage fittings due to the absence of 
heat treatment, which could lead to aircraft structural failure.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2018-25, dated October 
3, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 
(Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Bombardier Aerospace (BA) has informed Transport Canada that a 
batch of AFT fuselage fittings were not heat treated to the required 
material specification. Due to the absence of heat treatment for 
those parts, the affected AFT fuselage fittings have very low 
mechanical properties and there is a possibility for undetected 
cracks to develop as a result of mooring operations, which could 
lead to aircraft structural failure.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the removal and replacement of the 
affected AFT fuselage fittings.

    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-2019-
0119.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment 
received. The commenter indicated support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-53-056, dated February 
11, 2016. This service information describes, among other actions, 
procedures for removal and replacement of the aft fuselage fittings, 
and an eddy current inspection of certain fastener holes for cracking.
    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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 32267]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425...........................             (*)           $425 *         $5,100 *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Parts cost unavailable.

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to 
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 
AD.

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.
    The FAA is 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 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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):

2019-12-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2019-0119; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-156-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 12, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) and CL-600-2D24 
(Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 15336 
through 15343 inclusive, 15351, and 15358 through 15362 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes, S/N 
19041.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that certain aft fuselage 
fittings are susceptible to cracking because they were not 
manufactured correctly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
possibility of undetected cracks developing in the aft fuselage 
fittings due to the absence of heat treatment, which could lead to 
aircraft structural failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 8,800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
remove all aft fuselage fittings, replace with new aft fuselage 
fittings, and do an eddy current inspection of the fastener holes of 
frame FS1162.00 and stringers 17L, 17R, and 18L for cracking, in 
accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-53-056, dated February 11, 2016.

(h) Corrective Action for Cracking

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair 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.

(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 TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA 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-2018-25, dated October 3, 2018, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at

[[Page 32268]]

http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0119.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: 516-287-7329; 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 670BA-53-056, dated February 11, 
2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (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 June 18, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14416 Filed 7-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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