Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11108-11111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03600]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0859; Product Identifier 2020-NM-084-AD; Amendment 
39-21413; AD 2021-03-10]
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 BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of failure of a certain fire detection and 
extinguishing (FIREX) control unit. This AD requires replacing FIREX 
control units having a certain part number. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 31, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 C[ocirc]te Vertu Road

[[Page 11109]]

West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free 
telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; email 
[email protected]; internet https://www.bombardier.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0859.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0859; 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, 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: Siddeeq Bacchus, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7362; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-12, dated April 17, 
2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-12) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0859.
    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 BD-100-1A10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on October 1, 2020 (85 FR 61881). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of failure of a certain FIREX control unit. The NPRM proposed 
to require replacing FIREX control units having a certain part number. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of a FIREX control 
unit, which could result in the loss of the ability to detect a fire. 
See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comment

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

Request To Allow Records Review

    NetJets requested that paragraph (i) of the proposed AD be revised 
to allow operators to review airplane maintenance records to determine 
the part number of the FIREX control unit installed on an airplane. The 
commenter stated that for the airplane having serial number (S/N) 20662 
the logbook delivery document specifies that the -3 FIREX control unit 
is installed. The commenter explained that there is not a signoff sheet 
for Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-26-001, but that the serialized 
parts list clearly indicates that the -3 FIREX control unit is 
installed.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request because this AD does 
not mandate the method an operator must use to determine what FIREX 
control unit part number is installed on an airplane. As specified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD, this AD is only applicable to Bombardier, 
Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes fitted with FIREX control unit part 
number (P/N) 474112-2. If an operator is able to confirm that FIREX 
control unit P/N 474112-3 is installed on an airplane the requirements 
of this AD are not applicable to that airplane. This AD requires 
operators to remove FIREX P/N 474112-2 and install P/N 474112-3. The 
FAA has not changed this AD in regard to this issue.

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 100-26-01, Revision 01, 
dated December 5, 2019; and Service Bulletin 350-26-001, Revision 01, 
dated December 5, 2019. This service information describes procedures 
for replacing FIREX control units having P/N 474112-2 with units having 
P/N 474112-3. 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 or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 223 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................          $6,389           $6,474       $1,443,702
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    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 operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the 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.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in

[[Page 11110]]

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

    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:

2021-03-10 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-21413; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0859; Product Identifier 2020-NM-084-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 31, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 20003 
through 20500 inclusive, and 20501 through 20669 inclusive, fitted 
with fire detection and extinguishing (FIREX) control unit part 
number (P/N) 474112-2.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of a certain FIREX 
control unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of a 
FIREX control unit, which could result in the loss of the ability to 
detect a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
any FIREX control unit having P/N 474112-2 with a unit having P/N 
474112-3, in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.(1) and (3) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Bombardier service 
bulletin specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 20003 through 20500 
inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-26-01, Revision 01, dated 
December 5, 2019.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 20501 through 20669 
inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-26-001, Revision 01, 
dated December 5, 2019.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
FIREX control unit having P/N 474112-2 on any airplane.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-26-
01, dated December 20, 2016; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-26-
001, dated December 20, 2016, 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 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions 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) TCCA AD CF-2020-12, dated May 1, 2020, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0859.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Siddeeq Bacchus, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7362; fax 516-794-5531; email 
[email protected].

(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 Service Bulletin 100-26-01, Revision 01, dated 
December 5, 2019.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-26-001, Revision 01, dated 
December 5, 2019.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., 200 C[ocirc]te Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1-
866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; email 
[email protected]; internet https://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records

[[Page 11111]]

Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 28, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03600 Filed 2-23-21; 8:45 am]
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