Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33088-33091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13118]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0093; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01213-T; 
Amendment 39-21535; AD 2021-10-02]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports indicating that the left- and right-hand 
elevator torque tube bearings were contaminated with sand and 
corrosion, restricting free rotation. This AD requires repetitive 
general visual inspections of the left- and right-hand elevator torque 
tube bearings for any sand, dust, or corrosion; repetitive functional 
tests of the elevator control system; and replacement of the elevator 
torque tube bearings if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 29, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. 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-2021-
0093.

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-2021-
0093; 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:

Background

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-29, dated August 21, 
2020 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 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-2021-
0093.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Bombardier, Inc., 
Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on February 24, 2021 (86 FR 11180). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports indicating that the left- and right-hand elevator 
torque tube bearings were contaminated with sand and corrosion, 
restricting free rotation. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive 
general visual inspections of the left- and right-hand elevator torque 
tube bearings for any sand, dust, or corrosion; repetitive functional 
tests of the elevator control system; and replacement of the elevator 
torque tube bearings if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address sand contamination and corrosion of the elevator torque tube 
bearings, which could lead to binding or seizure of the bearings, and 
potentially lead to a reduction in or loss of airplane pitch control. 
See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 the following service information.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-041, Revision 1, 
dated December 7, 2020.

[[Page 33089]]

    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-083, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5012, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5503, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6012, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6503, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    This service information describes procedures for repetitive 
general visual inspections of the left- and right-hand elevator torque 
tube bearings for any sand, dust, or corrosion; repetitive functional 
tests of the elevator control system; and corrective actions including 
replacement of the elevator torque tube bearings if necessary. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models 
and serial numbers.
    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 392 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                     Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost                  Parts cost            Cost per product           Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 work-hours x $85 per hour =    Up to $4 (for four   Up to $1,874................  Up to $734,608.
 $1,870.                           cotter pins) **.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
** Parts cost include replacement parts where necessary.

    The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the 
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be 
$33,320, or $85 per product.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
            Labor cost                   Parts cost           product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425  $271 (for four                  $696
                                     bearings).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.

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:

[[Page 33090]]

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:

2021-10-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-21535; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0093; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01213-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and 
BD-700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the left- and 
right-hand elevator torque tube bearings were contaminated with sand 
and corrosion, restricting free rotation. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address sand contamination and corrosion of the elevator torque 
tube bearings, which could lead to binding or seizure of the 
bearings, and potentially lead to a reduction in or loss of airplane 
pitch control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 36 months from the effective date of this AD or within 63 
months from the date of airplane manufacture, as identified on the 
identification plate of the airplane, whichever occurs later: Do a 
general visual inspection of the left- and right-hand elevator 
torque tube bearings for any sand, dust, or corrosion; perform a 
functional test of the elevator control system; and do all 
applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of paragraphs 2.B., 2.C., and 2.D. of the applicable 
service information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD. Applicable corrective actions must be done before further 
flight. Repeat the general visual inspection and functional test 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 63 months.
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(h) Reporting Requirement

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, submit a report of all findings, positive and negative, of 
each of the first three inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD. Submit the report to Bombardier, in accordance with the 
details specified in the applicable service information specified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report

[[Page 33091]]

within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(i) 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 in 
paragraphs (i)(1) through (6) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-041, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-083, dated July 23, 2020.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5012, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5503, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6012, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (6) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6503, dated July 23, 
2020.

(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 responsible Flight Standards 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 
responsible Flight Standards 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data 
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 
All responses to this collection of information are mandatory as 
required by this AD. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or 
any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2020-29, dated August 21, 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-2021-0093.
    (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].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (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 Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-041, Revision 1, 
dated December 7, 2020.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-083, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5012, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5503, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    (v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6012, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    (vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6503, Revision 1, dated 
December 7, 2020.
    (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.

    Issued on April 27, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13118 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
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