Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44042-44045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14512]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1662; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00689-T; 
Amendment 39-22446; AD 2023-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 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 multiple reports of erratic electrical system status on the 
push button annunciators (PBAs) and the engine instrument and crew 
alerting system (EICAS) while on-ground and during flight. This AD 
requires a records check and replacement of affected left-hand (LH) 
direct current power center (DCPC) units. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 15, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1662; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 
C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; 
telephone 514-855-2999; email bombardier.com">ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website 
bombardier.com.
    <bullet> 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1662.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7367; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    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 January 12, 2023 (88 FR 2029). The NPRM was prompted by AD 
CF-2022-28, dated May 26, 2022, issued by Transport Canada, which is 
the aviation authority for Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). 
The MCAI states there have been multiple reports of erratic electrical 
system status on the PBAs and the EICAS while on-ground and during 
flight, and in several cases, leading to momentary loss of electrical 
power and loss of flight displays following flight crew responses to 
the erratic statuses. It was found that airplanes could experience 
misleading electrical system status indications (PBA and EICAS) as a 
result of contamination of electrical contacts in the LH DCPC internal 
communication data bus. Those erratic indications could cause the crew 
to turn off fully-operational electrical power sources, leading to 
partial or complete loss of electrical power. Loss of electrical power 
could result in the loss of flight displays and reduced controllability 
of the airplane.
    The MCAI also states that Transport Canada previously issued AD CF-
2020-46, dated November 17, 2020 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2021-23-
14, Amendment 39-21812 (86 FR 68889, December 6, 2021)), which mandated 
the use of revised Electrical Emergency and Non-Normal Procedures in 
the airplane flight manual that directed crews not to turn off active 
generators in the event of an erroneous electrical system status 
indication. The MCAI advised that further corrective action is being 
developed to introduce a design improvement to the DCPC that is 
intended to protect the internal communication data bus from 
contaminants, and that a time-limited maintenance check will also be 
implemented.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a records check and 
replacement

[[Page 44043]]

of affected LH DCPC units. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1662.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from a commenter, NetJets. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Request To Define Action for Certain LH DCPCs

    NetJets requested that the FAA specify what actions, if any, are 
required for LH DCPC having less than 3,100 total flight cycles.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. No action has been identified for those 
LH DCPC units having less than 3,100 total flight cycles as of the 
effective date of this AD. Once action has been identified, the FAA 
might consider rulemaking to require those actions. No changes have 
been made to this AD in this regard.

Request for Additional Method of Compliance

    NetJets requested revising the proposed AD to allow use of certain 
other service bulletins as a means of compliance with the proposed 
requirements. NetJets suggested that accomplishment of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 350-24-005, dated November 29, 2022; or Safran Service 
Bulletin 975GC02Y-24-020, dated August 5, 2022; could meet the intent 
of the proposed requirements for certain LH DCPC part numbers (P/Ns). 
NetJets pointed out that Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-005 
references Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-004, dated April 9, 2021, 
as a prior or concurrent service bulletin, and also provides 
modification instructions that result in changing the part number of 
the LH DCPC unit from P/N 975GC02Y07 to P/N 975GC02Y08. NetJets stated 
that accomplishing those service bulletins could provide an acceptable 
means of compliance and could exclude LH DCPC P/N 975GC02Y08 from the 
proposed AD requirements.
    The FAA agrees to revise this AD. The FAA has also reviewed 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-30, dated November 29, 2022, and 
determined that service bulletin also has similar modification 
instructions. The FAA has determined that Bombardier Service Bulletins 
100-24-30 and 350-24-005, both dated November 29, 2022, could be used 
as optional terminating action. The FAA has revised this AD to add 
paragraph (j) to this AD.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial 
changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted 
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletins 100-24-29 and 350-24-
004, both dated April 9, 2021. This service information specifies 
procedures for a records check to determine the total flight hours and 
replacement of affected LH DCPC units (P/Ns 975GC02Y04, 975GC0Y05, 
975GC02Y06, or 975GC02Y07). These documents are distinct since they 
apply to different airplane configurations.
    The FAA has also reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletins 100-24-30 
and 350-24-005, both dated November 29, 2022. This service information 
specifies procedures for modifying LH DCPC units having P/N 975GC02Y07. 
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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The MCAI 
states that further corrective action is being developed. Once this 
action is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider 
additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 315 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85          $26,775
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost                 Parts cost       Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour =     Up to $35,000.....  Up to $35,680.
 $680.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 44044]]

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.

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:

2023-11-01 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22446; Docket No. FAA-
2022-1662; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00689-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 15, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers 20003 
through 20795 inclusive, 20797 through 20812 inclusive, 20814 
through 20832 inclusive, and 20834 through 20836 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of erratic electrical 
system status on the push button annunciators (PBAs) and the engine 
instrument and crew alerting system (EICAS) while on-ground and 
during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address erratic 
indications, which could cause the flight crew to turn off fully-
operational electrical power sources, leading to partial or complete 
loss of electrical power. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in loss of flight displays and reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Records Check

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, verify the 
total flight hours of the left-hand (LH) direct current power center 
(DCPC) unit since the date of manufacture by doing a records check 
in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(1) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having serial number 20001 through 20500 
inclusive, use Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-29, dated April 9, 
2021.
    (2) For airplanes having serial number 20501 through 20999 
inclusive, use Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-004, dated April 
9, 2021.

(h) Replacement of the LH DCPC

    If, during the records check required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, the total flight hours since date of manufacture of the LH DCPC 
unit is equal to or more than 3,100 total flight hours and the LH 
DCPC has not been cleaned as specified in Safran Service Bulletin 
975GC02Y-24-018 before the effective date of this AD: Within 19 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the LH DCPC unit 
in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.(2) through 2.B.(5) and 2.C. of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(i) Exception to the Service Information

    Although the note in paragraph 2.B.(4) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletins 100-24-29, and 350-24-
004, both dated April 9, 2021, specifies that actions will reset 
``the unit total flight hours to zero at date of incorporation,'' 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Optional Terminating Action

    Modification of a LH DCPC having part number (P/N) 975GC02Y07 
into an LH DCPC having P/N 975GC02Y08, in accordance with Parts A 
and B of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin identified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this AD, is 
considered terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD for that LH DCPC.
    (1) For airplanes having serial number 20001 through 20500 
inclusive, use Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-30, dated November 
29, 2022.
    (2) For airplanes having serial number 20501 through 20999 
inclusive, use Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-005, dated 
November 29, 2022.

(k) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
730, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to ATTN: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, at the address identified in 
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. If 
mailing information, also submit information by email. 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, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bombardier, Inc.'s 
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(l) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-28, dated May 26, 2022, 
for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found in 
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1662.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Steven 
Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7367; email [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of

[[Page 44045]]

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 100-24-29, dated April 9, 2021.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-24-30, dated November 29, 
2022.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-004, dated April 9, 
2021.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-24-005, dated November 29, 
2022.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 
C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; 
telephone 514-855-2999; email bombardier.com">ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website 
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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 25, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14512 Filed 7-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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