Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11722-11726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03047]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2145; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00358-T; 
Amendment 39-22660; AD 2024-01-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 11723]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
a report of a steering control unit (SCU) filter plate connector that 
does not meet the certification requirements for exposure of electronic 
components to high intensity radiated field environments, which could 
result in malfunction of the nose wheel steering (NWS) system. This AD 
requires determining if the SCU is an affected SCU, replacing all 
affected SCUs, and rigging and testing the NWS control. This AD also 
prohibits installing an affected SCU on any airplane. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 21, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2145; 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-2023-2145.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Reisenauer, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7301; 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 all Bombardier, Inc., 
Model BD-100-1A10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on November 13, 2023 (88 FR 77538). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-
2023-13, dated February 24, 2023, issued by Transport Canada, which is 
the aviation authority for Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). 
The MCAI states that the manufacturer of SCU part number (P/N) 46000-01 
introduced a new filter plate connector that does not meet the 
certification requirements related to the susceptibility of electronic 
components to high intensity radiated field. According to the MCAI, 
this non-compliant filter plate connector, if not replaced, could 
result in a malfunction of the NWS system and cause un-commanded 
steering or lateral excursion from the runway.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require determining if the SCU is 
an affected SCU, replacing all affected SCUs, and rigging and testing 
the NWS control. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit 
installing an affected SCU on any airplane. 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-2023-2145.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

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 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, 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 Bulletin 100-32-34, dated 
October 18, 2021, and Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-32-010, dated 
October 18, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for 
determining the serial number of SCU P/N 46000-01, replacing any 
affected SCU, and rigging and testing the NWS control. These documents 
are distinct since they apply to different airplane 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 725 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 work-hours x $85 per hour = $765...........................         $44,950          $45,715      $33,143,375
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some 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 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

[[Page 11724]]

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:

2024-01-09 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22660; Docket No. FAA-
2023-2145; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00358-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-100-1A10 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a steering control unit 
(SCU) filter plate connector that does not meet the certification 
requirements for exposure of electronic components to high intensity 
radiated field environments. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
malfunction of the nose wheel steering (NWS) system. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in un-commanded steering 
or lateral runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection or Records Review

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
the SCU to determine if SCU part number (P/N) 46000-01 with a serial 
number listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD is installed 
on the airplane. A review of the airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of the inspection if the SCU P/N and serial 
number can be conclusively determined from that review. If an SCU P/
N 46000-01 with a serial number listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD is not installed on the airplane, or if the SCU 
identification plate is marked with SB100-32-030, then no further 
action is required by this AD; however, the installation prohibition 
in paragraph (i) of this AD still applies.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--Affected SCU Serial Numbers

[[Page 11725]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR15FE24.018

(h) Replacement

    For airplanes with SCU P/N 46000-01 with a serial number listed 
in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD installed and not marked on 
the SCU identification plate with SB100-32-030: Within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD, replace the SCU and rig and 
test the NWS control, in accordance with the instructions in 
paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplane serial numbers 20001 through 20500 inclusive: 
Steps 2.C.(1) and 2.C.(3) of Section 2.C., ``Part B--Modification,'' 
and Section 2.D., ``Testing,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-32-34, dated October 18, 2021.
    (2) For airplane serial numbers 20501 through 20893 inclusive: 
Steps 2.C.(1) and 2.C.(3) of Section 2.C., ``Part B--Modification,'' 
and Section 2.D., ``Testing,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-32-010, dated October 18, 2021.
    (3) For airplane serial numbers 20894 and larger: 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.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install SCU P/N 
46000-01 on any airplane if the serial number of the SCU is listed 
in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, unless the SCU 
identification plate has been marked with SB100-32-030.

(j) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 11726]]

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
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 the address identified 
in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-13, dated February 24, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2145.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact William 
Reisenauer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7301; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 100-32-34, dated October 18, 
2021.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 350-32-010, dated October 18, 
2021.
    (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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on January 9, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03047 Filed 2-14-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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