Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8896-8901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02147]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1483; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01094-T; 
Amendment 39-22924; AD 2024-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-10-
02, which applied to all Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes. AD 2021-10-02 required 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. This AD continues to require certain actions in 
AD 2021-10-02 and requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new airworthiness 
limitation. This AD was prompted by a determination that a new 
airworthiness limitation is necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 11, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 11, 
2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of July 
29, 2021 (86 FR 33088, June 24, 2021).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1483; 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 Bombardier material identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier Business

[[Page 8897]]

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 material 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-2024-1483.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-10-02, Amendment 39-21535 (86 FR 
33088, June 24, 2021) (AD 2021-10-02). AD 2021-10-02 applied to all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. AD 2021-
10-02 required 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 issued AD 2021-10-02 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.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2024 (89 FR 
49819). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2020-29R1, dated October 20, 
2023, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada (Transport Canada AD CF-2020-29R1) (also referred to as the 
MCAI). The MCAI states that data collected from the reports mandated by 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-29, dated August 21, 2020, was used to 
validate inspection intervals, which have been integrated into new 
certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks. The MCAI also states 
that Transport Canada AD CF-2020-29R1 mandates the new CMR tasks while 
giving credit for initial and repetitive inspections already performed, 
revises the applicability to exclude airplanes delivered with the new 
CMRs, and removes the reporting requirement.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require certain 
actions in AD 2021-10-02. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate a new airworthiness limitation. 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.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1483.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from an anonymous commenter who 
supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received an additional comment from Bombardier. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to that comment.

Request for Alternative Source of Airplane Date of Manufacture

    Bombardier requested a revision to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD 
to accommodate airplanes on which the identification data plate no 
longer specifies the date of manufacture. Bombardier stated that, for 
airplanes with serial numbers 60042 and 60045 and subsequent, the 
airplane identification data plate no longer specifies the date of 
manufacture. Instead, Bombardier added, the date of manufacture is 
identified in an airplane's technical records such as a technical log 
or technical logbook. Bombardier explained that the date in the 
technical records is validated by a Bombardier Minister's Delegate-
Manufacturing (MDM), and that it believed this to be equivalent to the 
date on the identification data plate. Bombardier stated that it 
applied for and received a global alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) for AD 2021-10-02 that contains the requested change.
    The FAA agrees. The date of manufacture found either on the 
identification data plate of the airplane or in the airplane technical 
logbook may be used to determine when inspections required in paragraph 
(g) of this AD must be performed. The FAA has revised paragraph (g) of 
this AD accordingly. The FAA has also revised paragraph (l) of this AD 
to clarify that AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-10-02 are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of 
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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following Bombardier temporary revisions:
    <bullet> Bombardier Global Express, BD-700 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-53, dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-
700-1A10 airplanes);
    <bullet> Bombardier Global Express XRS, BD-700 Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-15, dated March 31, 2023 (for 
Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes);
    <bullet> Bombardier Global 6000, GL 6000 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-20, dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-
700-1A10 airplanes);
    <bullet> (Bombardier) Global 6500, GL 6500 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-3, dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-
700-1A10 airplanes);
    <bullet> Bombardier Global 5000, BD-700 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-21, dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-
700-1A11 airplanes);
    <bullet> Bombardier Global 5000, GL 5000 Featuring Global Vision 
Flight Deck--Time Limits/Maintenance Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-20, 
dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes); and
    <bullet> (Bombardier) Global 5500, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks 
GL 5500 Temporary Revision, 5-2-3, dated March 31, 2023 (for Model BD-
700-1A11 airplanes).
    This material specifies an airworthiness limitation for a 
certification maintenance requirement. These documents are distinct 
since they

[[Page 8898]]

apply to different airplane models and configurations.
    This AD also requires the following material, which the Director of 
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of July 
29, 2021 (86 FR 33088, June 24, 2021).
    <bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-041, Revision 1, 
dated December 7, 2020.
    <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 material 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 461 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the 
agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. 
Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes 
for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator 
estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the 
agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions 
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                Labor cost        Parts cost       Cost per product     Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2021- 22 work-hours x   Up to $4 (for    Up to $1,874..........  Up to $863,914.
 10-02.                         $85 per hour =    four cotter
                                $1,870.           pins) *.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Parts cost include replacement parts where necessary.

    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour =     $271 (for four                    $696
 $425.                             bearings).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-10-02, Amendment 39-21535 
(86 FR 33088, June 24, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2024-26-09 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22924; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1483; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01094-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 11, 2025.

[[Page 8899]]

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-10-02, Amendment 39-21535 (86 FR 33088, 
June 24, 2021) (AD 2021-10-02).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial 
numbers 9002 through 60081 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks; 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that a new airworthiness 
limitation is 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.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Actions, With Change

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-10-02, with a change to table 1 to paragraph (g), which 
identifies the airplane marketing designation instead of the serial 
number range, and a change to add an additional source for 
identifying the date of airplane manufacture. Within 36 months from 
July 29, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-10-02) or within 63 
months from the date of airplane manufacture, as identified on the 
identification data plate of the airplane or in the airplane 
technical logbook, 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 material specified in table 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. 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

Table 1 to Paragraph (g)--Service Information
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR04FE25.000

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material identified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of 
this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in the applicable temporary 
revision identified in table 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD. The 
initial compliance time for doing the task is at the time specified 
in the applicable temporary revision identified in table 2 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of 
the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this 
paragraph terminates the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD.

[[Page 8900]]

Table 2 to Paragraph (i)--Applicable Temporary Revisions
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR04FE25.001

(j) New No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
July 29, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-10-02) using the 
applicable material specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) through (vi) 
of this AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-27-041, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-083, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5012, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-5503, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6012, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-27-6503, dated July 23, 
2020.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the initial and 
repetitive inspection actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD 
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using the applicable material identified in table 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD, which were incorporated by reference in AD 2021-10-02.

(l) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (m)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 
[email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-10-02, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (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.

(m) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
    (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by 
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (n)(5) 
of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following material was approved for IBR on March 11, 
2025.
    (i) (Bombardier) Global 5500, GL 5500 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision, 5-2-3, dated March 31, 2023.
    (ii) (Bombardier) Global 6500, GL 6500 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-3, dated March 31, 2023.
    (iii) Bombardier Global 5000, BD-700 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-21, dated March 31, 2023.
    (iv) Bombardier Global 5000, GL 5000 Featuring Global Vision 
Flight Deck Time Limits/Maintenance Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-
20, dated March 31, 2023.
    (v) Bombardier Global 6000, GL 6000 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-20, dated March 31, 2023.

[[Page 8901]]

    (vi) Bombardier Global Express, BD-700 Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-53, dated March 31, 2023.
    (vii) Bombardier Global Express XRS, BD-700 Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks Temporary Revision 5-2-15, dated March 31, 2023.
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on July 29, 2021 
(86 FR 33088, June 24, 2021).
    (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.
    (5) For Bombardier material 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.
    (6) You may view this material 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 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 December 30, 2024.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02147 Filed 2-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T01:26:11.597096+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256

378b5a30d127bf319fdbf7cf77ce3c0e59f377c80c1287ee63b6f37190ccee2c

Text SHA-256

42b77dd57973e73286d34f154b19847998b50bbc8f758baa8d44169b16bb6f03