Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11529-11531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3982]



[[Page 11529]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0215; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-216-AD; 
Amendment 39-15407; AD 2008-05-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires 
inspecting contactors 1K4XD, 2K4XD, and K4XA to determine the type of 
terminal base plate, and applying sealant on the terminal base plates 
if necessary. This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain 
alternating current (AC) service and utility bus contactors have a 
terminal base plate made from non-G9 melamine material, and corrective 
actions if necessary; or re-identification of the mounting tray of the 
contactors; as applicable. This AD also limits the applicability of the 
existing AD. This AD results from incidents of short circuit failures 
of certain AC contactors located in the avionics bay. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent short circuit failures of certain AC contactors, 
which could result in arcing and consequent smoke or fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 8, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 8, 
2008.
    On August 9, 2006 (71 FR 45364, August 9, 2006), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, Revision A, dated July 13, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station 
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, 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: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-17-14, amendment 
39-14735 (71 FR 49337, August 23, 2006). The existing AD applies to 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 
21, 2007 (72 FR 65474). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting 
contactors 1K4XD, 2K4XD, and K4XA to determine the type of terminal 
base plate, and applying sealant on the terminal base plates, if 
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require an inspection to 
determine if certain alternating current (AC) service and utility bus 
contactors have a terminal base plate made from non-G9 melamine 
material, and corrective actions if necessary; or re-identification of 
the mounting tray of the contactors; as applicable.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received from one commenter.

Request To Give Credit for Actions Already Done

    The commenter, Larry Nelson, requests that the phrase ``unless 
already accomplished'' be added to paragraph (h) of the NPRM after the 
compliance time. The commenter notes that Canadian airworthiness 
directive CF-2006-17R1, dated May 30, 2007 (referred to in the NPRM as 
related information), states, ``Within 12 months from the effective 
date of this directive, unless already accomplished.''
    We do not agree. A similar phrase is already in paragraph (e) of 
this AD. Paragraph (e) states, ``You are responsible for having the 
actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times 
specified, unless the actions have already been done.'' We have not 
changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Allow Earlier Revisions of Service Bulletin

    The commenter, Larry Nelson, requests that Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-24-123, dated November 13, 2006; or Revision A, dated 
December 7, 2006; be considered acceptable for compliance with the 
actions specified in paragraph (h) of the NPRM. The commenter states 
that the technical content in Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-123, 
Revision B, dated February 16, 2007 (referred to in the NPRM as the 
appropriate source of service information for doing the proposed 
actions) did not change.
    We do not agree. Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-123, Revision 
B, includes additional actions (i.e., a general visual inspection, re-
identification, and applicable corrective actions, as identified as 
Part C in the service bulletin) beyond those in earlier revisions of 
the service bulletin. Also, Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-
17R1, which this AD parallels, refers to Revision B or later revisions 
of the service bulletin as the appropriate source of service 
information for doing the required actions. However, this AD does not 
refer to ``or later revisions'' of the service bulletin. Affected 
operators may request approval to use a later revision of the 
referenced service bulletin as an alternative method of compliance, 
under the provisions of paragraph (j) of the AD. We have not changed 
the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comment that has been received, and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

[[Page 11530]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                         Number of
                                                                   Average                                 U.S.-
                Action                        Work hours          labor rate     Cost per  airplane      registered               Fleet cost
                                                                   per hour                              airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2006-17-    3.......................          $80  $240....................          739  $177,360.
 14).
New actions (depending on the          1 or 2..................           80  $80 or $160.............          739  Between $59,120 and $118,240.
 airplane configuration).
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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.
    We are 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

    We have determined that 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14735 (71 FR 49337, August 23, 2006) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-05-13 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-15407. 
Docket No. FAA-2007-0215; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-216-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 8, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-17-14.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 and 440) airplanes, certificated in any category; 
serial numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive, and 8000 through 8070 
inclusive.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from incidents of short circuit failures of 
certain alternating current (AC) contactors located in the avionics 
bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuit failures of 
certain AC contactors, which could result in arcing and consequent 
smoke or fire.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

REQUIREMENTS OF AD 2006-17-14

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (f) Within 800 flight hours or four months after September 7, 
2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-17-14), whichever occurs first: 
Do a general visual inspection of AC bus contactors 1K4XD and 2K4XD, 
part number (P/N) D-18ZZA, and the bus contactor K4XA, P/N D-7GRZ, 
to determine which contactors have an Ultem 2200 terminal base plate 
(i.e., the plate is made from a black molded thermal plastic 
material), and apply RTV sealant to the terminal base plate, as 
applicable, by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, Revision A, 
dated July 13, 2006. Do all applicable applications of sealant 
before further flight.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Previous Actions Accomplished According to Other Service Information

    (g) Actions accomplished before September 7, 2006, in accordance 
with Bombardier Drawing Number K601R50180, dated June 2, 2006; or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, dated June 27, 2006; are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (h) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection, re-identification, and corrective 
actions, as applicable, by doing all the applicable actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-24-123, Revision B, dated February 16, 2007. Do the 
applicable corrective action before further flight. Accomplishment 
of these actions constitutes terminating action for the requirements 
of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any AC contactor 1K4XD, 2K4XD, or K4XA, having a non-G9 melamine 
terminal base plate, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to

[[Page 11531]]

approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

Related Information

    (k) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-17R1, dated May 30, 
2007, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, 
Revision A, dated July 13, 2006; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 
601R-24-123, Revision B, dated February 16, 2007, to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-
123, Revision B, dated February 16, 2007, in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) On August 9, 2006 (71 FR 45364, August 9, 2006), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-24-122, Revision A, 
dated July 13, 2006.
    (3) Contact Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. 
Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 25, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-3982 Filed 3-3-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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