Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 208 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55757-55759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25648]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0399; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-226-AD; 
Amendment 39-16060; AD 2009-22-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and 
CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    A change in dimensions of the fuse blocks in the Auxiliary Power 
Unit (APU) Start Contactor Assembly (ASCA) box assembly can cause an 
incorrect interface between the bus bars and fuses. This condition 
can result in an increase in temperature, which could damage the 
ASCA box and/or compromise the availability of battery bus supply.

The unsafe condition could result in the ignition of a fire in the ASCA 
box. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 3, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 3, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics 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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2009 (74 
FR 19902). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A change in dimensions of the fuse blocks in the Auxiliary Power 
Unit (APU) Start Contactor Assembly (ASCA) box assembly can cause an 
incorrect interface between the bus bars and fuses. This condition 
can result in an increase in temperature, which could damage the 
ASCA box and/or compromise the availability of battery bus supply.

The unsafe condition could result in the ignition of a fire in the ASCA 
box. The required actions include inspecting the ASCA boxes to 
determine the part number; and for certain ASCA boxes, doing a detailed 
inspection of the fuse block date code, and replacing the fuse block 
with new hardware if necessary. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

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

Request To Change Compliance Time for Replacement

    American Eagle Airlines (AEA) requests that the compliance time in 
paragraph (f)(1) of the NPRM for replacing the fuse blocks be changed 
from ``before further flight'' to within 1,500 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD. AEA explains that the new compliance time 
will give operators the benefit of knowing how much down-time will be 
needed to replace the fuse blocks, while keeping to the restrictions of 
1,500 flight hours required for inspecting the ASCA box.
    We disagree with the request. While we recognize that changing the 
compliance time for replacing the fuse blocks from ``before further 
flight'' to within 1,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD benefits the operators in their planning, we find that, to achieve 
an adequate level of safety for the affected airplanes, fuse blocks 
known to be un-airworthy must be replaced before further flight. We 
have made no change to this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow a Records Check in Lieu of Inspection To Determine 
Part Number

    AEA requests that a records check be allowed, if sufficient records 
exist, to comply with the inspection of the ASCA box to determine the 
part numbers. AEA explains that the records check would potentially 
prevent unnecessary inspections.
    We agree. We have determined that a review of the airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection to 
determine the part number of the ASCA boxes if the part number of the 
ASCA boxes can be conclusively determined from that review. We have 
revised paragraph (f)(1) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the change described previously. We determined that this 
change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ

[[Page 55758]]

substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related 
service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 108 products of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it takes about 5 work-hours per product to comply 
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 
per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD 
to U.S. operators to be $43,200, or $400 per product.

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 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 this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2009-22-09 Bombardier (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-16060. 
Docket No. FAA-2009-0399; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-226-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
3, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 
702), serial numbers 10112 through 10199 inclusive, and 10201 
through 10206 inclusive.
    (2) Bombardier Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) and 
CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), serial numbers 15007 through 
15026 inclusive, 15030, and 15031.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49: Airborne 
Auxiliary Power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A change in dimensions of the fuse blocks in the Auxiliary Power 
Unit (APU) Start Contactor Assembly (ASCA) box assembly can cause an 
incorrect interface between the bus bars and fuses. This condition 
can result in an increase in temperature, which could damage the 
ASCA box and/or compromise the availability of battery bus supply.
    The unsafe condition could result in the ignition of a fire in 
the ASCA box. The required actions include inspecting the ASCA boxes 
to determine the part number; and for certain ASCA boxes, doing a 
detailed inspection of the fuse block date code, and replacing the 
fuse block with new hardware if necessary.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 1,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the ASCA box to determine the part number and, for ASCA 
boxes having part number (P/N) BA670-53328-1 or BA670-53328-951, 
perform a detailed inspection of the fuse block date code, in 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-49-012, Revision 
A, dated August 28, 2008. Before further flight, replace all fuse 
blocks that have a date code between K23 (0323) through M08 (0508) 
inclusive, in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-49-
012, Revision A, dated August 28, 2008. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection to 
determine the part number of the ASCA boxes if the part number of 
the ASCA boxes can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (2) Inspections and replacement actions are also acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, if 
done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-49-012, dated June 28, 2007.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Wing Chan, Aerospace 
Engineer, Avionics 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective

[[Page 55759]]

actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the 
State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are 
required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to 
service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada Civil Aviation Airworthiness 
Directive CF-2008-34, dated December 2, 2008; and Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-49-012, Revision A, dated August 28, 2008; for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-49-012, 
Revision A, dated August 28, 2008, 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 this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 19, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-25648 Filed 10-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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