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

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13089-13092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-6569]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0888; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-084-AD; 
Amendment 39-15840; AD 2009-06-04]
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: 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:

    Bombardier Aerospace has completed a system safety review of the 
CL-600-2B19 aircraft fuel system against new fuel tank safety 
standards * * *.
    This assessment showed that there is insufficient electrical 
bonding for lightning protection at certain locations inside the 
fuel tanks. In addition, the assessment also revealed that existing 
bonding jumpers across self-bonded couplings are not required. 
Insufficient electrical bonding, if not corrected, could result in 
arcing and potential ignition source inside the fuel tank during 
lightning strikes and consequent fuel tank explosion.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 30, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 30, 
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: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; 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 August 19, 2008 (73 
FR 48312). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Bombardier Aerospace has completed a system safety review of the 
CL-600-2B19 aircraft fuel system against new fuel tank safety 
standards, introduced in Chapter 525 of the Airworthiness Manual 
through Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2002-043. The identified 
non-compliances were assessed using Transport Canada Policy Letter 
No. 525-001 to determine if mandatory corrective action is required.
    This assessment showed that there is insufficient electrical 
bonding for lightning protection at certain locations inside the 
fuel tanks. In addition, the assessment also revealed that existing 
bonding jumpers across self-bonded couplings are not required. 
Insufficient electrical bonding, if not corrected, could result in 
arcing and potential ignition source inside the fuel tank during 
lightning strikes and consequent fuel tank explosion.
    To correct the unsafe condition, this directive mandates the 
modification of certain bonding jumpers inside the fuel tanks.

Corrective actions include, for certain airplanes, a general visual 
inspection to determine if the modification has been done on both sides 
of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the 
MCAI in the AD docket.

Revision to Service Bulletin Information

    Since the NPRM was issued, we have received Revision F of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, dated May 27, 2008. We 
referred to Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision E, dated 
March 17, 2008, as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the actions proposed in the NPRM. Revision F of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-

[[Page 13090]]

28-055 changes Figure 7 in the Accomplishment Instructions and also 
includes small editorial changes that do not affect the technical 
content of the service bulletin. We have revised paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD to refer to Revision F of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
601R-28-055, and we have added paragraph (f)(3) of this AD to give 
credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Revision E of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055.

Comments

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

Request To Revise the Costs of Compliance Section

    Air Wisconsin states that the service information does not discuss 
warranty consideration for parts needed to do the modification proposed 
in the NPRM, and requests that we amend the Costs of Compliance section 
of the NPRM to reflect the cost of kits at $427 per airplane.
    We agree to revise the Costs of Compliance section to reflect the 
parts cost. The cost per product and fleet cost have increased 
accordingly.

Request To Allow Credit for Prior Service Bulletin Revision

    Air Wisconsin states that Revision D of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
601R-28-055, dated July 17, 2006, added a statement to modify both 
sides of the airplane, and requests that we revise the NPRM to give 
credit for actions performed according to Revision D of the service 
bulletin. Air Wisconsin notes that Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2007-34 allows compliance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, 
Revision D.
    We agree with Air Wisconsin to give credit for Revision D of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, and have revised paragraph 
(f)(3) of this AD accordingly. We have also revised Table 1 of this AD 
to remove the restriction on Revision D of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
601R-28-055. In addition, we have removed Note (1) from the NPRM and 
therefore Note (2) of the NPRM becomes Note 1 of this AD. Note (2) is 
also revised to remove the difference for Revision D of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 601R-28-055.

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 changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes 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 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 will affect about 686 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 18 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $427 
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs 
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $1,280,762, or $1,867 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:

2009-06-04 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-15840. 
Docket No. FAA-2008-0888; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-084-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
30, 2009.

[[Page 13091]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional 
Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7067, 
and 7069 through 7929, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Bombardier Aerospace has completed a system safety review of the 
CL-600-2B19 aircraft fuel system against new fuel tank safety 
standards, introduced in Chapter 525 of the Airworthiness Manual 
through Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2002-043. The identified 
non-compliances were assessed using Transport Canada Policy Letter 
No. 525-001 to determine if mandatory corrective action is required.
    This assessment showed that there is insufficient electrical 
bonding for lightning protection at certain locations inside the 
fuel tanks. In addition, the assessment also revealed that existing 
bonding jumpers across self-bonded couplings are not required. 
Insufficient electrical bonding, if not corrected, could result in 
arcing and potential ignition source inside the fuel tank during 
lightning strikes and consequent fuel tank explosion.
    To correct the unsafe condition, this directive mandates the 
modification of certain bonding jumpers inside the fuel tanks.
    Corrective actions include, for certain airplanes, a general 
visual inspection to determine if the modification has been done on 
both sides of the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done: Within 5,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, do the following actions.
    (1) For airplanes on which none of the Bombardier service 
bulletins identified in Table 1 of this AD have been incorporated as 
of the effective date of this AD: Modify the fuel tank bonding 
jumpers inside the wing and center fuel tanks in accordance with 
Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision F, dated May 27, 2008.

                                           Table 1--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Bombardier service bulletin--                Revision--                            Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
601R-28-055.............................  Original....................  May 4, 2004.
601R-28-055.............................  A...........................  February 14, 2005.
601R-28-055.............................  B...........................  September 14, 2005.
601R-28-055.............................  C...........................  January 9, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For airplanes on which any Bombardier service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD has been incorporated as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the 
inside of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if the actions 
in Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision F, dated May 27, 2008, have been done 
on both sides of the airplane. If Part A of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision F, dated May 27, 2008, has not been 
done on either side of the airplane, before further flight, do the 
actions specified in Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision F, dated May 27, 
2008; for the side of the airplane on which Part A of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision F, dated May 27, 2008, has 
not been done.
    (3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision D, 
dated July 17, 2006; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, 
Revision E, dated March 17, 2008; is acceptable for compliance with 
the corresponding requirements of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    The MCAI specifies that the modification must be done on all 
airplanes in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-
055, Revision D, dated July 17, 2006, and that accomplishing 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, dated May 4, 2004; 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision A, dated February 
14, 2005; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, Revision B, 
dated September 14, 2005; does not satisfy the requirements of the 
MCAI. This AD requires doing the modification on airplanes on which 
any Bombardier service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, 
has not been done. For airplanes on which any Bombardier service 
bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD has been done, this AD 
requires inspecting to determine if the modification is done on both 
sides of the airplane and modifying the airplane if the modification 
was not done on both sides.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, 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: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; fax (516) 794-
5531. 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.
    (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 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 Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-34, 
dated December 21, 2007; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-
055, Revision F, dated May 27, 2008; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-055, 
Revision F, dated May 27, 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.


[[Page 13092]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-6569 Filed 3-25-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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