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[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 10, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69030-69032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28338]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1109; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-155-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed 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:

Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N) E0650-
069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required endurance 
test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N 670-93465-
1 * * * was found to be susceptible to chafing on the primary 
actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring 
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and if both springs 
failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the RTL components 
would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL. This, in turn, 
would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal 
structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input, 
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.
* * * * *

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 27, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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 
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced 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.

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 this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1109; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-155-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-18, dated June 16, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N) E0650-
069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required endurance 
test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N 670-93465-
1 (see Note) was found to be susceptible to chafing on the primary 
actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring 
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and if both springs 
failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the RTL components 
would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL. This, in turn, 
would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal 
structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input, 
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.

    Note: RTL return springs, P/N 670-93465-1, were installed in 
production aeroplanes serial number 10266 (CL-600-2C10) and 15182 
(CL-600-2D24) respectively and were introduced in-service by 
[Bombardier] Service Bulletin (SB) 670BA-27-047. SB 670BA-27-047 has 
since been superseded by [Bombardier] SB 670BA-27-055.

This directive mandates repetitive [detailed] inspection of the RTL 
[for broken] return springs and [damage through the casing, or 
chafing of the casing of the] primary actuator, with replacement of 
parts as necessary.

[[Page 69031]]

    Corrective actions include replacing any broken return springs with 
new return springs, repairing any chafing of the primary actuator on 
its casing, and replacing any primary actuator that has damage through 
its casing with a new actuator. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision 
A, dated August 6, 2010. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

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 proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 477 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $81,090, or $170 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

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

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2010-1109; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-155-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 27, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 
10003 and subsequent; and Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705) and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, 
serial numbers 15001 and subsequent; certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

Rudder Travel Limiter (RTL) return spring, part number (P/N) E0650-
069-2750S, failed prior to completion of the required endurance 
test. In addition, the replacement RTL return spring, P/N 670-93465-
1 * * * was found to be susceptible to chafing on the primary 
actuator, which could also result in eventual dormant spring 
failure. There are two return springs in the RTL and if both springs 
failed, a subsequent mechanical disconnect of the RTL components 
would result in an unannunciated failure of the RTL. This, in turn, 
would permit an increase of rudder authority beyond normal 
structural limits and, in the event of a strong rudder input, 
controllability of the aeroplane could be affected.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

Initial Inspections and Replacement/Repair

    (g) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,000 or less total flight 
hours as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 
6,000 total flight hours, do a detailed inspection of the RTL for 
broken return springs and damage through the casing, or chafing of the 
casing of the primary actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision A, 
dated August 6, 2010. Before further

[[Page 69032]]

flight, replace any broken return springs with new springs, and repair 
or replace with a new actuator any chafed or damaged primary actuator, 
as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision A, dated August 6, 
2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 
flight hours.
    (h) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 4,000 total 
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection of 
the RTL for broken return springs and damage through the casing, or 
chafing of the casing of the primary actuator, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-
055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Before further flight, replace 
any broken return springs with new springs, and repair or replace any 
chafed or damaged primary actuator with a new actuator, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight 
hours.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, dated May 11, 
2010, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
actions specified in this AD.

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, 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: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; 
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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the 
information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-18, 
dated June 16, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, 
Revision A, dated August 6, 2010; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 2, 2010.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-28338 Filed 11-9-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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