[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10413-10415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4160]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0146; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-115-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. 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 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and 
CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 
deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen 
cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring 
harness in the area of the oxygen cylinder had no protective conduit 
sleeving. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if 
certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed and replacing oxygen 
CRAs containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required 
material properties. This proposed AD would also require inspecting for 
damaged wiring and repairing or replacing wiring if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen cylinder, which in 
the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen would not be available when 
required; and to detect and correct unprotected wiring that could chafe 
against the oxygen system components or surrounding structure in the 
area, which could lead to electrical arcing and an oxygen-fed fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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; email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94e0fcf0baf7e6fed4f5f1e6fbbaf6fbf9f6f5e6f0fdf1e6baf7fbf9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f5819d91db96879fb59490879adb979a98979487919c9087db969a98">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 (ACO), 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-2012-0146; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-115-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.

[[Page 10414]]

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), has issued Canadian 
Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-11, dated May 25, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a routine inspection, deformation was found at the neck 
of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen Cylinder and Regulator 
Assemblies (CRA) of a BD-700-1A11 aeroplane.
    An investigation by the vendor, Avox Systems Inc., revealed that 
the deformation was attributed to two (2) batches of raw material 
that did not meet the required tensile strength. This may cause 
elongation of the pressure regulator neck, which could result in 
rupture of the oxygen cylinder, and in the case of cabin 
depressurization, oxygen would not be available when required.
    Although there have been no reported failures to date on any CL-
600-2B16 aeroplanes, oxygen pressure regulators, Part Numbers (P/N) 
806370-12, could be part of the affected batches.
    It has also been found that the electrical wiring harness in the 
area of the oxygen cylinder has been installed without protection. 
Unprotected wiring could chafe against the oxygen system components 
or surrounding structure in the area, which could lead to electrical 
arcing and an oxygen fed fire.
    This [TCCA] directive mandates [an inspection to determine if a 
certain oxygen CRA is installed and] the replacement of oxygen CRAs 
containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required 
material properties and to [do a general visual inspection of] and 
protect the affected wiring.

Corrective actions include repairing or replacing any damaged wiring. 
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 605-24-005, dated 
January 31, 2011; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 
01, dated February 28, 2011. 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 Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    This proposed AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI and service information do not specify corrective 
actions if damaged wiring is found; this proposed AD requires repairing 
or replacing any damaged wiring. This proposed AD also includes serial 
numbers (S/N) 5824 and subsequent in the applicability. Those airplanes 
are included in paragraph (j) of the proposed AD, which prohibits the 
installation of certain regulators.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 72 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hour 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 $6,120, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that certain follow-on actions (wiring 
protection) would take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $0, 
for a cost of $170 per product. We have no way of determining the 
number of products that may need these actions.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for certain other on-condition actions (repairing or 
replacing damaged wiring) specified in this proposed AD.

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 affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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-2012-0146; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-115-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 9, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-
3A, CL-601-3R, & CL-604 Variants) airplanes; certificated in any 
category; serial numbers 5701 through 5802 inclusive, 5804 through 
5808 inclusive, 5810 through 5816 inclusive, 5819, 5822, 5823 and 
subsequent.

[[Page 10415]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Codes 24: Electrical 
power; and 35: Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of deformation at the neck of 
the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator 
assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring harness in the area of 
the oxygen cylinder had no protective conduit sleeving. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen cylinder, which in 
the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen would not be available 
when required; and to detect and correct unprotected wiring that 
could chafe against the oxygen system components or surrounding 
structure in the area, which could lead to electrical arcing and an 
oxygen-fed fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspect and Replace the Oxygen CRA

    For airplanes with serial numbers 5701 through 5802 inclusive, 
5804 through 5808 inclusive, 5810 through 5816 inclusive, 5819, 
5822, and 5823: Within 750 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, but no later than 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the serial number of oxygen pressure regulators having 
part number (P/N) 806370-12, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 2.B.(3), of Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-
35-001, Revision 01, dated February 28, 2011. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the oxygen pressure regulator can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (1) If any serial number is found that is listed in table 2 of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 01, dated February 
28, 2011, before further flight, replace the affected oxygen CRA in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 01, dated February 28, 2011.
    (2) If any serial number is found that is not listed in table 2 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 01, dated 
February 28, 2011, no further action is required by this paragraph.

(h) Inspection and Corrective Action of the Oxygen CRA Wiring Harness

    For airplanes with serial numbers 5701 through 5778 inclusive, 
5780 through 5796 inclusive, 5798, 5800 through 5802 inclusive, 
5804, 5805, 5808, 5811, and 5813: At the compliance times specified 
in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection 
for damaged wiring (i.e., signs of damaged insulation, abrasion, or 
chafing) of the electrical wiring harness for the oxygen CRA, and 
protect the electrical wiring harness, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-24-
005, dated January 31, 2011. If any damaged wiring is found, before 
further flight, repair or replace any damaged wiring in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation 
(TCCA) (or its delegated agent).
    (1) For airplanes on which the oxygen CRA must be replaced as 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: At the time the oxygen CRA 
is replaced.
    (2) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: Within 800 flight hours after the effective date 
of this AD.

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-35-001, dated 
January 31, 2011, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in this AD.

(j) Parts Installation

    For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install an oxygen pressure regulator (P/N 806370-12) 
having any serial number listed in table 2 of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 01, dated February 28, 2011, on any 
airplane, unless a suffix ``-A'' is beside the serial number.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, 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 local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the ACO, send it 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, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-11, dated 
May 25, 2011, and the service bulletins identified in paragraphs 
(l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-24-005, dated January 31, 
2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-35-001, Revision 01, dated 
February 28, 2011.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4160 Filed 2-21-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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