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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27318-27321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11067]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0367; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-177-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-600-2C10 (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. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of corrosion of the 
components of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator found in 
service; the corrosion was found at the interface of the rod end and 
the piston, and at the bracket and related pins. This proposed AD would 
require inspection of the MLG retraction actuator components; 
corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain retraction actuators, 
installation of a new jam nut. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
disconnection of the MLG retraction actuator, which could result in 
extension of the MLG without damping,

[[Page 27319]]

and consequent structural damage and collapse of the MLG during 
landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 24, 2013.

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 W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Bombardier 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 thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. For Goodrich service information identified in this 
proposed AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Landing Gear, 1400 South 
Service Road, West Oakville L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada; telephone 905-
825-1568; email jean.breed@goodrich.com; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. 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-2013-0367; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-177-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-
2011-36R1, dated October 3, 2012 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

Corrosion of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator 
components was found in-service, either at the interface of the rod 
end and the piston or at the bracket and its related pins. This can 
cause the MLG retraction actuator to disconnect, leading to an MLG 
extension without damping, and a potential for MLG structural damage 
and possible collapse during landing.

This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection and rectification 
[corrective action] of the MLG retraction actuator components.

This revision is to mandate [, for certain MLG retraction 
actuators,] the installation of the new retraction actuator jam nut. 
This revision also corrects the background information and updates 
Service Bulletin (SB) references.

The required inspection includes, for certain MLG retraction actuator 
assemblies, a detailed inspection of the retraction actuator assembly 
for evidence of corrosion, and security of the jam nut; and, for 
certain MLG dressed shock struts, a detailed inspection for evidence of 
corrosion of the retract actuator bracket assembly, associated pins, 
and mating lugs on the outer cylinder and a detailed inspection of the 
associated pins for chrome damage. The corrective actions include 
replacing pins that have chrome damage or evidence of corrosion, 
replacing retraction actuator bracket assemblies and mating lugs that 
have evidence of corrosion. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued the following service bulletins.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision C, 
dated April 17, 2012.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-033, Revision B, 
dated Jun 26, 2012.
    Goodrich Corporation has issued the following service bulletins.
     Goodrich Service Bulletin 49000-32-46, Revision 2, dated 
November 11, 2011.
     Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-63, Revision 1, dated 
May 17, 2011.
     Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-64, Revision 3, dated 
December 15, 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

    The MCAI specifies using ``later approved revisions'' of the 
service information when accomplishing the requirements. However, 
``later approved revisions'' must not be used in an AD when referring 
to the service document because doing so violates Office of the Federal 
Register (OFR) regulations for approval of materials ``incorporated by 
reference'' in rules. Therefore, we have not included ``later approved 
revisions'' in this proposed AD. If additional parts are identified in 
later revisions of the service information, we might consider further 
rulemaking then.
    Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-63, Revision 1, dated May 17, 
2011, specifies to return retract actuators to Goodrich if corrosion is 
found or if a jam nut is not secured. However, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the retract actuators with new or

[[Page 27320]]

serviceable retract actuators if those conditions are found.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 391 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take up to 16 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $1,018 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 the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be up to $929,798, or up to $2,378 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions 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);
    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

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:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0367; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-177-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 24, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10002 and subsequent.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) 
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial numbers 
15001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion of the components 
of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator found in service; 
the corrosion was found at the interface of the rod end and the 
piston, and at the bracket and related pins. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent disconnection of the MLG retraction actuator, which could 
result in extension of the MLG without damping, and consequent 
structural damage and collapse of the MLG during landing.

(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) Inspection of the MLG Retraction Actuator and Corrective Actions

    For any airplane with a MLG retraction actuator assembly having 
any part number and serial number identified in paragraph 1.A., 
Effectivity, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision 
C, dated April 17, 2012, except airplanes on which modification 
status ``32-64'' is marked on the identification plate: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection of the retraction actuator assembly 
for evidence of corrosion and security of the jam nut, as 
applicable, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision 
C, dated April 17, 2012; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-63, 
Revision 1, dated May 17, 2011. If any corrosion or unsecured jam 
nut is found, before further flight, replace the retract actuator 
with a new or serviceable retract actuator; install the retract 
actuator in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision 
C, dated April 17, 2012. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 1,200 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
    (1) For MLG retraction actuator assemblies on which, as of the 
effective date of this AD, 8,000 or more total flight hours have 
accumulated since new or since overhaul, or have been in service for 
more than 4 years since new or since overhaul: Inspect within 1,200 
flight hours or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.
    (2) For MLG retraction actuator assemblies on which, as of the 
effective date of this AD, less than 8,000 total flight hours have 
accumulated since new or since overhaul, and have been in service 
for 4 years or less since new or since overhaul: Inspect before the 
accumulation of 9,200 total flight hours on the MLG retraction 
actuator assembly since new or since overhaul or within 5 years in 
service since new or since overhaul, whichever occurs first.

(h) Inspection of MLG Retraction Actuator Bracket and Related Pins, and 
Corrective Actions

    For any airplane with a MLG dressed shock strut having any part 
number and serial number identified in paragraph 1.A., Effectivity, 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-033, Revision B, dated June 
26, 2012: Within 4,400 flight hours or 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a detailed 
inspection of the retract actuator bracket assembly, associated 
pins, and the mating lugs on the outer cylinder for evidence of 
corrosion, in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin

[[Page 27321]]

670BA-32-033, Revision B, dated June 26, 2012; and Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 49000-32-46, Revision 2, dated November 11, 2011. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight (i.e., replace 
retract actuator bracket assembly and pins, or outer cylinder lugs, 
as applicable).

(i) Installation of New Jam Nut

    For any airplane with a MLG retraction actuator assembly having 
any part number and serial number identified in paragraph 1.A., 
Effectivity, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision 
C, dated April 17, 2012, except airplanes on which modification 
status ``32-64'' is marked on the identification plate: Within 
20,000 flight hours or 10 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, install a new jam nut having part number 
49606-5, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision 
C, dated April 17, 2012; and Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-64, 
Revision 3, dated December 15, 2011.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-32-031, dated March 14, 2011; Revision A, dated June 
9, 2011; or Revision B, dated July 29, 2011; which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
32-033, dated March 14, 2011; or Revision A, dated July 29, 2011; 
which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(k) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a MLG retraction actuator assembly having any part 
number and serial number identified in paragraph 1.A., Effectivity, 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision C, dated April 
17, 2012, unless that retraction actuator assembly has been 
inspected as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and all 
applicable corrective actions (i.e., replacement of the retract 
actuator) specified in paragraph (g) of this AD have been done. 
Repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD 
thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a MLG retraction actuator assembly having any part 
number and serial number identified in paragraph 1.A., Effectivity, 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-033, Revision B, dated June 
26, 2012, unless that retraction actuator assembly has been 
inspected and all applicable corrective actions have been done, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-32-033, Revision B, dated June 26, 2012.

(l) 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 (ACO), 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to mandatory continued airworthiness information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-36R1, dated October 
3, 2012, and the service bulletins specified in paragraphs (m)(1)(i) 
through (m)(1)(v) of this AD, for related information.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-031, Revision C, dated 
April 17, 2012.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-033, Revision B, dated 
June 26, 2012.
    (iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 49000-32-46, Revision 2, dated 
November 11, 2011.
    (iv) Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-63, Revision 1, dated 
May 17, 2011.
    (v) Goodrich Service Bulletin 49600-32-64, Revision 3, dated 
December 15, 2011.
    (2) For Bombardier 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; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. For Goodrich service information identified in 
this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Landing Gear, 1400 South 
Service Road, West Oakville L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada; telephone 905-
825-1568; email jean.breed@goodrich.com; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-11067 Filed 5-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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