[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 110 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28733-28736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14036]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 28734]]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-61-AD; Amendment 39-9653; AD 96-12-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes. This 
action requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the 
microswitches fitted at the water door actuator, and replacement of any 
discrepant microswitch. This action also requires a terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report 
indicating that the water doors on one airplane opened inadvertently 
during flight, due to corrosion of the microswitches fitted to the 
water door actuator. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent such uncommanded opening of the water doors, especially at high 
speed during a takeoff run, a water pick-up run, or a landing run, 
which could cause damage to the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 21, 1996.
    -The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 21, 1996.
    -Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 5, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-61-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    -The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station 
Centre-ville, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This information may be examined 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Maurer, Aerospace Engineer, 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, Systems & Flight Test Branch 
(ANE-172), Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third 
Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7508; fax 
(516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada Aviation, which is the 
airworthiness authority for Canada, has notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes. 
Transport Canada Aviation advises that there has been an incident in 
which the water doors on one airplane inadvertently opened during 
flight. Investigation revealed that the cause of this malfunction of 
the doors was due to corrosion of the microswitches that are fitted to 
the water door actuators. The uncommanded opening of these doors at 
high speed during the takeoff run, water pick-up run, or landing run 
could cause serious damage to the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    -Canadair has issued Alert Service Bulletin 215-A363, dated March 
16, 1987. This service bulletin describes procedures for (1) performing 
repetitive visual inspections to detect corrosion of the microswitches 
fitted to the water door actuator; (2) conducting repetitive resistance 
checks and insulation checks of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
water door actuator microswitches; and (3) replacing any discrepant 
microswitch. Transport Canada Aviation classified this service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-87-08 R1, 
dated December 7, 1990, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in Canada.
    Canadair also has issued Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, 
dated September 30, 1991, which describes procedures for modifying the 
water door microswitches. The modification entails replacing the LH and 
RH water door actuator microswitches, installing a relay channel and 
two relays, and modifying related wiring. Transport Canada Aviation has 
classified this service bulletin as ``recommended.''

FAA's Conclusions

    -This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada Aviation has kept 
the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined 
the findings of Transport Canada Aviation, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    -Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent the 
inadvertent opening of the water doors during flight due to the 
problems associated with corrosion of the microswitches fitted at the 
water door actuator. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect 
discrepancies of these microswitches, and replacement of any discrepant 
microswitch. This AD requires modification of the water door 
microswitches as terminating action for the repetitive inspections The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletins described previously.

Differences Between this AD and Related Canadian AD

    -Operators should note that this AD differs from the related 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-87-08 R1 in that this AD requires 
the accomplishment of the terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections of the microswitches. The FAA has determined that long term 
continued operational safety will be better assured by modifications or 
design changes to remove the source of the problem, rather than by 
repetitive inspections. Long term inspections may not be providing the 
degree of safety assurance necessary for the transport airplane fleet. 
This, coupled with a better understanding of the human factors 
associated with numerous repetitive inspections, has led the FAA to 
consider placing less emphasis on special procedures and more emphasis 
on design improvements. The modification requirement of this AD is in 
consonance with these considerations.

Cost Impact

    -None of the Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes affected by this 
action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the 
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary 
to ensure that the unsafe condition is

[[Page 28735]]

addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported 
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    -Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to 
accomplish the required inspections, at an average labor charge of $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these 
required inspections would be $120 per airplane per inspection.
    -Accomplishment of the terminating modification would require 
approximately 40 work hours, at an average labor charge of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost approximately $2,900 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required modification 
would be $5,300 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    -Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is 
currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and 
imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and 
public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    -Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    -Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-61-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-12-11 Canadair: Amendment 39-9653. Docket 96-NM-61-AD.

    Applicability: Model CL-215-1A10 series airplanes, certificated 
in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent in the inadvertent opening of the water doors due to 
corrosion associated with the microswitches fitted to the water door 
actuator, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct 
an inspection to detect discrepancies of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) microswitches, part number (P/N) 21EN9-6, fitted to 
the water door actuator, in accordance with paragraphs 2.D. and 2.E. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service 
Bulletin 215-A363, dated March 16, 1987.
    (b) If no discrepancy is detected during the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the inspection in accordance 
with the following schedule:
    (1) For microswitches that have accumulated less than 5 calendar 
years and less than 1,000 total flight hours at the time of the 
inspection: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 240 
flight hours.
    (2) For microswitches that have accumulated 5 or more calendar 
years, or 1,000 or more flight hours at the time of the inspection: 
Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 50 flight hours.
    (c) If any discrepancy is detected during an inspection required 
by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
accomplish the action specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) 
of this AD:
    (1) Replace the microswitch with a serviceable microswitch of 
the same part number in accordance with paragraph F. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin 215-
A363, dated March 16, 1987. After replacement, repeat the inspection 
in accordance with the schedule specified in paragraph (b) of this 
AD.
    (2) Modify the water door microswitches in accordance with 
Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30, 
1991. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
    (d) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the water door microswitches in accordance with Canadair Service 
Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1991. This 
modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of this modification in accordance with 
Canadair

[[Page 28736]]

Service Bulletin 215-389, dated November 15, 1988, prior to the 
effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance 
with this paragraph.

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, New York ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO. -
    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Canadair 
Alert Service Bulletin 215-A363, dated March 16, 1987. The 
modification shall be done in accordance with Canadair Service 
Bulletin 215-389, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1991. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair Aerospace 
Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 
Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office 
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on June 21, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 30, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14036 Filed 6-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U