Document ID: FAA-2012-0997-0005
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-02-07T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7382-7386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02468]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0997; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-060-AD; 
Amendment 39-17729; AD 2014-02-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-03-

[[Page 7383]]

13 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. 
AD 2011-03-13 required repetitive inspections of the rudder travel 
limiter (RTL) return springs and primary actuator, and corrective 
actions if necessary. This new AD requires replacing certain RTL return 
springs, including doing related investigative and corrective actions, 
if necessary; which is terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. This new AD also revises the applicability. This AD was 
prompted by reports of failure of the RTL return spring. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the RTL, which would permit an increase 
of rudder authority beyond normal structural limits and consequently 
affect the controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 14, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 14, 
2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 
14, 2011 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2012-0997; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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; email 
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, 
February 7, 2011). AD 2011-03-13 applied to 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. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 24, 2012 (77 FR 58787). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of failure of the RTL return spring. The NPRM 
proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections of the rudder 
travel limiter (RTL) return springs and primary actuator, and 
corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require 
replacing certain RTL return springs, including doing related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. The NPRM also 
proposed to revise the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the RTL, which would permit an increase of rudder authority 
beyond normal structural limits and consequently affect the 
controllability of the airplane.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-18R1, dated March 19, 2012 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``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, the 
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. [Bombardier] SB 
670BA-27-047 has since been superseded by [Bombardier] SB 670BA-27-
055.
    This [TCCA] AD mandates repetitive [detailed] visual inspection 
of the RTL [for broken] return springs and [damage through the 
casing or chafing of the casing of the] primary actuator, [and] 
replacement of parts as necessary.
    This revision mandates the installation of the RTL return 
spring, P/N BA670-93468-1, as a terminating action to this [TCCA] 
AD.

This AD expands the applicability by adding Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplane, serial number 10002. This AD also 
reduces the applicability by removing Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet 
Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes serial numbers 10334 and subsequent; 
and also removes Model CL-600-2D15, serial numbers 15289 and 
subsequent. The installation consists of replacing certain RTL return 
springs with new springs and doing related investigative and corrective 
actions, if necessary. The related investigative action is a detailed 
inspection of the casing of the primary actuator for signs of chafing 
or missing paint. Corrective actions include replacing any broken 
return spring with a new spring, 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 examine the MCAI 
in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0997-0003.

Comments

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

Request To Correct Service Information

    Mesa Air Lines Inc. (Mesa) requested that we correct a step 
sequence in Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision A, dated 
March 8, 2012. Mesa stated that step (6) of the job set-up section, in 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision A, dated March 8, 
2012, specifies installing the rig pin. Mesa stated that it is not 
until step (10) that Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision 
A, dated March 8, 2012, specifies removing panels 325DL and 325EL, and 
that removing these panels is necessary to install the rig pin.
    We agree with the commenter's request regarding the incorrect step 
sequence. The manufacturer has issued Revision B to Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-27-059, dated September 26, 2013, which corrects the 
step sequence. We have revised paragraph (j) of this final rule to 
reference Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision B, dated 
September 26, 2013; and added Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-

[[Page 7384]]

059, Revision A, dated March 8, 2012, to paragraph (k)(2) in this final 
rule to provide credit for the actions required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of 
this AD.

Request To Clarify Part Information

    Mesa observed that Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, 
Revision A, dated March 8, 2012, does not mention, reference, or 
address part number (P/N) BA670-93470-5 (rudder travel limiter). Mesa 
asked whether Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision A, 
dated March 8, 2012, or the proposed AD (77 FR 58787, September 24, 
2012) applies to its airplanes, since the service information does not 
reference P/N BA670-93470-5.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Only paragraph (j) of 
this final rule refers to Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, 
Revision B, dated September 26, 2013. Paragraph (j) of this final rule 
affects airplanes having parts identified in paragraphs (j)(1) and 
(j)(2) of this final rule, and P/N BA670-93470-5 is not identified. 
Therefore, operators are not required to do the actions specified in 
paragraph (j) of this final rule on airplanes having P/N BA670-93470-5.
    However, airplanes having P/N BA670-93470-5 are still affected by 
this final rule. This AD applies to airplanes having serial numbers 
identified in paragraph (c) of this final rule; paragraph (c) of this 
final rule does not exclude airplanes having specific parts. All 
operators of the airplanes identified in applicability of this final 
rule must show compliance with the provisions of this final rule, 
including a determination that specific paragraphs do not apply. We 
have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 58787, September 24, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 58787, September 24, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 366 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection [actions retained from  2 work-hours x $85               $0  $170 per inspection  $62,220 per
 AD 2011-03-13, Amendment 39-       per hour = $170                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
 16597 (76 FR 6539, February 7,     per inspection
 2011)].                            cycle.
Replacement [new action].........  8 work-hours x $85            1,291  $1,971.............  $721,386.
                                    per hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 that 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);
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0997-0003; 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 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 removing airworthiness directive (AD 
2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-02-01 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17729. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0997; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-060-AD.

[[Page 7385]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 14, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 
6539, February 7, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) 
airplanes, serial numbers 10002 through 10333 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; and 
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial 
numbers 15001 through 15288 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the rudder travel 
limiter (RTL) return spring. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the RTL, which would permit an increase of rudder 
authority beyond normal structural limits and consequently affect 
the controllability of the airplane.

(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) Retained Initial Inspections and Replacement/Repair for Certain 
Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011). 
Except for Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) 
airplane, serial number 10002, for airplanes that have accumulated 
4,000 or less total flight hours as of March 14, 2011 (the effective 
date of AD 2011-03-13): 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 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. Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Initial Inspections and Replacement/Repair for Certain 
Higher Flight Time Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011). 
Except for Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) 
airplane, serial number 10002, for airplanes that have accumulated 
more than 4,000 total flight hours as of March 14, 2011 (the 
effective date of AD 2011-03-13): Within 2,000 flight hours after 
March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-03-13), 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. 
Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(i) New RTL Spring Inspection and Replacement for a Certain Airplane

    For Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) 
airplane, serial number 10002, at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) 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 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. Accomplishment of the 
applicable actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates 
the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) If the airplane has 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.
    (2) If the airplane has 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.

(j) New RTL Spring Replacement

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) 
of this AD: Replace the RTL return springs with new springs, and do 
all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision B, dated September 26, 2013. 
Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions 
before further flight. Accomplishment of the applicable actions 
required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs 
(g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes with RTL return springs having part number (P/
N) 670-93465-1: Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with RTL return springs having P/N E0650-069-
2750S: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(2)(i), 
(j)(2)(ii), or (j)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes with 15,400 total flight cycles or more as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For airplanes with 5,200 total flight cycles or more, but 
less than 15,400 total flight cycles as of the effective date of 
this AD: Within 5,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, but not to exceed 17,400 total flight cycles.
    (iii) For airplanes with less than 5,200 total flight cycles as 
of the effective date of this AD: Before accumulating 10,200 total 
flight cycles.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-03-13, 
Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011)), using Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, dated May 11, 2010, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-
27-059, dated October 12, 2011; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-27-059, Revision A, dated March 8, 2012; which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(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. 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, 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. AMOCs approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2011-03-13, Amendment 39-16597 (76 FR 6539, 
February 7, 2011), are approved as AMOCs for 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

[[Page 7386]]

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 Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-18R1, dated March 
19, 2012, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the 
AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0997-0003.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (n)(5) and (n)(6) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 14, 2014.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-059, Revision B, dated 
September 26, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 14, 2011 (76 FR 6539, February 7, 2011).
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-055, Revision A, dated 
August 6, 2010.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (7) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 10, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02468 Filed 2-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P