Document ID: FAA-2014-0231-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-04-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21158-21160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08463]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0231; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-163-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-604 Variant) airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose, broken, or backed 
out spur gear bolts on the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA). 
This proposed AD would require a revision to the airplane flight 
manual, a revision to the maintenance or inspection program, and 
replacement of HSTAs having certain part numbers. We are proposing this 
AD to detect and correct loose spur gear bolts on the HSTA, which, if 
combined with the failure of the primary load path, could lead to 
failure of the HSTA and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 30, 2014.

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 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. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0231; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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: Ricardo Garcia, 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) 228-7331; 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-2014-0231; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-163-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-
2013-18, dated July 16, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the

[[Page 21159]]

MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There have been a number of reports where the HSTA [horizontal 
stabilizer trim actuator] spur gear bolts were found loose, broken 
or backed out. Investigation revealed that the root cause of the 
bolt loosening is due to incorrect bending of the anti-rotation tab 
washer and the improper application of Loctite glue during 
installation. Loose bolt(s) on the HSTA spur gear combined with the 
failure of the primary load path, could lead to failure of the HSTA 
and subsequent loss of the aeroplane.
    Bombardier Aerospace has introduced a modified HSTA [part 
number] P/N 604-92305-5 (vendor P/N 8454-2) to rectify the loose 
bolt problem. However, this modified HSTA has several quality 
control problems which could affect safety.
    This [Canadian] AD is issued to mandate the replacement of the 
affected HSTA with the new HSTA P/N 604-92305-7 (vendor P/N 8454-3).

In addition to replacing any HSTA having the affected part number, this 
proposed AD would require revising both the airplane flight manual and 
airplane maintenance or inspection program.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0231.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued the service information specified 
below. The actions described in this service information are intended 
to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
     Bombardier Temporary Revision 604/37, dated May 21, 2013, 
to the Bombardier CL-604 Airplane Flight Manual, PSP 604-1.
     Bombardier Temporary Revision 605/18, dated May 21, 2013, 
to the Bombardier CL-605 Airplane Flight Manual, PSP 605-1.
     Bombardier Revision Submission RS-CL604-055, dated April 
27, 2012, to the Bombardier CL-604 Airplane Flight Manual, PSP 604-1.
     Bombardier Revision Submission RS-CL605-030, dated April 
27, 2012, to the Bombardier CL-605 Airplane Flight Manual, PSP 605-1.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-27-032, dated September 
10, 2012.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-27-002, dated September 
10, 2012.

Clarification of Document Date

    Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-18, dated July 16, 2013, 
states that Bombardier Revision Submissions RS-CL604-055 and RS-CL605-
030 are dated April 30, 2012; however, the date that appears on those 
documents is April 27, 2012. We contacted Bombardier and verified that 
the dates on the documents are correct.

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.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to the 
procedure specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. The request should 
include a description of changes to the required inspections that will 
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 125 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 21 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 $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $223,125, or $1,785 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

[[Page 21160]]

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0231; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-163-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 30, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 
Variant) airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
5301 and subsequent, equipped with horizontal stabilizer trim 
actuator (HSTA) part number (P/N) 604-92305-3 (vendor P/N 8454-1) or 
P/N 604-92305-5 (vendor P/N 8454-2).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of loose, broken, or backed out 
spur gear bolts on the HSTA. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct loose spur gear bolts on the HSTA, which, if combined with 
the failure of the primary load path, could lead to failure of the 
HSTA and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Normal Procedures section of the applicable Bombardier AFM to 
include the information in the applicable temporary revision (TR) 
specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. The TRs 
introduce revised procedures for the stabilizer trim system check. 
Operate the airplane according to the limitations and procedures in 
the applicable TR. The revision may be done by inserting copies of 
the applicable TR specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD 
in the AFM. When the TR has been included in the general revisions 
of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, 
provided the relevant information in the general revision is 
identical to that in the applicable TR and the TR may be removed.
    (1) Bombardier TR 604/37, dated May 21, 2013, to the Bombardier 
CL-604 AFM, PSP 604-1.
    (2) Bombardier TR 605/18, dated May 21, 2013, to the Bombardier 
CL-605 AFM, PSP 605-1.

(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
Task 27-41-00-101, Operational Test (BITE) of the Horizontal-
Stabilizer Trim-control System (HSTCS), specified in the applicable 
revision submission (RS) specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of 
this AD. The initial compliance time for the operational test is 
within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. The 
maintenance or inspection program revision may be done by inserting 
a copy of the applicable RS specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) 
of this AD into the applicable time limits/maintenance checks (TLMC) 
manual. When the RS has been included in the general revisions of 
the TLMC manual, the general revisions may be inserted in the TLMC 
manual, provided the relevant information in the general revision is 
identical to that in the applicable RS, and the RS may be removed.
    (1) Task 27-41-00-101, Operational Test (BITE) of the 
Horizontal-Stabilizer Trim-control System (HSTCS), specified in 
Bombardier Revision Submission RS-CL604-055, dated April 27, 2012, 
to Section 5-10-40, Certification Maintenance Requirements, of 
Chapter 5 of the Bombardier CL-604 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks 
(TLMC) Manual.
    (2) Task 27-41-00-101, Operational Test (BITE) of the 
Horizontal-Stabilizer Trim-control System (HSTCS), specified in 
Bombardier Revision Submission RS-CL605-030, dated April 27, 2012, 
to Section 5-10-40, Certification Maintenance Requirements, of 
Chapter 5 of the Bombardier CL-605 TLMC Manual.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised, as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of 
this AD.

(j) HSTA Replacement

    For airplanes equipped with an HSTA having P/N 604-92305-3 
(vendor P/N 8454-1) or P/N 604-92305-5 (vendor P/N 8454-2): Within 
3,000 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, replace any HSTA having P/N 604-92305-3 
(vendor P/N 8454-1) or P/N 604-92305-5 (vendor P/N 8454-2) with an 
HSTA having P/N 604-92305-7 (vendor P/N 8454-3), in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-
27-032, dated September 10, 2012; or 605-27-002, dated September 10, 
2012; as applicable.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any 
HSTA having P/N 604-92305-3 (vendor P/N 8454-1) or P/N 604-92305-5 
(vendor P/N 8454-2) on any airplane.

(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, NY 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, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent, or by the Design Approval Holder with a State of 
Design Authority's design organization approval, as applicable). You 
are required to ensure 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-2013-18, dated July 16, 
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0231.
    (2) 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 service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 1, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-08463 Filed 4-14-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P