Document ID: FAA-2014-0446-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-02-04T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5902-5905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01187]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0446; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-077-AD; 
Amendment 39-18069; AD 2015-02-02]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain

[[Page 5903]]

Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant), and CL-215-6B11 
(CL-415 Variant) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that, 
during a routine inspection, corrosion was discovered on the lower 
bearing of the rudder upper torque tube. This AD requires applying 
grease to the bearing; doing a general visual inspection of the 
expelled old grease for any contaminants, metal wear, and indication of 
corrosion, and replacing the bearing if necessary; and revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
rudder spring tab operational test and a check of the rudder spring tab 
operation into the daily inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
corroded bearings, which could result in a partial or total loss of 
axial support.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 11, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 11, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0446 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: 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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant), and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2014 
(79 FR 41145).
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-08, dated March 12, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-
215T Variant), and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    During a routine inspection, corrosion was discovered on the 
Rudder Upper Torque Tube Lower bearing, part number (P/N) DAT48-64A. 
Corroded bearings may eventually result in a partial or total loss 
of axial support.
    As such, Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin (SB) 215-A3171 
Rev. 1 and SB 215-A4452 Rev. 1, which provide instructions to 
refresh the lubrication in the bearing in order to inspect for 
corrosion and/or contaminants in the existing grease. These SBs will 
also incorporate an operational check to the 50 hour maintenance 
scheduled tasks, and a test of the Rudder Spring Tab operation into 
the Daily inspection or the aircrew Preflight Check.

    Required actions include applying grease to the bearing, doing a 
general visual inspection of the expelled old grease for any 
contaminants, metal wear, and indication of corrosion, and replacing 
the bearing if necessary; revising the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate the rudder spring tab 
operational test; and revising the maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate a check of the rudder spring tab 
operation into the daily inspection. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0446-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 41145, July 15, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 41145, July 15, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 41145, July 15, 2014).

Related Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 215-
A3171, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2012, and Bombardier Alert Service 
Bulletin 215-A4452, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2012. This service 
information describes applying grease to the bearing; doing a general 
visual inspection of the expelled old grease for any contaminants, 
metal wear, and indication of corrosion, and replacing the bearing if 
necessary; and revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the rudder spring tab operational test and a 
check of the rudder spring tab operation into the daily inspection. You 
can find this information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0446.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will be negligible. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$850, or $170 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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.

[[Page 5904]]

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 AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0446; 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-02-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18069. Docket No. FAA-
2014-0446; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-077-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 11, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated 
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes, serial 
numbers 1056 through 1125 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes, serial numbers 
2001 through 2990 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that, during a routine 
inspection, corrosion was discovered on the lower bearing of the 
rudder upper torque tube. We are issuing this AD to prevent corroded 
bearings, which could result in a partial or total loss of axial 
support.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Lubrication of the Rudder Upper Torque Tube Bearing

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, apply 
grease to the bearing, and do a general visual inspection of the 
expelled old grease for any contaminants (i.e. ashes, dust, and 
algae), metal wear, and indication of corrosion, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
215-A3171, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2012 (for Model CL-215-6B11 
(CL-215T Variant) airplanes); or Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
215-A4452, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model CL-215-6B11 
(CL-415 Variant) airplanes). If any contaminants (i.e., ashes, dust, 
and algae), metal wear, or indication of corrosion are found, before 
further flight, replace the bearing with a new bearing, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert 
Service Bulletin 215-A3171, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2012 (for 
Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes); or Bombardier Alert 
Service Bulletin 215-A4452, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2012 (for 
Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes). Repeat the 
inspection, thereafter, before and after each fire season or at 
intervals not to exceed 6 months, whichever occurs first.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: It is suggested that 
paragraph (g) of this AD be carried out in conjunction with AD 2009-
05-04, Amendment 39-15828 (74 FR 8860, February 27, 2009), as the 
task and task intervals are in the same general area.

(h) Operational Test

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
rudder spring tab operational test, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
215-A3171, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2012 (for Model CL-215-6B11 
(CL-215T Variant) airplanes); or Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
215-A4452, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model CL-215-6B11 
(CL-415 Variant) airplanes).

(i) Daily Maintenance Procedure Check

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a 
check of the rudder spring tab operation into the daily inspection, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin 215-A3171, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2012 
(for Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes); or Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin 215-A4452, Revision 1, dated January 3, 2012 
(for Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes).

(j) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program 
revision required by paragraphs (h) and (i) 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 (k)(1) of this AD.

(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 (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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must 
include the DAO-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-08, dated March 12, 2013, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-
2014-0446-0002.

[[Page 5905]]

(m) 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.
    (i) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 215-A3171, Revision 1, 
dated January 25, 2012.
    (ii) Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 215-A4452, Revision 1, 
dated January 3, 2012.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 12, 2015.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01187 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P