Document ID: FAA-2022-0603-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-06-09T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35125-35128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12256]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0603; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01093-T]
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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 
(601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that some rudder power 
control unit (PCU) load limiters were found in service with the 
crimping missing from the end cap; therefore, the pilot command from 
the load limiter might not transmit correctly. This proposed AD would 
require a one-time inspection of the rudder PCU load limiters for 
correct crimping of the end cap, and replacing any defective rudder PCU 
load limiter. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also 
require repetitive testing of the rudder PCU load limiter for correct 
functioning, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 25, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier 
Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road 
West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-2999; 
email [email protected]; internet https://www.bombardier.com. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0603; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0603; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-01093-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and 
Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2021-33, dated October 6, 
2021 (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain

[[Page 35126]]

Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and CL-
600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. You may examine 
the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0603.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report that some rudder PCU load 
limiters were found in service with the crimping missing from the end 
cap; therefore, the pilot command from the load limiter might not 
transmit correctly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address defective 
rudder PCU load limiters, which could result in incorrect transmission 
of the pilot command, and loss of control of the rudder. See the MCAI 
for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-27-039, Revision 01, dated 
April 6, 2021.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 600-0776, dated December 7, 
2020.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 601-0648, dated December 7, 
2020.
    This service information describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection of the rudder PCU load limiters for correct crimping of the 
end cap, and replacing any defective PCU load limiter. These documents 
are distinct because they apply to different airplane configurations.
    Bombardier has also released the following service information.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-27-003, dated December 7, 
2020.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-27-010, dated December 7, 
2020.
    This service information describes procedures for repetitive 
testing of certain PCU load limiters for proper functioning and 
applicable corrective actions (performing the one-time inspection of 
the rudder PCU load limiters for correct crimping of the end cap, and 
replacing any defective PCU load limiter). This service information 
also describes procedures for a one-time inspection of the rudder PCU 
load limiters for correct crimping of the end cap, and replacing any 
defective PCU load limiter, which terminates the repetitive tests. 
These documents are distinct because they apply to different airplane 
configurations. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 379 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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             Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product           Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $0  Up to $170...................  Up to $64,430.
 Up to $170.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacement that would be required based on the results of 
any required inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number 
of aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850                $50             $900
 (per rudder PCU load limiter)........
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative,

[[Page 35127]]

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:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0603; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-01093-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by July 25, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. airplanes certificated in 
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model CL-600-1A11 (600) airplanes having serial numbers (S/
Ns) 1004 through 1085 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-600-2A12 (601) airplanes having S/Ns 3001 through 
3066 inclusive.
    (3) Model CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) 
airplanes having S/Ns 5001 through 5194 inclusive, 5301 through 5665 
inclusive, 5701 through 5988 inclusive, 6050 through 6158 inclusive, 
and 6160 through 6162 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that some rudder power control 
unit (PCU) load limiters were found in service with the crimping 
missing from the end cap; therefore, the pilot command from the load 
limiter might not transmit correctly. The FAA is proposing this AD 
to address defective rudder PCU load limiters, which could result in 
incorrect transmission of the pilot command, and loss of control of 
the rudder.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Replacement for Certain Airplanes

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, inspect each rudder PCU load limiter having part number (P/
N) 600-91302-43 or P/N 600-91302-53 for correct crimping of the end 
cap, in accordance with paragraph 2.B., Part A, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. If the crimping 
is missing from any end cap, before further flight, replace the 
defective rudder PCU load limiter, in accordance with paragraph 
2.C., Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (1) For Model CL-600-1A11 airplanes having S/Ns 1004 through 
1085 inclusive; Model CL-600-2A12 airplanes having S/Ns 3001 through 
3066 inclusive; and Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes having S/Ns 5001 
through 5194 inclusive: Inspect within 800 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes having S/Ns 5301 through 
5665 inclusive: Inspect within 2,200 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09JN22.008

[[Page 35128]]

(h) Repetitive Testing, Inspection, and Replacement for Certain 
Airplanes

    For Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes having S/Ns 5701 through 5988 
inclusive, 6050 through 6158 inclusive, and 6160 through 6162 
inclusive, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, test each rudder PCU load limiter for correct functioning, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.B., Part A, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. Repeat the test thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours until the inspection 
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD has been accomplished. If 
any rudder PCU load limiter fails any test, before further flight, 
do the inspection specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (2) Within 3,400 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, inspect each rudder PCU load limiter having P/N 600-91302-43 or 
P/N 600-91302-53 for correct crimping of the end cap, in accordance 
with paragraph 2.C., Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information specified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD. If the crimping is missing from any end 
cap, before further flight, replace the defective rudder PCU load 
limiter, in accordance with paragraph 2.D., Part C, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. Accomplishment of 
this inspection terminates the repetitive testing required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If 
sending information directly to the manager of the certification 
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight 
Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2021-33, dated October 6, 2021, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0603.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth 
Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative 
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 
C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; 
telephone 514-855-2999; email [email protected]; internet 
https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued on May 31, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12256 Filed 6-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P