Document ID: FAA-2014-1046-0007
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-10-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60281-60284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25219]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1046; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-021-AD; 
Amendment 39-18286; AD 2015-20-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 
702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional 
Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that 
no instructions for continued airworthiness exist for the nose landing 
gear (NLG) alternate extension actuator of the NLG alternate release 
system. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate a new airworthiness limitation 
task for the NLG alternate extension actuator. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the NLG alternate release system and, if the 
normal NLG extension system also fails, failure of the NLG to extend, 
and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 10, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 10, 
2015.

[[Page 60282]]

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1046 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-1046.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luke Walker, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7363; 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-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 
(Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 
2015 (80 FR 3502).
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-24R1, dated December 24, 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-600-
2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    It was discovered that there are no instructions for continued 
airworthiness for the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) alternate extension 
actuator. Without an effective maintenance task to maintain the 
aeroplane's inherent level of safety, there is a potential that a 
dormant failure of the alternate release system of the NLG could 
occur. Failure of the NLG alternate release system could prevent the 
nose landing gear from extending in the case of a failure of the 
normal NLG extension system.
    This [Canadian] AD is to mandate the incorporation of a new 
maintenance task to prevent failure of the NLG alternate release 
system.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD changes the phase-in time to be 
based on the NLG manual release actuators instead of aeroplanes.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1046-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80 
FR 3502, January 23, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM (80 FR 3502, January 23, 2015)

    Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) International agreed with the 
intent of the NPRM (80 FR 3502, January 23, 2015).

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    Envoy Airlines and Mesa Airlines asked that we revise the 
compliance time language in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD (80 FR 
3502, January 23, 2015) from ``whichever occurs first'' to ``whichever 
occurs later.'' The compliance time, as written, could result in 
airplanes being grounded. Envoy Airlines added that the compliance time 
referred to in the TCCA AD is ``whichever occurs later.'' Mesa Airlines 
noted that changing the compliance time would also allow for scheduling 
and parts procurement.
    We agree with the commenters' request for the reasons provided, and 
due to the fact that this was an inadvertent error. We have revised the 
compliance time in paragraph (h) of this AD as requested.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 3502, January 23, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3502, January 23, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Task 320100-225, Restoration of the NLG 
Manual Release Actuator, of Subject 1-32, Landing Gear, of Section 1, 
Systems and Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review 
Board Report, Revision 14, dated July 10, 2013, of the CRJ 700/900/1000 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP-B-053. This service information 
describes an airworthiness limitation task for the NLG alternate 
extension actuator. 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 
of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 416 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $35,360, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions take 
about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $85 per 
product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these actions.

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

[[Page 60283]]

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 AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1046; 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):
2015-20-07 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18286. Docket No. FAA-
2014-1046; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-021-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 10, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes, serial number (S/N) 10002 and subsequent.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, S/N 15001 
and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that no instructions for 
continued airworthiness exist for the nose landing gear (NLG) 
alternate extension actuator of the NLG alternate release system. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the NLG alternate release 
system and, if the normal NLG extension system also fails, failure 
of the NLG to extend, and consequent damage to the airplane and 
injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Task 320100-225, Restoration of the NLG 
Manual Release Actuator, of Subject 1-32, Landing Gear, of Section 
1, Systems and Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance 
Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated July 10, 2013, of the CRJ 
700/900/1000 Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP-B-053. The initial 
compliance time for the task is specified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD.

(h) Initial Task Compliance Time

    Before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles, or within 
5,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later: Perform the initial restoration specified in Task 
320100-225, Restoration of the NLG Manual Release Actuator, of 
Subject 1-32, Landing Gear, of Section 1, Systems and Powerplant 
Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review Board Report, 
Revision 14, dated July 10, 2013, of the CRJ 700/900/1000 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP-B-053.

(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) 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 (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) 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 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-24R1, 
dated December 24, 2013, for related information. This MCAI may be 
found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1046-0002.

(l) 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) Task 320100-225, Restoration of the NLG Manual Release 
Actuator, of Subject 1-32, Landing Gear, of Section 1, Systems and 
Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review Board 
Report, Revision 14, dated July 10, 2013, of the CRJ 700/900/1000 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP-B-053.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, 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,

[[Page 60284]]

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 September 27, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-25219 Filed 10-5-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P