[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26842-26844]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09663]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0092; Product Identifier 2020-NM-001-AD; Amendment 
39-19905; AD 2020-08-13]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 
440) airplanes, 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; and all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fractured rudder primary 
feel unit shafts; a subsequent investigation determined that the 
fractures in the shafts are consistent with fatigue damage. This AD 
requires replacement of the rudder primary feel unit shaft. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 10, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 10, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North 
America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-
514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email [email protected]; 
internet http://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. It is 
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0092.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0092; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7330; 
fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2019-42, dated November 
8, 2019 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 
440) airplanes, 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; and all 
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) 
airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0092.
    The FAA 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-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, 
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; and all Bombardier, Inc., Model 
CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on February 18, 2020 (85 FR 8768). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of fractured rudder primary feel unit shafts; a 
subsequent investigation determined that the fractures in the shafts 
are consistent with fatigue damage. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacement of the rudder primary feel unit shaft. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address fractures of the rudder primary feel unit shaft, 
which could result in a loss of feel in the yaw axis and thereby impact 
the controllability of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments 
received. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and 
Jacob Yepiz stated support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 601R-27-166, dated April 5, 
2019; and Service Bulletin 670BA-27-075, dated April 5, 2019. This 
service information describes procedures for replacing the rudder 
primary feel unit shaft that has part number 600-90251-1 with a new 
shaft. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,002 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 26843]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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18 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,530........................            $158           $1,688       $1,691,376
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known 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.
    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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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):

2020-08-13 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19905; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0092; Product Identifier 2020-NM-001-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 10, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, 
serial numbers (S/Ns) 7003 through 7990 inclusive, and S/Ns 8000 and 
subsequent.
    (2) Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) 
airplanes, S/Ns 10002 through 10347 inclusive.
    (3) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes and 
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, S/Ns 15001 
through 15469 inclusive.
    (4) Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes, all 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of fractured rudder primary feel 
unit shafts; a subsequent investigation determined that the 
fractures in the shafts are consistent with fatigue damage. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address fractures of the rudder primary feel 
unit shaft, which could result in a loss of feel in the yaw axis and 
thereby impact the controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement

    Within the compliance times specified in figure (1) to paragraph 
(g) of this AD: Replace all rudder primary feel unit shafts that 
have part number (P/N) 600-90251-1 with a new shaft, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 601R-27-166, dated April 5, 2019; or Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 670BA-27-075, dated April 5, 2019; as applicable. For Model 
CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes, do the replacement 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-075, dated April 5, 2019.

[[Page 26844]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06MY20.005

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
rudder primary feel unit shaft, P/N 600-90251-1, on any airplane.

(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 local Flight Standards District 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; 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.
    (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) Canadian AD CF-2019-42, dated November 8, 2019, 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-2020-0092.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7330; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

(k) 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 Service Bulletin 601R-27-166, dated April 5, 
2019.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-075, dated April 5, 
2019.
    (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; Widebody Customer Response Center 
North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial 
telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email 
[email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 20, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-09663 Filed 5-5-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P