
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 25, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4264-4266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1440]



[[Page 4264]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0031; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-135-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; 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

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 the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    There have been two reported cases of failure of the MLG [main 
landing gear] piston axle, P/N [part number] 49203-3 or 49203-5, 
resulting from fretting between the inboard axle sleeve and axle 
thrust face, damage to the protective coating and consequent stress 
corrosion. In both cases, the MLG did not collapse.
* * * * *

    The unsafe condition is failure of the MLG, which could adversely 
affect the airplane's safe landing. The proposed AD would require 
actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 11, 2011.

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 W12-40, 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; e-mail 
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. 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; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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: Craig Yates, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7355; 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-2011-0031; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-135-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

    The Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-15, dated May 13, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    There have been two reported cases of failure of the MLG [main 
landing gear] piston axle, P/N [part number] 49203-3 or 49203-5, 
resulting from fretting between the inboard axle sleeve and axle 
thrust face, damage to the protective coating and consequent stress 
corrosion. In both cases, the MLG did not collapse.
    In order to avoid future axle failures, which could potentially 
result in gear collapse and collateral damage, this directive 
mandates repetitive visual inspection [for damage and corrosion of 
the protective coating] and repair as necessary, of the MLG piston 
axles, P/N 49203-3 and 49203-5.

The unsafe condition is failure of the MLG, which could adversely 
affect the airplane's safe landing. You may obtain further information 
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-32-023, Revision C, 
dated January 29, 2009, including Appendix A, Revision B, dated March 
5, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended 
to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.

[[Page 4265]]

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 380 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 22 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $710,600, or $1,870 per product.

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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2011-0031; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-135-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by March 11, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), and CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD is not applicable to piston axles having part 
number (P/N) 49203-7 or P/N 49203-9, which were installed in 
production on Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes having 
serial numbers (S/Ns) 10266 and subsequent; and Models CL-600-2D15 
and CL-600-2D24 airplanes having S/Ns 15155 and subsequent.

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    There have been two reported cases of failure of the MLG [main 
landing gear] piston axle, P/N 49203-3 or 49203-5, resulting from 
fretting between the inboard axle sleeve and axle thrust face, 
damage to the protective coating and consequent stress corrosion. In 
both cases, the MLG did not collapse.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is failure of the MLG, which could adversely 
affect the airplane's safe landing.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection and Repair

    (g) Inspect to determine whether the airplane has a main landing 
gear piston axle having P/N 49203-3 or 49203-5. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the main landing gear piston axle can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (h) Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, if, during 
the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the landing 
gear piston axle is determined to have P/N 49203-3 or 49203-5: At 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) 
of this AD, do a detailed inspection for corrosion and damage of the 
inboard and outboard piston axles, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
023, Revision C, dated January 29, 2009. Before further flight, 
repair any corrosion or damage found, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
023, Revision C, dated January 29, 2009. Within 30 months after the 
initial inspection, or within 12 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, do the inspection specified in this 
paragraph; and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 30 months.
    (1) For any piston axle that has been in service for 48 months 
or more as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For any piston axle that has been in service for 24 months 
or more, but less than 48 months, as of the effective date of this 
AD: Inspect within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For any piston axle that has been in service for less than 
24 months as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 36 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have mark ``32-45'' in the MOD STATUS 
field of the piston axle nameplate, or that have incorporated one of 
the Bombardier repair engineering orders (REOs) listed in paragraph 
1.D of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-023, Revision C, dated 
January 29, 2009: Within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, do the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and 
repeat the inspection thereafter at the time specified in paragraph 
(h) of this AD.

Terminating Action

    (j) Installing a piston axle having P/N 49203-7 or P/N 49203-9 
on any airplane constitutes a terminating action for the 
requirements of paragraphs (h), (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this 
AD, for that airplane.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Inspections and repairs accomplished before the effective 
date of this AD according to any service bulletin specified in table 
1 of this AD, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
inspections and repairs specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

[[Page 4266]]



   Table 1--Credit for Accomplishment of Previous Service Information
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           Document                Revision                Date
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Bombardier Service Bulletin    Original........  October 24, 2007.
 670BA-32-023.
Bombardier Service Bulletin    A...............  January 7, 2008.
 670BA-32-023.
Bombardier Service Bulletin    B...............  March 5, 2008.
 670BA-32-023.
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FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (l) 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. Send information to ATTN: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 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 or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A Federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (m) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-15, 
dated May 13, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-023, 
Revision C, dated January 29, 2009; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington on January 13, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-1440 Filed 1-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


