[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 130 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31491-31493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14401]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0585; Product Identifier 2018-NM-070-AD]
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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports that non-conforming FIREX 
squib wire harness connectors may have been installed, which could 
result in FIREX squib wire harness connectors being connected to the 
wrong FIREX bottle connectors on affected aircraft. This proposed AD 
would require a visual inspection of the connections between the FIREX 
squib wire harness connectors and FIREX bottle connectors, installation 
of split ring lanyards on the FIREX squib wire harness connectors, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 20, 2018.

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 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: 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, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec 
H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email 
[email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0585; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7369; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0585; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-070-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2018-08R1, dated March 2, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and 
BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Bombardier, Inc., has been made aware that non-conforming squib 
connector wire harnesses may have been installed on one of the two 
engine FIREX bottle installations on some of the affected 
aeroplanes. The subject non conformity of squib connector wire 
length can allow cross connection between the two squib connectors 
on one of the engine FIREX bottles, preventing proper function of 
the engine FIREX system.
    In the event of an engine fire, this wiring discrepancy may 
potentially misroute the supply of fire extinguishing agent to the 
wrong engine, or limit the supply from both FIREX bottles to only 
one engine, [and could result in the inability to extinguish an 
engine fire,] hence impacting the operational safety of the 
aeroplane.
    Bombardier, Inc., issued service bulletins (SB) 700-26-011, 700-
26-5003, 700-26-6003, and 700-1A11-26-004, for the affected model 
aeroplanes, to address the potentially unsafe condition caused by 
the non-conforming FIREX bottle squib connector wiring.
    The original version of this [Canadian] AD was issued to mandate 
compliance with the above-mentioned SBs, as applicable.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to correct an error 
in the applicability section of the original AD.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0585.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information:
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, Revision 01, 
dated February 15, 2018.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, Revision 01, dated 
February 15, 2018.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, Revision 01, 
dated February 15, 2018.
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, Revision 01, 
dated February 15, 2018.
    This service information describes procedures for a visual 
inspection of the connections between the FIREX squib wire harness 
connectors and the FIREX bottle connectors to determine whether the 
connectors are installed correctly, and installation of split ring 
lanyards on the FIREX squib wire harness connectors. This service 
information also describes procedures for re-connecting incorrectly 
installed connectors to the appropriate mating connectors and an 
operational test of the fire extinguishing system. These documents are 
distinct since they apply

[[Page 31492]]

to different airplane models in different 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 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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 358 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/Modification...............  2 work-hours x $85 per               $55            $225         $80,550
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, we have 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.
    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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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);
    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.

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 (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0585; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-070-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
9001 through 9839 inclusive, and serial number 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that non-conforming FIREX squib 
wire harness connectors may have been installed, which could result 
in FIREX squib wire harness connectors being connected to the wrong 
FIREX bottle connectors on affected aircraft. We are issuing this AD 
to address this wiring discrepancy, which, in the event of an engine 
fire, could result in misrouting the supply of fire extinguishing 
agent to the wrong engine, or limit the supply from both FIREX 
bottles to only one engine, which could result in the inability to 
extinguish an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 1,000 flight hours or 15 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection for 
correct connections between the FIREX squib wire harness connectors 
and FIREX bottle connectors, and install split ring lanyards on the 
FIREX squib wire harness connectors, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. If any incorrect 
connections are

[[Page 31493]]

found: Before further flight, re-connect the connectors to the 
appropriate mating connecters and do an operational test of the fire 
extinguishing system, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JY18.006

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the applicable service information listed in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-26-004, dated December 
28, 2017.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-011, dated December 28, 
2017.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-5003, dated December 28, 
2017.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-26-6003, dated December 28, 
2017.

(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 corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action 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 Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-08R1, dated March 2, 
2018, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0585.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca, 
Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative Services Section, 
FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
    (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 [email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 25, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14401 Filed 7-5-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


