80 FR 43938 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 142 (July 24, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by testing of the spoiler electronic control unit (SECU) software for an upgrade, which revealed a timing error between the command and monitor channels. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate repetitive operational tests of the aileron disconnect system, and corrective action if necessary. This AD also requires modification and reidentification of the SECU, which would terminate the repetitive operational tests. We are issuing this AD to prevent a timing error in the SECU software, which, in combination with failure of the roll disconnect switch, could result in complete loss of spoiler functionality and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43938-43940]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17937]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0088; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-179-AD; 
Amendment 39-18217; AD 2015-15-08]
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: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by testing of the spoiler electronic control unit (SECU) 
software for an upgrade, which revealed a timing error between the 
command and monitor channels. This AD requires revising the maintenance 
or inspection program to incorporate repetitive operational tests of 
the aileron disconnect system, and corrective action if necessary. This 
AD also requires modification and reidentification of the SECU, which 
would terminate the repetitive operational tests. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent a timing error in the SECU software, which, in 
combination with failure of the roll disconnect switch, could result in 
complete loss of spoiler functionality and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 28, 2015.

[[Page 43939]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 28, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0088 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 
[email protected]; 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-2015-0088.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Service Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7301; 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 BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on February 18, 2015 (80 FR 8564).
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2014-24, dated August 5, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition on certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 
(Challenger 300) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During testing of the software for an upgrade of the spoiler 
electronic control unit (SECU), a timing error between the Command 
and Monitor channels was found in the SECU software. This timing 
error, if not corrected, in combination with the failure of the roll 
disconnect switch, may lead to a complete loss of spoiler 
functionality and result in a reduction or complete loss of 
aeroplane roll control.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the SECU software modification to 
correct the timing error and to change the inspection interval for a 
maintenance task based on System Functional Hazard Analysis [by 
revising the inspection or maintenance program].

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0088-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 8564, February 18, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, with minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 8564, February 18, 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 8564, February 18, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 100-27-16, dated 
October 31, 2013. The service information describes procedures for 
modification and reidentification of the SECU. 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 107 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes up to 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be up to $54,570, or up to $510 per 
product.
    We have received no definitive data on the parts cost for doing the 
modification in this AD.

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 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-2015-0088; 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,

[[Page 43940]]

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):

AD 2015-15-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18217. Docket No. FAA-
2015-0088; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-179-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 28, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 
(Challenger 300) airplanes, equipped with a spoiler electronic 
control unit (SECU) having part number (P/N) C47330-006, C47330-007, 
or C47330-008; certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by testing of the spoiler electronic 
control unit (SECU) software for an upgrade, which revealed a timing 
error between the command and monitor channels. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent a timing error in the SECU software, which, in 
combination with failure of the roll disconnect switch, could result 
in complete loss of spoiler functionality and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 600 flight hours since the most recent operational test 
of the aileron disconnect system for spoiler functionality as of the 
effective date of this AD, or within 400 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
repetitive operational tests of the aileron disconnect system for 
spoiler functionality, and all applicable corrective actions, using 
a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Guidance on operational 
tests of the aileron disconnect system can be found in the 
Bombardier Inc., BD-100-1A10 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks (TLMC) 
Manual.

(h) Modification of the SECU

    Within 1,600 flight hours or 48 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Modify and re-identify the SECU, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 100-27-16, dated October 31, 2013. Doing the 
actions required by this paragraph terminates the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
SECU, P/N C47330-006, C47330-007, or C47330-008, on any airplane.

(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 ATTN: 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, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved 
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-24, dated August 5, 2014, 
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 it in Docket No. FAA-2015-0088-0002.

(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) Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-27-16, dated October 31, 
2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 July 15, 2015.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-17937 Filed 7-23-15; 8:45 am]
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