81 FR 41889 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 124 (June 28, 2016)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601 Variant), and CL- 600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a potential chafing condition exists between the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and its surrounding structure and components. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, a detailed inspection for chafing conditions of the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacement of the APU negative-G fuel feed tube assembly and the drain line. We are proposing this AD to prevent a chafing condition in the negative-G fuel feed drain line, which can result in fuel leaking from the drain line. Leakage of the negative-G fuel feed drain line is a dormant failure. This condition, in combination with a nearby hot surface or other potential ignition source, could result in an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment bay.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41889-41892]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14965]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-7418; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-163-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 CL-600-2A12 (CL-601 Variant), and CL-
600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that a potential chafing condition 
exists between the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the auxiliary 
power unit (APU) and its surrounding structure and components. This 
proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, a detailed inspection 
for chafing conditions of the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the 
APU, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, 
this proposed AD would require replacement of the APU negative-G fuel 
feed tube assembly and the drain line. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent a chafing condition in the negative-G fuel feed drain line, 
which can result in fuel leaking from the drain line. Leakage of the 
negative-G fuel feed drain line is a dormant failure. This condition, 
in combination with a nearby hot surface or other potential ignition 
source, could result in an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment bay.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 12, 2016.

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-

[[Page 41890]]

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 W12-140, 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 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 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.

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-2016-
7418; 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 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: Norman Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion and Services Branch, ANE-173, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7337; 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-2016-7418; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-163-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

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-26, dated September 14, 2015 (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-
2A12 (CL-601 Variant) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 
Variants) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    It was reported that a potential chaffing condition exist 
between the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) negative-G fuel feed drain 
line and its surrounding structure and components. Leakage of the 
negative-G fuel feed drain line is a dormant failure, however, in 
combination with a nearby hot surface or other potential ignition 
source, could result in an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment 
bay.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates [for certain airplanes] the detailed 
visual inspection [for chafing conditions, e.g., fouling between the 
drain line and other components and insufficient clearance] and, if 
required, rectification [corrective actions], to ensure required 
clearance between the APU negative-G fuel feed drain line and its 
surrounding structure and components [and, for certain other 
airplanes, this [Canadian] AD mandates replacement of the APU 
negative-G fuel feed tube assembly and the drain line].

    Corrective actions include replacing the APU negative-G fuel feed 
drain line. 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-2016-7418.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued the following service information:
     Service Bulletin 601-0640, dated May 19, 2015; and Service 
Bulletin 604-28-021 dated May 19, 2015. The service information 
describes procedures for a detailed inspection for chafing conditions 
of the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, and corrective 
actions.
     Service Bulletin 605-28-009, dated May 19, 2015. The 
service information describes procedures for a detailed inspection for 
chafing conditions of the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, 
replacement of the APU negative-G fuel feed tube assembly and the drain 
line, and corrective actions.
    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 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 504 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it will 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. Required parts would cost about $6,334 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $4,134,816 or $8,204 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some 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 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.

[[Page 41891]]

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-2016-7418; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-163-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 12, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated in 
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD.
    (1) Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601 Variant) airplanes, having serial 
numbers (S/Ns) 3001 through 3066 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A and CL-601-3R Variants) 
airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 through 5194 inclusive.
    (3) Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes, having S/Ns 
5301 through 5665 inclusive, and 5701 through 5970 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that a potential chafing 
condition exists between the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) and its surrounding structure and 
components. We are issuing this AD to prevent a chafing condition in 
the negative-G fuel feed drain line, which can result in fuel 
leaking from the drain line. This condition, in combination with a 
nearby hot surface or other potential ignition source, could result 
in an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment bay.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action for Certain Airplanes

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, comply 
with the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(3) of this AD, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD. 
Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601 Variant) airplanes, having S/
Ns 3001 through 3066 inclusive; and Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A and 
CL-601-3R Variants) airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 through 5194 
inclusive: Do a detailed inspection for chafing conditions of the 
negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601-0640, dated May 19, 
2015.
    (2) For Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes, having S/
Ns 5301 through 5665 inclusive: Do a detailed inspection for chafing 
conditions of the negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, and do 
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-28-
021, dated May 19, 2015.
    (3) For Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes, having S/
Ns 5701 through 5913 inclusive, 5917, 5918, and 5923 through 5970 
inclusive: Do a detailed inspection for chafing conditions of the 
negative-G fuel feed drain line of the APU, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Part A and, if applicable, Part B of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 605-28-009, dated May 19, 2015.

(h) Modification for Certain Other Airplanes

    For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes having S/Ns 5914 
through 5916 inclusive and 5919 through 5922 inclusive: Within 24 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the APU 
negative-G fuel feed tube assembly and the drain line, in accordance 
with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 605-28-009, dated May 19, 2015.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  An inspection is not 
required.

(i) Service Information Exception

    Where any service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD specifies to contact the manufacturer 
for corrective action, before further flight, repair using a method 
approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO).

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York 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 International Branch, send it 
to ATTN: Norman Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and 
Services Branch, ANE-173, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7337; 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

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-26, dated September 
14, 2015, 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-2016-7418.
    (2) 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 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.


[[Page 41892]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-14965 Filed 6-27-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P