83 FR 63565 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 237 (December 11, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and middle access panels being obstructed with sealant. This AD requires inspecting for and removing all sealant blocking the drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and middle access panels. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63565-63567]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26534]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0796; Product Identifier 2018-NM-104-AD; Amendment 
39-19518; AD 2018-25-07]
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-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports of drainage holes on the belly fairing forward 
and middle access panels being obstructed with sealant. This AD 
requires inspecting for and removing all sealant blocking the drainage 
holes on the belly fairing forward and middle access panels. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 15, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 15, 
2019.

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; 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0796.

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-
0796; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) 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: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

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-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 18, 2018 (83 FR 47113). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and 
middle access panels being obstructed with sealant. The NPRM proposed 
to require inspecting for and removing all sealant blocking the 
drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and middle access panels.
    We are issuing this AD to address fluid leakage that could lead to 
the accumulation of flammable fluids/vapors, beyond the design capacity 
of the belly fairing venting provisions, which could ignite if an 
ignition source (i.e., spark, static discharge, heat, etc.) is present.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2018-14, dated May 1, 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 Aerospace (BA) has informed Transport Canada that the 
drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and middle access panels 
may be obstructed with sealant. The purpose of the drainage holes is 
to allow for drainage of a limited quantity of fluids due to any 
leaks, should they occur. This condition, if not corrected, may 
prevent the timely detection of fluid leakage that could lead to the 
accumulation of flammable fluids/vapors, beyond the design capacity 
of the belly fairing venting provisions [which could ignite if an 
ignition source (i.e., spark, static discharge, heat, etc.) is 
present].
    This [Canadian] AD is issued to mandate the removal of all 
sealant blocking the drainage holes on the belly fairing forward and 
middle access panels.

    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-
0796.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. We have 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 the following service information for 
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
     Service Bulletin 700-53-051, dated May 17, 2017.
     Service Bulletin 700-53-6009, dated May 17, 2017.
    Bombardier has issued the following service information for 
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes.
     Service Bulletin 700-1A11-53-026, dated May 17, 2017.
     Service Bulletin 700-53-5010, dated May 17, 2017.
    This service information describes procedures for inspecting for 
and removing sealant blocking the drainage holes on the belly fairing 
forward and middle access panels. These documents are distinct since 
they apply to different airplane models and 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 376 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate

[[Page 63566]]

the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510...........................              $0             $510         $191,760
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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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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) 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.

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):

2018-25-07 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19518; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0796; Product Identifier 2018-NM-104-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 15, 2019.

(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 9707 inclusive, 9709 through 9717 inclusive, 9719 
through 9726 inclusive, 9728, 9730, 9732 through 9734 inclusive, 
9736 through 9740 inclusive, 9742 through 9745 inclusive, 9749, 
9751, 9757, and 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of drainage holes on the belly 
fairing forward and middle access panels being obstructed with 
sealant. We are issuing this AD to address fluid leakage that could 
lead to the accumulation of flammable fluids/vapors, beyond the 
design capacity of the belly fairing venting provisions, which could 
ignite if an ignition source (i.e., spark, static discharge, heat, 
etc.) is present.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Sealant Removal

    Within 375 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
for and remove all sealant blocking the drainage holes on the belly 
fairing forward and middle access panels, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

[[Page 63567]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11DE18.003

(h) 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 ACO Branch, 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-14, dated May 1, 
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-2018-0796.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email 
[email protected].

(j) 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 700-1A11-53-026, dated May 17, 
2017.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-53-051, dated May 17, 2017.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-53-5010, dated May 17, 
2017.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-53-6009, dated May 17, 
2017.
    (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 
Standards 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26534 Filed 12-10-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P