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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0710; Product Identifier 2018-NM-079-AD; Amendment
39-19574; AD 2019-03-22]
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 in-service findings that a cotter pin at the main
fitting joint of the nose landing gear (NLG) retraction actuator to the
NLG strut showed evidence of shearing after an NLG retraction-extension
cycling. This AD requires revision of the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, a general visual inspection for
damage of a certain cotter pin present on certain configurations of the
NLG strut assembly and for the
modification number shown on the identification plate for the NLG
strut, and modification of the NLG retraction actuator hardware on any
damaged NLG strut assembly. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 15,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; 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-2018-0710.
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-
0710; 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 Admin Services Section, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
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 August 16, 2018 (83 FR 40703). The NPRM was
prompted by in-service findings that a cotter pin at the main fitting
joint of the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut showed evidence
of shearing after an NLG retraction-extension cycling. The NPRM
proposed to require revision of the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, a general visual inspection for damage of a
certain cotter pin present on certain configurations of the NLG strut
assembly and for the modification number shown on the identification
plate for the NLG strut, and modification of the NLG retraction
actuator hardware on any damaged NLG strut assembly.
We are issuing this AD to address shearing of the cotter pin at the
main fitting joint of the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut,
which could lead to a loss of hardware and result in an actuator
disconnect and the NLG failing to retract or extend, or in an undamped
freefall, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe
flight and landing.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2018-05, dated January
23, 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:
There have been in-service findings whereby the cotter pin at
the retraction actuator to nose landing gear (NLG) strut main
fitting was observed to be damaged after a NLG retraction-extension
cycling. This condition could lead to a loss of hardware and result
in an actuator disconnect resulting in a failure to retract or
extend, or in an undamped freefall of the NLG [which could adversely
affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing].
This [Canadian] AD mandates a revision to the approved
maintenance schedule. This [Canadian] AD also mandates a visual
inspection of the cotter pin for certain configurations of NLG strut
assembly, and if found damaged, the incorporation of a modification
which introduces a new castellated nut, spacer, end plate and sleeve
to the NLG retraction actuator to main fitting joint.
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-
0710.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify Effectivity of Inspection and Modification
Requirements
NetJets stated that they were not able to find paragraph 1.A,
``Effectivity,'' in the proposed AD, which was referenced in paragraph
(h)(2) of the proposed AD.
We infer from the commenter's statement that they request the
language in paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD be revised to clarify
the reference to paragraph 1.A, ``Effectivity.'' We agree to clarify.
Paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD directs operators to the applicable
Bombardier service information specified in figure 2 to paragraph (h)
of this AD. Each Bombardier service information referenced in figure 2
to paragraph (h) of this AD contains paragraph 1.A, ``Effectivity,''
which operators must use to determine the applicability of the actions
required in paragraph (h)(1) to their specific airplane configuration.
Paragraph 1.A, ``Effectivity,'' can be found in Paragraph 1, ``Planning
Information,'' in the applicable Bombardier service information. We
have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Refer to New Service Information
NetJets observed that the service information specified in figure 1
to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD is out of date and requested that
we update those references to the latest revision. Netjets noted that
at least one of the service bulletins has been revised since the NPRM
was released.
We agree with the request to refer to the latest service
information, which adds a note to clarify the level at which time
tracking of non-serialized parts should be done, and increases the
interval at which certain inspections must be conducted. We have
determined that the revised actions have no effect on airplanes on
which the earlier actions were completed. Each service bulletin in
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of the AD has been revised since the NPRM was
released, and we have revised the preamble and figure 1 to paragraph
(g) of this AD accordingly. We have coordinated this with TCCA.
Because the revised service information does not include any
additional actions, we have revised paragraph (j) of this AD to provide
credit for specified actions performed before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) Task 32-33-
01-111, ``Restoration of the Nose Landing Gear Shock-Strut Assembly to
Retraction-Actuator Main-Fitting Joint,'' of Bombardier Global 5000
Time Limits/ Maintenance Checks, Publication No. BD-700 TLMC, Revision
19, dated
November 13, 2017; Bombardier Global 5000 Featuring Global Vision
Flight Deck--Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, Publication No. GL 5000
GVFD, Revision 9, dated November 13, 2017; Bombardier Global 6000 Time
Limits/Maintenance Checks, Publication No. GL 6000 TLMC, Revision 9,
dated November 13, 2017; Bombardier Global Express Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks, Publication No. BD-700 TLMC, Revision 28, dated
November 13, 2017; or Bombardier Global Express XRS Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks, Publication No. BD-700 XRS TLMC, Revision 15, dated
November 13, 2017; as applicable.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule with the changes described previously and 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.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued the following service information, which
describes procedures for a general visual inspection for damage of the
cotter pin retaining the bolt that secures the main fitting joint of
the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut and for the modification
number shown on the identification plate for the NLG strut, and
modification of the NLG retraction actuator hardware that secures the
NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different airplane models in different
configurations.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-32-022, Revision 2,
dated November 6, 2017.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-035, Revision 2, dated
November 6, 2017.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-5011, Revision 2, dated
November 6, 2017.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-32-6011, Revision 2, dated
November 6, 2017.
Bombardier has issued AWL Task 32-33-01-111, ``Restoration of the
Nose Landing Gear Shock-Strut Assembly to Retraction-Actuator Main-
Fitting Joint,'' of the following service information, which identifies
airworthiness limitation tasks for restoration of the main fitting
joint of the NLG retraction actuator to the NLG strut. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different
configurations.
Bombardier Global 5000 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,
Publication No. BD-700 TLMC, Revision 20, dated May 3, 2018, for
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes.
Bombardier Global 5000 Featuring Global Vision Flight Deck
Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, Publication No. GL 5000 GVFD TLMC,
Revision 10, dated May 3, 2018, for Bombardier Model BD-700-1A11
airplanes.
Bombardier Global 6000 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,
Publication No. GL 6000 TLMC, Revision 10, dated May 3, 2018, for
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
Bombardier Global Express Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,
Publication No. BD-700 TLMC, Revision 29, dated May 3, 2018, for
Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
Bombardier Global Express XRS Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks, Publication No. BD-700 XRS TLMC, Revision 16, dated May 3,
2018, for Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
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 60 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
|
Labor cost
|
Parts cost
|
Cost per
product
|
Cost on
U.S. operators
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| 4 work-hours x $85 per hour =
$340 |
$0
|
$340
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$20,400
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We have determined that revising
the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to
operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-
hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
We estimate the following costs to do the necessary on-condition
action that would be required based on the results of any required
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Action
|
Labor cost
|
Parts cost
|
Cost per
product
|
| 1 work-hour x $85 per hour =
$85 |
$10,847
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$10,932
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According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this 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 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
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
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