Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of power control unit (PCU) rod end fractures due to pitting corrosion. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new maintenance tasks. This AD also requires detailed inspections of the elevator PCU rod ends and applicable corrective actions. This AD also prohibits using certain aircraft maintenance manual tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective December 17, 2019.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 17, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email ac.yul@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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0436.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0436; 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 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

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2018-29, dated November 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 CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0436.

The FAA 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 CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440), CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2019 (84 FR 29108). The NPRM was prompted by reports of PCU rod end fractures due to pitting corrosion. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new maintenance tasks. The NPRM also proposed to require detailed inspections of the elevator PCU rod ends and applicable corrective actions, and prohibit using certain aircraft maintenance manual tasks.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address PCU rod end fractures due to pitting corrosion, which, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a disconnect between the PCU and the control surface, resulting in potential loss of the control surface function or inadequate flutter suppression. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment received. The commenter, Patrick Imperatrice, stated that he supports the NPRM.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-074, dated June 22, 2017. This service information describes procedures for detailed inspections for pitting and corrosion of the left and right rod ends of the elevator PCUs and to make sure that the spherical ball and inner race of the rod ends move freely, and applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include installing a new PCU.

The following tasks describe operational checks of the elevator and rudder control systems, and a detailed inspection of the rudder PCU rod end spherical ball.

• Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Check of the Rudder Control System of Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-001), CSP A-054-009, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018 (“MRLUMP-001, Revision 37”).
• Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of MRLUMP-001, Revision 37.
• Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Check of the Elevator Control System, of MRLUMP-001, Revision 37.

The following tasks describe operational tests of the elevator and rudder control systems, and a detailed inspection of the rudder PCU rod end spherical ball.

• Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Test of the Rudder Control System, of Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-002), CSP A-054-060, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018 (“MRLUMP-002, Revision 37”).
• Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of MRLUMP-002, Revision 37.
• Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Test of the Elevator Control System, of MRLUMP-002, Revision 37.

The following tasks describe operational tests of the elevator and rudder PCUs, and a detailed inspection of the elevator PCU rod end spherical ball.

• Task 27-20-00-106, Operational Test of the Rudder PCUs (Duplicate CMR 27-20-00-106), of Section 3—Systems/Power Plant Tasks, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, Series 700/705/900 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (LUMP), CSP BC-116, Revision 15, dated May 25, 2017 (“LUMP, Revision 15”).
• Task 273000-207, Operational Test of the Elevator Power-Control Units (PCUs), of LUMP, Revision 15.
• Task 273000-215, Detailed Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of LUMP, Revision 15.

The following task describes an operational check of each elevator PCU.

• Task 273000-207, Operational Check of each Elevator PCU, of Subject 1-27, of Section 1, Systems and Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP B-053.

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

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,008 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified 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.

The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) 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.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2019-19-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19744; Docket No. FAA-2019-0436; Product Identifier 2019-NM-014-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective December 17, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.

(1) Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent.

(2) Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10002 through 10999 inclusive.

(3) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial numbers 15001 through 15990 inclusive.

(4) Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19001 through 19990 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of power control unit (PCU) rod end fractures due to pitting corrosion. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a disconnect between the PCU and the control surface, resulting in potential loss of the control surface function or inadequate flutter suppression.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision for Certain Airplanes Operating Under the Low Utilization Maintenance Program (LUMP)

(1) For Model CL-600-2B19 airplanes operating under the LUMP: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vi) of this AD. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; or within the applicable interval specified in Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-001), CSP A-054-009, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018 (“MRLUMP-001, Revision 37”); or Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-002), CSP A-054-060, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018 (“MRLUMP-002, Revision 37”), after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later.

(i) Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Check of the Rudder Control System, of MRLUMP-001, Revision 37.

(ii) Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of MRLUMP-001, Revision 37.

(iii) Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Check of the Elevator Control System, of MRLUMP-001, Revision 37.

(iv) Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Test of the Rudder Control System, of MRLUMP-002, Revision 37.

(v) Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of MRLUMP-002, Revision 37.

(vi) Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Test of the Elevator Control System, of MRLUMP-002, Revision 37.

(2) For Model CL-600-2C10 airplanes having serial numbers 10004, 10040, 10043, 10052, 10100, 10164, 10183, 10187, 10204, 10206, 10217, 10247, 10289, 10332, and 10343 operating under the LUMP; and Model CL-600-2D15 and CL-600-2D24 airplanes having serial numbers 15158, 15278, and 15370 operating under the LUMP: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is within 30 days after the effective date of this AD; or within the applicable interval specified in Section 3—Systems/Power Plant Tasks, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, Series 700/705/900 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (LUMP), CSP BC-116, Revision 15, dated May 25, 2017 (“LUMP, Revision 15”), after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later.

(i) Task 27-20-00-106, Operational Test of the Rudder PCUs (Duplicate CMR 27-20-00-106), of LUMP, Revision 15.

(ii) Task 273000-207, Operational Test of the Elevator Power-Control Units (PCUs), of LUMP, Revision 15.

(iii) Task 273000-215, Detailed Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of LUMP, Revision 15.

(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision for Certain Airplanes That Are Not Operating Under the LUMP

For Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 airplanes that are not operating under the LUMP: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in task 273000-207, Operational Check of each Elevator PCU, of Subject 1-27, of Section 1, Systems and Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP B-053, (“CSP B-053, Revision 18”). The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is within 30 days after the effective date of this AD; or within the applicable interval specified in CSP B-053, Revision 18, after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.

(j) First Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End for Certain Airplanes

For Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 airplanes that are not operating under the LUMP, and that have accumulated less than 6,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within the compliance time specified in figure 1 to paragraph (j) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection for pitting and corrosion of the left and right rod ends of the elevator PCUs and to make sure that the spherical ball and inner race of the rod ends move freely, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-074, dated June 22, 2017. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(k) Second Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End for Certain Airplanes

(1) For Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 airplanes that are not operating under the LUMP, and that have accumulated 2,600 total flight hours or less at the time of the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD: Before the accumulation of 3,400 total flight hours, perform an additional detailed inspection for pitting and corrosion of the left and right rod ends of the elevator PCUs and to make sure that the spherical ball and inner race of the rod ends move freely, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-074, dated June 22, 2017. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 2,600 total flight hours at the time of the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD: A second inspection is not required.

(l) No Inspection for Certain Airplanes

The requirements of paragraphs (j) and (k) of this AD are not applicable to airplanes that have accumulated 6,000 total flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD.

(m) Service Information Prohibition for Certain Airplanes

For all Model CL-600-2B19 airplanes: After 30 days from the effective date of this AD, this AD prohibits the use of the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (3) of this AD.

(1) Task 10-12-00-550-804, Short-Term Storage Return-to-Service Maintenance Checks, of the Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 AMM, CSP A-001, Revision 55, dated April 10, 2017, or earlier revisions of this task.

(2) Task 27-23-01-220-801, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of the Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 AMM, CSP A-001, Revision 54, dated October 10, 2016, or earlier revisions of this task.

(3) Task 27-33-01-220-801, Detailed Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End Spherical Ball, of the Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 AMM, CSP A-001, Revision 54, dated October 10, 2016, or earlier revisions of this task.

(n) 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.

(o) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-29, dated November 2, 2018, for related information, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0436.

(2) For more information about this AD, 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.

(p) 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 670BA-27-074, dated June 22, 2017.

(ii) Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-001), CSP A-054-009, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018.

(A) Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Check of the Rudder Control System.

(B) Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball.

(C) Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Check of the Elevator Control System.

(iii) Section 3—Systems and Powerplant Program, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Series 100/200/440 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (MRLUMP-002), CSP A-054-060, Revision 37, dated July 10, 2018.

(A) Task 27-20-00-13, Operational Test of the Rudder Control System.

(B) Task 27-23-01-01, Detailed Inspection of the Rudder PCU Rod End Spherical Ball.

(C) Task 27-31-00-05, Operational Test of the Elevator Control System.

(iv) Section 3—Systems/Power Plant Tasks, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, Series 700/705/900 Maintenance Planning Manual, Low Utilization Maintenance Program (LUMP), CSP BC-116, Revision 15, dated May 25, 2017.

(A) Task 27-20-00-106, Operational Test of the Rudder PCUs (Duplicate CMR 27-20-00-106).

(B) Task 273000-207, Operational Test of the Elevator Power-Control Units (PCUs).

(C) Task 273000-215, Detailed Inspection of the Elevator PCU Rod End Spherical Ball.

(v) Task 273000-207, Operational Check of each Elevator PCU, of Subject 1-27, of Section 1, Systems and Powerplant Program, Volume 1 of Part 1, Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 18, dated July 25, 2018, of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25 Series 700/705/900/1000 Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP B-053.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 1-514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; email ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; 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, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.