Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) Airplanes, 27406-27409 [2010-11074]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 94 (Monday, May 17, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27406-27409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11074]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0475; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-083-AD; 
Amendment 39-16297; AD 2010-10-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 
(Challenger 300) Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Investigation of a recent high altitude loss of cabin 
pressurization on a BD-100-1A10 aircraft determined that it was 
caused by a partial blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-
sensing port, in conjunction with a dormant failure/leakage of the 
safety valve manometric capsule. The blockage, caused by 
accumulation of lint/dust on the grid of the port plug, did not 
allow sufficient airflow through the cabin pressure-sensing port to 
compensate for the rate of leakage from the manometric capsule, 
resulting in the opening of the safety valve. It was also determined 
that failure of the manometric capsule alone would not result in the 
opening of the safety valve.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is possible loss of cabin pressure caused by the 
opening of the safety valve. This AD requires actions that are intended 
to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 1, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 1, 2010.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-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 W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation, which is the aviation authority 
for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-06, 
dated February 24, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    Investigation of a recent high altitude loss of cabin 
pressurization on a BD-100-1A10 aircraft determined that it was 
caused by a partial blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-
sensing port, in conjunction with a dormant failure/leakage of the 
safety valve manometric capsule. The blockage, caused by 
accumulation of lint/dust on the grid of the port plug, did not 
allow sufficient airflow through the cabin pressure-sensing port to 
compensate for the rate of leakage from the manometric capsule, 
resulting in the opening of the safety valve. It was also determined 
that failure of the manometric capsule alone would not result in the 
opening of the safety valve.
    This directive mandates a revision of the maintenance schedule, 
the [repetitive] cleaning of the safety valves, the removal of 
material from the area surrounding the safety valves and the 
modification of the safety valves with a gridless cabin pressure-
sensing port plug.

The unsafe condition is possible loss of cabin pressure caused by the 
opening of the safety valve. The required actions also include a 
detailed visual inspection

[[Page 27407]]

of the safety valves and surrounding areas for discrepant material 
(e.g., foreign material surrounding the safety valves, room temperature 
vulcanizing (RTV) sealant on safety valves, RTV excess on the bulkhead, 
tape near the safety valve opening, and, on certain airplanes, 
insulation near the safety valve opening, and foam in the area 
surrounding the safety valves), and for contamination found in the 
safety valve pressure ports. If contamination is found on the safety 
valve pressure ports, a detailed visual inspection for the presence of 
RTV on the outside and inside diameter of the pressure sensing port 
conduit is required. If discrepant materials are found, removing 
discrepant material, cleaning the surfaces of the valves, and securing 
insulation are required, as applicable. If the presence of RTV is 
detected, cleaning the surfaces of the valves and installing a new 
safety valve are required, as applicable. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin A100-21-08, dated June 18, 
2009; Service Bulletin 100-25-14, dated June 30, 2008; Service Bulletin 
100-25-21, dated June 30, 2008; and Temporary Revision 5-2-53, dated 
October 1, 2009, to Section 5-10-40, ``Certification Maintenance 
Requirements,'' in Part 2 of Chapter 5 of Bombardier Challenger 300 BD-
100 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because if 
the safety valve cabin pressure-sensing ports are partially blocked in 
conjunction with a dormant failure or leakage of the safety valve 
manometric capsule could result in a loss of cabin pressurization. 
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment 
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0475; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-083-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2010-10-18 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16297. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0475; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-083-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 1, 
2010.

[[Page 27408]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 
(Challenger 300) airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 20001 
through 20274 inclusive, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (l) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21 and 25: 
Air conditioning and Equipment/Furnishings, respectively.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Investigation of a recent high altitude loss of cabin 
pressurization on a BD-100-1A10 aircraft determined that it was 
caused by a partial blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-
sensing port, in conjunction with a dormant failure/leakage of the 
safety valve manometric capsule. The blockage, caused by 
accumulation of lint/dust on the grid of the port plug, did not 
allow sufficient airflow through the cabin pressure-sensing port to 
compensate for the rate of leakage from the manometric capsule, 
resulting in the opening of the safety valve. It was also determined 
that failure of the manometric capsule alone would not result in the 
opening of the safety valve.
    This directive mandates a revision of the maintenance schedule, 
the [repetitive] cleaning of the safety valves, the removal of 
material from the area surrounding the safety valves and the 
modification of the safety valves with a gridless cabin pressure-
sensing port plug.

The unsafe condition is possible loss of cabin pressure caused by 
the opening of the safety valve. The required actions also include a 
detailed visual inspection of the safety valves and surrounding 
areas for discrepant material (e.g., foreign material surrounding 
the safety valves, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant on 
safety valves, RTV excess on the bulkhead, tape near the safety 
valve opening, and, on certain airplanes, insulation near the safety 
valve opening, and foam in the area surrounding the safety valves), 
and for contamination found in the safety valve pressure ports. If 
contamination is found on the safety valve pressure ports, a 
detailed visual inspection for the presence of RTV on the outside 
and inside diameter of the pressure sensing port conduit is 
required. If discrepant materials are found, removing discrepant 
material, cleaning the surfaces of the valves, and securing 
insulation are required, as applicable. If the presence of RTV is 
detected, cleaning the surfaces of the valves and installing a new 
safety valve are required, as applicable.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Actions

    (g) For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating Tasks 21-
31-09-101 and 21-31-09-102 in the Bombardier Temporary Revision (TR) 
5-2-53, dated October 1, 2009, to Section 5-10-40, ``Certification 
Maintenance Requirements,'' in Part 2 of Chapter 5 of Bombardier 
Challenger 300 BD-100 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.
    (1) For the new tasks identified in Bombardier TR 5-2-53, dated 
October 1, 2009: For airplanes identified in the ``Phase-in'' 
section of Bombardier TR 5-2-53, dated October 1, 2009, the initial 
compliance with the new tasks must be carried out in accordance with 
the phase-in schedule detailed in Bombardier TR 5-2-53, dated 
October 1, 2009, except where that TR specifies a compliance time 
from the date of the TR, this AD requires compliance within the 
specified time after the effective date of this AD. Thereafter, 
except as provided by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, no alternative to 
the task intervals may be used.
    (2) When information in Bombardier TR 5-2-53, dated October 1, 
2009, has been included in the general revisions of the applicable 
Airworthiness Limitations section, that TR may be removed from that 
Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness.
    (h) For airplanes having S/Ns 20003 through 20173 inclusive, 
20176, and 20177: Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, do a detailed visual inspection of the safety valves and 
surrounding areas for discrepant material (e.g., foreign material 
surrounding the safety valves, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) 
sealant on safety valves, RTV excess on the bulkhead, tape near the 
safety valve opening, and, on certain airplanes, insulation near the 
safety valve opening, and foam in the area surrounding the safety 
valves) and a detailed visual inspection for contamination (e.g., 
RTV, dust, or lint) in the safety valve pressure ports, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 100-25-14, dated June 30, 2008 (for airplanes 
having S/Ns 20124, 20125, 20128, 20134, 20139, 20143, 20146, 20148 
to 20173 inclusive, 20176, and 20177); or Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 100-25-21, dated June 30, 2008 (for airplanes having S/Ns 
20003 through 20123 inclusive, 20126, 20127, 20129 to 20133 
inclusive, 20135 to 20138 inclusive, 20140 to 20142 inclusive, 
20144, 20145, and 20147).
    (1) If any discrepant material is found during the detailed 
visual inspection, before further flight, remove the discrepant 
material, clean the surfaces of the valves, and secure the 
insulation, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-14, dated June 
30, 2008 (for airplanes having S/Ns 20124, 20125, 20128, 20134, 
20139, 20143, 20146, 20148 to 20173 inclusive, 20176, and 20177); or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-21, dated June 30, 2008 (for 
airplanes having S/Ns 20003 through 20123 inclusive, 20126, 20127, 
20129 to 20133 inclusive, 20135 to 20138 inclusive, 20140 to 20142 
inclusive, 20144, 20145, and 20147).
    (2) If contamination (e.g., RTV, dust, or lint) is found on the 
safety valve pressure sensing ports, before further flight, do a 
detailed visual inspection of the outside and inside diameters of 
the pressure sensing port conduit for the presence of RTV; and do 
the actions specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this 
AD, as applicable; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-14, dated June 
30, 2008 (for airplanes having S/Ns 20124, 20125, 20128, 20134, 
20139, 20143, 20146, 20148 to 20173 inclusive, 20176, and 20177); or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-21, dated June 30, 2008 (for 
airplanes having S/Ns 20003 through 20123 inclusive, 20126, 20127, 
20129 to 20133 inclusive, 20135 to 20138 inclusive, 20140 to 20142 
inclusive, 20144, 20145, and 20147).
    (i) If no RTV is found, clean the plug of the sensing port.
    (ii) If any RTV is found, install a new safety valve.
    (i) For airplanes having S/Ns 20174, 20175, 20178 through 20189 
inclusive, 20191 through 20228 inclusive, 20230 through 20232 
inclusive, 20235, 20237, 20238, 20241, 20244, 20247, 20249 through 
20251 inclusive, 20254, 20256 and 20259: Within 50 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, clean the cabin pressure-
sensing port plug in both safety valves, in accordance with 
Paragraph 2.B., ``Part A--Modification--Cleaning,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin A100-21-
08, dated June 18, 2009.
    (j) For airplanes having S/Ns 20003 through 20189 inclusive, 
20191 through 20228 inclusive, 20230 through 20232 inclusive, 20235, 
20237, 20238, 20241, 20244, 20247, 20249 through 20251 inclusive, 
20254, 20256, and 20259: Within 50 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, clean the cabin pressure-sensing port plug in both 
safety valves, in accordance with Paragraph 2.B., ``Part A--
Modification--Cleaning,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin A100-21-08, dated June 18, 2009. Repeat 
the cleaning thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight hours 
until the actions specified by paragraph (k) of this AD are 
completed.
    (k) For airplanes, having S/Ns 20003 through 20189 inclusive, 
20191 through 20228 inclusive, 20230 through 20232 inclusive, 20235, 
20237, 20238, 20241, 20244, 20247, 20249 through 20251 inclusive, 
20254, 20256, and 20259: Replacing the cabin pressure-sensing port 
plug having part number (P/N) 2844-060 in both safety valves with a 
new gridless plug

[[Page 27409]]

having P/N 2844-19 and re-identifying the safety valves, in 
accordance with Paragraph 2.C., ``Part B--Modification--
Replacement,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin A100-21-08, dated June 18, 2009, terminates the 
repetitive cleanings required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: This AD does not require the replacement of the safety 
valve cabin pressure-sensing port plugs and the re-identification of 
the safety valves required in Part V of MCAI Canadian Airworthiness 
Directive CF-2010-06, dated February 24, 2010. The planned 
compliance times for these actions would not allow enough time to 
provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the 
merits of those actions. Therefore, we are considering further 
rulemaking to address these issues.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (l) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority 
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Program Manager, 
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; 
fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to 
which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector 
(PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or 
lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District 
Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to ensure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (m) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-06, 
dated February 24, 2010; and the service information specified in 
Table 1 of this AD; as applicable; for related information.

                      Table 1--Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bombardier Service Bulletin A100-21-  June 18, 2009.
 08.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-   June 30, 2008.
 14.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-   June 30, 2008.
 21.
Bombardier Temporary Revision 5-2-    October 1, 2009.
 53, dated October 1, 2009, to
 Section 5-10-40, ``Certification
 Maintenance Requirements,'' in Part
 2 of Chapter 5 of Bombardier
 Challenger 300 BD-100 Time Limits/
 Maintenance Checks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use the service information contained in Table 2 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.

               Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bombardier Service Bulletin A100-21-  June 18, 2009.
 08.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-   June 30, 2008.
 14.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-25-   June 30, 2008.
 21.
Bombardier Temporary Revision 5-2-    October 1, 2009.
 53, dated October 1, 2009, to
 Section 5-10-40, ``Certification
 Maintenance Requirements,'' in Part
 2 of Chapter 5 of Bombardier
 Challenger 300 BD-100 Time Limits/
 Maintenance Checks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (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; e-mail thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 3, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2010-11074 Filed 5-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P