Proposed Rule2022-11803
Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 2, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing error that can create dents on the lower wing plank, close to the flap arm locations at certain wing stations; as a result, cracks could develop and weaken the structural integrity of the wings before being detected by any existing required inspections. This proposed AD would require an inspection for damage (including dents, cracks, discoloration, gouges, scratches, or other surface damage) of the lower wing plank in the flap arm areas at certain wing stations, and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 106 (Thursday, June 2, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 106 (Thursday, June 2, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33454-33457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11803]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0592; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01023-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series
900) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a
manufacturing error that can create dents on the lower wing plank,
close to the flap arm locations at certain wing stations; as a result,
cracks could develop and weaken the structural integrity of the wings
before being detected by any existing required inspections. This
proposed AD would require an inspection for damage (including dents,
cracks, discoloration, gouges, scratches, or other surface damage) of
the lower wing plank in the flap arm areas at certain wing stations,
and repair if necessary. The FAA is
[[Page 33455]]
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 18,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact MHI RJ
Aviation Group, Customer Response Center, 3655 Ave. des Grandes-
Tourelles, Suite 110, Boisbriand, Qu[eacute]bec J7H 0E2 Canada; North
America toll-free telephone 833-990-7272 or direct-dial telephone 450-
990-7272; fax 514-855-8501; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#116579753f72637b517c7978637b3f727e7c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="becad6da90ddccd4fed3d6d7ccd490ddd1d3">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://mhirj.com">https://mhirj.com</a>. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0592; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e47531f080d5310071f1d11531d110d3e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="744d59150207591a0d15171b59171b07341215155a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0592; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01023-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Deep
Gaurav, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#271e0a4651540a495e4644480a4448546741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0f9eda1b6b3edaeb9a1a3afeda3afb380a6a1a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2021-31, dated September
14, 2021 (TCCA AD CF-2021-31) (also referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-
600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. You may examine the MCAI
in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0592.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing error
that can result in dents on the lower wing plank, close to the five
flap arm locations at wing station (WS) 54.55, WS 128.00, WS 179.00, WS
220.00, and WS 264.00. These dents could lead to cracks that could
weaken the structural integrity of the wings before being detected by
any existing required inspection. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address dents, cracks, and other damage, that if not detected and
corrected, could lead to reduced structural integrity of the wings. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
MHI RJ Aviation ULC has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-57-029, dated
February 2, 2021. This service information describes, among other
actions, procedures for doing a detailed visual inspection for damage
(including dents, cracks, discoloration, gouges, scratches, or other
surface damage) of the outer aft lower skin at WS 54.55, WS 128.00, WS
179.00, WS 220.00, and WS 264.00, and repair. 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
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 14 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 33456]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $2,380
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier,
Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2022-0592; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01023-
T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet
Series 900) airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial
number 15462 through 15475 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing error that
can create dents on the lower wing plank, close to the flap arm
locations at certain wing stations; as a result, cracks could
develop and weaken the structural integrity of the wings before
being detected by any existing required inspections. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address dents, cracks, and other damage, that, if
not detected and corrected, could lead to reduced structural
integrity of the wings.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action
Prior to the accumulation of 8,800 total flight hours or within
30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
perform a detailed visual inspection for damage (including dents,
cracks, discoloration, gouges, scratches, or other surface damage)
of the outer aft lower skin at wing stations (WS) 54.55, WS 128.00,
WS 179.00, WS 220.00, and WS 264.00 in accordance with paragraph B.,
``Procedure,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of MHI RJ Aviation
Service Bulletin 670BA-57-029, dated February 2, 2021. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight. If any damage
is found during the inspection, before further flight, repair using
a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or MHI RJ Aviation ULC's
TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the
approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(h) No Reporting Requirement
Although MHI RJ Aviation Service Bulletin 670BA-57-029, dated
February 2, 2021, specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
inspection can be done, provided the flight is a non-revenue flight.
(j) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight
Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or MHI RJ
Aviation ULC's TCCA Design Approval Organization (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) TCCA AD CF-2021-31, dated September 14, 2021, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2022-0592.
[[Page 33457]]
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9aa3b7fbece9b7f4e3fbf9f5b7f9f5e9dafcfbfbb4fdf5ec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f5ccd8948386d89b8c94969ad8969a86b5939494db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact MHI
RJ Aviation Group, Customer Response Center, 3655 Ave. des Grandes-
Tourelles, Suite 110, Boisbriand, Qu[eacute]bec J7H 0E2 Canada;
North America toll-free telephone 833-990-7272 or direct-dial
telephone 450-990-7272; fax 514-855-8501; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#57233f337934253d173a3f3e253d7934383a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9eeaf6fab0fdecf4def3f6f7ecf4b0fdf1f3">[email protected]</span></a>;
internet <a href="https://mhirj.com">https://mhirj.com</a>. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on May 24, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11803 Filed 6-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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