Proposed Rule2025-15297
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
August 12, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier Inc. Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of uncommanded nose wheel steering upon landing with touchdown on the runway centerline. This proposed AD would require replacing the nosewheel steering potentiometer universal coupling setscrews. This proposed AD would also require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new life limits for the setscrews. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 153 (Tuesday, August 12, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 12, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38713-38716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-15297]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 12, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 38713]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1732; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00249-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 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 all Bombardier Inc. Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and
CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report of uncommanded nose wheel steering upon
landing with touchdown on the runway centerline. This proposed AD would
require replacing the nosewheel steering potentiometer universal
coupling setscrews. This proposed AD would also require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new life limits for the setscrews. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
26, 2025.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1732; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Bombardier material identified in this proposed AD,
contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400
C[ocirc]te Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada;
telephone 514-855-2999; email<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5b4b6fbaca0b995b4b0a7bafbe9b4f5bda7b0b3e8" http: bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a>">ac.yul@aero.<a href="http://bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a></a>; website
<a href="http://bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Massey, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fcc5d19d8a8fd192859d9f93d19f938fbc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c55410d1a1f4102150d0f03410f031f2c0a0d0d420b031a">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-1732;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00249-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="http://regulations.gov">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 John
Massey, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7feeaa6b1b4eaa9bea6a4a8eaa4a8b487a1a6a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="132a3e7265603e7d6a72707c3e707c60537572723d747c65">[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, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2024-12R1, dated August 13, 2024
(referred to as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all
Bombardier Inc. Model CL-600-1A11, CL-600-2A12, and CL-600-2B16
airplanes. The MCAI states that there has been an in-service report
where upon landing with touchdown on the runway centerline, following
standard procedure, the flight spoilers and thrust reverser were used
after the nose wheel touchdown. As the airplane speed reduced below 80
knots, the airplane veered to the left. The airplane was maintained on
the runway by use of the rudder and by differential braking. Further
investigation determined that the nosewheel steering potentiometer
universal coupling setscrews were loose, causing an uncommanded
steering input.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address uncommanded nosewheel
steering due to loose nosewheel steering potentiometer universal
coupling setscrews. The unsafe condition, if not
[[Page 38714]]
addressed, could lead to a runway excursion.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1732.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following material issued by Bombardier:
<bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 600-0782, dated October 30,
2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 601-1114, dated October 30,
2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-033, dated October 30,
2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-010, dated October 30,
2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-007, dated October 30,
2023.
This material contains procedures to replace the existing nosewheel
steering potentiometer universal coupling setscrews with new self-
locking setscrews, anaerobic retaining compound, and specified torque,
and rig the potentiometer; and perform an operational test of the
nosewheel steering system. These documents are distinct since they
apply to different airplane models.
The FAA also reviewed the following Bombardier material:
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 600 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks
(TLMC) Temporary Revision (TR) No. TR 5-165, dated October 25, 2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-269, dated
October 25, 2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-283, dated
October 25, 2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 604 TLMC TR No. 5-2-73, dated
October 25, 2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 605 TLMC TR No. 5-2-29, dated
October 25, 2023.
<bullet> Bombardier Challenger 650 TLMC TR No. 5-2-5, dated October
16, 2023.
This material specifies certain life limits of the safe life items.
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane
models.
This material 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 this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that 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 material already described.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 930 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Setscrew replacement.................. 4 work-hours x $85 per $40 $380 $353,400
hour = $340.
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The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the
agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator.
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
agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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:
[[Page 38715]]
Bombardier Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2025-1732; Project Identifier MCAI-
2024-00249-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 26, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Bombardier Inc. airplanes, certificated
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this
AD.
(1) Model CL-600-1A11 (600) airplanes.
(2) Model CL-600-2A12 (601) airplanes.
(3) Model CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants)
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of uncommanded nose wheel
steering upon landing with touchdown on the runway centerline. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded nosewheel steering due
to loose nosewheel steering potentiometer universal coupling
setscrews. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to a
runway excursion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement of Universal Coupling and Nosewheel Steering
Potentiometer Universal Coupling Setscrews
For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of
this AD: Within 36 months or 1,400 flight hours, whichever occurs
first, after the effective date of this AD, replace the nosewheel
steering potentiometer universal coupling setscrews (self-locking
setscrews) in accordance with Sections 2.B.(3) and 2.C. of the
Accomplishment Instructions in the applicable service bulletin
identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD.
(1) For Model CL-600-1A11 (600) airplanes, serial numbers 1004
through 1085 inclusive, on which the actions in Part E of Canadair
Challenger Service Bulletin 600-0380, Revision 02, have been
completed: Bombardier Service Bulletin 600-0782, dated October 30,
2023.
Note 1 to paragraphs (g)(1) and (h)(1): These airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designation Challenger 600.
(2) For Model CL-600-2A12 (601) airplanes, serial numbers 3001
through 3059 inclusive, on which the actions in Part D of Canadair
Challenger Service Bulletin 601-0092, Revision 01 have been
completed, and serial numbers 3060 through 3066 inclusive; and Model
CL-600-2B16 (601-3A and 601-3R Variants) airplanes, serial numbers
5001 through 5194 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 601-1114,
dated October 30, 2023.
Note 2 to paragraphs (g)(2) (h)(2), and (h)(3): These airplanes
are also referred to by the marketing designation Challenger 601.
(3) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 5301 through 5665 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin
604-32-033, dated October 30, 2023.
Note 3 to paragraphs (g)(3) and (h)(4): These airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designation Challenger 604.
(4) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 5701 through 5990 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin
605-32-010, dated October 30, 2023.
Note 4 to paragraphs (g)(4) and (h)(5): These airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designation Challenger 605.
(5) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 6050 through 6193 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin
650-32-007, dated October 30, 2023.
Note 5 to paragraphs (g)(5) and (h)(6): These airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designation Challenger 650.
(h) Maintenance/Inspection Program Revision
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information in the applicable temporary revision
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (6) of this AD. The initial
compliance time for the replacement is within 96 months after the
replacement required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Using a different
document with information identical to the information in the
applicable temporary revision identified in paragraphs (h)(1)
through (6) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of this paragraph.
(1) For all Model CL-600-1A11 (600) airplanes: Bombardier
Challenger 600 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks (TLMC) Temporary
Revision (TR) No. TR 5-165, dated October 25, 2023.
(2) For all Model CL-600-2A12 (601) airplanes: Bombardier
Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-269, dated October 25, 2023.
(3) For all Model CL-600-2B16 airplanes (601-3A and 601-3R
Variants): Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-283, dated
October 25, 2023.
(4) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 5301 through 5665 inclusive: Bombardier Challenger 604 TLMC
TR No. 5-2-73, dated October 25, 2023.
(5) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 5701 through 5990 inclusive: Bombardier Challenger 605 TLMC
TR No. 5-2-29, dated October 25, 2023.
(6) For Model CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes, serial
numbers 6050 and subsequent: Bombardier Challenger 650 TLMC TR No.
5-2-5, dated October 16, 2023.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation 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
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c98884868a89afa8a8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc0c2cecdebececa3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>. 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, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bombardier's
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact John Massey,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d44501c0b0e5013041c1e12501e120e3d1b1c1c531a120b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0899dd1c6c39ddec9d1d3df9dd3dfc3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Challenger 600 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks
(TLMC) Temporary Revision (TR) No. TR 5-165, dated October 25, 2023.
(ii) Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-269, dated
October 25, 2023.
(iii) Bombardier Challenger 601 TLMC TR No. TR 5-283, dated
October 25, 2023.
(iv) Bombardier Challenger 604 TLMC TR No. 5-2-73, dated October
25, 2023.
(v) Bombardier Challenger 605 TLMC TR No. 5-2-29, dated October
25, 2023.
(vi) Bombardier Challenger 650 TLMC TR No. 5-2-5, dated October
16, 2023.
(vii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 600-0782, dated October 30,
2023.
(viii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 601-1114, dated October 30,
2023.
(ix) Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-32-033, dated October 30,
2023.
(x) Bombardier Service Bulletin 605-32-010, dated October 30,
2023.
(xi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 650-32-007, dated October 30,
2023.
(3) For Bombardier material identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400
C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada;
telephone 514-855-2999; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a6b6924737f664a6b6f786524366b2a62786f6c37" http: bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a>">ac.yul@aero.<a href="http://bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a></a>; website
<a href="http://bombardier.com">bombardier.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records
[[Page 38716]]
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#771105591e1904071214031e1819371916051659101801"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bfde9b5f2f5e8ebfef8eff2f4f5dbf5fae9fab5fcf4ed">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 7, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-15297 Filed 8-11-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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