Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay. This proposed AD would require modifying the aft equipment bay. We are proposing this AD to prevent excessive quantities of flammable fluid accumulation in the aft equipment bay. Flammable fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay, in excessive quantities, could exceed safe levels maintained by the drainage and ventilation system.
We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 12, 2015.
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
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For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at
Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7318; fax 516-794-5531.
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to
Transport Canada Civil Aviation, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-25, dated August 7, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:
There have been two reports of fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay. The leaked fluid in the first incident was fuel and the fluid in the second incident was test dye. Further investigation revealed that leaked fluid from the aft fuel tank drain entered the bay through the slot in the door latch mechanism.
Flammable fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay, in excessive quantities, could exceed safe levels maintained by the drainage and ventilation system.
Bombardier Inc. has issued several Service Bulletins (SB) to modify the Aft Equipment Bay by installing a cover to the door latch mechanism in order to reduce the risk of fuel entry into it. This [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of the applicable Bombardier Inc. SBs to rectify this problem.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at
Bombardier has issued the following service information:
• Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-52-019, dated March 29, 2012.
• Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-042, dated March 29, 2012.
• Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5007, dated March 29, 2012.
• Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6007, dated March 29, 2012.
The service information describes procedures for the modification of the aft equipment compartment door. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 60 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about 720 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $84,000, or $1,400 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.
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.
We 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. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
We must receive comments by March 12, 2015.
None.
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 9001 through 9476 inclusive and 9998.
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
This AD was prompted by reports of fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive quantities of flammable fluid accumulation in the aft equipment bay. Flammable fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay, in excessive quantities, could exceed safe levels maintained by the drainage and ventilation system.
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the aft equipment bay, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) For Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, serial number 9002 through 9312 inclusive, 9314 through 9380 inclusive, and 9384 through 9429 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-042, dated March 29, 2012.
(2) For Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes, serial numbers 9381 and 9432 through 9476 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-6007, dated March 29, 2012.
(3) For Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, serial numbers 9127 through 9383 inclusive, 9389 through 9400 inclusive, 9404 through 9431 inclusive, and 9998: Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-52-019, dated March 29, 2012.
(4) For Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes, serial numbers 9386, 9401, and 9445 through 9474 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-52-5007, dated March 29, 2012.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1)
(2)
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-25, dated August 7, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email