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-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of smoke in the aft cabin during a maintenance activity, which an investigation determined was caused by a faulty drain line ribbon heater. This AD requires a general visual inspection of all affected potable water-line ribbon heater installations and corrective actions and other specified actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective May 31, 2022.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 31, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-2999; email ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com ; internet http://www.bombardier.com. 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0090.

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-2022-0090; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 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:

Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7347; 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 TCCA AD CF-2021-13, dated April 1, 2021 (TCCA AD CF-2021-13) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes, equipped with any Cox & Co. 3043 or 3044 series (potable water-line) ribbon heater. 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-2022-0090.

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-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 Variants) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2022 (87 FR 7056). The NPRM was prompted by a report of smoke in the aft cabin during a maintenance activity, which an investigation determined was caused by a faulty drain line ribbon heater. The NPRM proposed to require a general visual inspection of all affected potable water-line ribbon heater installations and corrective actions and other specified actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address faulty potable water-line ribbon heaters, which, if not corrected, could lead to an onboard fire. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 Service Bulletin 601-0644, Revision 1, dated January 29, 2019; and Service Bulletin 604-30-007, Revision 1, dated January 29, 2019. This service information describes procedures for a general visual inspection of all affected potable water-line ribbon heater installations for any discrepancy and applicable corrective actions and other specified actions. Discrepancies include discoloration, blistering or cracking of insulation, signs of wear, or heat damage. Corrective actions include replacement of discrepant insulation and ribbon heaters. Other specified actions include identifying the potable water-line ribbon heater pigtail wire configuration, installing a fuse to the ribbon heater power lead, and testing the potable water-line heater system of each ribbon heater. These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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 585 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

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

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

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:

2022-09-01 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-22021; Docket No. FAA-2022-0090; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00399-T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 31, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., airplanes certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD and equipped with any Cox & Co. 3043 or 3044 series (potable water-line) ribbon heater.

(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 3070, Ice and Rain Protection; Code 3810, Potable Water System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report of smoke in the aft cabin during a maintenance activity, which an investigation determined was caused by a faulty drain line ribbon heater. The FAA is issuing this AD to address faulty potable water-line ribbon heaters, which, if not corrected, could lead to an onboard fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Potable Water-line Ribbon Heater Installation and Insulation, Applicable Corrective Actions, and Other Specified Actions

For airplanes with a serial number listed in Section 1.A of the applicable service information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD, do an inspection of the potable water-line ribbon heater installation and insulation to detect any discrepancy, and, before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions and other specified actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, as applicable.

(h) Required Actions for Airplanes Not Listed in the Service Information

For airplanes with a serial number that is not listed in section 1.A of the service information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, and for Bombardier Model CL-600-1A11 airplanes: Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD, do applicable actions including an inspection for discrepancies of the potable water-line ribbon heater and repair of any discrepant potable water-line ribbon heaters using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.

(i) 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; fax 516-794-5531. 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 Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Transport Canada AD CF-2021-13, dated April 1, 2021, 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-2022-0090.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7347; fax 516-794-5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.

(k) 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 601-0644, Revision 1, dated January 29, 2019.

(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 604-30-007, Revision 1, dated January 29, 2019.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-2999; email ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; internet http://www.bombardier.com.

(4) 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.

(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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.