Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional

Jet) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19

(Regional Jet) series airplanes. This proposal would require various

modifications of the passenger doors. This proposal is prompted by

reports that some passenger doors froze shut during flight and could

not be opened after landing the airplane. The actions specified by the

proposed AD are intended to prevent the passenger doors from freezing

shut, and consequently, prohibiting the passengers from exiting the

airplane in the event of an emergency.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 24, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location

between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be

obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division,

Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This information

may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller

Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin

Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Maurer, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Equipment Branch, ANE-173, FAA, Engine and Propeller

Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin

Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791-

6427; fax (516) 791-9024.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number

and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All

communications received on or before the closing date for comments,

specified above, will be considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in

light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All

comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing

date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested

persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with

the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket Number 94-NM-97-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request

to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 94-NM-97-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055-4056.

Discussion

Transport Canada Aviation, which is the airworthiness authority for

Canada, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on

certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) series airplanes.

Transport Canada Aviation advises that some passenger doors froze shut

during flight and could not be opened after landing of the airplane. In

some cases, the passenger door outer handle mechanism froze; in others,

the latching mechanism seized as a result of frost in the latch pins of

the door. In addition, there have been cases where passenger door pull-

out handles have been found to be damaged as a result of freezing,

which can result in failure of the door operating mechanism to function

correctly. Investigation also revealed that the temperature at the

passenger and service door area is noticeably cooler than in other

areas of the airplane, due to insufficient insulation of the doors.

These conditions, if not corrected, could result in the inability of

passengers to exit the airplane in the event of an emergency.

Bombardier, Inc., has issued the following service information:

1. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-002, Revision `C,'

dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes

procedures for applying an anti-ice agent to the operating mechanisms

of the passenger and service doors. The alert service bulletin also

describes procedures for applying a dry lubrication agent to the seals

of those doors and to the seals of the overwing emergency exits and

greasing the passenger door latch pins. Accomplishment of those actions

will decrease the possibility of seizure of the doors and exits as a

result of frozen moisture in the mechanisms and seals.

2. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-007, Revision `B,' dated

December 1, 1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for

applying grease to the passenger door latch pins and latch pin

fittings. Accomplishment of this service bulletin will decrease the

possibility of seizure of the latching mechanisms as a result of frost

in the mechanisms and seals.

3. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-008, Revision `B,'

dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes

procedures for temporarily isolating the pull-out handle from the door

latch mechanism.

4. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-006, Revision `B,' dated

December 1, 1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for

installing sealed insulation packages to the interior of the passenger

door/stairway, service door, and service door surround. Accomplishment

of this service bulletin will increase the insulation value of the

passenger and service doors and will reduce heat loss conditions within

the passenger and service door areas.

5. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-009, Revision `B;'

dated December 1, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes

procedures for reaming the passenger door latch pin fittings;

installing a grease retainer, greasing the tube and nipple assembly;

and applying grease to the door latch pins and anti-ice compound to the

door outer handle mechanism. Accomplishment of this alert service

bulletin will decrease the possibility of seizure of the latching

mechanism as a result of frost in the latch pins of the door.

6. Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-021, Revision `A,'

dated December 7, 1993. This alert service bulletin describes

procedures for reworking the passenger door outer handle mechanism,

installing a waterproof boot, and greasing the door. Accomplishment of

this alert service bulletin will ensure that the outer handle mechanism

on the passenger door does not freeze during flight of the airplane.

7. Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-11-007, dated December 1,

1993. This service bulletin describes procedures for installing new

placards on the passenger door structure to advise the crew that when a

green witness mark is visible, the latch pin is in the correct locked

position.

Transport Canada Aviation classified these service bulletins and

alert service bulletins as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness

Directive CF-93-02R1, dated March 31, 1994, in order to assure the

continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type

certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of

section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and

the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this

bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada Aviation has kept

the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined

the findings of Transport Canada Aviation, reviewed all available

information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of

this type design that are certificated for operation in the United

States.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered

in the United States, the proposed AD would require various

modifications of the passenger doors. The actions would be required to

be accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletins and

service bulletins described previously.

The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry would be

affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 67 work

hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the

average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost

approximately $10,945 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total

cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be

$254,405, or $14,965 per airplane.

The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on

assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed

requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish

those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct

effects 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. Therefore, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this

proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant

the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);

and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the

Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules

Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend

part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

Canadair: Docket 94-NM-97-AD.

Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet) series

airplanes, serial numbers 7003 and subsequent, certificated in any

category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent the inability of passengers to exit the airplane in

the event of an emergency, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7028,

inclusive: Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, and

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 days until the action

required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is accomplished, apply an

anti-icing agent to the operating mechanisms of the passenger door

in accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin No. S.B. A601R-

52-002, Revision `C,' dated December 1, 1993.

(b) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7006,

inclusive, and 7008 through 7010, inclusive: Within 14 days after

the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to

exceed 300 hours time-in-service until the actions required by

paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(3) of this AD are accomplished, apply

grease to the passenger door latch-pin fittings in accordance with

Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-007, Revision `B,' dated

December 1, 1993.

(c) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7006,

inclusive, and 7008 through 7010, inclusive: Within 14 days after

the effective date of this AD, deactivate the pull-out handle

located on the outside of the passenger door, in accordance with

Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-008, Revision `B,'

dated December 1, 1993.

(d) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7019,

inclusive: Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD,

install sealed insulation packages to the interior of the passenger

door in accordance with Canadair Service Bulletin S.B. 601R-52-006,

Revision `B,' dated December 1, 1993.

(e) Within 60 days or 600 hours time-in-service after the

effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the

procedures specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of

this AD:

(1) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7024,

inclusive: Modify the passenger door latch pin fittings, and install

grease retain, grease tube, and nipple assembly; and grease the

latch pins in accordance with paragraphs 2A and 2B of the

Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B.

A601R-52-009, Revision `B,' dated December 1, 1993.

(2) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7028,

inclusive: Modify the outer handle of the passenger door in

accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin S.B. A601R-52-021,

Revision `A,' dated December 7, 1993. Repetitive applications of an

anti-ice agent, as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, must be

discontinued upon accomplishment of the modification required by

this paragraph.

(3) For airplanes having serial numbers 7004 through 7024,

inclusive: Install placards adjacent to the door latch pins on the

passenger door structure in accordance with Canadair Service

Bulletin S.B. 601R-11-007, dated December 1, 1993.

(f) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (e)(1)

and (e)(3) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive greasing requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

(g) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 and subsequent:

Within 300 hours time-in-service after accomplishing the applicable

modifications required by paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of

this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-

in-service, accomplish the lubrication procedures in specified

paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.

(1) Lubricate the passenger door latch pins in accordance with

paragraph 2B, Part ``A,'' Items (26) through (28), of the

Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin

A601R-52-009, Revision B, dated December 1, 1993.

(2) Lubricate the passenger door outer handle assembly in

accordance with paragraph 2B, Item (28), of the Accomplishment

Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin No. A601R-52-021,

Revision A, dated December 7, 1993.

(h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification

Office (ACO), FAA Engine and Propeller Directorate. Operators shall

submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal

Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the

Manager, New York ACO.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the New York ACO.

(i) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with

sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14

CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where

the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 24, 1994.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-26717 Filed 10-27-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P