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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-215-AD; Amdt. 39-8796; AD 94-01-14]

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

Jet) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that

is applicable to certain Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet)

series airplanes. This action revises the FAA-approved Airplane Flight

Manual (AFM) to require that both integrated drive generators (IDG) be

operational for dispatch. This AD also requires repetitive inspections

of the IDG oil level, and replenishing with oil, if necessary; and, for

certain airplanes, an inspection of the oil level, and replacement of

the IDG with a serviceable unit. This AD also specifies an optional

terminating action for the repetitive inspections and AFM revision.

This amendment is prompted by reports of failures of the IDG constant

speed drive (CSD) on Canadair Model CL-600-2B19 series airplanes. The

actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of engine oil

and subsequent engine shutdown during flight.

DATES: Effective on January 28, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of January 28, 1994.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before March 14, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

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

Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-215-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,

Washington 98055-4056.

The service information referenced in this AD 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, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cuneo, Electrical 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: 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

there have been four reports of failures of the integrated drive

generator (IDG) constant speed drive (CSD) on Canadair Model CL-600-

2B19 series airplanes. One of these incidents resulted in engine

shutdown during flight. Investigation revealed that the retaining ring,

which restrains the CSD input shaft bearing, can become unseated from

its positional groove on the input shaft. This condition could result

in loss of IDG oil and subsequent disconnection of the IDG. In

addition, the input shaft could move abnormally, which could cause

damage to the engine seal. This condition, if not corrected, could

result in loss of engine oil and subsequent engine shutdown during

flight.

Bombardier Inc. has issued Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service

Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision ``A,'' dated December 1, 1993, that

describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the IDG oil level,

and replenishing with oil, if necessary. For airplanes on which the IDG

has been disconnected during flight, the alert service bulletin

describes procedures for inspecting the oil level, and replacement of

the IDG with a serviceable unit.

The alert service bulletin also references Canadair Regional Jet

Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision ``A,'' dated December

3, 1993, which describes procedures for accomplishment of a

modification that would terminate the repetitive inspections and AFM

revision. The modification involves installing a new bearing retainer

and new input shaft bearings in the CSD units. Accomplishment of this

modification will eliminate the loss of IDG oil and engine oil.

Transport Canada Aviation classified these alert service bulletins

as mandatory and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-93-29,

dated December 3, 1993, 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 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, this AD is being issued to prevent loss of engine

oil and subsequent engine shutdown during flight. This AD revises the

Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to

require that both IDG's be operational for dispatch. This AD also

requires repetitive inspections of the IDG oil level, and replenishing

with oil, if necessary. Additionally, for airplanes on which the IDG

has been disconnected during flight, this AD requires replacement of

the IDG with a serviceable unit. The inspections and replacement are

required to be accomplished in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet

Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, described previously.

In addition, this AD provides an optional terminating modification,

which, if accomplished, would terminate the repetitive oil level

inspections and the AFM revision.

This is considered to be interim action. The FAA is considering

further rulemaking action to require accomplishment of the optional

terminating modification specified in this AD. However, the proposed

compliance time for the modification is sufficiently long so that

notice and opportunity for public comment would not be impracticable.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of

this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior

public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for

making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves

requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by

notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on

this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ``ADDRESSES.''

All communications received on or before the closing date for comments

will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the

comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's

ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the

effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional

rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the 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 that

summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this

AD 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 93-NM-215-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will 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 final

rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency

regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe

condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''

under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this

action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies

and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined

that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will

be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may

be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the

caption Addresses.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by

reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 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:

94-01-14 Canadair Limited: Amendment 39-8796. Docket 93-NM-215-AD.

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

airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7028 inclusive, certificated

in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent loss of engine oil and subsequent engine shutdown

during flight, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, add the

following to the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane

Flight Manual (AFM). This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of

this AD in the AFM. This AFM revision may be removed from the AFM if

the optional terminating action specified in paragraph (d) of this

AD is accomplished.

Both integrated drive generators must be operational for

dispatch. Note: This overrides the current applicable Master Minimum

Equipment List (MMEL) requirement.

(b) For airplanes on which the IDG has been disconnected during

flight: Prior to further flight, inspect the integrated drive

generator (IDG) oil level in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet

Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated

December 1, 1993.

(1) If the oil level is on or below the ``ADD'' mark, prior to

further flight, replace the IDG with a serviceable unit in

accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin

S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated December 1, 1993, or modify

the IDG in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service

Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated December 3, 1993.

(2) If the oil level is above the ``ADD'' mark, replace the IDG

with a serviceable unit in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet

Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated

December 1, 1993, or modify the IDG in accordance with Canadair

Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,'

dated December 3, 1993. The action shall be accomplished prior to

further flight, except that a special flight permit may be issued in

accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a

location in order to comply with the requirements of this paragraph,

provided that the IDG remains disconnected.

(c) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect

the IDG oil level in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Alert

Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,' dated December 1,

1993. If the oil level is on or below the ``ADD'' mark, prior to

further flight, replenish with oil in accordance with the service

bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to

exceed 30 hours time-in-service.

(d) Modification of the IDG in accordance with Canadair Regional

Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated

December 3, 1993, constitutes terminating action for the

requirements of this AD. If this modification is accomplished, the

AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD shall be removed

from the AFM.

(e) 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), ANE-170, 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: Information concerning the existence of approved

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

obtained from the New York ACO.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR

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

requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair

Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-015, Revision `A,'

dated December 1, 1993, and Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service

Bulletin S.B.A601R-24-016, Revision `A,' dated December 3, 1993.

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the

Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part

51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier

Regional Aircraft Division, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario

M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be inspected 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, Valley Stream, New

York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol

Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on January 28, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 5, 1994.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-583 Filed 1-12-94; 8:45 am]

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