90 FR 59 pgs. 14017-14019 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 59Pages: 14017 - 14019
Pages: 14017, 14018, 14019Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2024-2019; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00909-T; Amendment 39-22994; AD 2025-06-06]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-05294 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2019; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00909-T; Amendment 39-22994; AD 2025-06-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review that found insufficient clearance between fire extinguishing system (FIREX) lines and certain fasteners in the center mid-fuselage area. This AD requires an inspection for positioning and sufficient clearance of certain fasteners in certain fuselage and keel beam areas, an inspection for damage of the fire extinguishing lines, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective May 2, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2019; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca . You may view this material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
• 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Yaser Osman, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 22, 2024 (89 FR 67910). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-58, dated July 25, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states that a design review found insufficient clearance between FIREX lines and the nuts of the Hi-Lite fasteners in the center mid-fuselage in locations where the fastener nut is on the same side as the FIREX lines. Fouling between the FIREX lines and the Hi-Lite fasteners could lead to a rupture of the line. This would result in a dormant failure of the cargo compartment fire extinguishing system, preventing the system from being available in the event of a cargo compartment fire.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for positioning and sufficient clearance of certain fasteners in certain fuselage and keel beam areas, an inspection for damage of the fire extinguishing lines, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2019.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Delta Air Lines (Delta). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Delete Grace Period
Delta pointed out that with the revisions in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of the proposed AD providing up to 24 months after the effective date of the AD, paragraph (h)(3)(ii) of the proposed AD becomes moot.
The FAA disagrees. The compliance time stated in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 is within 24 months after the effective date of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 or 17,000 total accumulated flight hours since new, whichever occurs first. There is a chance that an airplane could reach 17,000 total flight hours before the effective date of this AD or soon after. In that case, the 90 days stated in paragraph (h)(3)(ii) of this AD provide a grace period to comply with the requirements of this AD without grounding the airplane. The FAA has not revised this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Correct Part Numbers
Delta requested an additional sub-paragraph to paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to provide corrections for incorrect part numbers referenced in a service bulletin.
[top] The FAA agrees that there are typographical errors for certain items
Request for Revised Corrective Action
Delta requested an additional exception to address an error in a corrective procedure's steps and references. Delta requested that the erroneous procedure be replaced by a requirement for operators to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions. Delta explained that using the corrective action procedure as detailed in the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 would result in an unfilled countersink on the previous head side of the installation. Delta further explained that this is not a condition expected by the aircraft structural repair publication (ASRP) sections referenced for fastener installation. Delta said it contacted Airbus Canada for further information and was told there is no standard repair for that situation and it would need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concern and agrees that the commenter will have to contact the manufacturer to obtain instructions for their airplanes. However, the FAA does not consider it appropriate to include provisions in an AD applicable only to an individual airplane or configuration. Once this AD is published, any person may request approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 specifies procedures for a general visual inspection for positioning and sufficient clearance of Hi-Lite fasteners in certain fuselage and keel beam areas, an inspection for damage (includes rupturing, cracking, or denting) of the FIREX lines, and applicable corrective actions (including fastener replacement, changing the direction of the fastener, oversizing the fastener, and repair of the FIREX lines). 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 50 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 33 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,805 | $0 | Up to $2,805 | Up to $140,250. |
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 13 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,105 | $2,000 | Up to $3,105. |
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this 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
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:
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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.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-06-06 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22994; Docket No. FAA-2024-2019; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00909-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate previously held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58, dated July 25, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire Protection; 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a design review that found insufficient clearance between fire extinguishing system (FIREX) lines and certain fasteners in the center mid-fuselage area. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fouling between the FIREX lines and the fasteners, which could lead to a rupture of the line. This would result in a dormant failure of the cargo compartment fire extinguishing system. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of fire extinguishing capability during a cargo compartment fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58.
(h) Exception to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 refers to hours air time, this AD requires using flight hours.
(3) Where the "Compliance" paragraph of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 specifies the compliance time to accomplish the actions, for this AD, the compliance time is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii), whichever occurs later.
(i) Within the time specified in the "Compliance" paragraph of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58.
(ii) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The figures of the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58 include certain incorrect bolt numbers; paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (v) of this AD provide applicable corrections.
(i) "HST110AG6" should be "HST110AG6-5" instead.
(ii) "HST111AG6" should be "HST111AG6-5" instead.
(iii) "HST410AG6" should be "HST410AG6-5" instead.
(iv) "HST411AG6" should be "HST411AG6-5" instead.
(v) "0206003AG6-5" should be "B0206003AG6-5" instead.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov . 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, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Airbus Canada Limited Partnership'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 Yaser Osman, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7300; 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 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) Transport Canada AD CF-2023-58, dated July 25, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca . You may find this Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation .
(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 Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov .
Issued on March 13, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05294 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]
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