90 FR 110 pgs. 24315-24317 - Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 110Pages: 24315 - 24317
Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0336; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00194-T; Amendment 39-23057; AD 2025-11-11]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-10434 Filed 6-9-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version:  PDF Version
Pages: 24315, 24316, 24317

[top] page 24315

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0336; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00194-T; Amendment 39-23057; AD 2025-11-11]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, and 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive AMM tasks, as specified in a Transport Canada, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective July 15, 2025.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 15, 2025.

ADDRESSES:

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0336; 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 find 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-2025-0336.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christopher Spencer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 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 all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, and 702), CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 2025 (90 FR 11239). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019 (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states the manufacturer developed a new appendix for candidate certification maintenance requirement (CCMR) interval limitations that are airworthiness limitations. The FAA has determined failure to adhere to the interval limitations specified in the appendix can lead to reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive AMM tasks, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0336.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.

Additional Change Made to This AD

The FAA has revised paragraph (h)(4) of this AD to clarify that this AD does not adopt paragraphs 2. and 3. of Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44, which includes the subsequent non-indented paragraphs following paragraphs 2. and 3.

Conclusion

These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any 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 the change 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


[top] The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019, which specifies new AMM task intervals that are identified within the airworthiness limitations. page 24316

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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Referenced Material

Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019, introduces new CCMR intervals as specified in the MCAI. Instead of mandating the CCMRs as done in the Transport Canada AD, the FAA, after coordination with Transport Canada, determined the corresponding AMM task numbers will be incorporated. Therefore, the FAA mandates the incorporation into the maintenance or inspection program the AMM tasks as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019, refers to "Temporary Revision (TR) ALI-0716, dated September 13, 2019, or later revisions" for the airworthiness limitation tasks referenced in the AMM tasks. Since that TR was issued, TR ALI-0735, dated April 15, 2020, has been published. The FAA has referred to TR ALI-0735, dated April 15, 2020, in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 556 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

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.

§?39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-11-11 MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-23057; Docket No. FAA-2025-0336; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00194-T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 15, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD.

(1) Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, and 702) airplanes.

(2) Model CL-600-2C11 (Regional Jet Series 550) airplanes.

(3) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes.

(4) Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes.

(5) Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks are necessary because failure to adhere to the interval limitations can lead to reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

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-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019 (Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44).

(h) Exception to Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44

(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) Where paragraph 1. of Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44 specifies to "incorporate the revised Appendix, A2-00, into Part 2 ALI as introduced by Temporary Revision (TR) ALI-0716, dated 13 September 2019, or later revisions of these tasks approved by Transport Canada", this AD requires replacing that text with "revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the AMM tasks, including the interval limitation, specified in the revised Appendix, A2-00, as introduced by Temporary Revision (TR) ALI-0735, dated April 15, 2020, or later revisions of these tasks approved by Transport Canada. Only the AMM tasks and intervals must be incorporated".

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the AMM tasks specified in the TR identified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD is at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

(i) Before the applicable interval limitation specified in the TR identified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD since entry into service.


[top] (ii) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. page 24317

(4) This AD does not adopt paragraphs 2. and 3., which includes the subsequent non-indented paragraphs, of Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Additional AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email 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, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or MHI RJ Aviation ULC's Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(k) Additional Information

For more information about this AD, contact Christopher Spencer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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-2019-44, dated December 9, 2019.

(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 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 June 4, 2025.

Steven W. Thompson,

Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2025-10434 Filed 6-9-25; 8:45 am]

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