Rule2021-16563
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 5, 2021
Effective
September 9, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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 reports of deficiencies in the primary flight control computer (PFCC) software and the remote electronics unit (REU) software. This AD requires installation of a software update to correct deficiencies in the PFCC and REU software, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42696-42698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16563]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0019; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01388-T;
Amendment 39-21649; AD 2021-15-02]
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), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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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 reports of deficiencies in the
primary flight control computer (PFCC) software and the remote
electronics unit (REU) software. This AD requires installation of a
software update to correct deficiencies in the PFCC and REU software,
as specified in a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) 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 September 9, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 9,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For TCCA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact TCCA, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-
3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88c9cca5cbc6c8fceba6efeba6ebe9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc9a0cec3cdf9eea3eaeea3eeec">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation">https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation</a>.
You may view this IBR 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 in the AD docket on the
internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0019.
For the Airbus Canada material identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-
855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#14607c703a77667e547571667b3a767b79767566707d71663a777b79"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ed998589c38e9f87ad8c889f82c38f82808f8c9f8984889fc38e8280">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
<a href="https://www.bombardier.com">https://www.bombardier.com</a>.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0019; 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, 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#033a2e6275702e6d7a62606c2e606c70436562622d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="487165293e3b652631292b27652b273b082e2929662f273e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA
AD CF-2020-36, dated October 8, 2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-36) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Canada
Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes.
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 February 24, 2021 (86 FR
11178). The NPRM was prompted by reports of deficiencies in the PFCC
and REU software. The NPRM proposed to require installation of a
software update to correct deficiencies in the PFCC and REU software,
as specified in TCCA AD CF-2020-36.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address software deficiencies that,
if not corrected, could impact flight control functions, which could
prevent continued safe flight and landing. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each
[[Page 42697]]
comment. Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) expressed
support for the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Software Installation Requirements
Delta Air Lines (Delta) requested that paragraphs (h)(3) and (4) be
added to the proposed AD to clarify that it is acceptable to use a
different method of upgrading the REU and PFCC with the specified
software, using Airbus Canada Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-270013, Issue
001, dated July 17, 2020, only as a reference. Delta explained that it
has a different policy for installing PFCC software that requires the
use of a Portable Maintenance Access Terminal (PMAT), model PMAT2000,
instead of a USB device.
The FAA partially agrees with the proposed changes. The FAA agrees
to clarify that the PMAT method is permitted, but the FAA will not
require the use of a specific model of PMAT. Also, using the service
information as a reference must be specified in a note rather than in
the paragraph itself. Therefore, a single paragraph (h)(3) has been
added to this AD to provide this clarification, and a note has been
added regarding the use of Airbus Canada Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-
270013, Issue 001, dated July 17, 2020, as a reference.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
TCCA AD CF-2020-36 describes procedures for installing updated PFCC
and REU software; this installation includes prerequisites (installing
certain database versions and software) that must be met prior to the
installation. 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 affects 38 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 18 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $21,100 *....... Up to $22,630........ Up to $859,940.
= Up to $1,530.
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* Cost if operators elect to have manufacturer load software in REUs.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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.
Adoption of 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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-15-02 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-21649; Docket No. FAA-2021-0019;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01388-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 9,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-
500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2020-36,
dated October 8, 2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-36).
[[Page 42698]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
control system.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of deficiencies in the primary
flight control computer (PFCC) software and remote electronics unit
(REU) software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address software
deficiencies that, if not corrected, could impact flight control
functions, which could prevent continued safe flight and landing.
(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, TCCA AD CF-2020-36. The prerequisites specified in
the service information referenced in TCCA AD CF-2020-36 must be met
prior to accomplishing the required actions.
(h) Exception and Clarification of TCCA AD CF-2020-36
(1) Where TCCA AD CF-2020-36 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The compliance time for the actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD is the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs
(h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(i) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total flight hours.
(ii) Within 56 months after the effective date of this AD.
(iii) Within 9,350 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where TCCA AD CF-2020-36 specifies installing software
updates on the PFCCs using a USB-type device, this AD also allows
the use of a portable maintenance access terminal (PMAT)-type
device.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(3): When using a PMAT-type device,
guidance for upgrading the software can be found in Airbus Canada
Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-270013, Issue 001, dated July 17, 2020.
(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 the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92abbfd3c4c1bfd3dbc0bfa5a1a2bfd3dfddd1d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5ecf8948386f8949c87f8e2e6e5f894989a9695b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 TCCA; or Airbus Canada's TCCA Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5ecf8b4a3a6f8bbacb4b6baf8b6baa695b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dae3f7bbaca9f7b4a3bbb9b5f7b9b5a99abcbbbbf4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For Airbus Canada service information identified in this AD,
which is not incorporated by reference, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81f5e9e5afe2f3ebc1e0e4f3eeafe3eeece3e0f3e5e8e4f3afe2eeec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="daaeb2bef4b9a8b09abbbfa8b5f4b8b5b7b8bba8beb3bfa8f4b9b5b7">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.bombardier.com">https://www.bombardier.com</a>.
This Airbus Canada service information is available also at the
address specified in paragraph (k)(4) of this AD.
(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) Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2020-36, dated
October 8, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For TCCA AD CF-2020-36, contact Transport Canada National
Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A
0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3071741d737e7044531e57531e5351"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0647422b4548467265286165286567">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
<a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation">https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation</a>.
(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. This material may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0019.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6503174b0c0b16150006110c0a0b250b0417044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="583e2a7631362b283d3b2c3137361836392a39763f372e">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16563 Filed 8-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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