Rule2022-05222
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC 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
March 14, 2022
Effective
April 18, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated from the windshield heat power wire braid. This AD requires incorporating temporary revisions into the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the quick reference handbook (QRH) that modify procedures for windshield heat operation until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14155-14158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05222]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; Project Identifier AD-2020-01590-A;
Amendment 39-21965; AD 2022-05-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes. This
AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated
from the windshield heat power wire braid. This AD requires
incorporating temporary revisions into the airplane flight manual (AFM)
and the quick reference handbook (QRH) that modify procedures for
windshield heat
[[Page 14156]]
operation until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 18, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 18,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Honda Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC
27410; phone: (336) 662-0246; website: <a href="http://www.hondajet.com">http://www.hondajet.com</a>. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0838.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; 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: Bryan Long, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
phone: (404) 474-5578; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83e1f1fae2edadefecede4c3e5e2e2ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4220303b232c6c2e2d2c25022423236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 serial-numbered
Honda Model HA-420 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 30, 2021 (86 FR 54126). The NPRM was prompted by
a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated from the windshield
heat power wire braid on a Honda Model HA-420 airplane. An
investigation identified that certain Honda Model HA-420 airplanes
could have a severed windshield heat power wire braid from installation
of the windshield heat wiring during manufacture. The severed
windshield heat power wire braid could cause arcing that ignites the
wire sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic. This condition,
if not addressed, could lead to cockpit smoke and fire. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require incorporating temporary revisions into the
AFM and the QRH that modify procedures for windshield heat operation
until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. The commenters
were an individual, an anonymous commenter, and Honda. The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Comment Regarding Whether Windshield Replacement Is Justified
An individual requested that the NPRM be re-evaluated. The
commenter stated that although fire is one of the greatest dangers in
the cockpit, there is insufficient data to justify requiring windshield
assembly replacement. The commenter noted that the proposed AD is based
on a single occurrence of cockpit smoke and fire.
The FAA considered not only the occurrence of cockpit smoke and
fire but also the possible results of a severed windshield heat power
wire braid. A severed windshield heat power wire braid could ignite the
wire sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic and lead to
cockpit smoke and fire. The FAA's analysis determined that an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop in airplanes of the
same type design. Accordingly, this condition warrants corrective
action through an AD. The FAA did not change this AD based on this
comment.
Request To Extend the Compliance Time for Replacing the Windshield
Assembly
Honda requested that the FAA extend the compliance time for
replacing the windshield assembly in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD
from within 24 months to within 36 months after the effective date of
the AD. In support, Honda stated that there is a shortage of parts due
to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Honda
explained that extending the compliance time would not increase risk to
affected airplanes because of other mitigating actions in place, such
as service information detailing the risk of windshield electrical
arcing and the revised flight manual procedures, which reduce the
exposure to an arcing event.
The FAA has determined that the 24-month compliance time for
windshield assembly replacement is the maximum time allowable for the
affected airplanes to continue to safely operate. While the FAA makes
every effort to avoid grounding aircraft, the FAA cannot base its AD
action on whether spare parts are available or can be produced.
However, operators may request approval to extend the compliance time
as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under paragraph (j)(1) of
this final rule, provided sufficient data are submitted. The FAA did
not change this AD based on this comment.
Request To Consider Honda's Recommendation
An anonymous commenter requested that the FAA consider Honda's
recommendation to replace the windshield assembly and incorporate it
into the mandatory maintenance of the airplane. The commenter stated
that although Honda issued a service bulletin, the FAA did not include
it in the NPRM.
The commenter's requested change is not necessary because paragraph
(h) of this AD already requires windshield assembly replacement in
accordance with the steps in the Honda service bulletin. In addition,
as 14 CFR part 39 requires that operators comply with ADs, replacement
of the windshield assembly is mandatory. The FAA did not change this AD
based on this comment.
Conclusion
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 these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following temporary revisions.
<bullet> Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJI-29001-003-001 Rev C.
<bullet> HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for
Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev C.
<bullet> Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev E.
<bullet> HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for
Quick Reference
[[Page 14157]]
Handbook Normal Procedures Rev E, HJ1-29001-007-001.
These temporary revisions provide modified procedures for
windshield heat operation to reduce exposure to potential windshield
heat for the applicable serial numbers specified on the documents.
The FAA also reviewed Honda Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002,
Revision B, dated April 19, 2021 (Honda SB-420-002B). The service
bulletin specifies identifying and replacing affected windshield
assemblies. The service bulletin also specifies removing the temporary
revisions to the AFM, QRH, and electronic checklist (ECL) after the
affected windshield assemblies have been replaced.
This service information 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 Service Information
Honda issued temporary revisions to the AFM, QRH, and ECL prior to
issuing Honda SB-420-002B, which specifies replacement of the
windshield assemblies. Honda SB-420-002B does not specify incorporating
the temporary revisions to the AFM, QRH, and ECL but addresses removal
if the temporary revisions were incorporated. This AD does not require
incorporating or removing the temporary revisions to the ECL because
the ECL is not part of the approved type design of the airplane. All
pertinent requirements would be addressed through the AFM.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 156 airplanes of U.S.
registry. There are 475 affected windshield assemblies worldwide, and
the FAA has no way of knowing the number of affected windshield
assemblies installed on U.S. airplanes. The estimated cost on U.S.
operators reflects the maximum possible cost based on the 156 airplanes
of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Insert revised procedures in the 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.......... $85 $13,260
AFM and QRH. per hour = $85.
* Windshield assembly replacement 154 work-hours x $153,286................ 166,376 25,954,656
(both left and right assemblies). $85 per hour =
$13,090.
Remove revised procedures from 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.......... 85 13,260
the AFM and QRH. per hour = $85.
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* On most airplanes, both the left and right windshield assemblies have a serial number affected by the unsafe
condition, and the above costs represents replacement of both the left and right windshield assemblies.
However, some airplanes may only have one affected windshield assembly and not require replacement of both.
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
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:
2022-05-13 Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Amendment 39-21965; Docket
No. FAA-2021-0838; Project Identifier AD-2020-01590-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Honda Aircraft Company LLC Model HA-420
airplanes, serial numbers 42000011 through 42000179, 42000182, and
42000187, certificated in any category, with a windshield assembly
installed that has a part number and serial number listed in table 5
of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company Alert
Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002, Revision B, dated April 19, 2021
(Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3040, Windshield/
Door Rain/Ice Removal.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire
that initiated from the
[[Page 14158]]
windshield heat power wire braid. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent arcing of the windshield heat power wire braid, which could
ignite the wire sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to cockpit smoke and
fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Temporary Revisions to the Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs) and Quick
Reference Handbooks (QRHs)
(1) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the existing AFM and QRH for your airplane by inserting the pages
identified in the applicable temporary revisions listed in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this AD.
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJI-29001-003-001 Rev C.
(ii) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick
Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev C.
(iii) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev E.
(iv) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick
Reference Handbook Normal Procedures Rev E, HJ1-29001-007-001.
(2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)
through (4), and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Windshield Assembly Replacement
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, for each
windshield assembly with a part number and serial number listed in
table 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda SB-420-56-002,
Revision B, replace the windshield assembly in accordance with step
(2) or (3) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda SB-420-56-
002, Revision B.
(i) Removal of Revisions to the AFMs and QRHs
Before further flight after replacing the windshield assemblies
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, remove the AFM and QRH pages
that were required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta 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 local Flight Standards District
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 (k) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as ``Required for Compliance'' (RC), the following provisions apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Bryan Long, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5578; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c587b7bca4abeb89aaaba285a3a4a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</a>.
(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJI-29001-003-001 Rev C.
(ii) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev E.
(iii) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for
Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev C.
(iv) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick
Reference Handbook Normal Procedures Rev E, HJ1-29001-007-001.
(v) Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002,
Revision B, dated April 19, 2021.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Honda
Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410;
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: <a href="https://www.hondajet.com">https://www.hondajet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information 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#4c2a3e6225223f3c292f382523220c222d3e2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066074286f6875766365726f6968466867746728616970">[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 February 25, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05222 Filed 3-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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