Rule2023-14006
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
July 3, 2023
Effective
August 7, 2023
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 that, during instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, the flight control system reverted from primary flight control computer (PFCC) normal mode operating in autopilot to remote electronics unit (REU) direct mode, and then, after a period of time, to PFCC direct mode. This AD requires installation of a PFCC software update; and a records review or detailed inspection to identify pre-existing repairs or damage within certain limits to certain structures, and obtaining and following additional instructions, if necessary, 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 126 (Monday, July 3, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 126 (Monday, July 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42606-42609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14006]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0654; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01505-T;
Amendment 39-22467; AD 2023-12-09]
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.
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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
[[Page 42607]]
by reports that, during instrument landing system (ILS) approaches, the
flight control system reverted from primary flight control computer
(PFCC) normal mode operating in autopilot to remote electronics unit
(REU) direct mode, and then, after a period of time, to PFCC direct
mode. This AD requires installation of a PFCC software update; and a
records review or detailed inspection to identify pre-existing repairs
or damage within certain limits to certain structures, and obtaining
and following additional instructions, if necessary, 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 August 7, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 7,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0654; 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:
<bullet> For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact
Transport Canada, 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#580c1b7619312a2f372a2c3031363d2b2b1c312a3d3b2c312e3d2b751b37362b313f363d2b3c3d36392e313f393a3134312c3d760c1b182c3b763f3b763b39"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c283f523d150e0b130e08141512190f0f38150e191f08150a190f513f13120f151b12190f1819121d0a151b1d1e151015081952283f3c081f521b1f521f1d">[email protected]</span></a>; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street,
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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0654.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone (516) 228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b88195d9cecb95d6c1d9dbd795dbd7cbf8ded9d996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c65713d2a2f7132253d3f33713f332f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[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 Airbus Canada
Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2023 (88 FR 19019).
The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2022-65, dated November 23, 2022, issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that airplanes equipped with
the CAT IIIB Autoland option, have had numerous occurrences during ILS
approaches where the flight control system has reverted from PFCC
normal mode operating in autopilot to REU direct mode, and then, after
a period of time, to PFCC direct mode. During these occurrences, the
caution message FLT CTRL DIRECT is posted on the engine indication and
crew alerting system (EICAS). The MCAI states that it requires a PFCC
software update, which includes control law updates that require review
and disposition of previous repairs and damage assessments prior to
conducting the software update. These pre-existing repairs and damage
may exceed the Aircraft Structural Repair Publication (ASRP) permitted
damage limits for affected structures and would affect the control
laws.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing updated PFCC
software; this installation includes pre-requisites that must be met
prior to the installation (installing certain database versions and
software). In addition, the installation requires a records review or
detailed inspection to identify pre-existing repairs and damages (that
were within ASRP limits) to certain structures and obtaining and
following additional instructions, as specified in Transport Canada AD
CF-2022-65. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reversion to direct
mode during ILS approaches, which, if not corrected, could impact
flight control functions, which could prevent continued safe flight and
landing. See the MCAI for additional background information.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0654.
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 an additional comment from one commenter, Delta Air Lines
(Delta). The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Clarification if Repair Review Is a Required for Compliance
(RC) Action
Delta requested to include an exception in paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to clarify that step 3.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions
in Airbus Canada Limited Partnership A220 Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-
270020, Issue No. 001, dated September 28, 2022, is not required for
compliance (RC).
The FAA disagrees with adding an exception for Procedure section
3.2 of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership A220 SB BD500-270020, Issue
No. 001, dated September 28, 2022. The note of step 1 of the Procedure
section states ``The Procedure section of the Accomplishment
Instructions is Required for Compliance (RC) and must be done to comply
with the AD.'' The software of the PFCC is updated so that the new
Control Laws (CLAWS) obey the compliance requirements for the Maximum
Landing Weight (MLW) increase and to resolve inadvertent Direct Mode
reversions in approach on CAT IIIB capable configuration. The unsafe
condition is addressed by the software update which also includes the
control laws updates. There is a statement in the Background section of
the proposed AD that references the Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65
note, which mentions the PFCC software update also includes control
laws updates. No changes have been made to this AD regarding this
issue.
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, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
[[Page 42608]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65 specifies procedures for installing
updated PFCC software; this installation includes pre-requisites that
must be met prior to the installation (installing certain database
versions and software). In addition, the installation requires a
records review or detailed inspection to identify pre-existing repairs
and damages (that were within ASRP limits) to certain structures and
obtaining and following additional instructions. 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 72 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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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $14 $354 $25,488
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
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:
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:
2023-12-09 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22467; Docket No. FAA-2023-0654;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01505-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 7, 2023.
(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-2022-65, dated November 23, 2022 (Transport Canada AD
CF-2022-65).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 27, Flight
control system.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that, during instrument landing
system (ILS) approaches, the flight control system reverted from
primary flight control computer (PFCC) normal mode operating in
autopilot to remote electronics unit (REU) direct mode, and then,
after a period of time, to PFCC direct mode. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address reversion to direct mode during ILS approaches, which,
if not corrected, could impact flight control functions and 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, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2022-65 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)(2): When using a PMAT-type device,
guidance for updating the software can be found in Airbus Canada
Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-270020, Issue 001, dated September 28,
2022.
(i) 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
[[Page 42609]]
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 International
Validation Branch, 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#645d4925323749252d36495357544925292b27240205054a030b12"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1889cf0e7e29cf0f8e39c8682819cf0fcfef2f1d7d0d09fd6dec7">[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, International
Validation 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified 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 procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Steven
Dzierzynski, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone (516) 228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#724b5f1304015f1c0b13111d5f111d01321413135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51687c3027227c3f2830323e7c323e22113730307f363e27">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For Airbus Canada service information identified in this AD
that is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership, 13100 Henri-Fabre Boulevard, Mirabel, Qu[eacute]bec J7N
3C6, Canada; telephone 450-476-7676; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88e9babab8d7ebfaebc8e9eaeba6e9e1faeafdfb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f3e6d6d6f003c2d3c1f3e3d3c713e362d3d2a2c">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: <a href="http://a220world.airbus.com">a220world.airbus.com</a>. You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 AD CF-2022-65, dated November 23, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2022-65, contact Transport
Canada, 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#d58196fb94bca7a2baa7a1bdbcbbb0a6a691bca7b0b6a1bca3b0a6f896babba6bcb2bbb0a6b1b0bbb4a3bcb2b4b7bcb9bca1b0fb819695a1b6fbb2b6fbb6b4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="095d4a2748607b7e667b7d6160676c7a7a4d607b6c6a7d607f6c7a244a66677a606e676c7a6d6c67687f606e686b6065607d6c275d4a497d6a276e6a276a68">[email protected]</span></a>; website: tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(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#96f0e4b8fff8e5e6f3f5e2fff9f8d6f8f7e4f7b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="462034682f2835362325322f2928062827342768212930">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on June 13, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14006 Filed 6-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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