Rule2024-05493
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
March 18, 2024
Effective
April 22, 2024
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 mechanical wear damage on the motive flow fuel-feed tubes that were secured by bonding clamps and clamp blocks inside the collector tank. This AD requires repetitive operational checks of the gravity cross flow shut-off valve and, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection of the motive flow fuel-feed tubes at the clamp blocks location, and corrective action 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 89 Issue 53 (Monday, March 18, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 53 (Monday, March 18, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19228-19231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05493]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1709; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01642-T;
Amendment 39-22685; AD 2024-04-06]
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.
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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 mechanical wear
damage on the motive flow fuel-feed tubes that were secured by bonding
clamps and clamp blocks inside the collector tank. This AD requires
repetitive operational checks of the gravity cross flow shut-off valve
and, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection of the motive flow
fuel-feed tubes at the clamp blocks location, and corrective action 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 April 22, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 22,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1709; 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 identified in this final rule, 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#07534429466e75706875736f6e69627474436e756264736e7162742a446869746e6069627463626966716e6066656e6b6e7362295344477364296064296466"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="feaabdd0bf978c89918c8a9697909b8d8dba978c9b9d8a97889b8dd3bd91908d9799909b8d9a9b909f8897999f9c9792978a9bd0aabdbe8a9dd0999dd09d9f">[email protected]</span></a>; website tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> You may view this material that is incorporated by
reference 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-2023-1709.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Catanzaro, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7366; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#650f0a1600150d4b060411040b1f04170a250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5cfcad6c0d5cd8bc6c4d1c4cbdfc4d7cae5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[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 (Type Certificate previously held by C Series
Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Model BD-500-
1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on August 14, 2023 (88 FR 54949). The NPRM was prompted by AD
CF-2022-70, dated December 21, 2022, issued by Transport Canada, which
is the aviation authority for Canada (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states there have been several
findings of mechanical wear damage on the motive flow fuel-feed tubes
that were secured by bonding clamps and clamp blocks inside the
collector tank. In some instances, the wear damage led to a hole in a
motive flow fuel-feed tube resulting in a fuel imbalance during flight
that required the flightcrews to correct the imbalance using the
gravity
[[Page 19229]]
transfer system. Failure of the affected motive flow fuel-feed tubes
and a subsequent failure of the gravity transfer system could lead to a
fuel imbalance condition resulting in a reduction in airplane
functional capabilities and increased crew workload.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1709.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from one commenter, Delta Air
Lines (Delta). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Update the Service Information to the Latest Revision
Delta requested that an exception be added to paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to clarify the steps in vendor service bulletin referenced
in Airbus Service Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 003, dated November 10,
2022, until Issue 004 is published. Delta noted that when Airbus
Service Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 004 is published, operators can use
Issue 004 as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70, which
includes the text ``ACLP SB BD500-282015, Issue 003, dated 10 November
2022, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Continuing
Airworthiness, Transport Canada.''
The FAA agrees that operators can use Airbus Service Bulletin
BD500-282015 Issue 004 that was published on December 4, 2023, which
includes changes to the steps in the vender service bulletin referenced
in Airbus Service Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 003, dated November 10,
2022. However, the FAA has not added an exception to this AD because
the MCAI, which is incorporated by reference, already permits later
approved revisions of the service information. In any event, operators
can use Airbus Service Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 003, dated November
10, 2022, without exceptions, to address the unsafe condition.
Request for Allowance To Replace Instead of Repair the Fuel Tube
Delta requested another exception be added to paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to allow performing step 2.7 in lieu of step 2.6 of Airbus
Service Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 003, dated November 10, 2022. Step
2.6 states ``On the fuel tube (1), if there is damage to the paint only
(with no bare metal visible)'' and Step 2.7 states ``On the fuel tube
(1), if there is damage and bare metal is exposed.'' Determining paint
damage to a fuel tube is subjective and difficult to ensure just paint
was removed. Delta would like to replace the motive flow tubes instead
of repairing them as required in Step 2.6. Delta stated that during the
accomplishment of Step 2.5 that requires a visual inspection of the
fuel tube (1) for damage, the option to replace the fuel tube(s) should
be made available.
The FAA agrees with the request. Paint damage assessment is
subjective and replacing the fuel tube(s) is an acceptable method of
compliance instead of repairing the fuel tube(s). The FAA has changed
this AD to include an additional exception to paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request for Allowance for Alternative Access
Delta requested that the FAA identify required for compliance (RC)
steps in the vendor service information referenced in Airbus Service
Bulletin BD500-282015 Issue 003, dated November 10, 2022. Delta stated
there is no RC paragraph in the vendor service information and that
there are errors in the open-up steps. Delta stated that it is
important for the FAA to identify RC steps so that operators can
correctly gain access to the motive flow tubes in collector tanks
common to Ribs 5-6 of the left-hand and right-hand wing.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request; however, although the
vendor service information does not identify RC steps, it does allow
operators to use alternative access. In the job set-up section of the
vendor service information, it specifies that ``The steps in the Job
set-up section of this service bulletin are recommended steps. The
steps give a recommendation to get access to the work area. This
recommendation is to give a safe work area and to minimize possible
damage to surrounding aircraft parts. Alternative steps can be used at
the discretion of the operator.'' 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70 specifies procedures for performing
a repetitive operational check of the gravity cross flow shut-off valve
and, for certain airplanes, inspecting the motive flow fuel-feed tubes
for mechanical wear damage (damage includes cracks, scores, scratches,
nicks, and gouges) and pre-load condition, and, based on findings,
replacing the motive flow fuel-feed tube. 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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking
then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 84 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 16.5 work-hours x $85 per $0 Up to $1,403................. Up to $117,810.
hour = $1,403.
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[[Page 19230]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020. $5,256 $6,276
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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:
2024-04-06 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22685; Docket No. FAA-2023-1709;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01642-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 22, 2024.
(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-2022-70, dated December 21, 2022 (Transport Canada AD
CF-2022-70).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of mechanical wear damage on the
motive flow fuel-feed tubes that were secured by bonding clamps and
clamp blocks inside the collector tank. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address mechanical wear damage on the motive flow fuel-feed
tubes. Failure of the affected motive flow fuel-feed tubes and a
subsequent failure of the gravity transfer system could lead to a
fuel imbalance condition resulting in a reduction in airplane
functional capabilities and increased crew workload.
(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-2022-70.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70 specifies ``hours air
time'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``flight hours.''
(3) Where Part II of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70 specifies
``rectify as required,'' this AD requires replacing that text with
``accomplish all corrective actions before further flight.''
(4) Where the service information referenced in Part II of
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70 specifies to do rework if there is no
damage or paint damage only, operators may either do the rework or
replace the fuel tubes as specified in the service information
referenced in Part II of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2022-70 specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(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, mail it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, at the address identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD or email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fac3d7bbaca9d7bbb3a8d7cdc9cad7bbb7b5b9ba9c9b9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="695044283f3a4428203b445e5a59442824262a290f0808470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>. If
mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight
Standards Office.
[[Page 19231]]
(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 (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series
Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.)'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 Joseph Catanzaro,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7366; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aec4c1ddcbdec680cdcfdacfc0d4cfdcc1eec8cfcf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b1114081e0b1355181a0f1a15011a09143b1d1a1a551c140d">[email protected]</span></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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70, dated December 21, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2022-70, 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#95c1d6bbd4fce7e2fae7e1fdfcfbf0e6e6d1fce7f0f6e1fce3f0e6b8d6fafbe6fcf2fbf0e6f1f0fbf4e3fcf2f4f7fcf9fce1f0bbc1d6d5e1f6bbf2f6bbf6f4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="67332449260e15100815130f0e09021414230e150204130e1102144a240809140e0009021403020906110e0006050e0b0e1302493324271304490004490406">[email protected]</span></a>; website: tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
(4) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
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 at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86bae7a6eef4e3e0bb" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e78e8595ca8b888486938e8889948895828a868e8b8195c98e8994978284938e8889a789869586c9808891">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9b0bbabf4b5b6bab8adb0b6b7aab6abbcb4b8b0b5bfabf7b0b7aaa9bcbaadb0b6b799b7b8abb8f7beb6af">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on March 11, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-05493 Filed 3-15-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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