Rule2024-28785
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
December 9, 2024
Effective
January 13, 2025
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 multiple occurrences of pilot and co-pilot seats locking in a fore-aft position due to the seat fore- aft adjustment mechanism disconnecting, caused by a broken cotter pin in the seat base egress linkage. This AD requires modifying the pilot and co-pilot seats by replacing the hardware of the seat base egress linkage, 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 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 97497-97499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28785]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0468; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00762-T;
Amendment 39-22898; AD 2024-24-08]
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 multiple occurrences of pilot
and co-pilot seats locking in a fore-aft position due to the seat fore-
aft adjustment mechanism disconnecting, caused by a broken cotter pin
in the seat base egress linkage. This AD requires modifying the pilot
and co-pilot seats by replacing the hardware of the seat base egress
linkage, 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 January 13, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0468; 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 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e1b5a2cfa08893968e939589888f849292a5889384829588978492cca28e8f9288868f849285848f809788868083888d889584cfb5a2a19582cf8682cf8280"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d38790fd92baa1a4bca1a7bbbabdb6a0a097baa1b6b0a7baa5b6a0fe90bcbda0bab4bdb6a0b7b6bdb2a5bab4b2b1babfbaa7b6fd879093a7b0fdb4b0fdb0b2">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the
Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0468.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f29493869b9cdc80dc8193879f9b99b2949393dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51373025383f7f237f2230243c383a113730307f363e27">[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 Limited
Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2024 (89 FR 20144). The
NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-40, dated June 13, 2023, issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada (Transport
Canada AD CF-2023-40) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states
that there have been in-service occurrences of pilot and co-pilot seats
becoming locked in a fore-aft position due to disconnection of the seat
fore-aft adjustment mechanism caused by a broken cotter pin in the seat
base egress linkage.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the pilot and
co-pilot seats by replacing the hardware of the seat base egress, as
specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the disconnection of the seat fore-aft adjustment mechanism
caused by a broken cotter pin in the seat base egress linkage. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a significant
increase in crew workload for continued safe flight and landing.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0468.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, including Collins
Aerospace and Delta Airlines (Delta). The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Later-Approved Service Information
Collins Aerospace and Delta requested that the FAA edit paragraph
(h)(3) of the proposed AD so that it would allow the use of later
service information. Paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD would mandate
Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-25-003, Revision C, dated
November 22, 2022.
The FAA disagrees with the request. Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40,
dated June 13, 2023, refers to ``Airbus Canada Service Bulletin (SB)
BD500-251006, Issue 001, dated 05 April 2023, or later revisions
approved by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada,''
but does not specifically allow later-approved revisions of any service
information cited in that Airbus Canada service bulletin. The FAA has
not changed this AD as a result of this comment.
Request for Clarification of Paragraph (h)(3) of Proposed AD
Delta requested clarification of the wording in (h)(3) of the
proposed AD
[[Page 97498]]
where it is specified to ``Do Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-
25-003'' and to update paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD to include
either ``refer to'' or ``in accordance with.'' The commenter would like
clarification whether the verb ``do'' implies ``refer to'' or ``in
accordance with.'' Conditional on the FAA's concurrence with this
request, Delta also requested an additional similar exception be
included in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to allow accomplishment of
the operational test specified in Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin
1430-25-003 instructions for the Function Check under Section 3.F.
using the A220 AMP Task BD500-A-J25-11-00-01AAA-320A-A in lieu of CMM
25-11-20.
The FAA disagrees with changing paragraph (h)(3) of this AD to
include ``refer to'' or ``in accordance with.'' To clarify, this AD and
the service information use the word ``do'' to communicate what
operators need to accomplish, and therefore indicates a required
action.
Request for Additional Exception
Delta requested the addition of the following paragraph: ``(h)(4)
As the Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-25-003 have
instructions of removal and installation of the affected seats from the
seat tracks, this AD allows the seat removal and installation
procedures using the AMP procedures as listed in the procedure of
Service Bulletin BD500-251006 Issue No. 001, dated 05 April 2023, or
later revisions approved by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness,
Transport Canada.'' Airbus SB BD500-251006 Issue 001 Procedures section
and Goodrich Interiors SB 1430-25-003 Accomplishment Instructions
section both state that the pilot seats need to be removed, so the
commenter is concerned with confusion due to both service bulletins
giving instructions to perform the same tasks.
The FAA agrees that the repetition of steps in the Airbus and
Goodrich Interiors SB could lead to confusion if operators are trying
to follow SB steps. The AD should clarify what procedures the operators
should follow because operators may not know whether they are in
compliance with this AD if there are steps that cannot be accomplished.
The FAA has added paragraph (h)(4) to this AD to allow the use of only
Airbus SB BD500-251006, Issue 001, dated April 5, 2023, for seat
removal and installation procedures.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40 specifies procedures for modifying
the pilot and co-pilot seats by replacing the hardware of the seat base
egress linkage. 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 23 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 2 work-hours x $85 per Up to $200............... Up to $370............... Up to $8,510.
hour = $170.
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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:
[[Page 97499]]
2024-24-08 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22898; Docket No. FAA-2024-0468;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00762-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2025.
(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-2023-40, dated June 13, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-
2023-40).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple occurrences of pilot and co-
pilot seats locking in a fore-aft position due to the seat fore-aft
adjustment mechanism disconnecting. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the disconnection of the seat fore-aft adjustment mechanism
caused by a broken cotter pin in the seat base egress linkage. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a significant
increase in crew workload for 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-2023-40.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40 refers to ``hours air
time,'' this AD requires using flight hours.
(3) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2023-40 specifies to ``Do Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin
1430-25-003,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``Do
Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-25-003, Revision C, dated
November 22, 2022.''
(4) Where the service information specified in Transport Canada
AD CF-2023-40 specifies removal and installation steps in accordance
with both Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Service Bulletin BD500-
251006 and Goodrich Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-25-003, this AD
does not require the removal/installation steps in Goodrich
Interiors Service Bulletin 1430-25-003.
(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 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 the address identified
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1808c8e8281a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[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 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
For more information about this AD, contact Fatin Saumik,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone 516-228-7300; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ea8c8b9e8384c498c4998b9f878381aa8c8b8bc48d859c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ed8b8c998483c39fc39e8c98808486ad8b8c8cc38a829b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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-2023-40, dated June 13, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-40 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0450472a456d76736b76706c6d6a617777406d766167706d72617729476b6a776d636a617760616a65726d6365666d686d70612a50474470672a63672a6765"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d18592ff90b8a3a6bea3a5b9b8bfb4a2a295b8a3b4b2a5b8a7b4a2fc92bebfa2b8b6bfb4a2b5b4bfb0a7b8b6b0b3b8bdb8a5b4ff859291a5b2ffb6b2ffb2b0">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this Transport
Canada AD 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#605c0140081205065d" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="147d766639787b7775607d7b7a677b667179757d7872663a7d7a67647177607d7b7a547a7566753a737b62">[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="78111a0a5514171b190c1117160b170a1d151911141e0a5611160b081d1b0c1117163816190a19561f170e">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on November 22, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-28785 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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