Rule2025-02646
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
February 14, 2025
Effective
March 21, 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 reported events of annunciated horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) jams occurring at the end of the cruise phase of flight. This AD requires lubricating the HSTA using an improved method, at a reduced interval, 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 90 Issue 30 (Friday, February 14, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 30 (Friday, February 14, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9602-9604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02646]
[[Page 9602]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1893; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01050-T;
Amendment 39-22953; AD 2025-03-05]
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 reported events of annunciated
horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) jams occurring at the end of
the cruise phase of flight. This AD requires lubricating the HSTA using
an improved method, at a reduced interval, 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 March 21, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1893; 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#7c283f523d150e0b130e08141512190f0f38150e191f08150a190f513f13120f151b12190f1819121d0a151b1d1e151015081952283f3c081f521b1f521f1d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89ddcaa7c8e0fbfee6fbfde1e0e7ecfafacde0fbeceafde0ffecfaa4cae6e7fae0eee7ecfaedece7e8ffe0eee8ebe0e5e0fdeca7ddcac9fdeaa7eeeaa7eae8">[email protected]</span></a>; 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-2024-1893.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Taylor, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 781-238-
7229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3fed2c1d89de7d2cadfdcc1f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b361a0910552f1a021714093b1d1a1a551c140d">[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 July 24, 2024 (89 FR 59851).
The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-68R1, dated April 30, 2024, issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that there have been reported events of annunciated HSTA
jams occurring at the end of the cruise phase of flight. Investigation
revealed water intrusion in the primary ball nut and/or secondary nut
housing of the HSTA ballscrew assembly. Water intrusion and subsequent
freezing has caused jamming of the HSTA, resulting in the loss of pitch
trim capability. Loss of pitch trim capability could result in loss of
control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require lubricating the HSTA using
an improved method, at a reduced interval, as specified in Transport
Canada AD CF-2023-68R1. The FAA is issuing this AD to address water
intrusion and subsequent freezing, which causes jamming of the HSTA,
resulting in the loss of pitch trim capability.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1893.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), and an individual, who supported the NPRM without
change.
The FAA received additional comments from Delta Air Lines. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request for Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) Manual To Be Used as an
Alternative Method of Compliance
Delta requested that the FAA issue an AD to mandate an AWL in lieu
of mandating the actions specified in Airbus Canada Limited Partnership
Service Bulletin BD500-274006, Issue 001, dated June 29, 2023 (Airbus
Canada Limited Partnership Service Bulletin BD500-274006). As an
alternative, Delta requested that the FAA revise the proposed AD to
allow the AWL as another acceptable means of compliance. Delta stated
that Airbus Canada released A220 AWL Issue 018.00 on June 20, 2024,
which adds CMR task C27-41-00-02 to perform the lubrication of the HSTA
ballscrew assembly within intervals of 1,000 flight hours or 12 months.
Delta noted that Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Service Bulletin
BD500-274006 has a note that states it is not necessary to do the
service bulletin after the HSTA lubrication interval given in the AWL
manual is revised. Delta concluded that A220 AWL Issue 018.00 would be
an acceptable means of compliance and an equivalent level of safety to
Service Bulletin BD500-274006.
The FAA does not agree to include A220 AWL Issue 018.00 as an
optional method of compliance. The AWL will not be mandated at this
time. This AD corresponds to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1, which
mandates lubrication of the HSTA using Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership Service Bulletin BD500-274006. By mandating the Transport
Canada AD, the FAA minimizes differences between the FAA AD and the
MCAI and MCAI-referenced service information. This FAA AD is consistent
with FAA Order 8040.5, dated September 29, 2006, which covers the AD
process for MCAIs. Furthermore, the FAA has not been provided any
validation indicating equivalency of the requested change to the
current MCAI requirement. Therefore, the FAA concurs with Transport
Canada's requirement to mandate the service bulletin as specified in
the Transport Canada AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request for AD To Include AMP of Any Revision
Delta requested that the FAA add an exception to Airbus Canada
Limited Partnership Service Bulletin BD500-274006 paragraph 3.2 to
allow the use of Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) BD500-A-J12-20-27-
12AAA-240B-A without referencing a revision level. Delta stated that
per Airbus Canada Technical Request Case Number
[[Page 9603]]
00129773, the changes made to AMP issue 11 were minor and do not affect
the intent of the task. Delta added that performing the AMP at any
revision level would still accomplish the intended lubrication task.
The FAA disagrees with the request. In general, being in control of
all aspects of an AD to minimize variability is critically important
when addressing a safety issue. Limiting the allowable issues/revisions
of service information is an important element of this process as the
summation of numerous incremental changes over several issues/revisions
can be significant. Therefore, the FAA is in full agreement with the
Transport Canada AD and the reference to AMP BD500-A-J12-20-27-12AAA-
240B-A at Issue 012 or later. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request for Elimination of Grace Period for Compliance
Delta requested that the FAA remove the 5-day ``grace period'' from
the exceptions paragraphs (h)(3)(ii) and (h)(4)(ii) of the proposed AD.
Delta stated that the previous versions of the Airbus A220
Airworthiness Limitations Issue 017.00 CCMR Section and MRB already
included task 27-41-00-02 for the lubrication of the HSTA ballscrew
assembly. Delta noted that in A220 AWL Issue 018.00, the task was
transferred to the CMR section task C27-41-00-02; that task had a 12-
month and 3,000-flight-hour limit. By including these requirements in
the A220 AWL, MRBR, and MPD, the task already requires operators to
perform the lubrication task within 12 months. Therefore, Delta
concluded that no operator should be beyond the 12-month and 3,000-
flight-hour limit, and thus there is no need to allow up to 5 days
after the effective date requirement.
The FAA disagrees with the request. The allowance of a ``grace
period'' (in this case 5 days) in a non-emergency AD is provided in
order to avoid inadvertently and unnecessarily grounding any airplanes.
The FAA has determined that providing a 5-day ``grace period'' will not
adversely affect safety. The FAA notes that the commenter did not
contend that the 5-day ``grace period'' is a problem or risk. The
commenter is only contending that it ``should'' not be needed. If it is
not needed, then it simply will not be utilized. However, if the 5-day
``grace period'' is needed, then it prevents inadvertent and
unnecessary grounding of an airplane and provides operators with time
after the effective date of the AD to accomplish the new lubrication
task. The FAA has not revised this AD in this regard.
Additional Change in This AD
Paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD erroneously referred to the
effective date of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1, and should have
referred to the effective date of AD CF-2023-68 (October 18, 2023).
Paragraph (h)(1) of this AD has been revised accordingly.
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-2023-68R1 specifies improved procedures for
lubricating the HSTA and repeating the lubrication at a reduced
interval. 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 100 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 hour = $170 $0 Up to $170................ Up to $17,000.
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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:
[[Page 9604]]
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:
2025-03-05 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22953; Docket No. FAA-2024-1893;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01050-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 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-2023-68R1, dated April 30, 2024 (Transport Canada AD
CF-2023-68R1).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reported events of annunciated
horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) jams occurring at the end
of the cruise phase of flight. Investigation revealed water
intrusion in the primary ball nut and/or secondary nut housing of
the HSTA ballscrew assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
water intrusion and subsequent freezing, which causes jamming of the
HSTA, resulting in the loss of pitch trim capability. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
(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-2023-68R1.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1 refers to ``the
effective date of AD CF-2023-68 (18 October 2023),'' this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1 refers to hours air
time, this AD requires using flight hours.
(3) Where paragraph A of Part I of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-
68R1 specifies an initial compliance time for performing the
lubrication of the HSTA, for this AD, the initial compliance time is
at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and
(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within 1,100 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD.
(ii) Within 12 months after the date of the most recent HSTA
lubrication task, or within 5 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) Where paragraph B of Part I of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-
68R1 specifies an initial compliance time for performing the
lubrication of the HSTA, for this AD, the initial compliance time is
at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) and (ii)
of this AD.
(i) Within 1,100 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs
first, since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness
certificate or the original export certificate of airworthiness.
(ii) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety 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#43020e0c00032522226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2564686a66654344440b424a53">[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, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety 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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Mark Taylor,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 781-238-7229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#672a06150c4933061e0b08152701060649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aee3cfdcc580facfd7c2c1dceec8cfcf80c9c1d8">[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-2023-68R1, dated April 30, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-68R1, 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#0551462b446c77726a77716d6c6b607676416c776066716c73607628466a6b766c626b607661606b64736c6264676c696c71602b51464571662b62662b6664"><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="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a>, or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e584c1057504d4e5b5d4a5751507e505f4c5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f19783df989f8281949285989e9fb19f908390df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 29, 2025.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02646 Filed 2-13-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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