Proposed Rule2025-05031
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
March 26, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model EMB-545 and EMB-550 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a jamming failure of the main door lock sensor. This proposed AD would require repetitive main door sensor operational tests, repetitive lubrication of the main door sensor mechanism, and on-condition actions, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 57 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13716-13718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05031]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0476; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00482-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Embraer S.A. Model EMB-545 and EMB-550 airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a jamming failure of the main door lock sensor. This
proposed AD would require repetitive main door sensor operational
tests, repetitive lubrication of the main door sensor mechanism, and
on-condition actions, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de
Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 12,
2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0476; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For material identified in this proposed AD, contact
National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), Aeronautical Products
Certification Branch (GGCP), Rua Dr. Orlando Feirabend Filho, 230--
Centro Empresarial Aquarius--Torre B--Andares 14 a 18, Parque
Residencial Aquarius, CEP 12.246-190--S[atilde]o Jos[eacute] dos
Campos--SP, Brazil; telephone 55 (12) 3203-6600; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6919080a29550849011b0c0f54" http: anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br">pac@<a href="http://anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br</a>;
website <a href="http://anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br/en/. You may find this material on the ANAC website
at <a href="http://sistemas.anac.gov">sistemas.anac.gov</a>.br/certificacao/DA/DAE.asp. It is also available
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0476.
<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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hassan Ibrahim, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3653; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cfa7aebcbcaea1e1a2e1a6adbdaea7a6a28fa9aeaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7810190b0b1916561556111a0a19101115381e1919561f170e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0476;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00482-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
[[Page 13717]]
from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the
submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed
in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be
sent to Hassan Ibrahim, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3653; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b333a28283a357536753239293a3332361b3d3a3a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422a233131232c6c2f6c2b2030232a2b2f022423236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
ANAC, which is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued ANAC
AD 2024-08-02, effective August 23, 2024 (ANAC AD 2024-08-02) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all
Embraer S.A. Model EMB-545 and EMB-550 airplanes. The MCAI states there
is a possibility of a jamming failure of the main door lock sensor.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address a false indication of a
locked door, even when it is only latched, resulting in a dormant
system failure and lack of cockpit indication of the door not locked
condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an
in-flight door opening due to an operational failure.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0476.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
ANAC AD 2024-08-02, effective August 23, 2024, specifies procedures
for conducting repetitive main door sensor operational tests,
repetitive lubrication of the main door sensor mechanism, and
applicable on-condition actions. (The effective date of ANAC AD 2024-
08-02 did not get translated to English. The effective date is August
23, 2024.) On-condition actions include adjusting or replacing the
sensor or main door locked sensor support, and contacting Embraer for
repair 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.
FAA's Determination
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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in ANAC AD 2024-08-02 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate ANAC AD 2024-08-02 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
ANAC AD 2024-08-02 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Material required by ANAC AD 2024-08-02 for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2025-0476 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 296 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Parts
Labor cost cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 Up to $340................... Up to $100,640.
hour = $340.
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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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per Up to $19,845.27.. Up to $20,440.27.
hour = $595.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed 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 proposed 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
[[Page 13718]]
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Embraer S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2025-0476; Project Identifier MCAI-
2024-00482-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 12, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Embraer S.A. Model EMB-545 and EMB-550
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a jamming failure of the main door lock
sensor. This jamming could result in a false indication of a locked
door, even when it is only latched, resulting in a dormant system
failure and lack of cockpit indication of the door not locked
condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a
door opening in flight due to an operational failure.
(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, Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o
Civil (ANAC) AD 2024-08-02, effective August 23, 2024 (ANAC AD 2024-
08-02).
(h) Exceptions to ANAC AD 2024-08-02
(1) Where ANAC AD 2024-08-02 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where ANAC AD 2024-08-02 specifies on-condition actions,
this AD requires performing the applicable on-condition actions
before further flight.
(3) Where ANAC AD 2024-08-02 specifies to discard parts, this AD
does not require that action.
(4) Where paragraph (c) of ANAC AD 2024-08-02 specifies to
repeat the operational test ``each 12 months,'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``at intervals not to exceed 12 months.''
(5) Where paragraph (e) of ANAC AD 2024-08-02 specifies to
repeat the lubrication ``each 24 months'' this AD requires replacing
that text with ``at intervals not to exceed 24 months.''
(6) This AD does not adopt paragraph (f) of ANAC AD 2024-08-02.
(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, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#77363a38343711161659101801"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="70313d3f33301611115e171f06">[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 ANAC; or ANAC's authorized Designee. If
approved by the ANAC Designee, the approval must include the
Designee's authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hassan Ibrahim,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3653; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f777e6c6c7e71317231767d6d7e7776725f797e7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b434a58584a450546054249594a4342466b4d4a4a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC)
AD 2024-08-02, effective August 23, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): The effective date of ANAC AD
2024-08-02 did not get translated to English. The effective date is
August 23, 2024.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For ANAC material identified in this AD, contact ANAC,
Aeronautical Products Certification Branch (GGCP), Rua Dr. Orlando
Feirabend Filho, 230--Centro Empresarial Aquarius--Torre B--Andares
14 a 18, Parque Residencial Aquarius, CEP 12.246-190--S[atilde]o
Jos[eacute] dos Campos--SP, Brazil; telephone 55 (12) 3203-6600;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9aeafbf9daa6fbbaf2e8fffca7" http: anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br">pac@<a href="http://anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br</a>; website <a href="http://anac.gov">anac.gov</a>.br/en/. You may find this
material on the ANAC website at <a href="http://sistemas.anac.gov">sistemas.anac.gov</a>.br/certificacao/
DA/DAE.asp.
(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#f09682de999e8380959384999f9eb09e918291de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c3a2e7235322f2c393f283533321c323d2e3d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 19, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05031 Filed 3-25-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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