Proposed Rule2025-23719
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC 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 23, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by updating the referenced service material to a new revision that includes redesigned replacement flap control pushrod assemblies that have been modified to prevent interference with adjacent parts. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 244 (Tuesday, December 23, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 23, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60029-60031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-23719]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 23, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 60029]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0485; Project Identifier AD-2024-00670-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that would have applied to certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda)
Model HA-420 airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by updating the
referenced service material to a new revision that includes redesigned
replacement flap control pushrod assemblies that have been modified to
prevent interference with adjacent parts. The FAA is proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over
those in the NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by February 6, 2026.
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-2025-0485; 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 SNPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Honda Aircraft Company material identified in this
proposed AD, contact Honda, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410;
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: <a href="http://hondajet.com">hondajet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Fichter, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337: (404) 474-
5544; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fa9f9998d7999589ba9c9b9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d1b4b2b3fcb2bea291b7b0b0ffb6bea7">[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 using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0485;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00670-A'' 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 again revise the 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 SNPRM.
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 from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM 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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should
be sent to Kelly Fichter, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86 FR 60753,
November 4, 2021) (AD 2021-22-12), for certain Honda Model HA-420
airplanes. AD 2021-22-12 requires removing and cleaning the inner
diameter of the flap control pushrod assembly and repetitively applying
corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC) to this area. The FAA issued AD
2021-22-12 to prevent failure of the flap control pushrod assembly,
which, if not addressed, could result in uncontrolled and un-
annunciated flap asymmetry with consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to
supersede AD 2021-22-12 that would have applied to certain serial-
numbered Honda Model HA-420 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on April 11, 2025 (90 FR 15426). The NPRM was prompted
by a report that the flap pushrod assemblies are susceptible to
corrosion, and the subsequent development of updated flap control
pushrod assemblies that are more corrosion resistant and do not require
repetitive CIC applications. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue
to require removing and cleaning the inner diameter of the flap control
pushrod assembly and repetitively applying CIC to this area.
[[Page 60030]]
The NPRM also proposed to expand the applicability to include
additional airplanes and require replacing the flap control pushrod
assemblies with new corrosion-resistant flap control pushrod
assemblies.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, it was discovered that the updated
outboard corrosion resistant pushrods could interfere with the mid flap
drive arms when fully deployed. As a result of this finding, the
manufacturer published updated service material that includes a
modified design of the flap control pushrod assembly to prevent
interference with adjacent parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Comments
The FAA received one comment on the NPRM from an individual. The
commenter supported the NPRM without change.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope
of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period
to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this
SNPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No.
SB-420-27-009, Revision B, dated August 5, 2025. This material
specifies procedures for replacing the flap control pushrod assemblies
with improved design flap control pushrod assemblies.
This proposed AD would also require Honda Aircraft Company Alert
Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008, dated August 31, 2021, which the
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of November 19, 2021 (86 FR 60753, November 4, 2021).
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2021-
22-12. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability to include
additional airplanes and require replacing the flap control pushrod
assemblies with new corrosion-resistant flap control pushrod assemblies
as terminating action for the repetitive CIC applications required by
AD 2021-22-12.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 107 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts Cost per
Action Labor cost cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove, clean, and apply CIC 22 work-hours x $70 $1,940 $85,360 (44 airplanes).
to the flap control pushrod $85 per hour =
assembly (retained from AD $1,870.
2021-22-12).
Reapply CIC every 90 days 1 work-hour x $85 70 155 $6,820 (44 airplanes).
(cost for each time) per hour = $85.
(retained from AD 2021-22-12).
Replace the left and right 22 work-hours x 5,168 7,038 $753,066 (107 airplanes).
inboard flap control pushrod $85 per hour =
assemblies. $1,870.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86
FR 60753, November 4, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Docket No. FAA-2025-0485; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00670-A.
[[Page 60031]]
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 6, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86 FR 60753,
November 4, 2021) (AD 2021-22-12).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Honda Aircraft Company LLC
Model HA-420 airplanes, certificated in any category:
(1) Group 1 airplanes: serial numbers 42000153 through 42000158
and 42000160 through 42000206; and
(2) Group 2 airplanes: serial numbers 42000211, 42000212, and
42000215 through 42000287.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2752, Trailing Edge
Flap Actuator.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the flap pushrod
assemblies are susceptible to corrosion. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the flap control pushrod assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontrolled and un-
annunciated flap asymmetry with consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Actions From AD 2021-22-12 for Group 1 Airplanes
(1) Within 90 days after November 19, 2021 (the effective date
of AD 2021-22-12), or 18 months after issuance of the first standard
certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs later: Remove, clean,
apply corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC) to, and reinstall the left
and right inboard and outboard flap control pushrod assemblies by
following steps (3) through (6) of the Accomplishment Instructions
in Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008,
dated August 31, 2021.
(2) Within 90 days or 300 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever
occurs first after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 90 days
or 300 hours TIS, whichever occurs first: Reapply CIC by following
step (5)(a) through (c) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda
Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008, dated
August 31, 2021.
(h) New Required Actions for Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes
(1) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, replace
the flap control pushrod assemblies with redesigned (zero hours TIS)
flap control pushrod assemblies in accordance with steps (3) through
(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company
Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-009 Revision B, dated August 5,
2025.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes, accomplishing the replacement
required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD terminates the requirements
of paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(i) Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any
airplane, an inboard or outboard flap control pushrod assembly part
number that is identified in the Effectivity section of Honda
Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-009 Revision
B, dated August 5, 2025.
(j) No Reporting Requirement
Although Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-
420-27-008, dated August 31, 2021, and Alert Service Bulletin No.
SB-420-27-009, Revision B, dated August 5, 2025, specify to submit
certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include
those requirements.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, East Certification 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the East Certification Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e3f33313d3e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4e5e9ebe7e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) For material that contains steps that are labeled as
Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(3)(i)
and (ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled 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 RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kelly Fichter,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5544; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f5a5c5d125c504c7f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee8b8d8cc38d819dae888f8fc0898198">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS
AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-
009, Revision B, dated August 5, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on November 19,
2021 (86 FR 60753, November 4, 2021).
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-
008, dated August 31, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For Honda Aircraft Company material identified in this AD,
contact Honda Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro,
NC 27410; phone: (336) 662-0246; website: <a href="http://hondajet.com">hondajet.com</a>.
(6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(7) 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#492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-23719 Filed 12-22-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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