Proposed Rule2026-01198
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
January 22, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of tool damage to multiple locations on the interior fuselage skin fiber and the omission of certain service material from the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the maintenance manual. This proposed AD would require incorporating certain material into the ALS of the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2720-2722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01198]
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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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 14 / Thursday, January 22, 2026 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 2720]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0020; Project Identifier AD-2025-01374-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC 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 certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of tool damage to multiple
locations on the interior fuselage skin fiber and the omission of
certain service material from the Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) of the maintenance manual. This proposed AD would require
incorporating certain material into the ALS of the existing maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable. 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 March 9,
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-2026-0020; 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, 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, 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; phone:
(404) 474-5544; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91d4d2d3bcd2dec2d1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b4e4849264844584b6d6a6a256c647d">[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-2026-0020;
Project Identifier AD-2025-01374-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 revise 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 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 Kelly
Fichter, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 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 received a report indicating that a quality escape
condition (tool damage) was discovered at four locations on the
interior fuselage skin fiber at the forward pressure bulkhead ring
angle of a Honda Model HA-420 airplane. Additional analysis revealed
that the tool damage occurred at the fuselage build stage during the
process of removing joint adhesive bead just aft of the forward
pressure bulkhead ring angle to facilitate installation of the floor
support beams. The tool damage creates local notches in the fuselage
skin, which could lead to crack growth. Honda published Honda Aircraft
Company Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) SB-420-53-009, Original Issue,
dated April 26, 2023 (Honda Mandatory SB SB-420-53-009), which contains
instructions for corrective action to address this unsafe condition.
However, Honda Mandatory SB SB-420-53-009 was not included in the ALS
of Honda HA-420 Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Manual, HJ1-
29000-013-001, Revision J, dated June 30, 2024. This condition, if not
addressed, could cause crack propagation in the skin and result in a
pressurization leak and loss of pressurization.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or
[[Page 2721]]
develop on other products of the same type design.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Honda Mandatory SB SB-420-53-009, which specifies
serial numbers of affected airplanes, compliance times, and procedures
for a visual inspection for defect conditions such as impact damage,
burrs, gouges, disbonding, blistering, and discoloration due to heat
damage and other surface irregularities. This material also specifies
procedures for an ultrasonic inspection of the fuselage skin for damage
(local notches, cracks), and repair. 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 NPRM
This proposed AD would require incorporating Honda Mandatory SB SB-
420-53-009 into the ALS of the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 218 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $18,530
hour = $85.
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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
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:
Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Docket No. FAA-2026-0020; Project
Identifier AD-2025-01374-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 9, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model HA-
420 airplanes, serial numbers 42000012 through 42000230,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5330, Fuselage Main,
Plate/Skin.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of tool damage to multiple
locations on the interior fuselage skin fiber at the forward
pressure bulkhead ring angle and the omission of certain service
material from the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the
maintenance manual. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address
tool damage to the interior fuselage skin fiber at the forward
pressure bulkhead ring angle. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could cause crack propagation in the skin and result in a
pressurization leak and loss of pressurization.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for
continued airworthiness and your existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the information
specified in Honda Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-420-53-009,
Original Issue, dated April 26, 2023.
(2) The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions
specified in Honda Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-420-53-009,
Original Issue, dated April 26, 2023, is before accumulating 6,000
total flights or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been
done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and
intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless approved as an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(i) 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
[[Page 2722]]
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 (j) of this AD and
email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#01404c4e42416760602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="52131f1d11123433337c353d24">[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.
(j) 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#6c292f2e412f233f2c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81c4c2c3acc2ced2c1e7e0e0afe6eef7">[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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-420-53-
009, Original Issue, dated April 26, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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>.
(4) 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.
(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#2e485c0047405d5e4b4d5a4741406e404f5c4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa9c88d49394898a9f998e939594ba949b889bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 20, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01198 Filed 1-21-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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