Rule2026-06628
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
April 6, 2026
Effective
May 11, 2026
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 a report that, during a quality check in production, it was found that some of the tie rods supporting the overhead stowage compartments in the passenger cabin did not have enough thread engagement of the turnbuckle into the tie rod. This AD requires an inspection for proper thread engagement of the tie rods and, if necessary, adjustment of the tie rod engagement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17129-17132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06628]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 65 / Monday, April 6, 2026 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 17129]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-2547; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00242-T;
Amendment 39-23299; AD 2026-07-04]
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 a report that, during a quality
check in production, it was found that some of the tie rods supporting
the overhead stowage compartments in the passenger cabin did not have
enough thread engagement of the turnbuckle into the tie rod. This AD
requires an inspection for proper thread engagement of the tie rods
and, if necessary, adjustment of the tie rod engagement. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 11, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 11,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2547; 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#194d5a3758706b6e766b6d7170777c6a6a5d706b7c7a6d706f7c6a345a76776a707e777c6a7d7c77786f707e787b7075706d7c374d5a596d7a377e7a377a78"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9dc9deb3dcf4efeaf2efe9f5f4f3f8eeeed9f4eff8fee9f4ebf8eeb0def2f3eef4faf3f8eef9f8f3fcebf4fafcfff4f1f4e9f8b3c9dedde9feb3fafeb3fefc">[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-2025-2547.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Seay, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817-
222-5149; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cfffdf1f5f0f0f9b2f0b2eff9fde5dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adceccc0c4c1c1c883c183dec8ccd4edcbcccc83cac2db">[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 was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025 (90 FR
44587). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2025-11, dated March 3, 2025
(Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The
MCAI states that during a quality check in production, it was found
that some of the tie rods supporting the overhead stowage compartments
in the passenger cabin did not have enough thread engagement of the
turnbuckle into the tie rod. Further investigation of this deficiency
determined that all overhead stowage compartments in the passenger
cabin have the potential to be affected by this deficiency. The
affected tie rods support the overhead stowage compartments during an
emergency landing and if the tie rods become disengaged, the overhead
stowage compartments have the potential of impacting occupants of the
passenger cabin, resulting in serious injuries and possibly impeding
passenger and crew egress during emergency evacuation.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for proper
thread engagement of the tie rods and, if necessary, adjustment of the
tie rod engagement, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2547.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three individuals who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from the Citizens Rulemaking
Alliance and Delta Air Lines (Delta). The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify the Requirements for Tie Rod Engagement Adjustments
Delta requested that the FAA revise paragraph (h)(2) of the
proposed AD to clarify that tie rod engagement adjustments must be done
before further flight after the inspection, if the inspection reveals
improper tie rod engagement. Delta stated the exception in the proposed
AD can be misinterpreted to mean all tie rod engagement adjustments
must be done on every airplane, regardless of whether the tie rods are
found to be properly engaged during the inspection. Delta noted
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11 specifies to adjust the tie rod
engagement if the tie rod is found to have inadequate thread
engagement. Delta presumed that if the tie rods pass the inspection, no
further action is required.
The FAA agrees that tie rod engagement adjustments must be done
before further flight after the inspection, only if thread engagement
is found to be inadequate during the inspection. The FAA has revised
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD accordingly.
[[Page 17130]]
Request To Justify Forgoing Notice and Comment or Issue an NPRM
The commenter requested that the FAA either provide its
justification for finding good cause to bypass notice and comment
procedures, convert this action to an NPRM, or extend the comment
period and defer the compliance dates and enforcement until after
comments are analyzed. The commenter asserted the FAA has not
adequately justified use of the good cause exemption.
The FAA notes the comment was submitted in response to an NPRM for
which the FAA provided a 45-day comment period. This final rule is
effective 35 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Therefore, no change to this AD is necessary.
Request To Comply With the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The commenter requested that the FAA revise the AD to comply with
the PRA if reporting is required or remove any reporting provisions
until PRA requirements are satisfied. If reporting is not required, the
commenter requested the FAA clarify that in the AD.
The FAA notes this AD does not require reporting. If an AD were to
require reporting, the preamble of the AD would include a paragraph
titled ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' that would provide the applicable
OMB control number, required PRA statements, and the estimated time to
collect the required information (burden). Any costs associated with
the reporting requirement would be included in the Costs of Compliance
section in the preamble of the AD. Therefore, the FAA did not change
this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Consider Impact on Small Entities
The commenter requested that the FAA add to the AD docket the
number of small entities operating affected airplanes and the factual
basis for the FAA's Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) certification that
the AD will not impact a substantial number of small entities.
The FAA provides the following clarification. The RFA of 1980 (5
U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121) and the Small
Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-240), requires Federal agencies
to consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and
other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact.
The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses and not-for-
profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are
not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with
populations of less than 50,000.
The FAA identified two air carriers and two corporate trustees that
will be affected by this AD. Based on the Small Business Administration
size standard for air carriers and corporate trustees, all four
entities are large businesses:
Small Business Size Standards
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAICS \2\ code Description Size standard
------------------------------------------------------------------------
481111.................. Scheduled Passenger 1,500 employees.
Air Transportation.
523991.................. Trust, Fiduciary, $47.0 million.
and Custody
Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Table of Small Business
Size Standards, <a href="https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Table%20of%20Size%20Standards_Effective%20March%2017%2C%202023%20%282%29.pdf">https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Table%20of%20Size%20Standards_Effective%20March%2017%2C%202023%20%282%29.pdf</a>.
\2\ North American Industrial Classification System.
If an agency determines that a rulemaking will not result in a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,
the head of the agency may so certify under section 605(b) of the RFA.
Therefore, as provided in section 605(b) and based on the foregoing,
the head of FAA certifies that this AD will not result in a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA did
not change this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Provide Additional Cost Information
The commenter requested that the FAA add to the AD docket the cost
methodology that supports its conclusion that the AD is not significant
under Executive Order 12866 and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA). The commenter stated that the FAA should also provide the fleet
size, per airplane labor and parts cost, and any assumed downtime or
out-of-service impacts.
The FAA recognizes that, in doing the actions required by an AD,
operators might incur indirect costs in addition to the direct costs.
The cost analysis in an AD typically describes only the direct costs of
the specific actions required by an AD, which does not include indirect
costs since the FAA lacks data on those costs and they vary
significantly among operators. The number of work hours necessary to do
the required actions of an AD is provided by the manufacturer. This
number represents the time necessary to perform only the actions
actually required by an AD. The cost of parts or special tools, if
necessary, to complete the actions required by an AD is also provided
by the manufacturer. Further, when the FAA is informed that the
manufacturer may cover some or all of the estimated costs of an AD
under warranty, the FAA indicates that in the AD.
In the Cost of Compliance section of the proposed AD, the FAA
disclosed the number of affected airplanes on the U.S. registry and
number of estimated work hours. The FAA did not disclose an estimated
parts cost since this AD does not require any parts. Additionally, the
FAA considered the impact that this AD will have on affected operators
and determined this AD will not trigger any downtime costs because the
requirements of this AD can be performed during regularly scheduled
maintenance. Since the FAA has assessed and disclosed the total known
costs of the AD requirements in the Costs of Compliance section of the
proposed AD, and the commenter did not provide additional cost data for
the FAA to consider in its cost analysis, it is not necessary to
provide additional information in the AD docket. The FAA did not change
this AD as a result of this comment.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any 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 these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, and any other
[[Page 17131]]
changes described previously, 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
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11, which specifies
procedures for inspecting for proper thread engagement of the affected
tie rods, and if the thread engagement is inadequate, adjustment of the
tie rod engagement.
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 80 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020............... None $1,020 $81,600
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...... None $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2026-07-04 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-23299; Docket No. FAA-2025-2547;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00242-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 2026.
(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-2025-11, dated March 3, 2025 (Transport Canada AD CF-
2025-11).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that, during a quality check in
production, it was found that some of the tie rods supporting the
overhead stowage compartments in the passenger cabin did not have
enough thread engagement of the turnbuckle into the tie rod. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address affected tie rods that could disengage
during an emergency landing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in the overhead stowage compartments impacting
occupants of the passenger cabin, resulting in serious injuries and
possibly impeding passenger and crew egress during emergency
evacuation.
(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-2025-11.
[[Page 17132]]
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11 specifies ``if the tie
rod is found to have inadequate thread engagement, adjust the tie
rod engagement'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``if the
tie rod is found to have inadequate thread engagement, adjust the
tie rod engagement before further flight after the inspection''.
(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 Operational Safety 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#4c0d01030f0c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e3f33313d3e181f1f50191108">[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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material 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 Camille Seay,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 817-222-5149; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aecdcfc3c7c2c2cb80c280ddcbcfd7eec8cfcf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d6d4d8dcd9d9d09bd99bc6d0d4ccf5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[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) Transport Canada AD CF-2025-11, dated March 3, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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#85d1c6abc4ecf7f2eaf7f1edecebe0f6f6c1ecf7e0e6f1ecf3e0f6a8c6eaebf6ece2ebe0f6e1e0ebe4f3ece2e4e7ece9ecf1e0abd1c6c5f1e6abe2e6abe6e4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95c1d6bbd4fce7e2fae7e1fdfcfbf0e6e6d1fce7f0f6e1fce3f0e6b8d6fafbe6fcf2fbf0e6f1f0fbf4e3fcf2f4f7fcf9fce1f0bbc1d6d5e1f6bbf2f6bbf6f4">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material 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#dbbda9f5b2b5a8abbeb8afb2b4b59bb5baa9baf5bcb4ad"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6204104c0b0c11120701160b0d0c220c0310034c050d14">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 25, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06628 Filed 4-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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