Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 170 (Friday, September 2, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54134-54137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19021]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1057; Project Identifier AD-2022-00526-A; 
Amendment 39-22154; AD 2022-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-05-
13, which applied to certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda) Model 
HA-420 airplanes. AD 2022-05-13 required incorporating temporary 
revisions into the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the quick reference 
handbook (QRH) that modify procedures for windshield heat operation 
until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. This AD was 
prompted by typographical errors found in certain document numbers 
specified in the preamble and in certain paragraphs of the regulatory 
information in AD 2022-05-13. This AD retains all actions required by 
AD 2022-05-13 and corrects the incorrect document numbers. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 22, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
18, 2022 (87 FR 14155, March 14, 2022).
    The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by October 24, 2022.

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 regulations.gov. 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.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Honda Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; 
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: hondajet.com. You may view this service 
information 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. It 
is also available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1057.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1057; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Long, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; 
phone: (404) 474-5578; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-05-13, Amendment 39-21965 (87 FR 14155, 
March 14, 2022) (AD 2022-05-13), for certain serial-numbered Honda 
Model HA-420 airplanes, with a certain windshield assembly installed. 
AD 2022-05-13 required incorporating temporary revisions into the AFM 
and the QRH that modify procedures for windshield heat operation until 
the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. AD 2022-05-13 resulted 
from

[[Page 54135]]

a report of in-flight smoke and fire that initiated from the windshield 
heat power wire braid. The FAA issued AD 2022-05-13 to prevent arcing 
of the windshield heat power wire braid, which could ignite the wire 
sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic, resulting in possible 
smoke and fire in the cockpit.

Actions Since AD 2022-05-13 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-05-13, typographical errors were found 
in the document numbers of the AFMs and QRHs in the ``Related Service 
Information under 1 CFR part 51'' section of the preamble and 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) and paragraphs (l)(2)(i) through (iv) 
of the regulatory information. Errors were also found in the document 
citation for Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin SB-420-56-
002, Revision B, dated April 19, 2021 (Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision 
B), in certain references in the preamble. This AD retains all actions 
required by AD 2022-05-13 and corrects the typographical errors in the 
identified document citations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following temporary revisions. These temporary 
revisions provide modified procedures for windshield heat operation to 
reduce exposure to potential windshield heat for the applicable serial 
numbers specified on the documents.
    <bullet> Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29000-003-001 Rev E.
    <bullet> Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev C.
    <bullet> HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for 
Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev E.
    <bullet> HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for 
Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29001-007-001 Rev C.
    This AD also requires the following service information, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of April 18, 2022 (87 FR 14155, March 14, 2022).
    <bullet> Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES section.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information already described, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the Service Information.''

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Honda issued temporary revisions to the AFM, QRH, and electronic 
checklist (ECL) prior to issuing Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B, which 
specifies replacement of the windshield assemblies. Honda SB-420-56-
002, Revision B, does not specify incorporating the temporary revisions 
to the AFM, QRH, and ECL but addresses removal if the temporary 
revisions were incorporated. This AD does not require incorporating or 
removing the temporary revisions to the ECL because the ECL is not part 
of the approved type design of the airplane. All pertinent requirements 
would be addressed through the AFM.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    Since this action retains all of the requirements of AD 2022-05-13 
and only corrects obvious errors in document citations, it is unlikely 
that the FAA will receive any adverse comments or useful information 
about this AD from U.S. operators. Accordingly, notice and opportunity 
for prior public comment are unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less 
than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1057 and Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00526-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Bryan 
Long, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 156 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. There are 475 affected windshield

[[Page 54136]]

assemblies worldwide, and the FAA has no way of knowing the number of 
affected windshield assemblies installed on U.S. airplanes. The 
estimated cost on U.S. operators reflects the maximum possible cost 
based on the 156 airplanes of U.S. registry. This new AD only retains 
the actions required by AD 2022-05-13 and, therefore, adds no new costs 
to affected operators.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insert revised procedures in the  1 work-hour x $85    Not applicable...........             $85         $13,260
 AFM and QRH.                      per hour = $85.
Windshield assembly replacement   154 work-hours x     $153,286.................         166,376      25,954,656
 (both left and right              $85 per hour =
 assemblies) *.                    $13,090.
Remove revised procedures from    1 work-hour x $85    Not applicable...........              85          13,260
 the AFM and QRH.                  per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* On most airplanes, both the left and right windshield assemblies have a serial number affected by the unsafe
  condition, and the above costs represent replacement of both the left and right windshield assemblies.
  However, some airplanes may only have one affected windshield assembly and not require replacement of both.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-05-13, Amendment 39-21965 (87 
FR 14155, March 14, 2022); and
    b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-18-03 Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Amendment 39-22154; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-1057; Project Identifier AD-2022-00526-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-05-13, Amendment 39-21965 (87 FR 14155, 
March 14, 2022) (AD 2022-05-13).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Honda Aircraft Company LLC Model HA-420 
airplanes, serial numbers 42000011 through 42000179, 42000182, and 
42000187, certificated in any category, with a windshield assembly 
installed that has a part number and serial number listed in table 5 
of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company Alert 
Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002, Revision B, dated April 19, 2021 
(Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3040, Windshield/
Door Rain/Ice Removal.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire 
that initiated from the windshield heat power wire braid. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent arcing of the windshield heat power wire 
braid, which could ignite the wire sheathing and sealant and the 
windshield acrylic. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to 
cockpit smoke and fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Temporary Revisions to the Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs) and Quick 
Reference Handbooks (QRHs)

    (1) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the existing AFM and QRH for your airplane by inserting the pages 
identified in the applicable temporary revisions listed in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this AD.
    (i) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev C.
    (ii) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick 
Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev C.
    (iii) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev E.
    (iv) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick 
Reference Handbook Normal Procedures, HJ1-29001-007-001 Rev E.
    (2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) 
through (4), and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Windshield Assembly Replacement

    Within 24 months after April 18, 2022 (the effective date of AD 
2022-05-13), for each windshield assembly with a part number and 
serial number listed in table 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B, replace the

[[Page 54137]]

windshield assembly in accordance with step (2) or (3) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B.

(i) Removal of Revisions to the AFMs and QRHs

    Before further flight after replacing the windshield assemblies 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, remove the AFM and QRH pages 
that were required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (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) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2022-05-13 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as ``Required for Compliance'' (RC), the following provisions 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Bryan Long, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5578; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 22, 2022.
    (i) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29000-003-001 Rev E.
    (ii) Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev C.
    (iii) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for 
Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev E.
    (iv) HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 2020, for Quick 
Reference Handbook HJ1-29001-007-001 Rev C.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 18, 2022 (87 FR 14155, March 14, 2022).
    (i) Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002, 
Revision B, dated April 19, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Honda 
Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; 
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: hondajet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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 service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 17, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19021 Filed 9-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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