Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27379-27383]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08102]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2135; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00509-T; 
Amendment 39-22701; AD 2024-05-10]
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.

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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 of multiple 
occurrences of low clearance or fouling between certain wiring 
harnesses and a hydraulic bracket and structure in the wing trailing 
edge area that were detected on the production line. This AD requires 
inspecting certain wiring harnesses for any damage and clearance to 
adjacent structure and corrective actions, as specified in a Transport 
Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 22, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 22, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2135; 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.

[[Page 27380]]

    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact 
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-
3639; email [email protected]; website 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 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2135.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-
228-7300; email: [email protected].

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 published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2023 (88 FR 
73772). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-20, dated March 22, 2023, 
issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20) (also referred to as the MCAI). The 
MCAI states that multiple occurrences of low clearance or fouling 
between certain wiring harnesses and a hydraulic bracket and structure 
in the wing trailing edge area were detected on the production line. 
These conditions were caused by an inappropriate distribution of slack 
in the wiring harnesses. Low clearance or fouling between the wiring 
harnesses and adjacent structure could result in wear of the harnesses 
leading to electrical arcing. Arcing in the presence of a leak from the 
hydraulic lines in the area could lead to a fire.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting certain wiring 
harnesses for any damage and clearance to adjacent structure and 
corrective actions, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20. The 
NPRM also proposed to require an inspection report. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2135.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Delta Air Lines (Delta). The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request to Correct Left- and Right-Side References in Figures

    Delta requested that an exception be added to paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD to correct mis-labeled figures and part numbers. Delta 
stated that figures have been labeled as being for the right-hand side 
when the figures actually shows the left-hand side. Delta also provided 
a table of the part numbers as identified in the service information 
and what the correct part number should be. Delta stated that it found 
these errors while accomplishing the proposed requirements, sent the 
information to Airbus Canada, and received confirmation from Airbus 
Canada of the errors and that the errors would be fixed in a later 
revision of service information. Delta proposed language to be inserted 
into the proposed AD and included the phrase ``or later revision'' to 
allow use of service information containing the correct location and 
part numbers.
    The FAA agrees to add paragraph (h)(4) and table 1 to this AD to 
specify the errors and provide the correct location and part number 
information. The FAA also agrees to allow use of later approved service 
information, as explained under ``Request to Allow Use of Later 
Revision of Service Information'' of this final rule.

Request to Allow Use of Later Revision of Service Information

    Delta requested that the proposed AD be revised to allow ``or later 
revisions of the service information required by the MCAI.'' Delta 
explained that it anticipates the release of a new revision that 
contains corrections discussed above.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA has coordinated with Transport Canada and 
added a new exception in paragraph (h)(5) of this AD.

Request To Add an Exception That Defines Inspection Area

    Delta requested adding an exception to paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD that would more narrowly define the inspection area 
described by paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20. Delta 
stated that paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 is vague and 
implies a wider inspection area than that defined by Airbus Canada 
Service Bulletin BD500-240012, Issue 003, dated March 17, 2023.
    The FAA disagrees. Paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 
refers to ``inspected harnesses,'' which narrows the affected area to 
the specified harnesses that were inspected using the specifications of 
Paragraph A of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20. Paragraph A of Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-20 specifies using the inspection procedures 
described in Airbus Canada Service Bulletin BD500-240012, Issue 003, 
dated March 17, 2023. The FAA has not revised this AD in this regard.

Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule

    References to an inspection report, which were inadvertently 
included in the preamble of the NPRM, have been removed from this final 
rule.

Conclusion

    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 reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
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 this product. Except for minor editorial 
changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted 
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 specifies procedures for inspecting 
certain wiring harnesses for damage and clearance to adjacent structure 
and corrective actions. Corrective actions include adjustment of wiring 
harnesses, replacing damaged braid sleeves, and contacting the 
manufacturer for repair instructions for worn or damaged harnesses. 
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 157 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 27381]]



                                      Estimated costs for required actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $595...............              $0       Up to $595    Up to $93,415
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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:

2024-05-10 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); 
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22701; Docket No. FAA-2023-2135; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00509-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 22, 2024.

(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-2023-20, dated March 22, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-
2023-20).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of multiple occurrences of low 
clearance or fouling between certain wiring harnesses and a 
hydraulic bracket and structure in the wing trailing edge area that 
were detected on the production line. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address inappropriate distribution of slack in the wiring harness. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in wear of the 
harnesses, leading to electrical arcing. Arcing in the presence of a 
leak from the hydraulic lines in the area could lead to a fire.

(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-2023-20.

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 refers to hours air 
time, this AD requires using flight hours.
    (3) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 states 
to ``adjust as required,'' this AD requires that all applicable 
adjustments must be done before further flight.
    (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 specifies actions using 
Airbus Canada Service Bulletin BD500-240012, Issue 003, dated March 
17, 2023, this AD requires adding the information in figure 1 to 
paragraph (h)(4) of this AD to paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD 
CF-2023-20.

[[Page 27382]]

Figure 1 to paragraph (h)(4)--Corrections To Service Information 
Figures
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AP24.024

    (5) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20 
specifies ``Airbus Canada Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-240012, Issue 
003, dated 17 March 2023,'' this AD requires replacing that text 
with ``Airbus Canada Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-240012, Issue 003, 
dated 17 March 2023, or later revision approved by Transport 
Canada.''

(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 International 
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified 
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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 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 service information contains 
procedures that are identified as RC, those procedures must be done 
to comply with this AD; any procedures that are not identified as RC 
are recommended. Those procedures 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 identified as RC can be 
done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to procedures identified as RC require 
approval of an AMOC.

[[Page 27383]]

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: [email protected].

(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20, dated March 22, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-20, contact Transport 
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-
3639; email [email protected]. You may find this Transport 
Canada AD 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 4, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08102 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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