Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 108 (Friday, June 6, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24060-24062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10318]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0915; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00255-T; 
Amendment 39-23050; AD 2025-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. Model 1124 and 1124A airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by the need to ensure proper thrust reverser system status 
and function and to minimize the possibility of thrust reverser 
operation in flight or before landing. This AD requires revising the 
limitations and normal procedures sections of the existing airplane 
flight manual (AFM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 23, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 23, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 21, 2025.

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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0915; 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 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Israel Aircraft Industries material identified in this 
AD, contact Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Ben Gurion International 
Airport 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9353090; email 
iai.co.il">Aviation_Group@iai.co.il; website iai.co.il.
    <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 regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0915.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (516) 228-7309; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0915; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00255-T'' 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 Alexis 
Whitaker, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: 
[email protected]. 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 Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
aviation authority for Israel, has issued CAAI AD ISR I-78-2025-03-01, 
dated March 4, 2025 (referred to as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition on all Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. Model 1124 and 1124A 
airplanes. The MCAI states that action is necessary to ensure proper 
thrust reverser system status and function while airborne and to 
prohibit deployment before landing. Accordingly, the MCAI requires 
revising the AFM to incorporate temporary thrust reverser limitations 
and procedures.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent deployment of a thrust 
reverser in flight or before landing. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2025-0915.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124-Westwind 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary Revision (TR) No. 8 and Israel 
Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124A-Westwind AFM TR No. 9, both dated March 
13, 2024.

[[Page 24061]]

This material provides revised thrust reverser operating limitations 
and revised normal procedures for the thrust reversers during taxi, 
take-off, and before landing. These documents are distinct since they 
apply to different airplane models. 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.

FAA's Determination

    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 and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing 
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires revising the limitations and normal procedures 
sections of the existing AFM.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(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.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the revised operating limitations and procedures will minimize 
the possibility of thrust reverser operation in flight or before 
landing, which if not addressed could result in loss of control of the 
airplane. Additionally, the actions required by this AD must be 
accomplished before further flight. Accordingly, notice and opportunity 
for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(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, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

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 76 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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AFM revision..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $6,460
                                         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

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-11-04 Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-23050; 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0915; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00255-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 23, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 24062]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. Model 
1124 and 1124A airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
Exhaust.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the need to ensure proper thrust 
reverser system status and function and to minimize the possibility 
of thrust reverser operation in flight or before landing. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent deployment of a thrust reverser in flight 
or before landing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the Limitations and Normal Procedures sections of the 
existing AFM to include the information specified in pages I-9, IV-
18, IV-21, and IV-25 in Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124-
Westwind AFM Temporary Revision (TR) No. 8, dated March 13, 2024, or 
Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124A-Westwind AFM TR No. 9, dated 
March 13, 2024, as applicable to your model airplane. Using a 
different document with information identical to the information in 
the TR pages is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
this paragraph.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are prohibited.

(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 manager of the 
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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 the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
(CAAI); or the CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the CAAI 
Designee, the approval must include the Designee's authorized 
signature.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alexis Whitaker, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7309; email: [email protected].

(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) Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124-Westwind Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary Revision (TR) No. 8, dated March 13, 
2024.
    (ii) Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. 1124A-Westwind AFM TR No. 
9, dated March 13, 2024.
    (3) For Israel Aircraft Industries material identified in this 
AD, contact Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Ben Gurion 
International Airport 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9353090; email 
iai.co.il">Aviation_Group@iai.co.il; website iai.co.il.
    (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 June 2, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10318 Filed 6-5-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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