Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes, 21179-21181 [2024-06477]
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21179
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 89, No. 60
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1880; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00587–T; Amendment
39–22690; AD 2024–04–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Canada Limited Partnership (Type
Certificate Previously Held by C Series
Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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 damage found on two power-feeder
harnesses on three airplanes due to
chafing with wheel bins. An
investigation found that the powerfeeder harnesses were not adequately
supported to protect from chafing due to
vibration. This AD requires modifying
the variable frequency generator (VFG)
power-feeder harness routing, 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 1, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of May 1, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1880; 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
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Mar 26, 2024
Jkt 262001
(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:
• For Transport Canada 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 TC.AirworthinessDirectivesConsignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca;
website tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
• For service information
incorporated by reference in this AD,
contact Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership, 13100 Henri-Fabre
Boulevard, Mirabel, Que´bec, J7N 3C6,
Canada; telephone 450–476–7676; email
a220_crc@abc.airbus; website
a220world.airbus.com.
• 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–
2023–1880.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William Reisenauer, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone:
516–228–7300; email: 9-avs-nyaco-cos@
faa.gov.
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
September 14, 2023 (88 FR 63034). The
NPRM was prompted by AD CF–2023–
24, dated April 6, 2023, issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation
authority for Canada (Transport Canada
AD CF–2023–24) (also referred to as the
MCAI). The MCAI states that two VFG
power-feeder harnesses were found
damaged due to chafing with wheel bins
during maintenance in service on three
airplanes. An investigation found that
the power-feeder harnesses were not
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
adequately supported to protect from
chafing due to vibration.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require modifying the VFG power-feeder
harness routing, as specified in
Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
damage to VFG power-feeder harnesses
from chafing due to vibration. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could lead to a loss of generated power
from both VFGs, or to a fire in the case
of flammable fluid contact with arcing
wires.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–1880.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from
Delta Air Lines (DAL). The following
presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Request To Provide Grace Period
DAL requested the FAA to provide a
30- to 60-day grace period to allow
adequate planning for completion of the
modification at a maintenance station.
DAL stated that some of its fleet of
affected airplanes are already beyond
the time allotted by Transport Canada
AD CF–2023–24. After initiating the
incorporation of the service bulletin,
DAL discovered numerous issues and
worked with Airbus to resolve those
issues. (Some of those issues are
discussed below.) As a result, DAL
reports that it has been unable to
complete the modification on its fleet,
and, as those airplanes continue to
accumulate flight cycles, many DAL
airplanes would be grounded when the
AD becomes effective if no grace period
is allowed.
The FAR
A does not agree with the requested
change. The manufacturer has
established the compliance time
through risk assessment analysis.
Unilateral addition of compliance time
increases the risk. However, the FAA
will consider requests to approve an
extension of the compliance time as an
AMOC (alternative method of
compliance) to address airplanes that
have already reached the limit, if
sufficient data are submitted to
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21180
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
substantiate that the change would
provide an acceptable level of safety. No
change has been made to this AD in
response to this request.
The FAA acknowledges these errors
and has added paragraphs (h)(3) and (4)
of this AD to specify the correct
information.
Request To Correct Part Identifying
Information
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.
DAL discovered the following
discrepancies in the service information
referenced in Transport Canada AD CF–
2023–24 (Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership Service Bulletin BD500–
534101, Issue 007, dated October 2,
2020).
• Steps 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.2 specify
installing and torquing screws with the
incorrect item number (14). Figure 6
correctly shows this screw as item (18).
• Step 3.7.7 specifies installing
harnesses with the correct part numbers
CPYTG2039 and CPYTH2041. Step
3.7.7.1 incorrectly specifies installing
harnesses with part numbers
CPWTG2032 and CPWTH2034.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24
specifies procedures for modifying the
VFG power-feeder harness routing,
including a general visual inspection for
damage at the intersection of the VFG
power-feeder harnesses and the surface
of the wheel bins, and corrective actions
including obtaining and following
repair instructions. 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 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Up to 51 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $4,335 ...........
Up to $3,538 ........................................
Up to $7,873 .........
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.
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.
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.
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Mar 26, 2024
Jkt 262001
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:
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2024–04–11 Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership (Type Certificate Previously
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Up to $125,968.
Held by C Series Aircraft Limited
Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.):
Amendment 39–22690; Docket No.
FAA–2023–1880; Project Identifier
MCAI–2023–00587–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective May 1, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Canada Limited
Partnership Model BD–500–1A10 and BD–
500–1A11 airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Transport Canada
AD CF–2023–24, dated April 6, 2023
(Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 24, Electrical Power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
§ 39.13
Cost on U.S.
operators
This AD was prompted by damage found
on two variable frequency generator (VFG)
power-feeder harnesses on three airplanes
due to chafing with wheel bins. An
investigation found that the power-feeder
harnesses were not adequately supported to
protect from chafing due to vibration. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to
VFG power-feeder harnesses from chafing
due to vibration. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to a loss of generated
power from both VFGs, or to a fire in the case
of flammable fluid contact with arcing wires.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
(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–
2023–24.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF–
2023–24
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF–2023–
24 refers to its effective date, this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF–2023–
24 refers to ‘‘hours air time,’’ this AD requires
replacing those words with ‘‘flight hours.’’
(3) Where the service information specified
in Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24, in
steps 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.2, specifies using
‘‘screws (14),’’ this AD requires replacing
those words with ‘‘screws (18).’’
(4) Where the service information specified
in Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24, in step
3.7.7.1, specifies installing ‘‘harnesses
CPWTG2032 and CPWTH2034,’’ this AD
requires replacing those words with
‘‘harnesses CPYTG2039 and CPYTH2041.’’
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(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: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact William Reisenauer, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516–228–
7300; email: 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Mar 26, 2024
Jkt 262001
(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–2023–24,
dated April 6, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF–2023–24,
contact Transport Canada National Aircraft
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean,
Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888–
663–3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectivesConsignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca. 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-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on February 27, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–06477 Filed 3–26–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–2401; Project
Identifier AD–2023–01278–E; Amendment
39–22703; AD 2024–05–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International
Aero Engines, LLC Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–19–
15 for certain International Aero
Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model
PW1100G series engines; and AD 2023–
16–07 for certain IAE LLC Model
PW1100G series engines and PW1400G
series engines. AD 2022–19–15 required
an angled ultrasonic inspection (AUSI)
of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1ststage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk, and
replacement, if necessary. AD 2023–16–
07 required an AUSI of the HPT 1ststage hub (also known as the HPT 1ststage disk) and HPT 2nd-stage hub (also
known as the HPT 2nd-stage disk) for
cracks, and replacement, if necessary,
which is terminating action for AD
2022–19–15. This AD was prompted by
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
21181
an investigation that determined an
increased risk of powdered metal
anomalies for all powdered metal parts
in certain powdered metal production
campaigns, which are susceptible to
failure significantly earlier than
previously determined. This AD retains
the AUSI requirement for certain HPT
1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage hubs from
AD 2023–16–07. This AD requires
performing an AUSI of the HPT 1ststage hub, HPT 2nd-stage hub, highpressure compressor (HPC) 7th-stage
integrally bladed rotor (IBR–7), and HPC
8th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR–8)
for cracks, and replacing if necessary.
This AD also requires accelerated
replacement of the HPC IBR–7, HPC
IBR–8, HPC rear hub, HPT 1st-stage hub,
and HPT 2nd-stage hub. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 11,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 11, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of August 28, 2023 (88 FR
56999, August 22, 2023).
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of November 7, 2022 (87 FR
59660, October 3, 2022; corrected
October 24, 2022 (87 FR 64156)).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–2401; 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
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:
• For Pratt & Whitney (PW) service
information that is incorporated by
reference, contact International Aero
Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East
Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 565–
0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com;
website: connect.prattwhitney.com.
• You may view this service
information that is incorporated by
reference at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information
E:\FR\FM\27MRR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 27, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21179-21181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06477]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 27, 2024 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 21179]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1880; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00587-T;
Amendment 39-22690; AD 2024-04-11]
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 damage found on two power-
feeder harnesses on three airplanes due to chafing with wheel bins. An
investigation found that the power-feeder harnesses were not adequately
supported to protect from chafing due to vibration. This AD requires
modifying the variable frequency generator (VFG) power-feeder harness
routing, 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 1, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 1, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1880; 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:
For Transport Canada 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.
For service information incorporated by reference in this
AD, contact Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, 13100 Henri-Fabre
Boulevard, Mirabel, Qu[eacute]bec, J7N 3C6, Canada; telephone 450-476-
7676; email [email protected]; website a220world.airbus.com.
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-2023-1880.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Reisenauer, 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 September 14, 2023 (88 FR
63034). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2023-24, dated April 6, 2023,
issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that two VFG power-feeder harnesses were found damaged due
to chafing with wheel bins during maintenance in service on three
airplanes. An investigation found that the power-feeder harnesses were
not adequately supported to protect from chafing due to vibration.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the VFG power-
feeder harness routing, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to VFG power-feeder
harnesses from chafing due to vibration. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to a loss of generated power from both VFGs, or
to a fire in the case of flammable fluid contact with arcing wires.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1880.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Delta Air Lines (DAL). The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Request To Provide Grace Period
DAL requested the FAA to provide a 30- to 60-day grace period to
allow adequate planning for completion of the modification at a
maintenance station. DAL stated that some of its fleet of affected
airplanes are already beyond the time allotted by Transport Canada AD
CF-2023-24. After initiating the incorporation of the service bulletin,
DAL discovered numerous issues and worked with Airbus to resolve those
issues. (Some of those issues are discussed below.) As a result, DAL
reports that it has been unable to complete the modification on its
fleet, and, as those airplanes continue to accumulate flight cycles,
many DAL airplanes would be grounded when the AD becomes effective if
no grace period is allowed.
The FAR
A does not agree with the requested change. The manufacturer has
established the compliance time through risk assessment analysis.
Unilateral addition of compliance time increases the risk. However, the
FAA will consider requests to approve an extension of the compliance
time as an AMOC (alternative method of compliance) to address airplanes
that have already reached the limit, if sufficient data are submitted
to
[[Page 21180]]
substantiate that the change would provide an acceptable level of
safety. No change has been made to this AD in response to this request.
Request To Correct Part Identifying Information
DAL discovered the following discrepancies in the service
information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24 (Airbus Canada
Limited Partnership Service Bulletin BD500-534101, Issue 007, dated
October 2, 2020).
Steps 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.2 specify installing and torquing
screws with the incorrect item number (14). Figure 6 correctly shows
this screw as item (18).
Step 3.7.7 specifies installing harnesses with the correct
part numbers CPYTG2039 and CPYTH2041. Step 3.7.7.1 incorrectly
specifies installing harnesses with part numbers CPWTG2032 and
CPWTH2034.
The FAA acknowledges these errors and has added paragraphs (h)(3)
and (4) of this AD to specify the correct information.
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-2023-24 specifies procedures for modifying
the VFG power-feeder harness routing, including a general visual
inspection for damage at the intersection of the VFG power-feeder
harnesses and the surface of the wheel bins, and corrective actions
including obtaining and following repair instructions. 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 16 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 51 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $3,538......... Up to $7,873......... Up to $125,968.
= Up to $4,335.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2024-04-11 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22690; Docket No. FAA-2023-1880;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00587-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 1, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-
500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24, dated April 6, 2023
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical
Power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by damage found on two variable frequency
generator (VFG) power-feeder harnesses on three airplanes due to
chafing with wheel bins. An investigation found that the power-
feeder harnesses were not adequately supported to protect from
chafing due to vibration. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
damage to VFG power-feeder harnesses from chafing due to vibration.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to a loss of
generated power from both VFGs, or to a fire in the case of
flammable fluid contact with arcing wires.
[[Page 21181]]
(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-2023-24.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24 refers to ``hours air
time,'' this AD requires replacing those words with ``flight
hours.''
(3) Where the service information specified in Transport Canada
AD CF-2023-24, in steps 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.2, specifies using
``screws (14),'' this AD requires replacing those words with
``screws (18).''
(4) Where the service information specified in Transport Canada
AD CF-2023-24, in step 3.7.7.1, specifies installing ``harnesses
CPWTG2032 and CPWTH2034,'' this AD requires replacing those words
with ``harnesses CPYTG2039 and CPYTH2041.''
(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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact William Reisenauer,
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-2023-24, dated April 6, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24, contact 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/[email protected]">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected].
Issued on February 27, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-06477 Filed 3-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P