[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 30, 2024)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 86231-86236] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-25247] ======================================================================== 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. 210 / Wednesday, October 30, 2024 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 86231]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2024-2415; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00545-T; Amendment 39-22874; AD 2024-22-03] 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; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-04- 11, which applied to certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. AD 2024-04-11 required modifying the variable frequency generator (VFG) power-feeder harness routing. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-04-11, the FAA received a report of damage to a VFG power-feeder harness, resulting in the loss of the associated VFG and the posting of the L GEN FAIL (Caution) message. This AD continues to require modifying the VFG power-feeder harness routing, and also requires inspecting the VFG power-feeder harnesses for damage and clearance, repairing or replacing the VFG power-feeder harnesses if necessary, modifying and adjusting the VFG power-feeder harnesses if necessary, and prohibiting dispatch of certain airplanes under certain master minimum equipment list (MMEL) items; as specified in a Transport Canada emergency 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 November 14, 2024. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 14, 2024. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493-2251. 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. 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-2024-2415; 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: For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]; website at tc.canada.ca/en/ aviation. 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-2024-2415. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Reisenauer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2415; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00545-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 William Reisenauer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; 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 FAA issued AD 2024-04-11, Amendment 39-22690 (89 FR 21179, March 27, 2024) (AD 2024-04-11), for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. AD 2024-04-11 was prompted by an MCAI originated [[Page 86232]] by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. Transport Canada issued AD CF-2023-24, dated April 6, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24), to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2024-04-11 required modifying the VFG power-feeder harness routing. The FAA issued AD 2024-04-11 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. Actions Since AD 2024-04-11 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2024-04-11, Transport Canada superseded Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24 and issued Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34, dated September 19, 2024 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF- 2024-34) to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (ACLP) Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states damage to a VFG harness has been reported, which resulted in the loss of the associated VFG and the posting of the L GEN FAIL (Caution) message. An investigation determined that the in-service event occurred after the incorporation of Part C of ACLP Service Bulletin BD500-534101, Issue 007, dated October 2, 2020, which introduced a new bracket on both sides of the airplane to move the VFG power-feeder harness away from the wheel bins to prevent chafing. Transport Canada required the actions in that service bulletin in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-24 (which corresponds with FAA AD 2024-04- 11) to mitigate the risks associated with VFG power-feeder harness/ wheel bin chafing. It has been discovered that implementation of Part C of ACLP SB BD500-534101 (Issues 005 through 008) could potentially cause an unsupported VFG power-feeder harness length in a different location on both sides of the airplane. In addition, dispatching the airplane with certain items inoperative under the MMEL might exacerbate this risk. Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 prohibits dispatch of airplanes under certain MMEL items to mitigate the exacerbated risk due to dispatching airplanes with certain items inoperative. Transport Canada subsequently superseded Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2023-34 and issued Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1, dated October 15, 2024 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1) to clarify the requirements of Part II of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34. Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1 does not change the requirements or applicability of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024- 34. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage to VFG power-feeder harnesses caused by unsupported VFG power-feeder harness length. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to a loss of generated power from both VFGs and loss of critical aircraft systems if alternate generators are also lost. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2415. Explanation of Retained Requirements Although this AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 2024-04-11, this AD retains all of the requirements of AD 2024-04-11. Those requirements are referenced in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF- 2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1, which, in turn, are referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 specify procedures for modifying the VFG power-feeder harness routing, including a general visual inspection (GVI) 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; performing a GVI of the VFG power-feeder harnesses for damage (including chafing and kinks) and clearance between the VFG power-feeder harnesses and main landing gear in the retracted position; repairing or replacing the VFG power-feeder harnesses (includes repairing wiring or the sleeve); modifying and adjusting the VFG power- feeder harnesses; and prohibiting dispatch of certain airplanes under certain MMEL items. These documents are distinct because Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1 clarifies the requirements of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34. 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 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 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. Requirements of This AD This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Clarification of Airplane Group Definition Transport Canada defines Group B airplanes as Model BD-500-1A10 airplanes, having serial numbers 50001 through 50047, and Model BD-500- 1A11 airplanes, having serial numbers 55001 through 55070. This AD clarifies Group B airplanes as only those airplanes on which Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of ACLP SB BD500-534101, Issue 005, dated June 12, 2020, Issue 006, dated August 14, 2020, Issue 007, dated October 2, 2020, or Issue 008, dated March 13, 2024, has not been done. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, AD 2024-04-11 is retained and Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 are incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 or AD CF-2024-34R1 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Material required by Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2415 after this AD is published. FAA's Justification 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 [[Page 86233]] 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 Transport Canada issued an emergency AD indicating that damage to a VFG harness resulted in the loss of the associated VFG and the posting of the L GEN FAIL (Caution) message. Implementation of Part C of ACLP SB BD500-534101 (Issues 005 through 008) could potentially cause an unsupported VFG power-feeder harness length in a different location on both sides of the airplane, which could lead to VFG power- feeder harness damage in these locations, which could lead to a loss of generated power from both VFGs and loss of critical aircraft systems if alternate generators are also lost. Additionally, the compliance time in this AD is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 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 (RFA) The requirements of the 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 notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs for Required Actions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained actions from AD 2024-04-11. Up to 51 work-hours x Up to $3,538................ Up to $7,873................ Up to $133,841. $85 per hour = $4,335. New GVI............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0.......................... $85......................... $1,445. hour = $85. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on- condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions: Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Up to 60 work-hours x $85 per $9,940 per harness Up to $15,040 per hour = Up to $5,100 per side. side. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 (AD) 2024-04-11, Amendment 39-22690 (89 FR 21179, March 27, 2024); and 0 b. Adding the following new AD: 2024-22-03 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22874; Docket No. [[Page 86234]] FAA-2024-2415; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00545-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 14, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2024-04-11, Amendment 39-22690 (89 FR 21179, March 27, 2024) (AD 2024-04-11). (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 Emergency AD CF-2024-34, dated September 19, 2024 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34), or Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1, dated October 15, 2024 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of damage to a variable frequency generator (VFG) power-feeder harness, resulting in the loss of the associated VFG and the posting of the L GEN FAIL (Caution) message. An investigation determined that the damage occurred after incorporation of Part C of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (ACLP) Service Bulletin (SB) BD500-534101 (ACLP SB BD500-534101) at Issue 005 through 008, which introduced a new bracket to move the VFG power-feeder harness. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage to VFG power-feeder harnesses caused by unsupported VFG power-feeder harness length. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to a loss of generated power from both VFGs and loss of critical aircraft systems if alternate generators are also lost. (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 Emergency AD CF-2024-34 or Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1. (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF- 2024-34R1 (1) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1 refers to the effective date of AD CF-2024-34 (22 September 2024), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF- 2024-34R1 refer to ``hours air time,'' this AD requires replacing those words with ``flight hours.'' (4) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF- 2024-34R1 define ``Group B aeroplanes,'' replace that definition with ``Model BD-500-1A10 airplanes, having serial numbers 50001 through 50047, and Model BD-500-1A11 airplanes, having serial numbers 55001 through 55070, which have not incorporated Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of ACLP SB BD500-534101, Issue 005, dated June 12, 2020, Issue 006, dated August 14, 2020, Issue 007, dated October 2, 2020, or Issue 008, dated March 13, 2024.'' (5) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF- 2024-34R1 define ``Applicable MMEL Items,'' replace that definition with figure 1 to paragraph (h)(5) of this AD. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P [[Page 86235]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30OC24.020 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (6) Paragraph A. of Part I of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF- 2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 refer to airplanes with less than 6 flight cycles since ``ACLP SB BD500-534101 Part C incorporation,'' for this AD, that paragraph applies to airplanes with less than 6 flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD since ``ACLP SB BD500-534101 Part C incorporation.'' (7) Paragraph B. of Part I of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF- 2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 refer to airplanes with 6 flight cycles or more since ``ACLP SB BD500-534101 Part C incorporation,'' for this AD, that paragraph applies to airplanes with 6 flight cycles or more as of the effective date of this AD since ``ACLP SB BD500- 534101 Part C incorporation.'' (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the note in Part I of Transport Canada AD CF-2024-34 and AD CF-2024-34R1 specify to submit certain information to Transport Canada or the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) 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 (k) 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 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 (j)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (k) 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]. (l) 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. [[Page 86236]] (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34, dated September 19, 2024. (ii) Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2024-34R1, dated October 15, 2024. (3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888- 663-3639; email [email protected]; website 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 October 24, 2024. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-25247 Filed 10-28-24; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P