[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 187 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54126-54128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21104]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; Project Identifier AD-2020-01590-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company, LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Honda Aircraft Company, LLC (Honda) Model HA-420 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of in-flight smoke and fire 
that initiated from the windshield heat power wire braid. This proposed 
AD would require incorporating temporary revisions into the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) and the quick reference handbook (QRH) that modify 
procedures for windshield heat operation until the affected windshield 
assemblies are replaced. The FAA proposes this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 
15, 2021.

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 https://www.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.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Honda Aircraft Company, LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; 
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: https://www.hondajet.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; 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 NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Long, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; 
phone: (404) 474-5578; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; Project Identifier 
AD-2020-01590-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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

[[Page 54127]]

(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your 
comments responsive to this NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. 
Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Bryan Long, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA received a report of inflight smoke and fire that initiated 
from the windshield heat power wire braid on a Honda Model HA-420 
airplane. An investigation identified that certain Honda Model HA-420 
airplanes could have a severed windshield heat power wire braid from 
installation of the windshield heat wiring during manufacture. The 
severed windshield heat power wire braid could cause arcing that 
ignites the wire sheathing and sealant and the windshield acrylic. This 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to cockpit smoke and fire.

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following temporary revisions.
     Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
March 4, 2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJI-29001-003-001 Rev C.
     HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated March 4, 2020, 
for Quick Reference Handbook HJ1-29000-007-001 Rev C.
     Honda Aircraft Company Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated 
March 4, 2020, for Airplane Flight Manual HJ1-29001-003-001 Rev E.
     HondaJet Temporary Revision TR 04A-1, dated March 4, 2020, 
for Quick Reference Handbook Normal Procedures Rev E, HJ1-29001-007-
001.
    These temporary revisions provide modified procedures for 
windshield heat operation to reduce exposure to potential windshield 
heat for the applicable serial numbers specified on the documents.
    The FAA also reviewed Honda Service Bulletin SB-420-56-002, 
Revision B, dated April 19, 2021 (Honda SB-420-002B). The service 
bulletin specifies identifying and replacing affected windshield 
assemblies. The service bulletin also specifies removing the temporary 
revisions to the AFM, QRH, and electronic checklist (ECL) after the 
affected windshield assemblies have been replaced.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require incorporating the temporary 
revisions to the AFM and QRH that modify procedures for windshield heat 
operations until the affected windshield assemblies are replaced. This 
proposal would allow the owner/operator (pilot) to revise the AFM and 
QRH. These revisions are not considered maintenance actions and may be 
done by a pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate. These 
actions must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records to show 
compliance with this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 156 airplanes of U.S. registry. There are 475 affected 
windshield assemblies worldwide, and the FAA has no way of knowing the 
number of affected windshield assemblies installed on U.S. airplanes. 
The estimated cost on U.S. operators reflects the maximum possible cost 
based on the 156 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is proposing this rulemaking under the authority described 
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA

[[Page 54128]]

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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Docket No. FAA-2021-0838; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-01590-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by November 15, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Honda Aircraft Company LLC Model HA-420 
airplanes, serial numbers 42000011 through 42000179, 42000182, and 
42000187, certificated in any category, with a windshield assembly 
installed that has a part number and serial number listed in table 5 
of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company Alert 
Service Bulletin No. SB-420-56-002, Revision B, dated April 19, 2021 
(Honda SB-420-56-002, Revision B).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

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

(f) Compliance

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

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

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

(h) Windshield Assembly Replacement

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, for each 
windshield assembly with a part number and serial number listed in 
table 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda SB-420-56-002, 
Revision B, replace the windshield assembly in accordance with step 
(2) or (3) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda SB-420-56-
002, Revision B.

(i) Removal of Revisions to the AFMs and QRHs

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

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as ``Required for Compliance'' (RC), the following provisions apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bryan Long, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5578; fax: (404) 
474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Honda 
Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; 
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: https://www.hondajet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued on September 23, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21104 Filed 9-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P