[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 240 (Friday, December 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71555-71557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27319]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 240 / Friday, December 17, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 71555]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0269; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01417-T; 
Amendment 39-21682; AD 2021-16-19]
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 reports of in-flight engine 
shutdowns (IFESs); investigation results indicated that this could be 
caused by high altitude climbs at higher thrust settings on engines 
with certain thrust ratings. This AD requires amending the existing 
airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate a new limitation and revise 
certain normal procedures, as specified in a Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA) 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 January 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 21, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For TCCA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact the TCCA, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 
159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-
663-3639; email [email protected]; internet https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. For Airbus material 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]; internet https://a220world.airbus.com. You may 
view this IBR 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 on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0269.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0269; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7347; 
fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA 
AD CF-2020-41, issued October 15, 2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-41) (also 
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Canada 
Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes.
    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 April 16, 2021 (86 FR 20097). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports of IFESs; investigations are ongoing 
to determine the root cause. Investigation results indicated that an 
IFES could be caused by high altitude climbs at higher thrust settings 
on engines with certain thrust ratings. The NPRM proposed to require 
amending the existing AFM to incorporate a new limitation and revise 
certain normal procedures, as specified in TCCA AD CF-2020-41.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to provide the flightcrew with 
information and procedures for operation above 29,000 feet to prevent 
uncontained failure of an engine during an IFES, which could result in 
structural damage and reduced structural integrity of the airplane. See 
the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from one commenter. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response.

Request To Amend the Existing Airplane Flight Manual

    Delta Air Lines Inc. (Delta) asked that the proposed AD also 
require amending the AFM with Supplement 21 at Issue 016 for Model 
A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) airplanes. Delta stated that the proposed AD 
requires amending the AFM with Supplement 21 for only Model A220-100 
(BD-500-1A10) airplanes, and should include amending the AFM for both 
models.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. Paragraph (h)(2) of 
the proposed AD incorrectly identified only the A220-100 AFM. The FAA 
intended to require the AFM revision based on the applicable AFM for 
both Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes, including both the 
A220-100 and A220-300 AFMs. The FAA has added the AFM amendment for 
Model A220-300 (Model BD-500-1A11) airplanes to paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD.

[[Page 71556]]

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    TCCA AD CF-2020-41 specifies procedures for amending the applicable 
AFM to incorporate a new limitation and revise the normal procedures to 
limit the engine N1 setting for flights above 29,000 feet.
    Airbus Canada Limited Partnership has issued Supplement 21--
Operation Above 29000 Feet, of Airbus A220-100 Airplane Flight Manual, 
Publication BD500-3AB48-22200-00, and Airbus A220-300 Airplane Flight 
Manual Publication BD500-3AB48-32200-00, both Issue 016, dated October 
16, 2020. These supplements specify limitations, information, and 
procedures for operation above 29,000 feet. 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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 42 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85           $3,570
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Adoption of 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:

2021-16-19 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); 
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-21682; Docket No. FAA-2021-0269; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01417-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (type 
certificate previously held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership 
(CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Transport 
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2020-41, issued October 15, 2020 
(TCCA AD CF-2020-41).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 72, Engines.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight engine shutdowns 
(IFESs); investigation results indicated that this could be caused 
by high altitude climbs at higher thrust settings on engines with 
certain thrust ratings. The FAA is issuing this AD to provide the 
flightcrew with information and procedures for operation above 
29,000 feet to prevent uncontained failure of an engine during an 
IFES, which could result in structural damage and reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(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, paragraph A., of TCCA AD CF-2020-41.

[[Page 71557]]

(h) Exceptions to TCCA AD CF-2020-41

    (1) Where TCCA AD CF-2020-41 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph A. of TCCA AD CF-2020-41 requires amending 
the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) by ``incorporating the 
SUPPLEMENT 21 Operation above 29000 feet from AFM Revision 15-A 
dated 10 September 2020,'' this AD requires amending the existing 
AFM by incorporating Supplement 21--Operation Above 29000 Feet, of 
Airbus A220-100 Airplane Flight Manual, Publication BD500-3AB48-
22200-00, and Airbus A220-300 Airplane Flight Manual Publication 
BD500-3AB48-32200-00, both Issue 016, dated October 16, 2020.
    (3) Where paragraph A. of TCCA AD CF-2020-41 specifies to 
``[i]nform all flight crews of the new supplement and thereafter 
operate the aeroplane accordingly,'' this AD does not require those 
actions as those actions are already required by existing FAA 
operating regulations.
    (4) Where paragraphs B. and C. of TCCA AD CF-2020-41 specify 
procedures for a borescope inspection for signs of damage of the 1st 
stage axial low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor of each engine, to 
be performed after the AFM N1 limitation has been exceeded, this AD 
does not require that action.
    (5) Where paragraph C. of TCCA AD CF-2020-41 describes an 
optional installation of health management unit reports to monitor 
N1 exceedances, this AD does not include that option.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York 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 ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. 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.
    (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, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Airbus Canada Limited Partnership's TCCA 
Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the 
approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Thomas Niczky, 
Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7347; fax 516-794-5531; 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) Supplement 21--Operation Above 29000 Feet, of Airbus A220-
100 Airplane Flight Manual, Publication BD500-3AB48-22200-00, Issue 
016, dated October 16, 2020.
    (ii) Supplement 21--Operation Above 29000 Feet, of Airbus A220-
300 Airplane Flight Manual Publication BD500-3AB48-32200-00, Issue 
016, dated October 16, 2020.
    (iii) Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2020-41, 
issued October 15, 2020.
    (3) For TCCA AD CF-2020-41, contact TCCA, Transport Canada 
National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, 
Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]; internet https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
    (4) For Airbus service information identified 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]; internet https://a220world.airbus.com.
    (5) 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. This material may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0269.
    (6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

    Note:  This document was received for publication by the Office 
of the Federal Register on December 14, 2021.

[FR Doc. 2021-27319 Filed 12-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P