[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 203 (Friday, October 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63933-63935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22331]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 203 / Friday, October 21, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 63933]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0393; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01249-T; 
Amendment 39-22131; AD 2022-16-02]
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 the discovery that overwing 
emergency exit door (OWEED) handle covers were difficult to open on 
some airplanes. This AD requires replacing the existing OWEED handle 
cover brackets with newly designed OWEED handle cover brackets and 
installing placards regarding this replacement, 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 November 25, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 25, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
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. 
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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0393.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0393; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA 
AD CF-2021-39, dated November 10, 2021 (TCCA AD CF-2021-39) (also 
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain 
Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Models 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 6, 2022 (87 FR 19815). 
The NPRM was prompted by the discovery that OWEED handle covers were 
difficult to open on some airplanes. An investigation revealed that 
brackets of certain OWEED handle covers are prone to flexure, thus 
increasing the force necessary to remove the OWEED handle cover beyond 
design requirements. As a result, the OWEED handle covers must be 
removed in order to access the emergency exit, which could delay 
passenger evacuation. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the 
existing OWEED handle cover brackets with newly designed OWEED handle 
cover brackets and installing a placard regarding this replacement, as 
specified in TCCA AD CF-2021-39.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the increased force necessary 
to remove the OWEED handle cover to access the emergency exit, which 
could hinder passenger evacuation in emergency. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from an individual who supported the 
NPRM without change.
    The FAA also received a comment from Delta Airlines (DAL). The 
following presents that comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response.

Request To Clarify Part Numbers for the SB Incorporation Placard

    DAL found that the SB Incorporation Placard is identified as two 
different part numbers, CDPL604-5 and CDPL604-5-F493000-25-01, in 
Safran Service Bulletin F493000-25-01, Revision 1, dated September 17, 
2020, which is referenced in TCCA AD CF-2021-39. The Safran component 
maintenance manual (CMM) states ``true part number is CDPL604-5-
F493000-25-01, added by service bulletin F493000-25-01'' in the 
nomenclature for part number ``CDPL604-5F49300'' described as 
``placard, service bulletin incorporation (bonded).'' The Safran CMM 
has another part number that begins with ``CDPL604-5,'' but with a 
different suffix. The service bulletin does not state the full true 
part number CDPL604-5-F493000-25-01. DAL requested that paragraph (h) 
of the proposed AD be revised to add an Exception that clarifies the 
part numbers.
    The FAA partially agrees with the request. The FAA agrees that two 
part numbers, CDPL604-5 and CDPL604-5-F493000-25-01, were identified 
for the SB Incorporation Placard, and that both

[[Page 63934]]

part numbers are correct and represent the same part. However, the FAA 
disagrees with the need to revise paragraph (h) of this AD to provide 
further clarification of the part numbers. The replacement kit includes 
the correct placard for installation. This AD has not been changed with 
regard to this request.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    TCCA AD CF-2021-39 specifies procedures for replacing the existing 
OWEED handle cover brackets with newly designed OWEED handle cover 
brackets and installing placards regarding this replacement.
    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 21 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255...........................             $40             $295           $6,195
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

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:

2022-16-02 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); 
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22131; Docket No. FAA-2022-0393; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01249-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 25, 
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-2021-39, dated November 10, 2021 
(TCCA AD CF-2021-39).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by discovery that overwing emergency exit 
door (OWEED) handle covers were difficult to open on some airplanes. 
An investigation revealed that brackets of certain OWEED handle 
covers are prone to flexure, thus increasing the force necessary to 
remove the OWEED handle cover beyond design requirements. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the increased force necessary to remove 
the OWEED handle cover to access the emergency exit, which could 
hinder passenger evacuation in an emergency.

(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, TCCA AD CF-2021-39.

(h) Exception to TCCA AD CF-2021-39

    Where TCCA AD CF-2021-39 refers to its effective date, this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 63935]]

(i) Additional 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: ATTN: 
Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO 
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300. 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, 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 Gabriel Kim, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2021-39, dated 
November 10, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For TCCA AD CF-2021-39, contact 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) 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 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 22, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-22331 Filed 10-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P