[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44200-44205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14771]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1408; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00791-T; 
Amendment 39-22502; AD 2023-14-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that radio 
altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if 
they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 
3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a recent determination 
that this interference may affect other airplane systems using radio 
altimeter data, including the ground spoiler deployment system. This AD 
requires revising the limitations section of the existing AFM to 
incorporate limitations prohibiting the use of a certain master minimum 
equipment list (MMEL) item. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2023.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 28, 2023.

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-2023-1408; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Continued Operational 
Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; 
phone: 817-222-5390; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1408; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2023-00791-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 Brett 
Portwood, Continued Operational Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program 
Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 817-222-5390; 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 2021-23-12, Amendment 39-21810 (86 FR 69984, 
December 9, 2021) (AD 2021-23-12), to address the effect of 
interference from wireless broadband operations in the 5G C-Band on all 
transport and commuter category airplanes equipped with a radio (also 
known as radar) altimeter. AD 2021-23-12 was prompted by a 
determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform 
their intended function if they experience interference from wireless 
broadband operations in the 5G C-Band. The FAA subsequently superseded 
AD 2021-23-12 and issued AD 2023-10-02 (88 FR 34065, May 26, 2023) (AD 
2023-10-02). AD 2023-10-02 requires revising the limitations section of 
the existing AFM to incorporate limitations prohibiting transport and 
commuter category airplanes from performing certain low-visibility 
landing operations at any airport unless they have upgraded their radio 
altimeters (i.e., are ``radio altimeter tolerant''). Transport Canada, 
which is the aviation authority for Canada, issued corresponding AD CF-

[[Page 44201]]

2023-46, dated June 26, 2023, to prohibit certain flight operations 
requiring radio altimeter data in U.S. airspace affected by 5G C-Band 
wireless signals.
    Transport Canada evaluated additional 5G-related hazards presented 
by 5G C-Band interference on certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 
(formerly C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership and Bombardier) model 
airplanes and issued Transport Canada AD CF-2023-47, dated June 26, 
2023 (AD CF-2023-47) (also referred to after this as ``the MCAI''). AD 
CF-2023-60 was prompted by a determination that 5G C-Band interference 
can result in unavailable or misleading radio altimeter information, 
which in combination with dispatch under certain minimum equipment list 
(MEL) items and a weight-on-wheels (WOW) signal failure, could result 
in a reversion to ground mode in air or the deployment of ground 
spoilers in the air.
    Transport Canada AD CF-2023-47 applies to all Airbus Canada Limited 
Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes and prohibits 
dispatch under certain MEL items, for non-radio altimeter tolerant 
airplanes, at all airports in the contiguous United States. For radio 
altimeter tolerant airplanes, AD CF-2023-47 does not prohibit dispatch 
under the MEL items at 5G C-Band mitigated airports (CMAs) as 
identified in an FAA Domestic Notice.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1408.

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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight, revising the AFM to 
incorporate limitations prohibiting dispatch under MMEL item WOW 
Proximity Sensor at all airports for non-radio altimeter tolerant 
airplanes. For radio altimeter tolerant airplanes, the prohibited 
operations are allowed at 5G CMAs as identified in an FAA Domestic 
Notice.

Differences Between the MCAI and This AD

    The MCAI prohibits dispatch under four items in the Airbus Canada 
Limited Partnership MEL approved by Transport Canada, which include the 
brake data concentrator unit (BDCU) and three WOW items. The Airbus 
Canada Limited Partnership MMEL approved by the FAA does not include 
provisions for the BDCU and only has one provision for the WOW system. 
Therefore, instead of the MEL items listed in the MCAI, this AD 
prohibits dispatch under the WOW proximity sensor as specified in the 
FAA-approved Airbus Canada Limited Partnership MMEL.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. Once the 
Technical Standard Order (TSO) standard for radio altimeters is 
established, which will follow the existing international technical 
consensus on the establishment of the minimum operational performance 
standards (MOPS), the FAA anticipates that the MOPS will be 
incorporated into the TSO. Once a new radio altimeter TSO is developed, 
approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures 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 radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their 
intended function if they experience interference from wireless 
broadband operations in the 5G C-Band. Further, this interference may 
affect other airplane systems using radio altimeter data, including the 
ground spoiler deployment system, which, in combination with a WOW 
signal failure, could lead to loss of continued safe flight and 
landing. To address this unsafe condition, the actions required by this 
AD must be accomplished before further flight. The FAA based this 
compliance time on the changes to the 5G C-Band environment beginning 
on July 1, 2023. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), and this AD.
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment immediately effective, for the 
same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (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 prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 90 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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AFM revision..........................  1 work-hour x $85 \1\                 $0             $85      \2\ $7,650
                                         per hour = $85.
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[[Page 44202]]

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.
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    \1\ The labor rate of $85 per hour is the average wage rate for 
an aviation mechanic.
    \2\ The estimated cost for this revision does not constitute a 
significant economic impact (even for small entities) because $85 is 
a minimal cost compared to the regular costs of maintaining and 
operating a Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 transport category 
airplane.
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    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2023-14-02 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership; 
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22502; Docket No. FAA-2023-1408; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00791-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 27, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type 
Certificate previously held by C Series Aircraft Limited 
Partnership; Bombardier, Inc.) Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters 
cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they 
experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 
3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band), and a recent determination 
that this interference may affect other airplane systems using radio 
altimeter data, including the ground spoiler deployment system. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address inadvertent ground spoiler 
deployment in flight that could lead to increased flightcrew 
workload and loss of continued safe flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, a ``5G C-Band mitigated airport'' 
(5G CMA) is an airport at which the telecommunications companies 
have agreed to voluntarily limit their 5G deployment at the request 
of the FAA, as identified by an FAA Domestic Notice.
    (2) For purposes of this AD, a ``radio altimeter tolerant 
airplane'' is one for which the radio altimeter, as installed, 
demonstrates the tolerances specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this AD, using a method approved by the FAA.
    (i) Tolerance to radio altimeter interference, for the 
fundamental emissions (3.7-3.98 GHz), at or above the power spectral 
density (PSD) curve threshold specified in figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD.
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[[Page 44203]]

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(2)(i)--Fundamental Effective Isotropic PSD at 
Outside Interface of Aircraft Antenna
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY23.035

    (ii) Tolerance to radio altimeter interference, for the spurious 
emissions (4.2-4.4 GHz), at or above the PSD curve threshold 
specified in figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.

[[Page 44204]]

Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2)(ii)--Spurious Effective Isotropic PSD at 
Outside Interface of Aircraft Antenna
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY23.036

    (3) For purposes of this AD, a ``non-radio altimeter tolerant 
airplane'' is one for which the radio altimeter, as installed, does 
not demonstrate the tolerances specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this AD.

(h) Revision of Existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM): Master Minimum 
Equipment List (MMEL) Restriction for Non-Radio Altimeter Tolerant 
Airplanes

    Before further flight, revise the Limitations section of the 
existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 3 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of 
figure 3 to paragraph (h) of this AD into the existing AFM.

[[Page 44205]]

Figure 3 to Paragraph (h)--MMEL Restriction for Non-Radio Altimeter 
Tolerant Airplanes
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY23.037

(i) Revision of Existing AFM: MMEL Restriction for Radio Altimeter 
Tolerant Airplanes

    Before further flight, revise the Limitations section of the 
existing AFM to include the information specified in figure 4 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of 
figure 4 to paragraph (i) of this AD into the existing AFM.

Figure 4 to Paragraph (i)--MMEL Restriction for Radio Altimeter 
Tolerant Airplanes
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY23.038

(j) Additional AD Provisions

    (1) The Manager, Operational Safety 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 Operational Safety Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-47, dated June 26, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1408.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Brett Portwood, 
Continued Operational Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program 
Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 817-222-5390; email: 
[email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on July 3, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14771 Filed 7-7-23; 4:15 pm]
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