[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 69 (Friday, April 11, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15426-15428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-06070]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0485; Project Identifier AD-2024-00670-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021-22-12, which applies to certain Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda)
Model HA-420 airplanes. AD 2021-22-12 requires removing and cleaning
the inner diameter of the flap control pushrods and repetitively
applying corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC) to this area. Since the
FAA issued AD 2021-22-12, new flap control pushrods have been approved
that are more corrosion resistant and do not require repetitive CIC
applications. This proposed AD would retain all actions of AD 2021-22-
12 and would require replacing the flap control pushrods with improved
design pushrods for all airplanes affected by AD 2021-22-12, as well as
for other airplanes not affected by AD 2021-22-12. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 27,
2025.
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-2025-0485; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Honda Aircraft Company material identified in this
proposed AD, contact Honda, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, NC 27410;
phone: (336) 662-0246; website: hondajet.com.
You may view this material at the FAA, 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 (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Fichter, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
(404) 474-5544; 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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0485;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00670-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 revise 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
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each
[[Page 15427]]
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 (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 Kelly
Fichter, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College
Park, GA 30337. 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 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86 FR 60753,
November 4, 2021) (AD 2021-22-12), for certain serial-numbered Honda
Model H-420 airplanes. AD 2021-22-12 was prompted by a report that the
flap pushrod assemblies are susceptible to corrosion. AD 2021-22-12
requires removing and cleaning the inner diameter of the flap control
pushrods and repetitively applying CIC to this area. The agency issued
AD 2021-22-12 to prevent failure of a flap control pushrod, which could
result in uncontrolled and un-annunciated flap asymmetry with
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2021-22-12 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-22-12, new flap control pushrods have
been approved that are more corrosion resistant and do not require
repetitive CIC applications. AD 2021-22-12 was issued as an interim
action until a design fix was developed, approved, and available. These
new flap control pushrods are the design fix. Installing new corrosion
resistant flap control rods eliminates the CIC applications required by
AD 2021-22-12.
This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include
airplanes with serial number 42000211, 42000212, and 42000215 through
42000287, as these airplanes also have an affected flap pushrod
assembly installed. These airplanes were not included in AD 2021-22-12
because operators were required to repetitively apply CIC as specified
in the version of the instructions for continued airworthiness that was
delivered with the airplane.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No.
SB-420-27-009, dated October 1, 2024, which specifies procedures for
replacing the flap control pushrod assemblies with improved design
pushrod assemblies.
This proposed AD would also require Honda Aircraft Company Service
Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008, dated August 31, 2021, which the Director
of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of
November 19, 2021 (86 FR 60753, November 4, 2021).
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2021-
22-12. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability to include
additional airplanes and require replacing the flap control pushrod
assemblies with new corrosion-resistant pushrod assemblies as
terminating action for the repetitive CIC applications required by AD
2021-22-12.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 107 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Remove, clean, and apply CIC 22 work-hours x $70 $1,940 $85,360 (44 airplanes).
to the flap control pushrods $85 per hour =
(retained from AD 2021-22-12). $1,870.
Reapply CIC every 90 days 1 work-hour x $85 70 155 $6,820 (44 airplanes).
(cost for each time) per hour = $85.
(retained from AD 2021-22-12).
Replace the left and right 22 work-hours x 5,168 7,038 $753,066 (107 airplanes).
inboard flap pushrod $85 per hour =
assemblies. $1,870.
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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
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.
[[Page 15428]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86
FR 60753, November 4, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Honda Aircraft Company LLC: Docket No. FAA-2025-0485; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00670-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 27, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-22-12, Amendment 39-21785 (86 FR 60753,
November 4, 2021) (AD 2021-22-12).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Honda Aircraft Company LLC
Model HA-420 airplanes, certificated in any category:
(1) Group 1 airplanes: Serial numbers 42000153 through 42000158
inclusive and 42000160 through 42000206 inclusive; and
(2) Group 2 airplanes: Serial numbers 42000211, 42000212, and
42000215 through 42000287 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2752, Trailing Edge
Flap Actuator.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the flap pushrod
assemblies are susceptible to corrosion. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the flap control pushrod. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontrolled and un-
annunciated flap asymmetry with consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Actions From AD 2021-22-12 for Group 1 Airplanes
(1) Within 90 days after November 19, 2021 (the effective date
of AD 2021-22-12), or 18 months after issuance of the first standard
certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs later: Remove, clean,
apply corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC) to, and reinstall the left
and right inboard and outboard flap pushrod assemblies by following
steps 3.0(3) through 3.0(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in
Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008, dated
August 31, 2021.
(2) Within 90 days or 300 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever
occurs first after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 90 days
or 300 hours TIS, whichever occurs first: Reapply CIC by following
step 3.0(5)(a) through (c) of the Accomplishment Instructions in
Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008, dated
August 31, 2021.
(h) New Required Actions for Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes
Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, replace the
flap control pushrod assemblies with new (zero hours TIS) flap
control pushrod assemblies in accordance with Steps (1) through (3)
of the Accomplishment Instructions in Honda Aircraft Company Alert
Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-009, dated October 1, 2024. For Group
1 airplanes, this replacement terminates the requirements in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(i) Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install flap control
pushrod assembly part number HJ1-12754-875-001, HJ1-12754-875-003,
HJ1-12754-885-001, or HJ1-12754-885-003 on any airplane.
(j) No Reporting Requirement
Although Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-
008, dated August 31, 2021, and Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-
27-009, dated October 1, 2024, specify to submit certain information
to the manufacturer, this AD does not include those requirements.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, East Certification 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 East Certification Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD
and email to: [email protected].
(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.
(l) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kelly Fichter,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5544; email: [email protected].
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (m)(5)
of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS
AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Alert Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-
009, dated October 1, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on November 19,
2021 (86 FR 60753, November 4, 2021).
(i) Honda Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-008,
dated August 31, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For Honda Aircraft Company material identified in this AD,
contact Honda Aircraft Company LLC, 6430 Ballinger Road, Greensboro,
NC 27410; phone: (336) 662-0246; website: hondajet.com.
(6) You may view this material 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 (817) 222-5110.
(7) 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/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on April 1, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-06070 Filed 4-10-25; 8:45 am]
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