[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53197-53200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20921]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0215; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00347-T;
Amendment 39-23161; AD 2025-20-08]
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.
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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 events where the cargo bottle fail
caution message was displayed. This AD requires replacing affected low
rate discharge (LRD) bottles, inspecting extinguishing discharge lines
and tubes, and replacing extinguishing discharge lines and tubes, as
applicable, and also prohibits the installation of affected LRD
bottles. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of December
30, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0215; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Transport Canada material identified in this AD,
contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada;
telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]. You may find this material on the
[[Page 53198]]
Transport Canada website at 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 at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0215.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7300; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Canada
Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2025 (90 FR
11033). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2024-23, dated June 18, 2024
(Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The
MCAI states there were events where the cargo bottle fail caution
message was displayed during flight resulting in diversions.
Investigations found the LRD bottle was depleted of extinguishing
agent. Further investigation revealed the LRD bottle metering device
could be loose allowing extinguishing agent to escape resulting in loss
or degraded capability of the cargo extinguishing system.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected LRD
bottles, inspecting extinguishing discharge lines and tubes, and
replacing extinguishing discharge lines and tubes, as applicable, and
to prohibit the installation of affected LRD bottles, as specified in
Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0215.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received one additional comment from Delta Air Lines. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request for Exception
Delta Air Lines requested an additional exception be added to the
proposed AD to correct a typographical error from ``LDR'' to ``LRD'' in
Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23, Part I, paragraph B.
The FAA agrees with this request and added paragraph (h)(4) of this
AD accordingly.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23 which specifies
procedures for verifying aircraft technical records to determine if an
affected part (any LRD bottle having part number 475086-1, 475124-1 or
475087-1 with certain serial numbers, unless the LRD bottle is marked
with an encircled `C' on the LRD bottle label) is installed on the
airplane, replacing affected LRD bottles, and replacing extinguishing
discharge lines and tubes, as applicable. Transport Canada AD CF-2024-
23 also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The detailed
visual inspections of the discharge lines and tubes, in multiple
compartments, include checking discharge heads and distribution tubes
for signs of residue and corrosion. 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 this AD affects 74 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.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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16 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,360........................ $0 $1,360 $100,640
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Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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10 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $17,368..... Up to $18,218.
$850.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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
[[Page 53199]]
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:
2025-20-08 Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate
Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-23161; Docket No. FAA-2025-0215;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00347-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30,
2025.
(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
(CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire
protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by events where the cargo bottle fail
caution message was displayed due to the depletion of extinguishing
agent from the low rate discharge bottle. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition, which if not addressed, could
result in loss or degraded capability of the cargo extinguishing
system.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h), (i) and (j) of this AD:
Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23, dated June
18, 2024 (Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23).
(h) Exception to Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the definition of ``Affected Part'' in Transport
Canada AD CF-2024-23 specifies ``a serial number listed in the
Applicability Section of the ACLP SB,'' this AD requires replacing
that text with ``a serial number listed in the Applicability Section
of SB BD500-262010, Issue 001, dated 30 April 2024.''
(3) Where the paragraph B. of Part 1 in Transport Canada AD CF-
2024-23 specifies ``in accordance with the procedure in Section 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of the ACLP SB,'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``in accordance with the ``Procedure''
section of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ACLP SB.''
(4) Where paragraph B. of Part 1 in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-
23 specifies ``the LDR bottles,'' this AD requires replacing that
text with ``the LRD bottles.''
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-
23 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued 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
AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and
email to: [email protected]. 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, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or
Airbus Canada Limited Partnership's Transport Canada Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (i) and (j)(2) of this AD, if any material contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified 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 procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Fatin Saumik,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: [email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Transport Canada AD CF-2024-23, dated June 18, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification,
159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-
663-3639; email [email protected]; website 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 at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on
[[Page 53200]]
the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on September 26, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20921 Filed 11-24-25; 8:45 am]
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