Rule2021-11725
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 4, 2021
Effective
July 9, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating occurrences of broken brackets of the support structure of the halon fire extinguishing bottle 4005WX; investigation showed that fatigue cracks initiated in the attachment brackets at the cross beams due to dynamic loading, and in some cases propagated in the struts. This AD requires replacing the support brackets of the 4005WX fire extinguisher bottle with reinforced support brackets, and replacing the strut assembly at the affected location, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29942-29944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11725]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0014; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01457-T;
Amendment 39-21573; AD 2021-11-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report indicating occurrences of broken brackets of
the support structure of the halon fire extinguishing bottle 4005WX;
investigation showed that fatigue cracks initiated in the attachment
brackets at the cross beams due to dynamic loading, and in some cases
propagated in the struts. This AD requires replacing the support
brackets of the 4005WX fire extinguisher bottle with reinforced support
brackets, and replacing the strut assembly at the affected location, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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 July 9, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bdfcf9cefdd8dccedc93d8c8cfd2cddc93d8c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d29396a192b7b3a1b3fcb7a7a0bda2b3fcb7a7">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0014.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0014; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#75031914111c181c075b00190c141b1a03351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f69737e7b7672766d316a73667e7170695f797e7e31787069">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0234, dated October 27, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0234) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series 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 SAS
Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on February 22, 2021 (86 FR 10498). The NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating occurrences of broken brackets of the
support structure of the halon fire extinguishing bottle 4005WX;
investigation showed that fatigue cracks initiated in the attachment
brackets at the cross beams due to dynamic loading, and in some cases
propagated in the struts. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the
support brackets of the 4005WX fire extinguisher bottle with reinforced
support brackets, and replacing the strut assembly at the affected
location, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0234.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking on the
attachment brackets, which could lead to damage of the tubing and
electrical wiring of the lower deck cargo compartment (LDCC) fire
extinguishing system, and possibly result in insufficient fire
suppression capability in the LDCC. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0234 describes procedures for replacing the support
brackets of the 4005WX fire extinguisher bottle with reinforced support
brackets, and replacing the strut assembly at the right-hand underfloor
section 13/14 at frame (FR) 34/35 and FR 35/36. 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 6 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 29943]]
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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14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,190........................ $1,900 $3,090 $18,540
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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.
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:
2021-11-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21573; Docket No. FAA-2021-0014;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01457-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0234, dated October 27,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0234).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report indicating occurrences of
broken brackets of the support structure of the halon fire
extinguishing bottle 4005WX; investigation showed that fatigue
cracks initiated in the attachment brackets at the cross beams due
to dynamic loading, and in some cases propagated in the struts. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking on the attachment
brackets, which could lead to damage of the tubing and electrical
wiring of the lower deck cargo compartment (LDCC) fire extinguishing
system, and possibly result in insufficient fire suppression
capability in the LDCC.
(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, EASA AD 2020-0234.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0234
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0234 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0234 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ab3a7cbdcd9a7cbc3d8a7bdb9baa7cbc7c5c9caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="497064081f1a6408001b647e7a79640804060a092f2828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
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, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information 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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax: 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8dec4c9ccc1c5c1da86ddc4d1c9c6c7dee8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="186e74797c7175716a366d74617976776e587e7979367f776e">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 29944]]
(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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0234,
dated October 27, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0234, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fdbcb98ebd989c8e9cd398888f928d9cd39888"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c1d182f1c393d2f3d7239292e332c3d723929">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(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. This material may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0014.
(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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8cecdccdacdcf86c4cdcfc9c4e8c6c9dac986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="016764657364662f6d6466606d416f6073602f666e77">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11725 Filed 6-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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