Rule2021-13123
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 24, 2021
Effective
July 29, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-09- 14, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-09-14 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and provide procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal. AD 2020-09-14 also required installing a removable integrated control panel (ICP) cover on the flight deck and further revising the AFM to include instructions for ICP cover use. This AD requires installing a new, water-resistant ICP, which allows removing the ICP protective cover and the AFM revisions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by development of a new, water-resistant ICP. 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 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33094-33096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13123]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1178; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01325-T;
Amendment 39-21545; AD 2021-10-12]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-09-
14, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes. AD 2020-09-14 required revising the existing airplane flight
manual (AFM) to define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and
provide procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal. AD
2020-09-14 also required installing a removable integrated control
panel (ICP) cover on the flight deck and further revising the AFM to
include instructions for ICP cover use. This AD requires installing a
new, water-resistant ICP, which allows removing the ICP protective
cover and the AFM revisions, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD
was prompted by development of a new, water-resistant ICP. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 29,
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#e4a5a097a481859785ca8191968b9485ca8191"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2f3f6c1f2d7d3c1d39cd7c7c0ddc2d39cd7c7">[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-2020-1178.
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-2020-
1178; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0203, dated September 23, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0203) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910 (85 FR
30601, May 20, 2020) (AD 2020-09-14). AD 2020-09-14 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the
[[Page 33095]]
Federal Register on February 22, 2021 (86 FR 10493). The NPRM was
prompted by a new, water-resistant ICP developed by the manufacturer to
address the identified unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to continue
to require revising the existing AFM to define a liquid-prohibited zone
on the flight deck and provide procedures following liquid spillage on
the center pedestal. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require
installing a removable ICP cover on the flight deck and further
revising the AFM to include instructions for ICP cover use, as
specified in EASA AD 2020-0203. The NPRM also proposed to require
installing a new, water-resistant ICP, which would allow removing the
ICP protective cover and the AFM revisions, as specified in EASA AD
2020-0203.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for dual-engine
in-flight shutdown (IFSD), possibly resulting in a forced landing with
consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
indicated its support for the NPRM.
Change to the Costs of Compliance Section
In the NPRM, the FAA did not provide a parts cost estimate for the
new actions, and it was noted that the FAA had received no definitive
data regarding cost estimates for those parts. Since publication of the
NPRM, the FAA has obtained a parts cost estimate from the manufacturer,
and has updated the Costs of Compliance section of this final rule
accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, 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 2020-0203 describes procedures for revising the AFM to
define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and provide
procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal, installing
an ICP cover on the flight deck, and further revising the AFM to
include instructions for ICP cover use. EASA AD 2020-0203 also
describes procedures for installing a new, water-resistant ICP;
removing the ICP protective cover; and removing the AFM revisions. 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 15 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Retained AFM revision from AD 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85.................. $1,105.
2020-09-14. per hour = $85.
Retained installation from AD 2 work-hours x $85 (*) 170 *................ 2,210.*
2020-09-14. per hour = $170.
New actions..................... Up to 42 work- 5,700 Up to $9,270......... Up to $139,050.
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$3,570.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data regarding cost estimates for these parts.
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
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 operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. 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:
[[Page 33096]]
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 (AD) 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910
(85 FR 30601, May 20, 2020), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-10-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21545; Docket No. FAA-2020-1178;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01325-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910 (85 FR 30601,
May 20, 2020) (AD 2020-09-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0203, dated September
23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0203).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by two reports of abnormal operation of the
components of the ENG START panel or Electronic Centralized Aircraft
Monitoring (ECAM) Control Panel (ECP) due to liquid spillage in the
system, and the subsequent uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown
(IFSD) of one engine in each case. This AD was also prompted by the
development of a new, water-resistant integrated control panel (ICP)
that will address this unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the potential for dual-engine IFSD, possibly resulting in
a forced landing with consequent damage to the airplane and injury
to occupants.
(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 2020-0203.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to the effective date of EASA
AD 2020-0020E, this AD requires using February 14, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020-03-12 (85 FR 7863, February 12, 2020)).
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to the effective date of EASA
AD 2020-0090, this AD requires using June 4, 2020 (the effective
date of AD 2020-09-14).
(4) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2020-0203 specifies removing
the AFM [airplane flight manual] changes ``as required by paragraph
(2) or (4) of [the MCAI], as applicable,'' this AD requires removing
the AFM changes required by paragraph (1), (2), (4), or (5), as
applicable, from the AFM.
(5) For airplanes with Mod 116010: This AD does not require the
actions specified in paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of EASA AD 2020-
0203, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(6) ``Note 1'' of EASA AD 2020-0203 does not apply to this AD.
However, after the actions required by EASA AD 2020-0203, paragraphs
(3) through (5), as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, have been
accomplished on an airplane, that airplane may be operated with a
damaged or missing ICP removable cover, provided provisions that
address the ICP removable cover are included in the operator's
approved minimum equipment list (MEL). After the actions required by
EASA AD 2020-0203, paragraph (6), as required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, have been accomplished on an airplane, that airplane may be
operated without an ICP removable cover, provided provisions that
address the ICP removable cover are removed from the operator's
approved MEL.
(7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0203 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
actions specified in this AD can be accomplished (if the operator
elects to do so), provided a removable ICP cover is installed on the
flight deck.
(j) 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 (k) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1f8ec809792ec808893ecf6f2f1ec808c8e8281a7a0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="122b3f5344413f535b403f2521223f535f5d51527473733c757d64">[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 (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3218.
(l) 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 2020-0203,
dated September 23, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0203, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8f9fccbf8ddd9cbd996ddcdcad7c8d996ddcd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7031340330151103115e1505021f00115e1505">[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-2020-1178.
(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#432526273126246d2f2624222f032d2231226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adcbc8c9dfc8ca83c1c8caccc1edc3ccdfcc83cac2db">[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 April 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13123 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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