Proposed Rule2021-17091
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
August 13, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-17-12, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2016-17-12 requires inspecting certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) to determine the number of total flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and replacing the THSA if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-17-12, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 154 (Friday, August 13, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 154 (Friday, August 13, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44663-44668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17091]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0663; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01618-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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)
2016-17-12, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes;
and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes. AD 2016-17-12 requires inspecting certain trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) to determine the number of
total flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and replacing the THSA if
necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-17-12, the FAA has determined
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary.
This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation
by reference. 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 September
27, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that will be 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#58191c2b183d392b39763d2d2a372839763d2d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a">[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>. For Airbus service information identified
in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS,
Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f5e5c5c504a514b115e564d48504d4b57125a5e4c7f5e564d5d4a4c115c5052"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e786848488928993c9868e95908895938fca828694a7868e95859294c984888a">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.airbus.com">https://www.airbus.com</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-2021-0663. For the UTC Aerospace Systems material identified in
this proposed AD that will not be incorporated by reference, contact
Collins Aerospace, Product Support Department 13, Avenue de
L'Eguillette--Saint-Ouen L'Aumone, Boite Postale 7186 95056 Cergy
Pontoise Cedex, France; telephone 1-877-808-7575; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#771405143714181b1b1e19045914181a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c2f3e2f0c2f23202025223f622f2321">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.collinsaerospace.com/support">https://www.collinsaerospace.com/support</a>.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://
[[Page 44664]]
www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0663; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7300121d19120a5d01121f1b121d331512125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7300121d19120a5d01121f1b121d331512125d141c05">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0663; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01618-T'' 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 amend
the 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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
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
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7506141b1f140c5b0714191d141b351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e1d0f00040f17401c0f02060f002e080f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 2016-17-12, Amendment 39-18625 (81 FR 58823,
August 26, 2016) (AD 2016-17-12), for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes;
and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes. AD 2016-17-12 requires inspecting certain THSAs to determine
the number of total flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and
replacing the THSA if necessary. The FAA issued AD 2016-17-12 to
address premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the no-back
brake (NBB) of the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency
in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the inability of
the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded
position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2016-17-12 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2016-17-12, new investigations determined
that the compliance time for removal from service and replacement of
certain THSA NBB disks must be reduced. This task was required by AD
2016-17-12, and the task and newly reduced compliance time have now
been incorporated into Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4 Variation 7.1, dated October 5, 2020.
The FAA has therefore determined that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary.
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0270, dated December 7, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0270) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes;
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N,
and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -
233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model
A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -
252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX
airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and
are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued after October 5, 2020, must
comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet.
However, Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 4 Variation 7.1 specifies that replacements can be
accomplished in accordance with certain service information, while this
proposed AD would require accomplishing those replacements in
accordance with certain service information. To ensure all maintenance
or inspection programs incorporate the revised task, including the
revised replacement requirements, this proposed AD would therefore
require all operators to revise their existing maintenance or
inspection program to include either the revised task including the
revised provisions for replacement, or the revised provisions for
replacement, depending on when the original airworthiness certificate
or original export certificate of airworthiness was issued.
EASA AD 2020-0270 specifies that it requires a task (limitation)
already required by EASA AD 2020-0034, dated February 25, 2020 (which
corresponds to FAA AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-21283 (85 FR 65190,
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-21-10)) and invalidates (terminates) prior
instructions for that task. This proposed AD would terminate the ALS
limitation for task 274000-00004-1-E for the THSAs, as required by
paragraph (i) of AD 2020-21-10, for Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -
133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -
231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -
232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX airplanes; with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before
November 7, 2019, only.
[[Page 44665]]
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address premature wear of the carbon friction
disks on the NBB of the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking
efficiency in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the
inability of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last
commanded position, could result in uncommanded movements of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
See the MCAI for additional background information.
Model A320-216 Airplanes
The Airbus SAS Model A320-216 was U.S. type certificated on
December 19, 2016. Before that date, any EASA ADs that affected Model
A320-216 airplanes were included in the U.S. type certificate as part
of the Required Airworthiness Actions List (RAAL). One or more Model
A320-216 airplanes have subsequently been placed on the U.S. Register,
and will now be included in FAA AD actions. For Model A320-216
airplanes, the requirements that correspond to AD 2016-17-12 were
mandated by the MCAI via the RAAL. Although that RAAL requirement is
still in effect, for continuity and clarity the FAA has identified
Model A320-216 airplanes in paragraph (c) of this proposed AD; the MCAI
that is specified in paragraph (l) in this proposed AD includes
restated requirements, which would therefore apply to those airplanes.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0270 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
Part 4 Variation 7.1, dated October 5, 2020, describes a task for
removal from service and replacement of certain THSA NBB disks.
This proposed AD would also require Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
27-1242, Revision 01, dated February 4, 2016, which the Director of the
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of
September 30, 2016 (81 FR 58823, August 26, 2016).
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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
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 the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA has evaluated all pertinent information and determined
an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-17-12.
This proposed AD would also require revising the existing maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD
2020-0270 described previously, as proposed for incorporation by
reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2020-0270 are identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections).
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph
(p)(1) of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use certain civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2020-0270 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2020-0270 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2020-0270 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2020-
0270. Service information required by EASA AD 2020-0270 for compliance
will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0663 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process
The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the
primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs
has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service
bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the
actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the
process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness
limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.
For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes
airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged.
Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new
airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must
be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).
The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a
paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals
are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in the AMOCs paragraph under
``Other FAA Provisions.'' This new format includes a ``New Provisions
for Alternative Actions and Intervals'' paragraph that does not
specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may still request an AMOC to
use an alternative actions or intervals.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,630 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
[[Page 44666]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2016-17-12 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $81,515
(959 airplanes). hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting/revising the existing maintenance or inspection program.
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate.
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed
actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,785... $26,500 $28,285
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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 (AD) 2016-17-12, Amendment 39-18625
(81 FR 58823, August 26, 2016); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2021-0663; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-
01618-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 27, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
(1) This AD replaces AD 2016-17-12, Amendment 39-18625 (81 FR
58823, August 26, 2016) (AD 2016-17-12).
(2) This AD affects AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-21283 (85 FR
65190, October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-21-10).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this AD.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(5) Model A319-151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
(6) Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N
airplanes.
(7) Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -
271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks; 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address premature wear of the carbon friction
disks on the no-back brake (NBB) of the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer actuator (THSA), which could lead to reduced braking
efficiency in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the
inability of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last
commanded position, could result in uncommanded movements of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
[[Page 44667]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Inspection To Determine THSA Part Number and Accumulated
Total Flight Cycles, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD: No later than each date specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD, inspect the THSA to
determine if it has a part number (P/N) 47145-(XXX), and, if any
THSA P/N 47145-(XXX) is found, determine the total number of flight
cycles accumulated since the THSA's first installation on an
airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is
later. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the THSA
can be conclusively determined from that review. In case maintenance
records concerning the most recent NBB disk replacement are
unavailable or incomplete, the total flight cycles accumulated since
first installation of the THSA on an airplane apply. Accomplishing
the maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph
(l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) As of September 30, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-17-
12): The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is
later) is 40,000 total flight cycles.
(2) As of December 31, 2016: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 36,000 total flight cycles.
(3) As of December 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 33,600 total flight cycles.
(4) As of December 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 31,600 total flight cycles.
(5) As of December 31, 2019: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 30,000 total flight cycles.
(h) Retained Replacements, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD: For airplanes with any THSA P/N
47145-(XXX), do the replacements required by paragraphs (h)(1) and
(2) of this AD. Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program
revision required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(1) No later than each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
through (5) of this AD, replace all THSA that have reached or
exceeded on each date the corresponding number of flight cycles
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD. Do the
replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, Revision 01, dated February 4,
2016. Affected THSAs must be replaced with serviceable THSAs.
(2) As of each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5)
of this AD, and before exceeding the flight cycle limit
corresponding to each date, as applicable: Replace each THSA with a
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, Revision 01, dated February
4, 2016.
(i) Retained Definition of Serviceable THSA, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the definition of paragraph (i) of AD
2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD: For the purposes of this AD, a
serviceable THSA is a THSA that has not exceeded the applicable
flight-cycle limits, as specified paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of
this AD, since first installation of the THSA on an airplane or
since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.
Note 1 to paragraph (i): Guidance for NBB disk replacement can
be found in UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin 47145-27-17,
Revision 1, dated July 21, 2015.
(j) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD
2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD: As of each date specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD, as applicable, only
installation of a serviceable THSA P/N 47145-(XXX) is allowed on an
airplane. Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program
revision required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(k) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD: This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before September 30, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-
17-12), using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, dated February
9, 2015.
(l) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
(1) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD
with an original airworthiness certificate or original export
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 5, 2020,
except as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0270, dated December 7, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0270). Accomplishing
the maintenance or inspection program revision required by this
paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and
(j) of this AD.
(2) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD
with an original airworthiness certificate or original export
certificate of airworthiness issued after October 5, 2020, revise
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the provision specified in paragraph (m)(7) of this AD.
(m) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0270
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0270 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2020-0270 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0270 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0270 is at the applicable
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3)
of EASA AD 2020-0270, or within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-
0270 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0270 does not apply
to this AD.
(7) For all airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD:
Where Note 1 in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0270 specifies ``NBB carbon disc replacement can be accomplished in
accordance with SB A320-27-1242 or VSB 47145-27-17,'' for this AD
use ``NBB carbon disk replacement must be accomplished in accordance
with SB A320-27-1242.''
(n) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2020-0270.
(o) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2020-21-10
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the ALS
limitation task 274000-00004-1-E for the THSA, as required by
paragraph (i) of AD 2020-21-10, for Model A318-111, -112, -121, and
-122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
-133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216,
-231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -
232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N,
[[Page 44668]]
-271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes; with an original airworthiness
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
on or before November 7, 2019, only.
(p) 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 (q)(4) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e47533f282d533f372c53494d4e533f33313d3e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ba8397fbece997fbf3e8978d898a97fbf7f5f9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2016-17-12 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0270 that are
required by paragraph (l) of this AD.
(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 (p)(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.
(q) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2020-0270, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4e5e0d7e4c1c5d7c58ac1d1d6cbd4c58ac1d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474">[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>.
(2) For Airbus service information identified in this proposed
AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c4d4f4f43594258024d455e5b435e584401494d5f6c4d455e4e595f024f4341"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f7e7c7c706a716b317e766d68706d6b77327a7e6c5f7e766d7d6a6c317c7072">[email protected]</span></a>;
internet <a href="https://www.airbus.com">https://www.airbus.com</a>.
(3) For UTC Aerospace Systems material identified in this
proposed AD, contact Collins Aerospace, Product Support Department
13, Avenue de L'Eguillette--Saint-Ouen L'Aumone, Boite Postale 7186
95056 Cergy Pontoise Cedex, France; telephone 1-877-808-7575; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c4f5e4f6c4f43404045425f024f4341"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f7948594b794989b9b9e9984d994989a">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.collinsaerospace.com/support">https://www.collinsaerospace.com/support</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-2021-0663.
(5) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e497858a8e859dca9685888c858aa4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="097a6867636870277b6865616867496f6868276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 5, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17091 Filed 8-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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