Rule2021-18703
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 31, 2021
Effective
October 5, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of false drill starts found around the latch hook mounting holes of certain door frames of the fuselage due to erroneous manufacturing processes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the area around the latch hook mounting holes of the forward and aft door frames to detect damage from false drill starts, and repair if necessary, 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 166 (Tuesday, August 31, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 31, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48488-48490]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18703]
[[Page 48488]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0128; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01406-T;
Amendment 39-21687; AD 2021-17-04]
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 A321-211, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report of false drill starts found around the latch
hook mounting holes of certain door frames of the fuselage due to
erroneous manufacturing processes. This AD requires a one-time
inspection of the area around the latch hook mounting holes of the
forward and aft door frames to detect damage from false drill starts,
and repair if necessary, 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 October 5, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 5,
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#57161324173236243679322225382736793222"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8fcecbfccfeaeefceea1eafafde0ffeea1eafa">[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-2021-0128.
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-
0128; 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: 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#7526141b1f140c5b2714191d141b351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7e4d6d9ddd6ce99e5d6dbdfd6d9f7d1d6d699d0d8c1">[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 2020-0222, dated October 14, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0222) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232 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 A321-211, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 8, 2021 (86 FR 13229). The NPRM was prompted
by a report of false drill starts found around the latch hook mounting
holes of certain door frames of the fuselage due to erroneous
manufacturing processes. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time
inspection of the area around the latch hook mounting holes of the
forward and aft door frames to detect damage from false drill starts,
and repair if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0222.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage from false drill
starts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request To Add Exceptions
Delta Air Lines (DAL) asked that the FAA add an exception to
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD as follows: (1) Require inspections
and corrective action, if applicable, on all airplanes having
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN's) identified in the applicability,
regardless of ``affected'' part numbers referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0222; or (2) Add a clarification that if ``affected parts'' are not
found, no inspection is required where a frame replacement has occurred
on an affected frame location, and the potential manufacturing defect
has been removed because there would be a new part number designation
for the spliced area and the airplane could be considered as no longer
be affected.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. EASA AD 2020-
0222 is applicable to specific airplane MSNs, with an assertion that
the current configuration continues to be installed with the part
numbers that are described in EASA AD 2020-0222 as ``affected part
numbers.'' The FAA does not have any information provided by EASA that
there are potential configurations that have EASA-approved
modifications that are exempt from the unsafe condition. If the MSN
configuration DAL referred to does not include those ``affected part
numbers,'' then there is no corresponding action for those airplanes,
in accordance with the requirements in this AD. The FAA has not changed
this AD in this regard.
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 2020-0222 describes procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the area around the latch hook mounting holes of the
forward and aft door frames to detect damage from false drill starts,
and repair of any damage found. 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 21 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 48489]]
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........................ $0 $1,190 $24,990
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$1,785, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition repairs that are required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition repairs:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 42 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $0 * Up to $3,570 (per door).
$3,570 (per door).
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the parts cost estimates for the on-condition repairs
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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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:
2021-17-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21687; Docket No. FAA-2021-0128;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01406-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 5, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0222, dated October 14,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0222).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of false drill starts found
around the latch hook mounting holes of certain door frames of the
fuselage due to erroneous manufacturing processes. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address damage from false drill starts, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
[[Page 48490]]
(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 2020-0222.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0222
(1) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0222 specifies to report
inspection results to Airbus within a certain compliance time. For
this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified
in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0222 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#dde4f09c8b8ef09c948ff0eaeeedf09c90929e9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c65711d0a0f711d150e716b6f6c711d11131f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[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.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond
to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of information are mandatory as
required by this AD. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(j) Related Information
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#4b182a25212a3265192a27232a250b2d2a2a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2172404f4b40580f73404d49404f614740400f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 2020-0222,
dated October 14, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0222, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#26676255664347554708435354495647084353"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aaebeed9eacfcbd9cb84cfdfd8c5dacb84cfdf">[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-2021-0128.
(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#583e2a7631362b283d3b2c3137361836392a39763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a8ceda86c1c6dbd8cdcbdcc1c7c6e8c6c9dac986cfc7de">[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 August 7, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-18703 Filed 8-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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