Rule2021-22198
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
October 13, 2021
Effective
November 17, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during flight tests, the opening of the ram air outlet flaps was found to cause a disturbance of the air flow around the ram air turbine (RAT) when the landing gear (L/G) is extended. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) and applicable corresponding operational procedures to provide procedures for all engines failure and L/G gravity extension related to certain software, and installing Airbus temporary quick change (ATQC) V3 for the flight warning system (FWS) software (SW) standard (STD) 6/ 2.0, 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 195 (Wednesday, October 13, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 13, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56833-56835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22198]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0563; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00282-T;
Amendment 39-21742; AD 2021-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report that during flight tests, the opening of the ram
air outlet flaps was found to cause a disturbance of the air flow
around the ram air turbine (RAT) when the landing gear (L/G) is
extended. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual
(AFM) and applicable corresponding operational procedures to provide
procedures for all engines failure and L/G gravity extension related to
certain software, and installing Airbus temporary quick change (ATQC)
V3 for the flight warning system (FWS) software (SW) standard (STD) 6/
2.0, 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 November 17, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 17,
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#0445407744616577652a6171766b74652a6171"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="67262314270206140649021215081706490212">[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 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0563.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
[[Page 56834]]
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0563; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3f7d2dd9de1dcd7daddd2f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0a4818eceb28f84898e81a0868181ce878f96">[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 2021-0061, dated March 5, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0061) (also referred to as 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 14, 2021 (86 FR 37087). The NPRM was prompted by a
report that during flight tests, the opening of the ram air outlet
flaps was found to cause a disturbance of the air flow around the RAT
when the L/G is extended. The NPRM proposed to require revising the
existing AFM and applicable corresponding operational procedures to
provide procedures for all engines failure and L/G gravity extension
related to certain software, and installing ATQC V3 for the FWS SW STD
6/2.0, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0061.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a non-negligible effect on
the overall performance of the RAT in case of total engine flame out
(TEFO) or electrical emergency configuration combined with the
auxiliary power unit (APU) running, which could lead to partial or
total loss of RAT electrical power generation when the RAT is deployed
in an emergency condition with the landing gear extended, and possibly
result in reduced control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic
burden on any operator. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0061 describes procedures for revising the existing
AFM to provide procedures for all engines failure and L/G gravity
extension related to certain software, and installing ATQC V3 for the
FWS SW STD 6/2.0. 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 17 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255........................... $0 $255 $4,335
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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 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.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 56835]]
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:
2021-20-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21742; Docket No. FAA-2021-0563;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00282-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 17,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 2021-0061, dated March 5,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0061).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that during flight tests, the
opening of the ram air outlet flaps was found to cause a disturbance
of the air flow around the ram air turbine (RAT) when the landing
gear is extended. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a non-
negligible effect on the overall performance of the RAT in case of
total engine flame out (TEFO) or electrical emergency configuration
combined with the auxiliary power unit (APU) running, which could
lead to partial or total loss of RAT electrical power generation
when the RAT is deployed in an emergency condition with the landing
gear extended, and possibly result in reduced control of the
airplane.
(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 2021-0061.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0061
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0061 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0061 specifies to
``inform all flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations.
(3) Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0061 specifies amending ``the
applicable AFM [airplane flight manual],'' however this AD requires
amending ``the applicable existing AFM and applicable corresponding
operational procedures.''
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0061 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Additional 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#f5ccd8b4a3a6d8b4bca7d8c2c6c5d8b4b8bab6b5939494db929a83"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b68f9bf7e0e59bf7ffe49b8185869bf7fbf9f5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[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 Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f0b4919edea29f94999e91b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d692b7b8f884b9b2bfb8b796b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2021-0061,
dated March 5, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0061, 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="f6b7b285b693978597d8938384998697d89383">[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.
(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#1274603c7b7c61627771667b7d7c527c7360733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1375613d7a7d60637670677a7c7d537d7261723d747c65">[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 September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22198 Filed 10-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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