Rule2021-22293
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 14, 2021
Effective
November 18, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-19- 06, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, - 302, -323, and -343 airplanes. AD 2019-19-06 required an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs), and replacement of each affected SGRA with a serviceable part. This AD continues to require replacement of each affected SGRA with a serviceable part, expands the applicability to include all airplanes on which the affected part may be installed, and also prohibits installation of an affected part; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report that cracks have been found within the ring gears of the SGRAs due to a change in the manufacturing process and inadequate post-production non-destructive testing for potential cracking, and a determination that the requirements of AD 2019-19-06 may not ensure the permanent removal from service of affected SGRAs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57027-57030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22293]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0261; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01502-T;
Amendment 39-21753; AD 2021-20-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-19-
06, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -
302, -323, and -343 airplanes. AD 2019-19-06 required an inspection to
determine the part number and serial number of the slat geared rotary
actuators (SGRAs), and replacement of each affected SGRA with a
serviceable part. This AD continues to require replacement of each
affected SGRA with a serviceable part, expands the applicability to
include all airplanes on which the affected part may be installed, and
also prohibits installation of an affected part; as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. This AD was prompted by a report that cracks have been
found within the ring gears of the SGRAs due to a change in the
manufacturing process and inadequate post-production non-destructive
testing for potential cracking, and a determination that the
requirements of AD 2019-19-06 may not ensure the permanent removal from
service of affected SGRAs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 18, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 18,
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#d49590a794b1b5a7b5fab1a1a6bba4b5fab1a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6e7e2d5e6c3c7d5c788c3d3d4c9d6c788c3d3">[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-2021-0261.
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-
0261; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#32445e53565b5f5b401c475e4b535c5d44725453531c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="41372d2025282c28336f342d38202f2e37012720206f262e37">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 57028]]
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0245, dated November 9, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0245) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F, A330-
243, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-
323, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-743L, A330-841, and A330-941
airplanes. EASA AD 2020-0245 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0093 (which
corresponds to FAA AD 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742 (84 FR 51960,
October 1, 2019) (AD 2019-19-06)). Model A330-743L 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.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-19-06. AD 2019-19-06 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -302, -323, and -343
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2021
(86 FR 17995). The NPRM was prompted by a report that cracks have been
found within the ring gears of the SGRAs due to a change in the
manufacturing process and inadequate post-production non-destructive
testing for potential cracking, and a determination that the
requirements of AD 2019-19-06 may not ensure the permanent removal from
service of affected SGRAs. The NPRM proposed to continue to require
replacement of each affected SGRA with a serviceable part, would expand
the applicability to include all airplanes on which the affected part
may be installed, and would also prohibit installation of an affected
part, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0245.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of an SGRA, which,
in combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, could lead to an uncontrolled movement of the
affected slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface, and
could possibly result in damage to the stabilizers and reduced
controllability 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 comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. The Air
Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) expressed support for the
NPRM.
Request To Clarify Service Bulletin Reference
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested clarification of the reference to
``the SB'' in the statement ``in accordance with the instructions of
the SB'' in EASA AD 2020-0245. DAL gave no justification for the
request.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The Definitions section of EASA AD 2020-
0245 clearly defines ``The SB'' and ``The Liebherr SB.'' Therefore,
``the SB'' in the specified statement refers to Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3233, dated March 7, 2019. This AD has not been changed as a
result of this comment.
Request To Add Paragraph Identifying Certain Parts as Not Affected
DAL requested that paragraph (h)(5) be added to the proposed AD to
specify that ``units listed [in] Liebherr SB 926C-27-01 Table 1 are not
considered an affected part.'' DAL refers to the Note that accompanies
Table 1 in the Liebherr Service Bulletin 926C-27-01, dated December 18,
2018 (Liebherr SB 926C-27-01), as justification for the request.
The FAA disagrees with the request to add the specified paragraph
because it is an incorrect statement. Table 1 in Liebherr SB 926C-27-01
is titled ``Affected Serial Numbers'' and contains the list of three
different serial number ranges. Parts with serial numbers included in
those ranges are considered affected parts, except for parts mentioned
in the Note, that is, parts already inspected during the final assembly
line that are specifically marked as ``WOI-01'' on the identification
plate. This is consistent with the definition of ``Affected part'' in
the MCAI, which identifies the serial numbers in the table as affected
parts ``except those that have passed (no defects found) an inspection,
or have been repaired, as applicable, in accordance with the
instructions of the Liebherr SB.'' This AD has not been changed with
regard to this request.
Change to This Final Rule
The FAA has revised the format of paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously
and 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.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0245 describes procedures for replacing each affected
SGRA, and specifies a prohibition against installation of an affected
part.
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 123 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained action from AD 2019- 17 work-hours x * $0 $1,445................. $177,735.
19-06. $85 per hour =
$1,445.
New actions.................. Up to 15 work- * 0 Up to $1,275........... Up to $156,825.
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$1,275.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the parts specified in this
AD.
[[Page 57029]]
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:
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) 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742
(84 FR 51960, October 1, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-20-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21753; Docket No. FAA-2021-0261;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01502-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 18,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742 (84 FR 51960,
October 1, 2019) (AD 2019-19-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
(5) Model A330-941 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks have been found
within the ring gears of the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs)
due to a change in the manufacturing process and inadequate post-
production non-destructive testing for potential cracking, and a
determination that the requirements of AD 2019-19-06 may not ensure
the permanent removal from service of affected SGRAs. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracking of an SGRA, which, in
combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, could lead to an uncontrolled movement of the
affected slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface,
and could possibly result in damage to the stabilizers and reduced
controllability 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0245, dated November 9, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0245).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0245
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0245 refers to May 10, 2019 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0093), this AD requires using
November 5, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-19-06).
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0245 specifies a method
of accomplishment of certain actions, replace the text ``replace
each affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the
instructions of the SB,'' with ``removal of each affected part and
installation of a serviceable part in accordance with paragraphs
3.C. (2) and 3.C. (3) of the SB.''
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0245 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0245 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#5e67731f080d731f170c73696d6e731f13111d1e383f3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5dcc8a4b3b6c8a4acb7c8d2d6d5c8a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200
[[Page 57030]]
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#394f55585d5054504b174c55405857564f795f5858175e564f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1879d9095989c9883df849d88909f9e87b1979090df969e87">[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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 18, 2021.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0245,
dated November 9, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For EASA AD 2020-0245, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3372774073565240521d5646415c43521d5646"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6e7e2d5e6c3c7d5c788c3d3d4c9d6c788c3d3">[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>.
(5) 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-2021-0261.
(6) 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#a8ceda86c1c6dbd8cdcbdcc1c7c6e8c6c9dac986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ceafea2e5e2fffce9eff8e5e3e2cce2edfeeda2ebe3fa">[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 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22293 Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 14, 2021.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.