Rule2021-26110
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
December 1, 2021
Effective
January 5, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during the frame of flight test clearance process, a detailed analysis of air data reference (ADR) failure scenarios led to the identification that compliance requirements for loads and handling qualities throughout the flight envelope could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative (master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item 34-10-01) during the maximum interval allowed by the current MMEL. This AD requires revising the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for the air data/inertial reference system, 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 228 (Wednesday, December 1, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 228 (Wednesday, December 1, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68109-68111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26110]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0568; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00446-T;
Amendment 39-21798; AD 2021-22-25]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, and -900 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report that during the frame of flight test
clearance process, a detailed analysis of air data reference (ADR)
failure scenarios led to the identification that compliance
requirements for loads and handling qualities throughout the flight
envelope could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative
(master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item 34-10-01) during the maximum
interval allowed by the current MMEL. This AD requires revising the
operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for the
air data/inertial reference system, 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 January 5, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 5,
2022.
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#ebaaaf98ab8e8a988ac58e9e99849b8ac58e9e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82c3c6f1c2e7e3f1e3ace7f7f0edf2e3ace7f7">[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-2021-0568.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0568; 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: 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#d3a5bfb2b7babebaa1fda6bfaab2bdbca593b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="54223835303d393d267a21382d353a3b22143235357a333b22">[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 2021-0103, dated April 13, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0103) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -
300, and -900 series airplanes; Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-541, -542, -642, and -643 airplanes. Model
A340-542 and -643 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, and -900 series airplanes; and Model
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on July 28, 2021 (86 FR 40373). The NPRM was
prompted by a report that during the frame of flight test clearance
process, a detailed analysis of ADR failure scenarios led to the
identification that compliance requirements for loads and handling
qualities throughout the flight envelope
[[Page 68110]]
could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative (MMEL
item 34-10-01) during the maximum interval allowed by the current MMEL.
The NPRM proposed to require revising the operator's existing FAA-
approved MEL for the air data/inertial reference system, as specified
in EASA AD 2021-0103.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of in-flight
loss of a second ADR combined with erroneous low speed data provided by
the remaining functional ADR, which could result in loss of control of
the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment 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 2021-0103 describes procedures for revising the air data/
inertial reference system for MMEL item 34-10-01. 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 130 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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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $22,100
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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:
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:
2021-22-25 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21798; Docket No. FAA-2021-0568;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00446-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 5, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) 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 A330-941 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(8) Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that during the frame of flight
test clearance process, a detailed analysis of air data reference
(ADR) failure scenarios led to the identification that compliance
requirements for loads and handling qualities throughout the flight
envelope could be impaired in case of dispatch with one ADR
inoperative (master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item 34-10-01)
during the maximum interval allowed by the current MMEL. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the possibility of in-flight loss of a
second ADR combined with erroneous low speed data provided by the
remaining functional ADR, which could result in loss of 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
[[Page 68111]]
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0103, dated April 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0103).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0103
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0103 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0103 specifies to implement certain
information in ``the MMEL MER'' into the ``operational
documentation,'' this AD requires revising the operator's existing
FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to incorporate that
information.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0103 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.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0103 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#340d1975626719757d66190307041975797b77745255551a535b42"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d04107c6b6e107c746f100a0e0d107c70727e7d5b5c5c135a524b">[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 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax: 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#01776d6065686c68732f746d78606f6e77416760602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ddabb1bcb9b4b0b4aff3a8b1a4bcb3b2ab9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab">[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 2021-0103,
dated April 13, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0103, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#29686d5a694c485a48074c5c5b465948074c5c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ce8f8abd8eabafbdafe0abbbbca1beafe0abbb">[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#0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3c5d18dcacdd0d3c6c0d7cacccde3cdc2d1c28dc4ccd5">[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 October 25, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26110 Filed 11-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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