Proposed Rule2022-02520
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
February 8, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, - 112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, - 112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that during inspections accomplished in accordance with certain airworthiness limitation items (ALIs), cracks were detected in double joggle areas at frame (FR) 16 and FR20, right hand and left hand sides. This proposed AD would require repetitive special detailed inspections of certain areas and applicable on- condition actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7062-7065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02520]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0091; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01123-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -
112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211,
-212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports that during inspections accomplished in
accordance with certain airworthiness limitation items (ALIs), cracks
were detected in double joggle areas at frame (FR) 16 and FR20, right
hand and left hand sides. This proposed AD would require repetitive
special detailed inspections of certain areas and applicable on-
condition actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD. 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 March 25,
2022.
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#0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdbcb98ebd989c8e9cd398888f928d9cd39888">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
<a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
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-2022-0091; 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, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 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#becddfd0d4dfc790ccdfd2d6dfd0fed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e3d2f20242f37603c2f22262f200e282f2f60292138">[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-2022-0091; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01123-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
this 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 NPRM.
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#cab9aba4a0abb3e4b8aba6a2aba48aacababe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d2e3c33373c24732f3c31353c331d3b3c3c733a322b">[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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0227, dated October 11, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0227) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes;
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes;
Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and
Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports that during inspections
accomplished in accordance with ALI tasks 531153 and 531155, cracks
were detected in the double joggle areas at FR16 and FR20, right hand
and left hand sides. The FAA is proposing this
[[Page 7063]]
AD to address cracks in these areas, which, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020)
(AD 2020-20-05) applies to 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. AD 2020-20-05 requires incorporating new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would
terminate ALI Tasks 531153-02-1, 531153-02-2, 531155-02-1 and 531155-
02-2, as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05 for Model A318
series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes only.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0227 specifies procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections (rototest inspections) of double joggle areas at
FR16 and FR20, right hand and left hand sides for cracking, applicable
on-condition actions (repair) and an optional modification of the
double joggle area, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The
modification includes a rotating probe inspection of certain fastener
holes for cracks, a check of the fastener holes for a minimum diameter,
and applicable on-condition actions (repair and oversizing holes). 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
These products have 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop in other products of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0227 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text 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 some 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 2021-0227 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0227 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 2021-0227 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 2021-
0227. Service information required by EASA AD 2021-0227 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-2022-0091 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 1,549
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 55 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 Up to $4,675.............. Up to $7,241,575.
$4,675.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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60 work-hours x $85 per hour = $5,100. $1,624 $6,724
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.
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.
[[Page 7064]]
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-0091; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
01123-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 25, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197,
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021-0227, dated October 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0227).
(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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that, during inspections
accomplished as specified in certain airworthiness limitation items
(ALIs), cracks were detected in the double joggle areas at frame
(FR) 16 and FR20 in the nose forward fuselage. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address cracks in these areas, which, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage.
(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 2021-0227.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0227
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0227 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0227 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0227 specifies to
``contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions
accordingly'' if any cracks are detected, for this AD if any
cracking is detected, the cracking must be repaired before further
flight using a method approved by Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2021-0227 specify
``Airbus approved repair instructions,'' or ``post-repair inspection
instructions approved by Airbus,'' for this AD, to be acceptable for
credit, the repair instructions must be approved by Airbus SAS's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0227
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-05
Accomplishing the initial inspections required by this AD
terminates ALI Tasks 531153-02-1, 531153-02-2, 531155-02-1 and
531155-02-2, as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05 only for
the airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(k) 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 (l)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c35214d5a5f214d455e213b3f3c214d41434f4c6a6d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="784155392e2b5539312a554f4b48553935373b381e1919561f170e">[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
paragraphs (h)(3), (i), and (k)(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 existing 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0227, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e4f4a7d4e6b6f7d6f206b7b7c617e6f206b7b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c9ccfbc8ede9fbe9a6edfdfae7f8e9a6edfd">[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>. 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-0091.
(2) 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#fd8e9c93979c84d38f9c91959c93bd9b9c9cd39a928b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95e6f4fbfff4ecbbe7f4f9fdf4fbd5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 7065]]
Issued on February 2, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02520 Filed 2-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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