Rule2022-02996
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
February 14, 2022
Effective
March 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. This AD requires replacing the placard with an improved instruction placard, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8169-8172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02996]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0845; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00651-T;
Amendment 39-21929; AD 2022-03-12]
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, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600
[[Page 8170]]
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions
on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. This AD
requires replacing the placard with an improved instruction placard, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation
of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21,
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#bbfaffc8fbdedac8da95decec9d4cbda95dece"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="49080d3a092c283a28672c3c3b263928672c3c">[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-2021-0845.
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-2021-0845; 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, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d0b111c191410140f530811041c13120b3d1b1c1c531a120b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1879d9095989c9883df849d88909f9e87b1979090df969e87">[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 2021-0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0136) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223,
A330-243, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323,
A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-841, A330-941, A340-211, A340-212,
A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, A340-542, A340-642,
and A340-643 airplanes. Model A340-542 and A340-643 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, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 7, 2021 (86 FR 55747). The NPRM was prompted by
reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are
unclear and incomplete. The NPRM proposed replacing the placard with an
improved instruction placard, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0136. The
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts under
certain conditions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation
of the doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch, which
could block the door in the closed position and prevent access to the
emergency equipment inside the doghouse. 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.
The FAA received an additional comment from Delta Air Lines (DAL).
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response.
Request for Exception to Required Part
DAL requested an exception to allow the use of internally
manufactured placards having the same text and font size as the Diehl
placard, part number (P/N) 1500500-00C844, specified in the Diehl
Aviation service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0136. DAL
stated that if one of the installed Diehl placards were missing or
damaged, alternate placard sources may be able to provide replacements
faster while maintaining an acceptable level of safety.
The FAA does not agree with the requested exception. This AD
mandates the use of a placard, P/N 1500500-00C844, specified in the
Diehl Aviation service information. Operators may request to use an
alternate placard through the alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
process specified in the provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
Operators should provide justification that such an alternate placard
meets all airworthiness requirements, not only that the placard would
have the same text and font size. This AD has not been changed with
regard to this request.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
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 2021-0136 specifies procedures for replacing the
instruction placard on the passenger cabin doghouse door. EASA AD 2021-
0136 also prohibits the installation of doghouses with incorrect
instruction placards.
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 62 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 8171]]
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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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170... Up to $95 per placard.. Up to $265 per placard. Up to $16,430.*
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* Assuming one placard per product. The number of placards on an airplane depends on the passenger configuration
and varies from operator to operator.
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:
2022-03-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21929; Docket No. FAA-2021-0845;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00651-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(3) Model A330-841 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 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the
doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of the
doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch,
which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access
to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse.
(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
2021-0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0136).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0136
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0136 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Although EASA AD 2021-0136 specifies to ``remove the placard
and install an improved handling instructions placard on each
affected part,'' this AD requires replacing the placard on each
affected part with an improved handling instructions placard.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0136 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 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#d1e8fc908782fc909883fce6e2e1fc909c9e9291b7b0b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="665f4b2730354b272f344b5155564b272b29252600070748010910">[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
[[Page 8172]]
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, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9debf1fcf9f4f0f4efb3e8f1e4fcf3f2ebddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ff89939e9b9692968dd18a93869e919089bf999e9ed1989089">[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 2021-0136,
dated June 4, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0136, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bdadfe8dbfefae8fab5feeee9f4ebfab5feee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="26676255664347554708435354495647084353">[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#2d4b5f0344435e5d484e594442436d434c5f4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8deca96d1d6cbc8dddbccd1d7d6f8d6d9cad996dfd7ce">[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 January 24, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02996 Filed 2-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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