Rule2022-03633
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 22, 2022
Effective
March 29, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-26- 01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2019-26-01 required repetitive detailed inspections, and applicable corrective actions, and provided an optional modification that terminated the inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-26-01, a determination was made that a related production modification was not properly installed on certain airplanes. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-26-01, and, for certain airplanes, adds a one- time detailed inspection of the modification for proper installation, and applicable corrective actions if necessary, 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 87 Issue 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9429-9432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03633]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1006; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00700-T;
Amendment 39-21940; AD 2022-03-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
[[Page 9430]]
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-26-
01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes. AD 2019-26-01 required repetitive detailed inspections, and
applicable corrective actions, and provided an optional modification
that terminated the inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-26-01, a
determination was made that a related production modification was not
properly installed on certain airplanes. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2019-26-01, and, for certain airplanes, adds a one-
time detailed inspection of the modification for proper installation,
and applicable corrective actions if necessary, 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 March 29, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 29,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2564615665404456440b4050574a55440b4050"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1150556251747062703f7464637e61703f7464">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. 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-2021-1006.
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-2021-1006; 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,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b2f2a256539242f22252a0b2d2a2a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bdd9dcd393cfd2d9d4d3dcfddbdcdc93dad2cb">[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 2021-0141, dated June 15, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0141) (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 to supersede AD 2019-26-01, Amendment 39-21023 (85 FR 4199,
January 24, 2020) (AD 2019-26-01). AD 2019-26-01 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on November 18, 2021 (86 FR 64416). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of sealant bead damage caused by rotation of the
attachment fitting bearing assembly of a trimmable horizontal
stabilizer (THS) and a determination that a related production
modification was not properly installed on certain airplanes. The NPRM
proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2019-26-01, and, for certain
airplanes, proposed to add a one-time detailed inspection of the
modification for proper installation, and applicable corrective actions
if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0141.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible water ingress due to
sealant bead damage, which could result in corrosion damage in the
aluminum corner fitting. This condition, if not addressed, could lead
to detachment and loss of the THS, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground. 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 2021-0141 describes procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections for damage of the fillet sealant and corrosion on aluminum
in the lower and upper corner fittings and bearing assembly attachment
interface at frame (FR) 102, left-hand and right-hand sides, and an
optional modification (application of new corrosion protection in the
THS upper and lower attachment fitting bearing assembly) that would
eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections. EASA AD 2021-0141
also describes procedures for a one-time detailed inspection of the
modification of the lower and upper corner fittings and bearing
assembly attachment interface at FR 102, left-hand and right-hand sides
(Airbus production modification 113102) for discrepancies (including
missing sealant bead, cracks in the sealant bead, and corrosion on the
affected bearing zone) and corrective actions (including, but not
limited to, a check for grease, a check for cracks in the sealant bead,
applying sealant, torqueing the bearing nut, inspecting for corrosion
on the affected bearing zone, applying corrosion preventative compound
and actions to address missing grease and corrosion). 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 15 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 9431]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 30 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,550 $38,250
2019[dash]26[dash]01. hour = $2,550.
New actions........................... 32 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,720 40,800
hour = $2,720.
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The FAA has received no definitive data that enables the agency to
provide cost estimates for the corrective actions (including repair)
specified in this AD.
Estimated Costs of Optional Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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34 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,890. $0 $2,890
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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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-26-01, Amendment 39-21023
(85 FR 4199, January 24, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-03-22 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21940; Docket No. FAA-2021-1006;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00700-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 29, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-26-01, Amendment 39-21023 (85 FR 4199,
January 24, 2020) (AD 2019-26-01).
(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 2021-0141, dated June 15,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0141).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of sealant bead damage caused by
rotation of the attachment fitting bearing assembly of a trimmable
horizontal stabilizer (THS) and a determination that a related
production modification was not properly installed on certain
airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible water
ingress due to sealant bead damage, which could result in corrosion
damage in the aluminum corner fitting. This condition, if not
addressed, could lead to detachment and loss of the THS, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the airplane and injury to persons
on the ground.
(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 2021-0141.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0141
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0141 refers to February 21, 2018 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2018-0037), this AD requires using
February 28, 2020 (the effective date of FAA AD 2019-26-01).
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0141 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0141 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
[[Page 9432]]
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4ddc9a5b2b7c9a5adb6c9d3d7d4c9a5a9aba7a4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="536a7e1205007e121a017e6460637e121e1c10133532327d343c25">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2019-26-01 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2021-0141 that are
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021-0141 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC
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, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7216131c5c001d161b1c13321413135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4420252a6a362b202d2a25042225256a232b32">[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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0141,
dated June 15, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0141, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4f5f0c7f4d1d5c7d59ad1c1c6dbc4d59ad1c1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adece9deedc8ccdecc83c8d8dfc2ddcc83c8d8">[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#583e2a7631362b283d3b2c3137361836392a39763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4026326e292e3330252334292f2e002e2132216e272f36">[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 28, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03633 Filed 2-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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