Rule2022-05617
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
March 22, 2022
Effective
April 26, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-25- 11, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and - 122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2013-25-11 required repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings, upper fittings, and shelves for damage, repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower central support for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2013-25-11 also specified optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-25-11, new damage occurrences have been reported, and a different compliance time has been determined for certain inspections, depending on airplane configuration. This AD expands the applicability, removes the optional terminating action, and requires new repetitive inspections; 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 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16094-16097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05617]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0506; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00200-T;
Amendment 39-21968; AD 2022-06-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-25-
11, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and
-133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and
-232 airplanes. AD 2013-25-11 required repetitive inspections of the
80VU rack lower lateral fittings, upper fittings, and shelves for
damage, repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower central support
for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2013-25-11 also
specified optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Since the FAA issued AD 2013-25-11, new damage occurrences have been
reported, and a different compliance time has been determined for
certain inspections, depending on airplane configuration. This AD
expands the applicability, removes the optional terminating action, and
requires new repetitive inspections; 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 April 26, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 26,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
[[Page 16095]]
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#27666354674246544609425255485746094252"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2">[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>. For Airbus service information identified
in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point
Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61
93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#660705050913081248070f14110914120e4b03071526070f140413154805090b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9afbf9f9f5eff4eeb4fbf3e8edf5e8eef2b7fffbe9dafbf3e8f8efe9b4f9f5f7">[email protected]</span></a>;
internet <a href="https://www.airbus.com">https://www.airbus.com</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-2021-0506.
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-2021-0506; 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: 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#c9baa8a7a3a8b0e7bba8a5a1a8a789afa8a8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4437252a2e253d6a3625282c252a042225256a232b32">[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 2021-0172, dated July 20, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0172) (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, A319-111,
A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133,
A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232,
A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213,
A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. Model A320-215 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 an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to
supersede AD 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707 (78 FR 78705, December 27,
2013) (AD 2013-25-11) that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111
and -112, 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
June 22, 2021 (86 FR 32653) (the NPRM). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of damaged lower lateral fittings of the 80VU rack, and reports
of new damage on airplanes on which certain optional service
information had been accomplished. The NPRM proposed to expand the
applicability, remove the optional terminating action, and require new
repetitive inspections.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-25-11. AD 2013-25-11
applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and
-232 airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on November
17, 2021 (86 FR 64092). The SNPRM proposed to establish a different
compliance time for the initial inspection on certain airplane
configurations. The SNPRM also proposed to expand the applicability,
remove the optional terminating action, and require new repetitive
inspections, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0172.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage or cracking of the
80VU fittings and supports, which could lead to possible disconnection
of the cable harnesses to one or more computers, and if occurring
during a critical phase of flight, could result in reduced control of
the airplane. 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) and United Airlines, who supported the SNPRM
without change.
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 SNPRM. 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 2021-0172 specifies procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings, lower
central support, upper fittings, central post, and shelves attachments
for discrepancies (including broken fittings, missing bolts, an
electronics rack FIN 80VU that is in contact with structure, any bush
that has migrated, burred material, and cracks), and corrective action
if necessary. Corrective actions include modification, repair, and
replacement. EASA AD 2021-0172 also describes procedures for reporting
inspection results to Airbus.
The FAA has also reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ,
Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ,
Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020, describes inspections of the 80VU
rack lower lateral fittings, lower central support, upper fittings,
central post, and shelves attachments for discrepancies and corrective
action.
The FAA has also reviewed Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/
2020, Issue 1, dated September 18, 2020, which addresses discrepancies
found in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April
9, 2020.
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 1,528 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 16096]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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New actions..................... Up to 8 work-hours $0 Up to $680......... Up to $1,039,040.
x $85 per hour =
Up to $680.
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$129,880, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repair............................... 122 work-hours x $85 $4,150................. $14,520.
per hour = $10,370.
Replacement.......................... Up to 189 work-hours x Up to $6,928........... Up to $22,993.
$85 per hour = Up to
$16,065.
Modification......................... 189 work-hours x $85 $7,407................. $23,472.
per hour = $16,065.
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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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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) 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707
(78 FR 78705, December 27, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-06-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21968; Docket No. FAA-2021-0506;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00200-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 26, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707 (78 FR 78705,
December 27, 2013) (AD 2013-25-11).
[[Page 16097]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
(1) Model A318-111 and -112 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 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of damaged lower lateral
fittings of the 80VU rack, and reports of new damage on airplanes on
which certain optional service information had been accomplished.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage or cracking of the 80VU
fittings and supports, which could lead to possible disconnection of
the cable harnesses to one or more computers, and if occurring
during a critical phase of flight, could result in reduced 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
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0172, dated July 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0172).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0172
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0172 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The remarks section of EASA AD 2021-0172 does not apply to
this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0172 specifies ``any
discrepancy,'' for this AD ``any discrepancy'' includes broken
fittings, missing bolts, an electronics rack FIN 80VU that is in
contact with structure, any bush that has migrated, burred material,
and cracks.
(i) Method of Compliance for Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA AD
2021-0172
Accomplishing inspections and correctives actions in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instruction of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020, with corrections
referenced in the Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/2020,
Issue 1, dated September 18, 2020, is an acceptable method of
compliance for the inspections and corrective actions specified in
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA AD 2021-0172.
(j) 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 (k) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b42563a2d28563a3229564c484b563a3634383b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="360f1b7760651b777f641b0105061b777b79757650575718515940">[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 (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
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#e99a8887838890c79b8885818887a98f8888c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f586949b9f948cdb8794999d949bb5939494db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated
April 9, 2020.
(ii) Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/2020, Issue 1,
dated September 18, 2020.
(iii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0172,
dated July 20, 2021.
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0172, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c7d784f7c595d4f5d1259494e534c5d125949"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98d9dcebd8fdf9ebf9b6fdedeaf7e8f9b6fded">[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>. For Airbus
service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93
44 51; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7d6d4d4d8c2d9c399d6dec5c0d8c5c3df9ad2d6c4f7d6dec5d5c2c499d4d8da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84e5e7e7ebf1eaf0aae5edf6f3ebf6f0eca9e1e5f7c4e5edf6e6f1f7aae7ebe9">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.airbus.com">https://www.airbus.com</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#1375613d7a7d60637670677a7c7d537d7261723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9dfcb97d0d7cac9dcdacdd0d6d7f9d7d8cbd897ded6cf">[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 March 8, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05617 Filed 3-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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