Rule2022-07085
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
April 5, 2022
Effective
May 10, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-09- 09, which applied to certain Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; all Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and all Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2018-09-09 required modifying the holes of the upper cleat to upper stringer attachments at certain areas of the left- and right-hand wings. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-09-09, additional affected configurations were identified and, for certain airplanes, it was determined that additional modification work and revised compliance times are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2018-09-09 and adds airplanes, requires different compliance times for certain airplane configurations, and, for certain airplanes, requires additional modifications or reduces compliance times, 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 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19619-19621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07085]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1063; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00826-T;
Amendment 39-21987; AD 2022-06-21]
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) 2018-09-
09, which applied to certain Airbus Model A318 and A319 series
airplanes; all Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and all Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes. AD 2018-09-09 required modifying the holes of the
upper cleat to upper stringer attachments at certain areas of the left-
and right-hand wings. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-09-09, additional
affected configurations were identified and, for certain airplanes, it
was determined that additional modification work and revised compliance
times are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2018-09-09
and adds airplanes, requires different compliance times for certain
airplane configurations, and, for certain airplanes, requires
additional modifications or reduces compliance times, 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 May 10, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 10,
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#94d5d0e7d4f1f5e7f5baf1e1e6fbe4f5baf1e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2b3b681b297938193dc9787809d8293dc9787">[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
[[Page 19620]]
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-1063.
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-2021-1063; 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, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3223; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9cad8d7d3d8c097cbd8d5d1d8d7f9dfd8d897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="592a3837333820772b3835313837193f3838773e362f">[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 2021-0167, dated July 14, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0167) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and
-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 a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-09-09, Amendment 39-19266 (83 FR
19925, May 7, 2018; corrected May 15, 2018 (83 FR 22354)) (AD 2018-09-
09). AD 2018-09-09 applied to certain Airbus Model A318 and A319 series
airplanes; all Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and all Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
December 21, 2021 (86 FR 72195). The NPRM was prompted by a report
indicating that additional affected configurations were identified to
be subject to widespread fatigue damage and, for certain airplanes, it
was determined that additional modification work (such as, for certain
configurations, oversizing certain additional holes, replacing a
certain fastener with a corrosion-resistant fastener, or cleat refit
and sealant procedure) or revised compliance times are necessary. The
NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2018-09-09 and add
airplanes, require different compliance times for certain airplane
configurations, and, for certain airplanes, require additional
modifications or reduce compliance times, as specified in EASA AD 2021-
0167.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in the
stringer attachment holes of the wings, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the wings. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, Air Line Pilots
Association, International (ALPA), and United Airlines, who supported
the NPRM 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 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 2021-0167 specifies procedures for modifying the stringer
attachments at rib 2 through rib 7 of the left- and right-hand wings.
The modification includes oversizing the holes, doing an eddy current
inspection of the affected holes for damage, and repairing damage. EASA
AD 2021-0167 also specifies additional work for airplanes on which the
modification actions were accomplished using certain service
information. 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 1,446 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Retained actions from AD 2018-09-09.. 125 work-hours x $85 per $26,260 $36,885 $41,901,360 (1,136
hour = $10,625. airplanes).
New actions.......................... 125 work-hours x $85 per 1,520 12,145 $17,561,670.
hour = $10,625.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions or the additional work for
certain previously modified airplanes, as specified in this 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 19621]]
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) 2018-09-09, Amendment 39-19266
(83 FR 19925, May 7, 2018; corrected May 15, 2018 (83 FR 22354)); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-06-21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21987; Docket No. FAA-2021-1063;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00826-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 10, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-09-09, Amendment 39-19266 (83 FR 19925,
May 7, 2018; corrected May 15, 2018 (83 FR 22354)).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-
0167, dated July 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0167).
(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 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that additional affected
configurations were identified to be subject to widespread fatigue
damage at certain stringer attachments and, for certain airplanes,
it was determined that additional modification work is necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in the
stringer attachment holes of the wings, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the wings.
(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 2021-0167.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0167
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0167 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0167 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#fbc2d6baada8d6bab2a9d6ccc8cbd6bab6b4b8bb9d9a9ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="576e7a1601047a161e057a6064677a161a18141731363679303821">[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 Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3223; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#592a3837333820772b3835313837193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e69587888c879fc894878a8e8788a6808787c8818990">[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 2021-0167,
dated July 14, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0167, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adece9deedc8ccdecc83c8d8dfc2ddcc83c8d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="56171225163337253778332324392637783323">[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#6107134f080f1211040215080e0f210f0013004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="660014480f0815160305120f0908260807140748010910">[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 10, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07085 Filed 4-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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