Proposed Rule2022-07857
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 14, 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 a report that cracks were found on the web horizontal flange and inner cap on frame (FR) 68, left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) side, at stringer (STGR) 22. This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks on the web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH side at STGR 22, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 14, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 72 (Thursday, April 14, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22156-22158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07857]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0457; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00263-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 a report that cracks were found on the web horizontal
flange and inner cap on frame (FR) 68, left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) side, at stringer (STGR) 22. This proposed AD would require
repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks on
the web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH side at
STGR 22, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference. 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 May 31,
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 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#abeaefd8ebcecad8ca85ceded9c4dbca85cede"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5">[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>. 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-2022-0457.
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-2022-0457; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#67030609491508030e09062701060649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e084818ece928f84898e81a0868181ce878f96">[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-2022-0457; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00263-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
should be sent to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street,
Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3b7b2bdfda1bcb7babdb293b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e1e4ebabf7eae1ecebe4c5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[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 2022-0030, dated February 25, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0030) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-
121, A318-122, 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 proposed AD
therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during the
inspection for the door stop fitting holes at FR 66 and FR 68 required
by EASA AD 2016-0238, dated December 2, 2016; corrected January 4, 2017
(which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-03-12, Amendment 39-19185 (83 FR
5906, February 12, 2018), cracks were found on web horizontal flange
and inner cap on FR 68, LH and
[[Page 22157]]
RH sides, at STGR 22. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
cracks on web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH
sides, at STGR 22, which could result in reduced structural integrity
of the fuselage. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies procedures for repetitive HFEC
inspections for cracks at the web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR
68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22, and applicable corrective actions
(e.g., repairs). 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 are 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 2022-0030 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 2022-0030 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0030 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 2022-0030 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 2022-
0030. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0030 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-2022-0457 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 1,585
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,380........................ $0 $2,380 $3,772,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions 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.
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-2022-0457; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00263-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 31, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of
[[Page 22158]]
this AD, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0030, dated February 25,
2022 (EASA AD 2022-0030).
(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 a report that cracks were found on web
horizontal flange and inner cap on frame (FR) 68, left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) sides, at stringer (STGR) 22. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the cracks on web horizontal flange and inner cap
on FR 68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22, which could result in reduced
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 2022-0030.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0030
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0030 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0030 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies
``Accomplishment on an aeroplane of (repetitive) maintenance
instructions, issued and approved by Airbus,'' for this AD, those
instructions must have been approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; Airbus SAS's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies if
``discrepancies and/or cracks are detected, before next flight,
contact Airbus for approved corrective action(s) instructions and,
within the compliance time specified therein, accomplish those
instructions accordingly,'' for this AD, if cracks are detected, the
cracks must be repaired before further flight using a method
approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies ``the
instructions provided by Airbus,'' for this AD, those instructions
must be approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; Airbus SAS's EASA
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(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 of the
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#af9682eef9fc82eee6fd82989c9f82eee2e0ecefc9cece81c8c0d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f46523e292c523e362d52484c4f523e32303c3f191e1e51181009">[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; 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
(1) For EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eeafaa9dae8b8f9d8fc08b9b9c819e8fc08b9b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3372774073565240521d5646415c43521d5646">[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-2022-0457.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83e7e2edadf1ece7eaede2c3e5e2e2ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1571747b3b677a717c7b74557374743b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07857 Filed 4-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 14, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.