Rule2022-08494
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 21, 2022
Effective
May 26, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting 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 AD was prompted by reports that, during inspections accomplished as specified in certain airworthiness limitation items (ALIs), cracks were detected in the double joggle areas at frame (FR) 16 and FR20 in the nose forward fuselage. This AD requires repetitive special detailed inspections of certain areas and applicable on-condition actions, 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 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23755-23757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08494]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0091; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01123-T;
Amendment 39-22011; AD 2022-08-08]
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
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 AD was prompted
by reports that, during inspections accomplished as specified in
certain airworthiness limitation items (ALIs), cracks were detected in
the double joggle areas at frame (FR) 16 and FR20 in the nose forward
fuselage. This AD requires repetitive special detailed inspections of
certain areas and applicable on-condition actions, 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 26, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 26,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA 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#0342477043666270622d6676716c73622d6676"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d09194a390b5b1a3b1feb5a5a2bfa0b1feb5a5">[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-2022-0091.
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-2022-0091; 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; phone 206-231-3229; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98eef4f9fcf1f5f1eab6edf4e1f9f6f7eed8fef9f9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36405a57525f5b5f4418435a4f575859407650575718515940">[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 2021-0227, dated October 11, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0227) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition 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.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR
[[Page 23756]]
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 8, 2022 (87 FR 7062). The NPRM was prompted by reports that
during inspections accomplished in accordance with certain ALIs, cracks
were detected in double joggle areas at FR16 and FR20, right hand and
left hand sides. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive special
detailed inspections of certain areas and applicable on-condition
actions, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0227. The NPRM also proposed an
optional modification of the double joggle area, which terminates the
repetitive inspections.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks in the double joggle
areas at FR16 and FR20 in the nose forward fuselage, which, if not
detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the
fuselage. 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.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule 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 2021-0227 specifies procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections (rototest inspections) of double joggle areas at
FR16 and FR20, right hand and left hand sides for cracking, applicable
on-condition actions (repair) and an optional modification of the
double joggle area, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The
modification includes a rotating probe inspection of certain fastener
holes for cracks, a check of the fastener holes for a minimum diameter,
and applicable on-condition actions (repair and oversizing holes). 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 would affect 1,549 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
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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Up to 55 work-hours x $85 per $0...................... Up to $4,675.............. Up to $7,241,575.
hour = $4,675.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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60 work-hours x $85 per hour = $5,100. $1,624 $6,724
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs 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.
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:
[[Page 23757]]
2022-08-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22011; Docket No. FAA-2022-0091;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01123-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 26, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197,
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021-0227, dated October 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0227).
(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 reports that, during inspections
accomplished as specified in certain airworthiness limitation items
(ALIs), cracks were detected in the double joggle areas at frame
(FR) 16 and FR20 in the nose forward fuselage. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address cracks in these areas, which, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the 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 2021-0227.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0227
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0227 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0227 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0227 specifies to
``contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions
accordingly'' if any cracks are detected, for this AD if any
cracking is detected, the cracking must be repaired before further
flight using a method approved by Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2021-0227 specify
``Airbus approved repair instructions,'' or ``post-repair inspection
instructions approved by Airbus,'' for this AD, to be acceptable for
credit, the repair instructions must be approved by Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA
authorized signature.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0227
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-05
Accomplishing the initial inspections required by this AD
terminates ALI Tasks 531153-02-1, 531153-02-2, 531155-02-1 and
531155-02-2, as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05 only for
the airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(k) 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 (l) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81b8acc0d7d2acc0c8d3acb6b2b1acc0cccec2c1e7e0e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="427b6f0314116f030b106f7571726f030f0d01022423236c252d34">[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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (h)(3), (i), and (k)(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.
(l) 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; phone
206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#25534944414c484c570b50495c444b4a53654344440b424a53"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91e7fdf0f5f8fcf8e3bfe4fde8f0fffee7d1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2021-0227,
dated October 11, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0227, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a1b1e291a3f3b293b743f2f28352a3b743f2f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474">[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#a9cfdb87c0c7dad9cccaddc0c6c7e9c7c8dbc887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bfde9b5f2f5e8ebfef8eff2f4f5dbf5fae9fab5fcf4ed">[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 April 4, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08494 Filed 4-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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