Rule2022-11209
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
May 26, 2022
Effective
June 30, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N; A320 series; and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 102 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 102 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31943-31945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11209]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0888; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00676-T;
Amendment 39-22036; AD 2022-09-16]
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; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115,
-131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N; A320 series; and A321 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 June 30, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 30,
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#3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444"><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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0888.
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-2021-0888; 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; telephone and fax 206-231-3229;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f79636e6b6662667d217a63766e6160794f696e6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="394f55585d5054504b174c55405857564f795f5858175e564f">[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 2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0140) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-
111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-
133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215,
A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-
253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131,
A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-
251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-
271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A318 series; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133,
-151N, and -153N; A320 series; and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59662).
The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in EASA AD 2021-0140.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and American Airlines. The ALPA supported the NPRM
without change. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response.
Request To Revise Paragraph To Correct Task Reference Error
American Airlines (AAL) requested a change in paragraph (j) of the
proposed AD to correct an incorrect task reference. AAL stated that
incorporating Task 531135-03-1 actually terminates Task 531135-01-2, as
determined by Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2, Variation
8.5, not Task 531135-03-2, as indicated in the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees with the request and has revised paragraph (j) of
this AD to indicate the correct task number.
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, and any other changes
described previously, 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 2021-0140 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
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 1,728 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
[[Page 31944]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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:
2022-09-16 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22036; Docket No. FAA-2021-0888;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00676-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 30, 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, with an original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before November 10,
2020.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, and -153N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or
corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in
reduced structural integrity 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
2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0140).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0140
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0140 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The provisions specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0140 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 specifies revising ``the
approved [aircraft maintenance program] AMP'' within 12 months after
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 is at the applicable
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3)
of EASA AD 2021-0140, or within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0140 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0140 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2021-0140.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-05
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD, including
incorporating Task 531135-03-1 as required by EASA AD 2021-0140 and
incorporated by reference in this AD, terminates Task 531135-01-2,
as required by EASA AD 2020-0036R1 and incorporated by reference in
AD 2020-20-05, and as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05.
(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 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#5b62761a0d08761a1209766c686b761a1614181b3d3a3a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="073e2a4651542a464e552a3034372a464a48444761666629606871">[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
[[Page 31945]]
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 (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;
telephone and fax 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d6b717c797470746f336871647c73726b5d7b7c7c337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9bfa5a8ada0a4a0bbe7bca5b0a8a7a6bf89afa8a8e7aea6bf">[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 2021-0140,
dated June 14, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0140, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e4f4a7d4e6b6f7d6f206b7b7c617e6f206b7b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c1d182f1c393d2f3d7239292e332c3d723929">[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#4422366a2d2a37342127302d2b2a042a2536256a232b32"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be">[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 22, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11209 Filed 5-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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