Rule2022-11538
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 31, 2022
Effective
July 5, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes, Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected area, and applicable corrective 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 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32292-32295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11538]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1172; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00939-T;
Amendment 39-22051; AD 2022-11-01]
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 A300 series airplanes, Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This
AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing gear (MLG)
support rib 5 lower flange. This AD requires a one-time detailed
inspection (DET) of the affected area, and applicable corrective
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 July 5, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5,
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#87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d7c794e7d585c4e5c1358484f524d5c135848">[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-2021-1172.
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-2021-1172; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cbafaaa5e5b9a4afa2a5aa8badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="385c5956164a575c515659785e5959165f574e">[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 2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0190) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A300, A300-600, and A300-
600ST airplanes. Model A300-600ST 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 A300 series airplanes and Model A300-600 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2022 (87 FR
1703). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the MLG support
rib 5 lower flange. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time DET of the
affected area, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA
AD 2021-0190.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the MLG support
rib 5 lower flange. This condition, if not detected and corrected,
could affect the structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from FedEx. The following presents the
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request for Allowance of Previously Approved Hardware
FedEx requested that the FAA include a comment allowing previous
Airbus Repair Design Approval Sheet (RDAS)-approved hardware that is
different from the hardware specified in Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A57W017-21 (which is referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0190). FedEx noted that it had airplanes with different fasteners than
those specified in a required for compliance (RC) step in Airbus AOT
A57W017-21, and that those different fasteners were approved through an
Airbus RDAS. FedEx added that Airbus provided configuration approval
and structural acceptance of its proposed deviations to the fastener
specifications through Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance
(ASAC) 80955386/006/2021 Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021, and ASAC
08955386/024/2022 Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022. FedEx stated that
adding such a provision in the proposed AD would eliminate the
necessity for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).
The FAA concurs with FedEx's request because the alternative method
will provide an acceptable level of
[[Page 32293]]
safety. The ASAC documents are equivalent to an AMOC approval. The FAA
has redesignated paragraph (i)(1) of the proposed AD as paragraph
(i)(1)(i) of this AD and added paragraph (i)(1)(ii) to this AD to
specify that Airbus ASAC 80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25,
2021, and ASAC 80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD, for the
airplanes identified in those ASACs only.
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 2021-0190 specifies procedures for a DET of the affected
area, a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) around some
fastener holes in the affected area, and applicable corrective
action(s) including crack repair.
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 124 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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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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23 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,955........................ $0 $1,955 $242,420
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The FAA estimates the following costs to replace any cracked rib
that would be required based on the results of any required actions and
repair status. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 1,500 work-hours x $85 $620,000 Up to $747,500.
per hour = $127,500.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the repair 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:
2022-11-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22051; Docket No. FAA-2021-1172;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00939-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, without Airbus modification 11912 and identified in figure
1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
[[Page 32294]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY22.224
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing
gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, inboard and outboard of Rib
5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address cracking of the MLG support rib 5 lower flange. This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the
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
2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0190).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0190
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0190 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0190 specifies to
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if any crack is
detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack 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 Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0190 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
(i) 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#3b02167a6d68167a7269160c080b167a7674787b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ea7b3dfc8cdb3dfd7ccb3a9adaeb3dfd3d1dddef8ffffb0f9f1e8">[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.
(ii) Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC)
80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021, and ASAC
80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD for the airplanes
identified in those ASACs only.
(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 referenced
in EASA AD 2021-0190 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1074717e3e627f74797e71507671713e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="16727778386479727f78775670777738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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.
[[Page 32295]]
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0190,
dated August 17, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0190, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#78393c0b381d190b19561d0d0a170819561d0d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="76373205361317051758130304190617581303">[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#7d1b0f5314130e0d181e091412133d131c0f1c531a120b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e08692ce898e9390858394898f8ea08e819281ce878f96">[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 May 13, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11538 Filed 5-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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