Rule2022-13016
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
June 17, 2022
Effective
July 22, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain service information specified in AD 2018-20-19 contained instructions that could be misleading, resulting in a necessary inspection not being accomplished on certain airplanes. This AD requires a rototest for certain modified airplanes for any crack around the right-side upper and lower bulk door support or door latch fitting holes at certain bulk cargo door frames, or repetitive inspections for any crack at certain fittings, and 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 117 (Friday, June 17, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 117 (Friday, June 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36387-36390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13016]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0380; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01178-T;
Amendment 39-22076; AD 2022-12-04]
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 A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200
Freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by a determination that certain service information
specified in AD 2018-20-19 contained instructions that could be
misleading, resulting in a necessary inspection not being accomplished
on certain airplanes. This AD requires a rototest for certain modified
airplanes for any crack around the right-side upper and lower bulk door
support or door latch fitting holes at certain bulk cargo door frames,
or repetitive inspections for any crack at certain fittings, and 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 July 22, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 22,
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#1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff">[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-2022-0380.
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-2022-0380; 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#b6c0dad7d2dfdbdfc498c3dacfd7d8d9c0f6d0d7d798d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="45332924212c282c376b30293c242b2a33052324246b222a33">[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 2021-0233, dated October 27, 2021
(EASA AD
[[Page 36388]]
2021-0233) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model
A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-300 series
airplanes.
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 A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series
airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on March 28, 2022 (87 FR 17198). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination that tartaric sulfuric anodizing (TSA)/
chromic acid anodizing (CAA) surface treatment in the door fitting
attachment holes leads to a detrimental effect on fatigue behavior; and
that certain service information specified in AD 2018-20-19, Amendment
39-19453 (83 FR 52126, October 16, 2018) (AD 2018-20-19) contains
instructions that could be misleading, resulting in a necessary
inspection not being accomplished on certain airplanes. The potentially
misleading instructions are for an optional action, and apply only to
model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 airplanes. The NPRM
proposed to require a rototest for certain modified airplanes for any
crack around the right-side upper and lower bulk door support or door
latch fitting holes at certain bulk cargo door frames, or repetitive
inspections for any crack at certain fittings, and on-condition
actions, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0233.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible fatigue cracks in
the bulk cargo door frames, caused by TSA/CAA surface treatment in
frame (FR) 67 and FR69 cargo door frame attachment holes. 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 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 2021-0233 specifies procedures for a rototest for any crack
around the holes at the upper and lower door support fittings of frame
FR67 and FR69 right hand side and the holes at door latch fitting of
FR69 right hand side; or repetitive detailed inspections of the frame
around the fittings, or high frequency eddy current (HFEC) and
ultrasonic inspections of the upper door supper fitting holes and
rototests of the lower door fitting holes of the door latch fittings at
FR69 for any crack; and on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include installing new (never installed on an airplane) bushes to the
latch fittings of FR69 and repair, and a rototest of the support
fittings and the frame holes at FR67.
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 109 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 15 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 Up to $1,275................. Up to $138,975.
= $1,275.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required or optional actions. 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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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255.... $1,915 $2,170
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the 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.
[[Page 36389]]
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:
2022-12-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22076; Docket No. FAA-2022-0380;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01178-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 22, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021-0233, dated October 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0233).
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that tartaric sulfuric
anodizing (TSA)/chromic acid anodizing (CAA) surface treatment in
the door fitting attachment holes leads to a detrimental effect on
fatigue behavior; and that certain service information specified in
AD 2018-20-19 contains instructions that could be misleading,
resulting in a necessary inspection not being accomplished on
certain airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible
fatigue cracks in the bulk cargo door frames, caused by TSA/CAA
surface treatment in frame (FR) 67 and FR69 cargo door frame
attachment holes. Cracks in the bulk cargo door frames can cause the
in-flight loss of a bulk cargo door, damage to the airplane, and
subsequent reduced control 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, EASA AD 2021-0233.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0233
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0233 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0233 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0233 specifies to
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if discrepancies are
detected, for this AD a discrepancy is any cracking, and if any
cracking is detected, the cracking 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.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0233 specifies to
``contact Airbus for approved repair instructions,'' for this AD use
``accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the instructions
of the SB and contact the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA
DOA for approved repair instructions. If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature''
(5) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0233 specifies to do a check of the aircraft records for
accomplishment of certain service information, and specifies that
action as ``RC,'' (required for compliance), this AD does not
include that requirement.
(6) Where the Applicability section of EASA AD 2021-0233 refers
to ``defects,'' for this AD ``defects'' are cracks.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0233
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#be8793ffe8ed93fff7ec93898d8e93fff3f1fdfed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95acb8d4c3c6b8d4dcc7b8a2a6a5b8d4d8dad6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[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(s) (h)(3) and (4), (i), and (j)(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.
(k) 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#582e34393c3135312a762d34213936372e183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="60160c0104090d09124e150c19010e0f16200601014e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2021-0233,
dated October 27, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0233, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cf8e8bbc8faaaebcaee1aababda0bfaee1aaba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161">[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
[[Page 36390]]
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#c9afbbe7a0a7bab9acaabda0a6a789a7a8bba8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbadb9e5a2a5b8bbaea8bfa2a4a58ba5aab9aae5aca4bd">[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 June 3, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-13016 Filed 6-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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