Rule2022-14194
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
July 5, 2022
Effective
August 9, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of inadvertent auto flight system (AFS) altitude changes on the flight control unit (FCU). This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a procedure on the use of the AFS control panel ALT knob and replacing any affected FCU with a serviceable FCU, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. 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 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39741-39742]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14194]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0464; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01290-T;
Amendment 39-22097; AD 2022-13-11]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
a report of inadvertent auto flight system (AFS) altitude changes on
the flight control unit (FCU). This AD requires revising the existing
airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a procedure on the use of the
AFS control panel ALT knob and replacing any affected FCU with a
serviceable FCU, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also
prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 9,
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#df9e9bac9fbabeacbef1baaaadb0afbef1baaa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ce8f8abd8eabafbdafe0abbbbca1beafe0abbb">[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-2022-0464.
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-2022-0464; 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, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5a1a4abebb7aaa1acaba485a3a4a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f0b0e01411d000b06010e2f090e0e41080019">[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 2021-0260, dated November 18, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0260) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 18, 2022 (87 FR 22816). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of inadvertent AFS altitude changes on the FCU. The NPRM
proposed to require revising the existing AFM to include a procedure on
the use of the AFS control panel ALT knob and replacing any affected
FCU with a serviceable FCU, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0260. The NPRM
also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address erroneous target altitude
during descent, climb, or go-around, which could result in an
unexpected vertical trajectory deviation and loss of correct
situational awareness that could potentially result in uncontrolled
impact with the ground. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment 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 2021-0260 describes procedures for revising the existing
AFM to include a procedure on the use of the AFS control panel ALT knob
and replacing any affected FCU having part numbers (P/N) C31006AC01 or
C31006AB01 with a serviceable FCU having P/N C31006AD01. 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 27 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 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $27,000 Up to $27,510................ Up to $742,770.
$510.
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[[Page 39742]]
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:
2022-13-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22097; Docket No. FAA-2022-0464;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01290-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto Flight.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of inadvertent auto flight
system (AFS) altitude changes on the flight control unit (FCU); an
investigation revealed that, depending on the ring selection,
failure of the ALT knob on the FCU could change the target altitude.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address erroneous target altitude
during descent, climb, or go-around, which could result in an
unexpected vertical trajectory deviation and loss of correct
situational awareness that could potentially result in uncontrolled
impact with the ground.
(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
2021-0260, dated November 18, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0260).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0260
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0260 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0260 specifies to
``inform all flight crews, and thereafter, operate the aeroplane
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0260 does not apply
to this AD.
(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, 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#30091d7166631d7179621d0703001d717d7f73705651511e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="744d5935222759353d26594347445935393b37341215155a131b02">[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.
(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#4f2b2e21613d202b26212e0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5337323d7d213c373a3d32133532327d343c25">[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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0260,
dated November 18, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0260, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f4e4b7c4f6a6e7c6e216a7a7d607f6e216a7a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a">[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#b6d0c498dfd8c5c6d3d5c2dfd9d8f6d8d7c4d798d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9dfbefb3f4f3eeedf8fee9f4f2f3ddf3fceffcb3faf2eb">[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 14, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14194 Filed 7-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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