Rule2022-14196
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 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 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 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39743-39745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14196]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0147; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01022-T;
Amendment 39-22095; AD 2022-13-09]
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 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 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 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#92d3d6e1d2f7f3e1f3bcf7e7e0fde2f3bcf7e7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="befffacdfedbdfcddf90dbcbccd1cedf90dbcb">[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-2022-0147.
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-2022-0147; 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 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c282d22623e232825222d0c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ff9b9e91d18d909b96919ebf999e9ed1989089">[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 2021-0204, dated September 14, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0204) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Model A300-600 series airplanes.
EASA AD 2021-0204 specifies that it requires certain tasks
(limitations) already required by EASA AD 2019-0090, dated April 26,
2019 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR
56935, October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-01)), and invalidates (terminates)
prior instructions for those tasks. This AD, for AD 2019-21-01,
terminates the limitation for the tasks identified in the service
information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0204 only.
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
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). The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 24,
2022 (87 FR 10315). 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 2021-0204.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Airline Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA
also received a comment from FedEx Express, who stated the requirements
in the NPRM would not adversely impact operations.
The FAA received an additional comment from UPS Airlines. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response.
Request To Combine Multiple Rulings
UPS Airlines requested that the incorporation of Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2 Variations 3.3 through 3.6 be combined
into a single proposed rule. UPS Airlines stated their preference for a
single rule that would encompass all released ALS Part 2, Revision 03,
variations 3.1 through 3.6, and supersede current FAA AD 2020-23-11.
UPS asserted that multiple active rules for the same program
requirements place an unnecessary compliance tracking burden on
operators for the hundreds of tasks within the ALS program, with no
enhancement or benefit to fleet airworthiness.
The FAA does not agree with the requested change. The state of
design initiated separate actions. If the ALS changes were combined by
the FAA unilaterally it would delay the rulemaking activity and thus
delay making the ALS changes mandatory. This AD has not been changed
with regard to this request.
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 2021-0204 specifies 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 would affect 118 airplanes of U.S.
registry. 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-
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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:
2022-13-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22095; Docket No. FAA-2022-0147;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01022-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935,
October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F series airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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
2021-0204, dated September 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0204).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0204
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0204 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0204 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0204 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]'' 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 2021-0204 is at the applicable ``associated
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of
EASA AD 2021-0204, or within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0204 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0204 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 2021-0204.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2019-21-01
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2019-21-01, for the tasks
identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0204 only.
(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#536a7e1205007e121a017e6460637e121e1c10133532327d343c25"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="360f1b7760651b777f641b0105061b777b79757650575718515940">[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 (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
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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 Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6105000f4f130e05080f00210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7317121d5d011c171a1d12331512125d141c05">[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 2021-0204,
dated September 14, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0204, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ce8f8abd8eabafbdafe0abbbbca1beafe0abbb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4a5a097a481859785ca8191968b9485ca8191">[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#99ffebb7f0f7eae9fcfaedf0f6f7d9f7f8ebf8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6a0b4e8afa8b5b6a3a5b2afa9a886a8a7b4a7e8a1a9b0">[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 13, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14196 Filed 7-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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