Rule2022-14969
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 14, 2022
Effective
August 18, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03- 25, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and - 233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2019-03-25 required repetitive inspections of the center and outer wing box lower stiffeners and panels at a certain junction on the left- and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair if necessary. AD 2019-03-25 also provided an optional modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the compliance time for the initial inspection is inadequate and must be revised. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-25 with revised compliance times for certain airplanes and additional actions for certain airplanes, and expands the applicability, as specified in a European 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 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42063-42066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14969]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0454; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01124-T;
Amendment 39-22106; AD 2022-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-
25, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model Airbus SAS Model A318
series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes. AD 2019-03-25 required repetitive inspections of
the center and outer wing box lower stiffeners and panels at a certain
junction on the left- and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair
if necessary. AD 2019-03-25 also provided an optional modification,
which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted
by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the compliance time for
the initial inspection is inadequate and must be revised. This AD
continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-25 with
revised compliance times for certain airplanes and additional actions
for certain airplanes, and expands the applicability, as specified in a
European 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 18, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 18,
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#27666354674246544609425255485746094252"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f4b5b087b491958795da9181869b8495da9181">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 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
[[Page 42064]]
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-2022-0454.
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-2022-0454; 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 206-231-3223;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#32645e53565b5f5b401c675e4b535c5d44725453531c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0b68c8184898d8992ceb58c99818e8f96a0868181ce878f96">[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 2021-0228, dated October 12, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0228) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes;
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes;
Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes;
and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
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 to supersede AD 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577 (84 FR 8805,
March 12, 2019) (AD 2019-03-25). AD 2019-03-25 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214,
-216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 11, 2022 (87 FR 21044). The NPRM was prompted
by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the compliance time for
the initial inspection is inadequate and must be revised and additional
actions are required. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the
actions specified in AD 2019-03-25 with revised compliance times for
certain airplanes and additional actions for certain airplanes, and
proposed to expand the applicability, as specified in EASA AD 2021-
0228.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the loss of pre-tension in
the fasteners, which 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 United Airlines who supported the
NPRM without change.
Additional Changes Made to This AD
The FAA has added paragraph (i) to this AD to specify that
reporting is not required, and redesignated subsequent paragraphs
accordingly. The FAA has also removed the Paperwork Reduction Act
portion of this AD, as it is no longer relevant. The FAA did not intend
to require reporting and these revisions clarify that intent.
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 2021-0228 specifies procedures for repetitive internal and
external SDIs (ultrasonic inspections) of the center and outer wing box
lower stiffeners and panels at the level of rib 1 junction on the left-
and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair if necessary; and
additional actions (re-protection of the inspected area at the lower
panel at rib1 junction at the left- and right-hand sides) for airplanes
on which certain service information was used. EASA AD 2021-0228 also
specifies procedures for an optional modification, which would
terminate the repetitive inspections. 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 765 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
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Retained actions from 2019-03-25.... 51 work-hours x $85 per $0 $4,335 $25,860 (516
hour = $4,335. airplanes).
New additional actions.............. 13 work-hours x $85 per 0 1,105 Up to $845,325 (Up to
hour = $1,105. 765 airplanes).
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The FAA has received no definitive data that enables the agency to
provide 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
[[Page 42065]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577
(84 FR 8805, March 12, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-14-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22106; Docket No. FAA-2022-0454;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01124-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577 (84 FR 8805,
March 12, 2019) (AD 2019-03-25).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232,
and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; as
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0228,
dated October 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0228).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that taperloks used in the
wing-to-fuselage junction at rib 1 were found to be non-compliant
with the applicable specification, resulting in a loss of pre-
tension in the fasteners; and a determination that, for certain
airplanes, the compliance time for the initial inspection is
inadequate and must be revised and additional actions are required.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the loss of pre-tension in the
fasteners, which 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, EASA AD 2021-0228.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0228
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0228 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0228 specifies to
``contact Airbus for approved repair instructions'' if any damage
(cracking) is found, for this AD, if any cracking is found, 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.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0228 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0228
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional FAA 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. 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 (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;
telephone and fax 206-231-3223; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#590f35383d3034302b770c35203837362f193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c7a404d484541455e027940554d42435a6c4a4d4d024b435a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2021-0228,
dated October 12, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0228, 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="cb8a8fb88baeaab8aae5aebeb9a4bbaae5aebe">[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
[[Page 42066]]
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e98f9bc780879a998c8a9d808687a987889b88c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7016025e191e0300151304191f1e301e1102115e171f06">[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 22, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14969 Filed 7-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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