Proposed Rule2022-15326
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
July 19, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. This proposed AD would require a one-time check for previously accomplished repairs of the window pane and adjacent fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 137 (Tuesday, July 19, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 19, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42970-42972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15326]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0879; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00039-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the
flight compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. This
proposed AD would require a one-time check for previously accomplished
repairs of the window pane and adjacent fuselage panel, and applicable
corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
2, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that will be 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#dd9c99ae9db8bcaebcf3b8a8afb2adbcf3b8a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0445407744616577652a6171766b74652a6171">[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
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-2022-0879.
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-2022-0879; 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 NPRM, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
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#56323738782439323f38371630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="66020708481409020f08072600070748010910">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0879; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00039-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 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#1f7b7e71316d707b76717e5f797e7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="395d5857174b565d505758795f5858175e564f">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0004, dated January 11, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0004) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C,
[[Page 42971]]
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-203, C4-203, and F4-203 airplanes. Model C4-203 and
F4-203 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included
on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore
does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies that changes were made to the
inspection methods and compliance times required by paragraph 1.8 of
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) France AD 1990-222-
116(B) R5, dated January 8, 2000 (DGAC France AD 1990-222-116(B) R5),
and that the requirements of paragraph 1.8 of DGAC France AD 1990-222-
116(B) R5 are ``no longer valid.'' FAA AD 2000-10-01, Amendment 39-
11725 (65 FR 33441, May 24, 2000) (AD 2000-10-01) corresponds to DGAC
France AD 1990-222-116(B) R4, dated March 27, 1996. DGAC France AD
1990-222-116(B) R5 removed certain other requirements, but the
requirements of paragraph 1.8 did not change from those in DGAC France
AD 1990-222-116(B) R4, dated March 27, 1996. This proposed AD would
therefore terminate the inspections of the rear lower corner of the
flight compartment aft window at fuselage station (STA) 972/frame (FR)
10, as required by paragraphs (a)(8), (d), and (e) of AD 2000-10-01.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight
compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address cracking of the wings and fuselage, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. See the
MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies procedures for a one-time check for
previously accomplished repairs of the window pane and adjacent
fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions. If no repair is
identified, the corrective actions are accomplishing repetitive
ultrasonic inspections of the window frame, and detailed inspections of
the adjacent fuselage panel for cracking, and repair of any cracking.
If any repair is identified, the corrective action is obtaining and
accomplishing further instructions.
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.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0004 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022-0004 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0004 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2022-0004 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2022-
0004. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0004 for compliance
will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0879 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 1 airplane of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed 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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1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $85............................ $0 $85 $85
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition inspections that would be required based on the results of
any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition inspections:
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.... $0 $255
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs or additional instructions
specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue
[[Page 42972]]
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-0879; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00039-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 2, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2000-10-01, Amendment 39-11725 (65 FR 33441,
May 24, 2000) (AD 2000-10-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-
2C, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight
compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracking of the wings and fuselage, 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
2022-0004, dated January 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0004).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0004
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0004 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0004 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) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies
terminating action, replace the text ``the requirements of paragraph
1.8 of DGAC France AD 1990-222-116(B) R5 are no longer valid,'' with
``the inspections of the rear lower corner of the flight compartment
aft window at fuselage station (STA) 972/frame (FR) 10, as required
by paragraphs (a)(8), (d), and (e) of AD 2000-10-01, are
terminated.''
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0004 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0004
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)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0899df1e6e39df1f9e29d8783809df1fdfff3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6ffeb879095eb878f94ebf1f5f6eb878b898586a0a7a7e8a1a9b0">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district
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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2022-0004, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abeaefd8ebcecad8ca85ceded9c4dbca85cede"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2061645360454153410e4555524f50410e4555">[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>. 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. This material may be found in the AD docket in the AD
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0879.
(2) 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#d5b1b4bbfba7bab1bcbbb495b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c181d12520e131815121d3c1a1d1d521b130a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 8, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15326 Filed 7-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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