Rule2022-16060
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 27, 2022
Effective
August 31, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, - 131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that cracks were found on the web horizontal flange and inner cap on a certain frame (FR), left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, at a certain stringer (STGR). This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks on the web horizontal flange and inner cap, and applicable corrective 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 143 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45013-45015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16060]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0457; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00263-T;
Amendment 39-22125; AD 2022-15-05]
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 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. This AD was prompted
by a report that cracks were found on the web horizontal flange and
inner cap on a certain frame (FR), left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH)
sides, at a certain stringer (STGR). This AD requires repetitive high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks on the web
horizontal flange and inner cap, and applicable corrective 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 August 31, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 31,
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#9cddd8efdcf9fdeffdb2f9e9eef3ecfdb2f9e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a">[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="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0457.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0457; 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 Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98fcf9f6b6eaf7fcf1f6f9d8fef9f9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d494c43035f424944434c6d4b4c4c034a425b">[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 2022-0030, dated February 25, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0030) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-
121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-
131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-
216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-
211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. Model A320-
215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on
the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-
113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-
212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-
112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2022
(87 FR 22156). The NPRM was prompted by a report that during the
inspection for the door stop fitting holes at FR 66 and FR 68 required
by EASA AD 2016-0238, dated December 2, 2016; corrected January 4, 2017
(which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-03-12, Amendment 39-19185 (83 FR
5906, February 12, 2018)); cracks were found on the web
[[Page 45014]]
horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22.
The NPRM proposed to require repetitive HFEC inspections for cracks on
the web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH sides, at
STGR 22, and applicable corrective actions (e.g., repairs), as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0030.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the cracks on the web
horizontal flange and inner cap on FR 68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from United Airlines, who supported the
NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes
described previously, 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 2022-0030 specifies procedures for repetitive HFEC
inspections for cracks at the web horizontal flange and inner cap on FR
68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22, and applicable corrective actions
(e.g., repairs).
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,585 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 Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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28 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,380........................ $0 $2,380 $3,772,300
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions 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.
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:
2022-15-05 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22125; Docket No. FAA-2022-0457;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00263-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 31, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-
0030, dated February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0030).
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks were found on the
web horizontal flange and inner cap on frame (FR) 68, left-hand (LH)
and right-hand (RH) sides, at stringer (STGR) 22. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the cracks on the web horizontal flange and inner
cap on FR 68, LH and RH sides, at STGR 22, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 45015]]
(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 2022-0030.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0030
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0030 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0030 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies
``Accomplishment on an aeroplane of (repetitive) maintenance
instructions, issued and approved by Airbus,'' for this AD, those
instructions must have been 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 (3) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies if
``discrepancies and/or cracks are detected, before next flight,
contact Airbus for approved corrective action(s) instructions and,
within the compliance time specified therein, accomplish those
instructions accordingly,'' for this AD, if cracks are detected, the
cracks 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 DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0030 specifies ``the
instructions provided by Airbus,'' for this AD, those instructions
must be 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.
(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 of the
certification office, 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#61584c2037324c2028334c5652514c202c2e22210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d04107c6b6e107c746f100a0e0d107c70727e7d5b5c5c135a524b">[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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d696c63237f626964636c4d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="482c2926663a272c212629082e2929662f273e">[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 2022-0030,
dated February 25, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0030, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eaabae99aa8f8b998bc48f9f98859a8bc48f9f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3071744370555143511e5545425f40511e5545">[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#8ee8fca0e7e0fdfeebedfae7e1e0cee0effcefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfb9adf1b6b1acafbabcabb6b0b19fb1beadbef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 8, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-16060 Filed 7-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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