Rule2022-18322
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) 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
August 25, 2022
Effective
September 29, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-16- 07, which applied to certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model C-212- CB, C-212-CC, C-212-CD, C-212-CE, C-212-CF, C-212-DE, and C-212-DF airplanes. AD 2021-16-07 required repetitive inspections of the left- hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) side center wing fairings at a certain frame, around the wing leading edge for discrepancies (cracks), and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a modification developed to reinforce the structure in the affected area, providing an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2021- 16-07. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2021-16-07 and allows new optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, 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 164 (Thursday, August 25, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 164 (Thursday, August 25, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52330-52332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18322]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0595; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01180-T;
Amendment 39-22144; AD 2022-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly
Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) 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) 2021-16-
07, which applied to certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model C-212-
CB, C-212-CC, C-212-CD, C-212-CE, C-212-CF, C-212-DE, and C-212-DF
airplanes. AD 2021-16-07 required repetitive inspections of the left-
hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) side center wing fairings at a certain
frame, around the wing leading edge for discrepancies (cracks), and
repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a modification developed
to reinforce the structure in the affected area, providing an optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2021-
16-07. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2021-16-07 and
allows new optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections,
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 September 29, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
29, 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#6c2d281f2c090d1f0d4209191e031c0d420919"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c6d685f6c494d5f4d0249595e435c4d024959">[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-2022-0595.
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-2022-0595; 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: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3220;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9eedf6fff6ecfff3b0fafff0fbedf6f3fff0faf7def8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37445f565f45565a1953565952445f5a5659535e7751565619505841">[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 2020-0182R1, dated October 29, 2021
(EASA AD 2020-0182R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model C-212-
CB, C-212-CC, C-212-CD, C-212-CE, C-212-CF, C-212-DD, C-212-DE, C-212-
DF, C-212-EE and C-212-VA airplanes. Model C-212-DD, C-212-EE, and C-
212-VA 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 2021-16-07, Amendment 39-21669 (86 FR
47210, August 24, 2021) (AD 2021-16-07). AD 2021-16-07 applied to
certain Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model C-212-CB, C-212-CC, C-212-
CD, C-212-CE,
[[Page 52331]]
C-212-CF, C-212-DE, and C-212-DF airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 2, 2022 (87 FR 33457). The NPRM was prompted
by a report of cracks on the LH and RH side fuselage skin and on a
certain frame underneath the skin, near the leading edge of the wing,
and the development of a modification to reinforce the structure in the
affected area. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2021-16-07 and to allow new optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0182R1.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks on the LH and RH side
fuselage skin and on FR 5 underneath the skin, near the leading edge of
the wing, 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 no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 2020-0182R1 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed
visual inspections of the LH and RH side center wing fairings at FR 5,
around the wing leading edge for discrepancies (cracks) and repair, and
for a modification to reinforce the structure in the affected area,
which terminates 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 45 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2021-16-07... 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $11,475
hour = $255.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 29 work-hours x $85 per hour $14,464 Up to $16,929.
= $2,465.
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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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-16-07, Amendment 39-21669
(86 FR 47210, August 24, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-17-06 Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.): Amendment 39-22144; Docket No.
FAA-2022-0595; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01180-T.
[[Page 52332]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 29,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-16-07, Amendment 39-21669 (86 FR 47210,
August 24, 2021) (AD 2021-16-07).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (formerly known
as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Model C-212-CB, C-212-CC, C-
212-CD, C-212-CE, C-212-CF, C-212-DE, and C-212-DF airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0182R1, dated October 29, 2021
(EASA AD 2020-0182R1).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the left-hand (LH)
and right-hand (RH) side fuselage skin and on frame (FR) 5
underneath the skin, near the leading edge of the wing, and the
development of a modification to reinforce the structure in the
affected area. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks on the
LH and RH side fuselage skin and on FR 5 underneath the skin, near
the leading edge of the wing, 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 2020-0182R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0182R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0182R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0182R1 refers to refers to August 27,
2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0182), this AD requires
using September 28, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-16-07).
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0182R1 specifies to
``contact Airbus D&S for approved instructions and accomplish those
instructions accordingly'' if discrepancies are detected, for this
AD if any cracking is detected, 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 Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0182R1 does not
apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0182R1 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) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c55412d3a3f412d253e415b5f5c412d21232f2c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a99084e8fffa84e8e0fb849e9a9984e8e4e6eae9cfc8c887cec6df">[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
Defense and Space S.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3220; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cfbca7aea7bdaea2e1abaea1aabca7a2aea1aba68fa9aeaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="186b7079706a7975367c79767d6b707579767c71587e7979367f776e">[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 2020-0182R1,
dated October 29, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0182R1, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c08184b380a5a1b3a1eea5b5b2afb0a1eea5b5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f5b4b186b590948694db9080879a8594db9080">[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#aec8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aec8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8">[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 August 4, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-18322 Filed 8-24-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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