Rule2022-19278
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
September 8, 2022
Effective
October 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the inflatable free aisle restrictor (IFAR) on certain single lane slide-rafts demonstrated inconsistent release behavior in aft wind conditions. This AD requires replacing an affected part with a serviceable part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. 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 173 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 173 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54868-54870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19278]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0686; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00088-T;
Amendment 39-22145; AD 2022-17-07]
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 A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that the inflatable free aisle restrictor (IFAR) on certain
single lane slide-rafts demonstrated inconsistent release behavior in
aft wind conditions. This AD requires replacing an affected part with a
serviceable part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also
prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13,
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#eaabae99aa8f8b998bc48f9f98859a8bc48f9f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7d784f7c595d4f5d1259494e534c5d125949">[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> under Docket No. FAA-2022-0686.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2022-0686; 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 and fax 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5e3a3f30702c313a37303f1e383f3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17737679396578737e79765771767639707861">[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 2022-0013, dated January 25, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0013) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR
[[Page 54869]]
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A350-
941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 17,
2022 (87 FR 36418). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that
following the introduction of the IFAR system on single lane slide-
rafts, the IFAR demonstrated inconsistent release behavior due to
interference or entanglement of the upper part of the IFAR with the
slide-raft cover or door structure in aft wind conditions. These
affected slide-rafts are installed at passenger door 3, left-hand and
right-hand sides. The NPRM proposed to require replacing an affected
part with a serviceable part, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0013. The
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address inconsistent release of
single lane slide-rafts having the IFAR system, which if not corrected,
could result in a slide-raft being unusable during an emergency and
impair the safe evacuation of occupants. 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, 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 2022-0013 specifies procedures for replacing escape slide-
rafts having certain part numbers (affected parts) with serviceable
parts (which includes parts that have been modified and re-identified).
EASA AD 2022-0013 also prohibits the installation of affected parts on
any airplane. 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 30 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 11 work-hours x $85 per hour = $400 Up to $1,335................ Up to $40,050
Up to $935.
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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:
2022-17-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22145; Docket No. FAA-2022-0686;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00088-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the inflatable
free aisle restrictor (IFAR) on certain single lane slide-rafts
installed at passenger door 3, left-hand and right-hand sides,
demonstrated inconsistent release behavior in aft wind
[[Page 54870]]
conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inconsistent
release of single lane slide-rafts having the IFAR system, which if
not corrected, could result in a slide-raft being unusable during an
emergency and impair the safe evacuation of occupants.
(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
2022-0013, dated January 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0013).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0013
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0013 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0013 does not apply
to this AD.
(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, 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#1f26325e494c325e564d32282c2f325e52505c5f797e7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffc6d2bea9acd2beb6add2c8cccfd2beb2b0bcbf999e9ed1989089">[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 (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 and fax 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2c6c3cc8cd0cdc6cbccc3e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aacecbc484d8c5cec3c4cbeacccbcb84cdc5dc">[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 2022-0013,
dated January 25, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0013, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#67262314270206140649021215081706490212"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abeaefd8ebcecad8ca85ceded9c4dbca85cede">[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#83e5f1adeaedf0f3e6e0f7eaecedc3ede2f1e2ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="680e1a4601061b180d0b1c0107062806091a09460f071e">[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 August 10, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19278 Filed 9-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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