Rule2022-19746
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 13, 2022
Effective
October 18, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the vertical stop support fitting (VSSF) of certain captain's, first officer's, and third occupant's seats could fail. This AD requires modifying or replacing each affected seat, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. 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 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55905-55907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19746]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 13, 2022 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 55905]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0801; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00092-T;
Amendment 39-22159; AD 2022-18-08]
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 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
a report indicating that the vertical stop support fitting (VSSF) of
certain captain's, first officer's, and third occupant's seats could
fail. This AD requires modifying or replacing each affected seat, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is incorporated by reference. This AD also limits the installation of
affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 18, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 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#efaeab9caf8a8e9c8ec18a9a9d809f8ec18a9a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbfaffc8fbdedac8da95decec9d4cbda95dece">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You
may find this IBR material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
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://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0801.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022 0801; 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 and fax 206-231-3225;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f6b6e61217d606b66616e4f696e6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3551545b1b475a515c5b54755354541b525a43">[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 2022-0014, dated January 25, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0014) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 28, 2022 (87 FR 38302). The NPRM was prompted by a
report indicating that the VSSF of certain captain's, first officer's,
and third occupant's seats could fail. The NPRM proposed to require
modifying or replacing each affected seat, as specified in EASA AD
2022-0014. The NPRM also proposed to limit the installation of affected
parts under certain conditions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the VSSF, which
could lead to flight deck seat failure and unexpected seat movement
under certain loading conditions, possibly resulting in flightcrew
injury and reduced control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received two comments, one from an individual and one from
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). The commenters
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, 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 2022-0014 specifies procedures for modifying or replacing
each affected captain's, first officer's, and third occupant's seat.
EASA AD 2022-0014 also limits the installation of affected seats under
certain conditions. 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 27 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 55906]]
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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Up to 23 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,955.................. * $ * $1,955 * $52,785
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* The FAA has received no definitive data regarding parts costs for the seat modification or replacement.
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 individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. 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:
2022-18-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22159; Docket No. FAA-2022-0801;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00092-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
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 vertical
stop support fitting (VSSF) of certain captain's, first officer's,
and third occupant's seats could fail. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address failure of the VSSF, which could lead to flight deck seat
failure and unexpected seat movement under certain loading
conditions, possibly resulting in flightcrew injury and reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0014, dated January 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0014).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0014
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0014 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0014 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0014
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#665f4b2730354b272f344b5155564b272b29252600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="566f7b1700057b171f047b6165667b171b19151630373778313920">[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 (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.
[[Page 55907]]
(k) 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#4f2b2e21613d202b26212e0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fb9f9a95d589949f92959abb9d9a9ad59c948d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2022-0014,
dated January 25, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0014, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#59181d2a193c382a38773c2c2b362938773c2c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a3b3e093a1f1b091b541f0f08150a1b541f0f">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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#660014480f0815160305120f0908260807140748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83e5f1adeaedf0f3e6e0f7eaecedc3ede2f1e2ade4ecf5">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19746 Filed 9-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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