Proposed Rule2022-20309
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 20, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-16-06, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-603, B4- 605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-304, -324, and -325 airplanes. AD 2016-16-06 requires inspections around the rivet heads of the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frames and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-16-06, a determination was made that additional frames may also be susceptible to cracking, and that additional airplanes may be affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2016-16-06 and add airplanes, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 181 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57424-57427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20309]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1168; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00600-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2016-16-06, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-603, B4-
605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-304, -324, and -325
airplanes. AD 2016-16-06 requires inspections around the rivet heads of
the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frames and corrective
actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-16-06, a
determination was made that additional frames may also be susceptible
to cracking, and that additional airplanes may be affected by the
unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the
actions in AD 2016-16-06 and add airplanes, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 November 4,
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="http://regulations.gov">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 is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 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="e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this 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-2022-1168.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and
[[Page 57425]]
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1168; 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#b0d4d1de9ec2dfd4d9ded1f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e1e4ebabf7eae1ecebe4c5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[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-2022-1168; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00600-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="http://regulations.gov">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#91f5f0ffbfe3fef5f8fff0d1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abcfcac585d9c4cfc2c5caebcdcaca85ccc4dd">[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
The FAA issued AD 2016-16-06, Amendment 39-18604 (81 FR 51320,
August 4, 2016) (AD 2016-16-06), which applies to certain Airbus SAS
Model A300 B4-603, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-304,
-324, and -325 airplanes. AD 2016-16-06 requires inspections around the
rivet heads of the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frames and
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA issued AD 2016-16-06 to
address cracking of the door frame, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2016-16-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2016-16-06, a determination was made that
cracking may also develop on frame (FR) 56A and FR 57A and that
additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition.
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0078, dated May 4, 2022 (EASA
AD 2022-0078) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-603, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-
622, A300 B4-622R and A310-203, A310-222, A310-304, A310-308, A310-322,
A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes. Model A310-308 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.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on door
FR 73A between stringers 24 and 25, and a determination that FR 56A and
FR 57A may also be susceptible to cracking, and that additional
airplanes may be affected. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
cracking on door frames, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2016-16-06, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2016-16-06. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2022-0078, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0078 specifies procedures for repetitive high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of rivet heads of the seal
retainer run-out holes at door frames FR 56A, FR 57A, and FR 73A for
any cracking, and repair.
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
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA 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 these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2016-16-06.
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2022-0078 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 2022-0078 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0078 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 2022-0078 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
[[Page 57426]]
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-
0078. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0078 for compliance
will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-1168 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2016-16-06... 11 work-hours x $85 per $0 $935 $119,680
hour = $935.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimate for the on-condition repair specified in this proposed 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
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-16-06, Amendment 39-18604
(81 FR 51320, August 4, 2016); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1168; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00600-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 4, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2016-16-06, Amendment 39-18604 (81 FR 51320,
August 4, 2016) (AD 2016-16-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B4-603 and -622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-605R and -622R airplanes.
(3) Model A310-203, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on door frame
(FR) 73A between stringers 24 and 25, and a determination that FR
56A and FR 57A may also be susceptible to cracking, and that
additional airplanes may be affected by the unsafe condition. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking on door frames, 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
2022-0078, dated May 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0078).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0078
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0078 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0078 refers to September 25, 2014 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2014-0202), this AD requires using
September 8, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-16-06).
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0078 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0078
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,
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 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#c0f9ed819693ed818992edf7f3f0ed818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90a9bdd1c6c3bdd1d9c2bda7a3a0bdd1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[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.
[[Page 57427]]
(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, 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2022-0078, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5e4e1d6e5c0c4d6c48bc0d0d7cad5c48bc0d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="16575265567377657738736364796677387363">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD 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.
This material may be found in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1168.
(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#3b5f5a551549545f52555a7b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27434649095548434e49466741464609404851">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 15, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20309 Filed 9-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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