Proposed Rule2022-20850
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
September 27, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319 airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in flight. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist or develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and electrical test measurements (ETMs) of the affected parts, and applicable corrective actions, and would prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58463-58466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20850]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00434-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and
Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report
that a Model A319 airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in
flight. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist or
develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and electrical test
measurements (ETMs) of the affected parts, and applicable corrective
actions, and would prohibit the installation of affected parts under
certain conditions; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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
14, 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 will be 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#f3b2b780b396928092dd9686819c8392dd9686"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e7a6a394a782869486c9829295889786c98292">[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> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1237.
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-2022-1237; 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, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe9a9f90d08c919a97909fbe989f9fd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9df9fcf3b3eff2f9f4f3fcddfbfcfcb3faf2eb">[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-2022-1237; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00434-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.
[[Page 58464]]
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, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1d5d0df9fc3ded5d8dfd0f1d7d0d09fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f094919ede829f94999e91b0969191de979f86">[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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0058, dated March 28, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0058) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C,
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603,
B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes; Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes; and A300-600ST airplanes. Model A300-600ST 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.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319
airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in flight, with
consequent rapid flight deck depressurization, causing damage to flight
deck items and systems, and significant increase of flightcrew
workload. The investigations identified several contributing factors,
including manufacturing variability, fretting between windshield
components, water ingress, and electrical braids corrosion, which led
to a thermal shock and overheat, damaging more than one windshield
structural ply and impairing the structural integrity of the
windshield. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist
or develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address possible windshield failure. This
condition, if not addressed, could possibly result in injury to the
flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of the airplane, and would
significantly increase pilot workload. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0058 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections and ETMs of the affected parts, and applicable corrective
actions. The corrective actions include replacing any affected window
with a serviceable window. EASA AD 2022-0058 also prohibits installing
certain part numbers. 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 require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0058 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 2022-0058 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0058 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 2022-0058 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
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-
0058. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0058 for compliance
will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-1237 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 120 airplanes
of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340..... $0 $340 per inspection cycle. $40,800 per inspection
cycle.
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[[Page 58465]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700. $11,393 $13,093
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00434-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 14, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and
B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(5) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319 airplane lost
the right-hand front windshield in flight. Due to the design
similarity, this condition can also exist or develop on Model A300,
A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address possible windshield failure. This condition, if not
addressed, could possibly result in injury to the flightcrew and in-
flight depressurization of the airplane, and would significantly
increase pilot workload.
(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
2022-0058, dated March 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0058).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0058
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0058 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Note 2 to paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0058 specifies
that, ``operators may refer to the SB'' when a lack of data impairs
the determination of the windshield age or utilization, for this AD
replace those words with ``operators must refer to the SB''.
(3) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0058 refers to a
``defect, as identified in the SB,'' for purposes of this AD,
defects include manufacturing variability, fretting between
windshield components, water ingress, and electrical braids
corrosion.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0058 is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although paragraphs (11) and (12) of EASA AD 2022-0058 and the
service information referenced therein specify 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,
[[Page 58466]]
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#21180c6077720c6068730c1612110c606c6e62614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c5fce8849396e8848c97e8f2f6f5e884888a8685a3a4a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2022-0058, 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="7534310635101406145b1000071a05145b1000">[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 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
1237.
(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#cbafaaa5e5b9a4afa2a5aa8badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ceaaafa0e0bca1aaa7a0af8ea8afafe0a9a1b8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20850 Filed 9-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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