Rule2022-22330
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
October 21, 2022
Effective
November 25, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. This AD requires require a one-time check for previously accomplished repairs of the window pane and adjacent fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions, 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 203 (Friday, October 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 203 (Friday, October 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63940-63943]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22330]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0879; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00039-T;
Amendment 39-22192; AD 2022-20-08]
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 A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 airplanes. This
AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight compartment aft
window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. This AD requires require a
one-time check for previously accomplished repairs of the window pane
and adjacent fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions, 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 November 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 25,
2022.
[[Page 63941]]
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0879; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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#fabbbe89ba9f9b899bd49f8f88958a9bd49f8f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f1e1b2c1f3a3e2c3e713a2a2d302f3e713a2a">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You
may find this IBR material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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-2022-0879. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-0879.
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#4521242b6b372a212c2b24052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7216131c5c001d161b1c13321413135c151d04">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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
A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on July 19, 2022 (87 FR 42970). The NPRM was
prompted by EASA AD 2022-0004, dated January 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0004), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. The MCAI terminates the inspections of
the rear lower corner of the flight compartment aft window at fuselage
station (STA) 972/frame (FR) 10, as required by paragraphs (a)(8), (d),
and (e) of FAA AD 2000-10-01, Amendment 39-11725 (65 FR 33441, May 24,
2000), which corresponds to EASA AD 2022-0004.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time check for
previously accomplished repairs of the window pane and adjacent
fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA
AD 2022-0004. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0879.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association
(ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies procedures for a one-time check for
previously accomplished repairs of the window pane and adjacent
fuselage panel, and applicable corrective actions. If no repair is
identified, the corrective actions are accomplishing repetitive
ultrasonic inspections of the window frame, and detailed inspections of
the adjacent fuselage panel for cracking, and repair of any cracking.
If any repair is identified, the corrective action is obtaining and
accomplishing further instructions.
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 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
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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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $0 $85 $85
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition inspections based on the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these on-condition inspections:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255.... $0 $255
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[[Page 63942]]
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs or additional instructions
specified in this 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
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:
2022-20-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22192; Docket No. FAA-2022-0879;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00039-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 25,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2000-10-01, Amendment 39-11725 (65 FR 33441,
May 24, 2000) (AD 2000-10-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-
2C, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flight
compartment aft window frame and adjacent fuselage skin. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracking of the wings and fuselage. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, 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
2022-0004, dated January 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0004).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0004
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0004 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies to
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if any crack is
detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack must be
repaired before further flight 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) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0004 specifies
terminating action, replace the text ``the requirements of paragraph
1.8 of DGAC France AD 1990-222-116(B) R5 are no longer valid,'' with
``the inspections of the rear lower corner of the flight compartment
aft window at fuselage station (STA) 972/frame (FR) 10, as required
by paragraphs (a)(8), (d), and (e) of AD 2000-10-01, are
terminated.''
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0004 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0004
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#320b1f7364611f737b601f0501021f737f7d71725453531c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e7decaa6b1b4caa6aeb5cad0d4d7caa6aaa8a4a7818686c9808891">[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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
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#6f0b0e01411d000b06010e2f090e0e41080019"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7115101f5f031e15181f10311710105f161e07">[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 2022-0004,
dated January 11, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved].
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0004, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7f6f3c4f7d2d6c4d699d2c2c5d8c7d699d2c2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bcacff8cbeeeaf8eaa5eefef9e4fbeaa5eefe">[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.
[[Page 63943]]
(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#93f5e1bdfafde0e3f6f0e7fafcfdd3fdf2e1f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cfa9bde1a6a1bcbfaaacbba6a0a18fa1aebdaee1a8a0b9">[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 September 16, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-22330 Filed 10-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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