Rule2022-24308
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
November 8, 2022
Effective
December 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that in the event of rapid decompression at a specific location of the airplane, possible deflections of the passenger floor cross beams may result in wiring damages, leading to potential system losses. This AD requires amending the operator's existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to update the landing performance database, 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 215 (Tuesday, November 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67361-67363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24308]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0817; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00369-T;
Amendment 39-22197; AD 2022-20-13]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was
[[Page 67362]]
prompted by a determination that in the event of rapid decompression at
a specific location of the airplane, possible deflections of the
passenger floor cross beams may result in wiring damages, leading to
potential system losses. This AD requires amending the operator's
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to update the landing performance
database, 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 December 13, 2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0817; 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 the 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#8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7e7b4c7f5a5e4c5e115a4a4d504f5e115a4a">[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-2022-0817.
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#d1b5b0bfffa3beb5b8bfb091b7b0b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d1b5b0bfffa3beb5b8bfb091b7b0b0ffb6bea7">[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 certain Airbus A350-941
and A350-1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
July 12, 2022 (87 FR 41265). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0054,
dated March 23, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union (referred to after this as the
MCAI). The MCAI states that in the event of rapid decompression at a
specific location of the airplane, possible deflections of the
passenger floor cross beams may result in wiring damages, leading to
potential system losses.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the operator's
existing Airbus A350 AFM to update the landing performance database, as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0054. 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-2022-0817.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association and
three individuals, who supported the NPRM without change. One
individual did not support the NPRM but did not justify this position
or request any changes to the NPRM.
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 the 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, considered the
comments received, 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 2022-0054 specifies procedures for revising the operator's
existing Airbus A350 AFM to update the landing performance database.
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 would affect 30 airplanes 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 $2,550
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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
[[Page 67363]]
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:
2022-20-13 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22197; Docket No. FAA-2022-0817;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00369-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 13,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that, in the event of
rapid decompression at a specific location of the airplane, possible
deflections of the passenger floor crossbeams may result in wiring
damages, leading to potential system losses. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address this unsafe condition, which could lead to an increase
of the landing distance, exceeding the value provided in the current
in-flight failure data file for landing, and potentially resulting
in a runway excursion.
(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
2022-0054, dated March 23, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0054).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0054
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0054 refers to March 30, 2022 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0045, dated March 16, 2022), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0054 specifies to ``inform all flight
crews, and thereafter, operate the aeroplane accordingly,'' this AD
does not require those actions as those actions are already required
by existing FAA operating regulations.
(3) Where the ``AFM Amendment'' paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0054
specifies implementing an AFM [airplane flight manual] revision, for
this AD, replace the text ''implement the AFM revision, as defined
in this [EASA] AD'' with ``revise the operator's existing AFM to
incorporate the aircraft performance database specified in the AFM
revision, as defined in this [EASA] AD.''
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0054 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#ad9480ecfbfe80ece4ff809a9e9d80ece0e2eeedcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8fb6a2ced9dca2cec6dda2b8bcbfa2cec2c0cccfe9eeeea1e8e0f9">[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, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's 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) Additional 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 206-231-3225; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b7f7a753569747f72757a5b7d7a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4c0c5ca8ad6cbc0cdcac5e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[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 2022-0054,
dated March 23, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0054, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e7f7a4d7e5b5f4d5f105b4b4c514e5f105b4b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9888dba89aca8baa8e7acbcbba6b9a8e7acbc">[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#aec8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8"><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 September 22, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24308 Filed 11-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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