Rule2022-25510
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
November 25, 2022
Effective
December 30, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21- 11, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and - 153N airplanes; and Model A320 and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-21-11 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-21-11 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 226 (Friday, November 25, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 226 (Friday, November 25, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72374-72376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25510]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1066; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00622-T;
Amendment 39-22225; AD 2022-22-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21-
11, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes;
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -
153N airplanes; and Model A320 and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-21-11
required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues
to require the actions in AD 2020-21-11 and requires revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, 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 30, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 30,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
November 20, 2020 (85 FR 65674, October 16, 2020).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1066; 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 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#df9e9bac9fbabeacbef1baaaadb0afbef1baaa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fdedbecdffafeecfeb1faeaedf0effeb1faea">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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-2022-1066.
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#a8ccc9c686dac7ccc1c6c9e8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88ece9e6a6fae7ece1e6e9c8eee9e9a6efe7fe">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-21-11, Amendment 39-21284 (85 FR
65674, October 16, 2020) (AD 2020-21-11). AD 2020-21-11 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; and
Model A320 and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-21-11 required revising
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
[[Page 72375]]
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. The FAA issued AD 2020-21-11 to address the failure of
certain life-limited parts, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 2, 2022 (87
FR 54183). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0082, dated May 10, 2022,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0082) (referred to after this as the
MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations have been developed.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1066.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2020-21-11 and require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2022-0082. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of certain
life-limited parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity
of the airplane
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from an individual and the Air Line
Pilots Association, International (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, 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 2022-0082 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2020-0080, dated April 1, 2020, which
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of November 20, 2020 (85 FR 65674, October 16, 2020).
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 1,857 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained
actions from AD 2020-21-11 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate.
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-21-11, Amendment 39-21284
(85 FR 65674, October 16, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-22-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22225; Docket No. FAA-2022-1066;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00622-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-21-11, Amendment 39-21284 (85 FR 65674,
October 16, 2020) (AD 2020-21-11).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before February 2,
2022.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX,
and -272NX airplanes.
[[Page 72376]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address failure of certain life-limited parts,
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) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With a New Terminating Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2020-21-11, with a new terminating action. For airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 13, 2019, except for
Model A319-171N airplanes: 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 2020-0080, dated April 1, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0080).
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection
program required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0080, With No Changes
(1) The requirements specified in paragraph (1), (3), and (4) of
EASA AD 2020-0080 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080 specifies revising ``the
AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate the ``limitations'' specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0080 within 90 days after November 20,
2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-21-11).
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080 is at the applicable compliance
times specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080, or within 90
days after November 20, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-21-11),
whichever occurs later.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0080 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a
New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2020-21-11, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed except as
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2020-0080.
(j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0082, dated May 10, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0082). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0082
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0082 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-
0082 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0082 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0082 is at the applicable
``limitations'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2)
of EASA AD 2022-0082, or within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA
AD 2022-0082 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0082 does not apply
to this AD.
(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref.
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0082.
(m) 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 (n) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ead3c7abbcb9c7aba3b8c7ddd9dac7aba7a5a9aa8c8b8bc48d859c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="477e6a0611146a060e156a7074776a060a08040721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-21-11 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0082 that are
required by paragraph (j) of this AD.
(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.
(n) 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#4c282d22623e232825222d0c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0d4d1de9ec2dfd4d9ded1f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6">[email protected]</span></a>.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 30, 2022.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0082,
dated May 10, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 20, 2020 (85 FR 65674, October 16, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0080,
dated April 1, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA ADs 2022-0082 and 2020-0080, contact EASA, Konrad-
Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find these
EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(6) 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.
(7) 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#690f1b4700071a190c0a1d0006072907081b08470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b7d69357275686b7e786f7274755b757a697a357c746d">[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 October 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25510 Filed 11-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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