Rule2022-26355
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
December 5, 2022
Effective
January 9, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the forward cargo door compartment between certain frame forks is susceptible to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD completes certain mandated programs to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This AD requires modifying the forward cargo compartment between certain frame forks, 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 232 (Monday, December 5, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 232 (Monday, December 5, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74296-74298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26355]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0890; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00391-T;
Amendment 39-22242; AD 2022-24-02]
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 A300 F4-600R series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that the forward cargo door compartment
between certain frame forks is susceptible to widespread fatigue damage
(WFD). This AD completes certain mandated programs to support the
airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data
that support the established structural maintenance program. This AD
requires modifying the forward cargo compartment between certain frame
forks, 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 January 9, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 9,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0890; 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
[[Page 74297]]
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#2564615665404456440b4050574a55440b4050"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5f4f1c6f5d0d4c6d49bd0c0c7dac5d49bd0c0">[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-2022-0890.
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#99fdf8f7b7ebf6fdf0f7f8d9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfdbded191cdd0dbd6d1deffd9dede91d8d0c9">[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 SAS
Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 25, 2022 (87 FR 44032). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2022-0048, dated March 18, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0048) issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
(referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the forward
cargo compartment between frames 21 through 25 forks is susceptible to
WFD, and a structural modification is required to allow airplanes to
continue operation up to the LOV.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to complete certain mandated programs
to support the airplane reaching its LOV of the engineering data that
support the established structural maintenance program, as specified in
EASA AD 2022-0048. The NPRM also proposed to require modifying the
forward cargo compartment between frames 21 through 25 forks, as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0048. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
this unsafe condition, which if not corrected, could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0890.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received an additional comment from FedEx. The following
presents the FAA's response to that comment.
Request To Approve Equivalent Label
FedEx asked the FAA approve installing an equivalent label that
contains the same information as the label identified in the service
information required by EASA AD 2022-0048. FedEx stated that it is
having difficulty procuring that label, having part number (P/N)
ABS2127B01. FedEx noted that the label is to be installed on the
aircraft to identify that the modification required by EASA AD 2022-
0048 has been accomplished, and does not affect the other work
performed.
The FAA agrees that installing an equivalent label (placard) which
contains the same information as the label having P/N ABS2127B01 is
acceptable. Therefore, the FAA has added paragraph (h)(1) of this AD,
which allows the use of an equivalent label on the forward cargo
compartment door. The FAA has redesignated subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.
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, and any other change described previously, 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 2022-0048 specifies procedures for modifying the forward
cargo compartment between frames 21 through 25 forks. The modification
includes reinforcing the fastener holes through cold working and
replacing all the fasteners.
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 67 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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36 work-hours x $85 per hour = $3,060........................ $177 $3,237 $216,879
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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.
[[Page 74298]]
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:
2022-24-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22242; Docket No. FAA-2022-0890;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00391-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 9, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0048, dated March 18,
2022 (EASA AD 2022-0048).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the forward cargo
door compartment between frames 21 through 25 forks is susceptible
to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address this condition, which if not corrected, 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, EASA AD 2022-0048.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0048
(1) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0048 specifies installing a label (placard) having part number (P/N)
ABS2127B01 on the forward cargo compartment door, this AD allows
installing an equivalent label provided the label contains the same
information as the label having P/N ABS2127B01.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0048 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,
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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#526b7f1304017f131b007f6561627f131f1d11123433337c353d24"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86bfabc7d0d5abc7cfd4abb1b5b6abc7cbc9c5c6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0">[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, 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.
(j) 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#690d0807471b060d000708290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a8ccc9c686dac7ccc1c6c9e8cec9c986cfc7de">[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 2022-0048,
dated March 18, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0048, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b2a2f182b0e0a180a450e1e19041b0a450e1e">[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#4e283c6027203d3e2b2d3a2721200e202f3c2f60292138"><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 November 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26355 Filed 12-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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