Rule2023-03178
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
February 16, 2023
Effective
March 23, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of potential foreign object debris (FOD) contamination of the thermal relief valve (TRV). This AD requires replacement of affected auxiliary power unit (APU) low-pressure (LP) shut-off valves (SOVs), an inspection to detect fuel leaks of affected engine LP SOVs and APU isolation shut-off valves (ISOVs), and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10017-10020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03178]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1407; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01043-T;
Amendment 39-22321; AD 2023-02-14]
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 A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of potential foreign object debris (FOD) contamination of the
thermal relief valve (TRV). This AD requires replacement of affected
auxiliary power unit (APU) low-pressure (LP) shut-off valves (SOVs), an
inspection to detect
[[Page 10018]]
fuel leaks of affected engine LP SOVs and APU isolation shut-off valves
(ISOVs), and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits installation
of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 23, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 23,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1407; 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 identified in this final rule, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ebaaaf98ab8e8a988ac58e9e99849b8ac58e9e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8a9ac9ba88d899b89c68d9d9a879889c68d9d">[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 at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1407.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#307451441e661e7c55705651511e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="befadfca90e890f2dbfed8dfdf90d9d1c8">[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
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 4, 2022 (87 FR 66623). The NPRM was prompted by AD
2022-0157, dated August 4, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0157)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that reports have been
received from the manufacturer of the APU, the engine LP SOV, and the
APU ISOV of potential FOD contamination of the TRV, which was generated
by a quality escape during the manufacturing assembly process. Results
of the technical investigation determined that FOD in the TRV may lead
to a fuel leakage through the valve. This condition, if not detected
and corrected, could, in case of an APU or engine fire, contribute to
an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of affected
APU LP SOVs, an inspection to detect fuel leaks of affected engine LP
SOVs and APU ISOVs, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in
EASA AD 2022-0157. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential FOD
contamination, which could lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in an APU or engine fire and contribute
to an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of control 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-2022-1407.
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.
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
comment 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
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0157, which specifies procedures for
replacement of affected APU LP SOVs with serviceable parts, a special
detailed inspection of affected engine LP SOVs and APU ISOVs for
discrepancies (leaks), and replacement of discrepant engine LP SOVs and
APU ISOVs with serviceable parts. EASA AD 2022-0157 also prohibits
installation of an affected APU LP SOV, engine LP SOV, or APU ISOV.
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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 69 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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Up to 15 work-hours x $85 per hour = $585.................... $0 $585 $40,365
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need on-condition actions:
[[Page 10019]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $18,000....... $18,595
= $595.
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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 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:
2023-02-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22321; Docket No. FAA-2022-1407;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01043-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of potential foreign object
debris (FOD) contamination of the thermal relief valve (TRV). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address potential FOD contamination, which
could lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in an auxiliary power unit (APU) or engine fire and
contribute to an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane.
(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
2022-0157, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0157 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0157 specifies ``any
discrepancy'' this AD defines discrepancy as leaks of the APU, the
engine low-pressure (LP) shut-off valve (SOV), and the APU isolation
shut-off valve (ISOV).
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0157.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0157 specifies to scrap certain parts, send those parts to the
manufacturer, or check spares, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0157
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,
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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c3faee829590ee828a91eef4f0f3ee828e8c8083a5a2a2eda4acb5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bd8490fcebee90fcf4ef908a8e8d90fcf0f2fefddbdcdc93dad2cb">[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 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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
[[Page 10020]]
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e2c7d288f088eac3e6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8aceebfea4dca4c6efcaecebeba4ede5fc">[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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0157,
dated August 4, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0157, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ebaaaf98ab8e8a988ac58e9e99849b8ac58e9e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3071744370555143511e5545425f40511e5545">[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 service information at 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 service information 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#6107134f080f1211040215080e0f210f0013004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0365712d6a6d70736660776a6c6d436d6271622d646c75">[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 January 27, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03178 Filed 2-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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