Rule2023-04955
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
March 13, 2023
Effective
April 17, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by an emergency exit slide deployment test on an Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) overwing emergency exit, the emergency exit slide did not deploy due to disconnected slide release cable junction. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the installation of the ACF overwing emergency exit slide release mechanism for discrepancies, 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 88 Issue 48 (Monday, March 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 48 (Monday, March 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15269-15271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04955]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 48 / Monday, March 13, 2023 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 15269]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1300; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00663-T;
Amendment 39-22318; AD 2023-02-11]
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 A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX
and A321-272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by an emergency exit
slide deployment test on an Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) overwing emergency
exit, the emergency exit slide did not deploy due to disconnected slide
release cable junction. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection
of the installation of the ACF overwing emergency exit slide release
mechanism for discrepancies, 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 April 17, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 17,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1300; 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#07464374476266746629627275687766296272"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6524211625000416044b0010170a15044b0010">[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-2022-1300.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#73251f12171a1e1a015d261f0a121d1c05331512125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="30665c5154595d59421e655c49515e5f46705651511e575f46">[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 A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 21,
2022 (87 FR 63968). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0090, dated May
18, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0090) (also referred to as
the MCAI). The MCAI states that during an emergency exit slide
deployment test on an Airbus SAS Model A321neo ACF overwing emergency
exit, the emergency exit slide did not deploy. The investigation
identified that the slide release mechanism cable junction was
disconnected inside the surrounding collets and knurled sleeve nut. The
mushroom head connector was not inserted into the T-slot cable joint.
This condition, if not corrected, could prevent emergency slide
deployment, possibly resulting in injury to occupants during an
emergency evacuation.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time detailed
inspection of the installation of the ACF overwing emergency exit slide
release mechanism for discrepancies, and applicable corrective actions,
as specified in EASA AD 2022-0090. 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-2022-1300.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), which supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from American Airlines (AA).
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
responses to each comment.
Request To Revise Compliance Time
AA requested to double the compliance time for the inspection to 8
months to allow AA to schedule roughly one A321NX aircraft per week
during the compliance period. AA stated that no findings have been made
on the four A321NX airplanes it has inspected. AA added that, in
practice, configuration 2, inspection method 2 takes longer than the 14
man-hours specified in the associated Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT), due to removal of the overhead stowage compartments
(OHSCs). AA further noted that removal of the OHSCs to accomplish the
inspection and corrective actions within the limited timeframe presents
an undue burden on operations, since the OHSC removal is not a normal
maintenance activity.
The FAA does not agree to change the compliance time because the
commenter did not provide adequate justification for extension of the
compliance time. Inspection of four airplanes with no findings does not
ensure that unsafe condition is not present on other affected
airplanes. Further, the FAA notes that the work-hours estimate was
based on the data Airbus used when developing the required actions, and
the commenter did not provide an alternative estimate
[[Page 15270]]
for the work-hours. EASA, as the State of Design Authority for these
airplanes, performed a risk assessment and determined the compliance
time was appropriate based on the safety implications of the identified
unsafe condition, as well as the practical aspect of completing the
required actions during regular maintenance periods. While removal of
the OHSCs may not be a normal maintenance practice, in this case it is
necessary to perform the inspections and address the identified unsafe
condition. However, the FAA will consider requests for an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) as specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD
if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the compliance
time extension would provide an acceptable level of safety. The FAA has
not changed this AD in response to this comment.
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 2022-0090 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the installation of the ACF overwing emergency exit slide
release mechanism on both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides of
the fuselage for discrepancies (i.e., a disconnected slide release
cable inside the sleeve nuts and collets (mushroom head not inserted in
T-slot joint) and missing lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut), and
applicable corrective actions. The corrective actions include
connecting the slide release cable and installing lockwire on the
knurled sleeve nut.
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 65 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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14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,190........................ $0 * $1,190 $77,350
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the parts specified in this
AD.
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 FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 work-hours x $85 per hour = Negligible.......... $1,020
$1,020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
[[Page 15271]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-02-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22318; Docket No. FAA-2022-1300;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00663-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 17, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, A321-252NX,
A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2022-0090, dated May 18, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0090).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an emergency exit slide deployment test
on an Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) overwing emergency exit, where the
emergency exit slide did not deploy due to a disconnected slide
release cable junction. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
disconnected slide release cable junction, which could prevent
emergency slide deployment, possibly resulting in injury to
occupants during an emergency evacuation.
(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, EASA AD 2022-0090.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0090
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0090 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0090 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0090 specifies
compliance times for corrective actions, for this AD, perform those
corrective actions at the applicable times specified in paragraphs
(h)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(i) If missing lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is found
and the slide release cable inside the sleeve nuts and collets is
connected (mushroom head inserted in T-slot joint): Install lockwire
within 4 months after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If a disconnected slide release cable inside the sleeve
nuts and collets (mushroom head not inserted in T-slot joint) is
found and lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is not missing:
Connect slide release cable before further flight.
(iii) If a disconnected slide release cable inside the sleeve
nuts and collets (mushroom head not inserted in T-slot joint) is
found and the lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is missing:
Connect slide release cable and install lockwire before further
flight.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0090
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#90a9bdd1c6c3bdd1d9c2bda7a3a0bdd1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8e1f5998e8bf599918af5efebe8f59995979b98beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[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 referenced
in EASA AD 2022-0090 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aff9c3cecbc6c2c6dd81fac3d6cec1c0d9efc9cece81c8c0d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2f4cec3c6cbcfcbd08cf7cedbc3cccdd4e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4">[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 2022-0090,
dated May 18, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0090, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bafbfec9fadfdbc9db94dfcfc8d5cadb94dfcf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4405003704212537256a2131362b34256a2131">[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#2345510d4a4d50534640574a4c4d634d4251420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1472663a7d7a67647177607d7b7a547a7566753a737b62">[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 24, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-04955 Filed 3-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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