Rule2023-07740
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
April 13, 2023
Effective
May 18, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-08- 08, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2021-08-08 required replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. This AD was prompted by a report of a welding quality issue in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct at each wing-to-pylon interface and the consequent deformation of the gimbal inner ring, and by new findings that affected bleed gimbals were found on certain airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of affected part replacement. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2021-08-08 and, for certain airplanes, requires inspection of the bleed gimbals to determine the part number, and replacement if necessary, 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 71 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 71 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22367-22370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07740]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01030-T;
Amendment 39-22398; AD 2023-06-12]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-08-
08, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
AD 2021-08-08 required replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and
bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface, and prohibited the
installation of affected parts. This AD was prompted by a report of a
welding quality issue in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct at each
wing-to-pylon interface and the consequent deformation of the gimbal
inner ring, and by new findings that affected bleed gimbals were found
on certain airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of
affected part replacement. This AD continues to require the actions in
AD 2021-08-08 and, for certain airplanes, requires inspection of the
bleed gimbals to determine the part number, and replacement if
necessary, 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 May 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 18,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; 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#3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a2b2e192a0f0b190b440f1f18051a0b440f1f">[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 Street,
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-2023-0023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation
[[Page 22368]]
Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-
228-7317; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#573336237921793b321731363679303821"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d1d4c19bc39bd9d0f5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[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 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86 FR
20453, April 20, 2021) (AD 2021-08-08). AD 2021-08-08 applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2021-08-08 required
replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-
to-pylon interface with serviceable parts, and prohibited the
installation of affected parts. The FAA issued AD 2021-08-08 to address
a welding quality issue in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct
located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had
deformed to an oval shape, which could cause cracking by direct contact
between metal parts, and could lead to hot bleed air leakage in the
pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system and
exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 24, 2023 (88
FR 4114). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0156, dated August 2, 2022,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0156) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that a welding quality issue has been identified in the
gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at each wing-to-pylon
interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to an oval shape,
which could lead to cracking caused by direct contact between metal
parts. The MCAI adds that affected bleed gimbals were found on certain
airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of affected part
replacement. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
hot bleed air leakage in the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of
the pneumatic system and exposure of the wing structure to high
temperatures, and lead to 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-2023-0023.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2021-08-08 and, for certain airplanes, requires inspection of the
bleed gimbals to determine the part number and replacement if
necessary, as specified in the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from 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, 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 2022-0156 specifies procedures, for certain airplanes, for
replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-
to-pylon interface with serviceable parts, and, for certain other
airplanes, inspecting each bleed gimbal at the wing-to-pylon interface
to determine if it is an affected part and replacing affected parts.
EASA AD 2022-0156 also prohibits the installation of an affected part
on any airplane.
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 31 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 on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Retained actions (Group 1 Up to 25 work- Up to $48,800........ Up to $50,925....... * $0
airplanes in the MCAI). hours x $85 per
hour = $2,125.
New actions (Group 2 airplanes 2 work-hours x $85 $0................... $170................ 5,270
in the MCAI). per hour = $170.
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* The retained replacement from AD 2021-08-08 applies to Group 1 airplanes specified in the MCAI. There are no
affected U.S. registered airplanes in Group 1.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action 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 this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 25 work-hours x $85 per Up to $48,800.... Up to $50,925.
hour = $2,125.
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected
[[Page 22369]]
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs in the
cost estimate.
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 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86
FR 20453, April 20, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new Airworthiness Directive:
2023-06-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22398; Docket No. FAA-2023-0023;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01030-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86 FR 20453,
April 20, 2021) (AD 2021-08-08).
(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: 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a welding quality issue
has been identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct
located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal
had deformed to an oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused
by direct contact between metal parts, and by new findings that
affected bleed gimbals were found on certain airplanes that did not
have any maintenance record of affected part replacement. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in hot bleed air leakage
in the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic
system and exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and
lead to 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 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
2022-0156, dated August 2, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0156).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0156
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0156 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0156 refers to August
26, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0169R1), this AD
requires using May 25, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-08-08).
(3) Where the definition of ``Groups'' in EASA AD 2022-0156
specifies Group 1 airplanes are those manufacturer serial numbers
(MSN) listed in certain service information, replace the text
``Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A350-36-P021 and SB A350-36-P022''
with ``Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P021, dated January 17, 2020;
and Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P022, dated January 17, 2020.''
(4) Where the definition of ``Groups'' in EASA AD 2022-0156
specifies Group 2 airplanes are those MSN listed in certain service
information, replace the text ``Airbus SB A350-36-P029'' with
``Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P029, Revision 01, dated February
3, 2022.''
(5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0156.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0156
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional FAA 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 the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#af9682eef9fc82eee6fd82989c9f82eee2e0ecefc9cece81c8c0d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="182135594e4b3559514a352f2b28355955575b587e7979367f776e">[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 Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
516-228-7317; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1c5c0d58fd78fcdc4e1c7c0c08fc6ced7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97f3f6e3b9e1b9fbf2d7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 22370]]
(l) 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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0156,
dated August 2, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0156, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6f7f2c5f6d3d7c5d798d3c3c4d9c6d798d3c3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b9bc8bb89d998b99d69d8d8a978899d69d8d">[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
Street, 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#dcbaaef2b5b2afacb9bfa8b5b3b29cb2bdaebdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6a0b4e8afa8b5b6a3a5b2afa9a886a8a7b4a7e8a1a9b0">[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 March 21, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07740 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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