Rule2023-07746
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes; Model A330- 200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-300 series airplanes; Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that damage was found to the firewall and fuselage skin in the auxiliary power unit (APU) compartment area on Model A330 airplanes. This AD requires replacing affected tee ducts with serviceable parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. 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 22357-22359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07746]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0019; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01155-T;
Amendment 39-22393; AD 2023-06-07]
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 A330-202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes; Model A330-
200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-300 series airplanes; Model
A340-200 series airplanes; and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report that damage was found to the firewall and
fuselage skin in the auxiliary power unit (APU) compartment area on
Model A330 airplanes. This AD requires replacing affected tee ducts
with serviceable parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD
also prohibits the installation of affected parts. 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:
[[Page 22358]]
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0019; 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#6b2a2f182b0e0a180a450e1e19041b0a450e1e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a7b7e497a5f5b495b145f4f48554a5b145f4f">[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-2023-0019.
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#89dfe5e8ede0e4e0fba7dce5f0e8e7e6ffc9efe8e8a7eee6ff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57013b36333e3a3e2579023b2e363938211731363679303821">[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
A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F, A330-243, A330-243F, A330-301,
A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342,
A330-343, A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-
313 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January
20, 2023 (88 FR 3678). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0175, dated
August 23, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0175) (also referred
to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that damage was found to the firewall
and fuselage skin in the APU compartment area on Model A330 airplanes.
Subsequent investigation determined that cracks started because of high
cycle fatigue in the tee duct, which led to a hot air leak. Due to the
design similarity, this condition could also exist or develop on Model
A340 airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to damage
to the APU compartment firewall, possibly jeopardizing its capability
to contain a fire.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected tee
ducts with serviceable parts, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0175. The
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts. 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-2023-0019.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a 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, 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
EASA AD 2022-0175 specifies procedures for replacement of affected
tee ducts (Part Number (PN) 3884654-4 or PN 3884654-5) with serviceable
parts (PN 3884654-6). EASA AD 2022-0175 also prohibits the installation
of affected parts. 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 123 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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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $35,931 $36,271 $4,461,333
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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
[[Page 22359]]
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:
2023-06-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22393; Docket No. FAA-2023-0019;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01155-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A330-202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne
Auxiliary Power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that damage was found to the
firewall and fuselage skin in the auxiliary power unit (APU)
compartment area on Model A330 airplanes. Subsequent investigation
determined that cracks started because of high cycle fatigue in the
tee duct, which led to a hot air leak. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cracks in the tee duct. This condition, if not corrected,
could lead to a hot air leak from the tee duct and damage to the APU
compartment firewall, possibly jeopardizing its capability to
contain a fire.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0175, dated August 23, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0175).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0175
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0175 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0175 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#7a43573b2c29573b3328574d494a573b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b78e9af6e1e49af6fee59a8084879af6faf8f4f7d1d6d699d0d8c1">[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 (i)(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.
(j) 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#11477d7075787c78633f447d68707f7e67517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eeb8828f8a8783879cc0bb82978f808198ae888f8fc0898198">[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 2022-0175,
dated August 23, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0175, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c6d685f6c494d5f4d0249595e435c4d024959"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2">[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#c7a1b5e9aea9b4b7a2a4b3aea8a987a9a6b5a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2147530f484f5251444255484e4f614f4053400f464e57">[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 16, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07746 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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