Rule2023-08529
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 24, 2023
Effective
May 30, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-03- 12, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -300, -800, and - 900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. AD 2022-03-12 required replacing the doghouse door lock placard with an improved instruction placard. This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete, and by a determination that additional parts need to be modified. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-03-12 and expands the list of affected 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 under certain conditions. 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 78 (Monday, April 24, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24683-24686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08529]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0028; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01164-T;
Amendment 39-22404; AD 2023-07-02]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-03-
12, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -300, -800, and -
900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series
airplanes. AD 2022-03-12 required replacing the doghouse door lock
placard with an improved instruction placard. This AD was prompted by
reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are
unclear and incomplete, and by a determination that additional parts
need to be modified. This AD continues to require the actions in AD
2022-03-12 and expands the list of affected 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
under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 30, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference
[[Page 24684]]
of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 30, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0028; 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#4100053201242032206f2434332e31206f2434"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff">[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-2023-0028.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92e4fef3f6fbfffbe0bce7feebf3fcfde4d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ddabb1bcb9b4b0b4aff3a8b1a4bcb3b2ab9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab">[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 2022-03-12, Amendment 39-21929 (87 FR 8169,
February 14, 2022) (AD 2022-03-12). AD 2022-03-12 applied to all Airbus
SAS Model A330-200, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and Model
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series. AD 2022-03-12 required replacing
the doghouse door lock placard with an improved instruction placard. AD
2022-03-12 also prohibited the installation of affected parts under
certain conditions. The FAA issued AD 2022-03-12 to address possible
incorrect operation of the doghouse door lock due to unclear and
incomplete handling instructions on the door placard installed near the
lock. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the
latch, which could block the door in the closed position and prevent
access to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 30, 2023 (88
FR 5814). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0179, dated August 26, 2022,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0179) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard
are unclear and incomplete, and could lead to incorrect operation of
the lock. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of
the latch, blocking the door in the closed position and preventing
access to emergency equipment, possibly resulting in injury to airplane
occupants. Since EASA AD 2021-0136 was issued, it has been determined
that additional parts need to be modified.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0028.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2022-03-12 and expand the list of affected parts, as specified in
EASA AD 2022-0179, dated August 26, 2022. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of
the doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the latch,
which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access to
the emergency equipment inside the doghouse.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
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 2022-0179 specifies procedures for replacing the doghouse
door lock placard with an improved instruction placard. EASA AD 2022-
0179 also prohibits the installation of doghouses with incorrect
instruction placards. 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 62 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170... Up to $95 per placard.. Up to $265 per placard. Up to $16,430.*
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* Assuming one placard per product. The number of placards on an airplane depends on the passenger configuration
and varies from operator to operator.
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
[[Page 24685]]
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 (AD) 2022-03-12, Amendment 39-21929
(87 FR 8169, February 14, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2023-07-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22404; Docket No. FAA-2023-0028;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01164-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 30, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-03-12, Amendment 39-21929 (87 FR 8169,
February 14, 2022) (AD 2022-03-12).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(3) Model A330-841 airplanes.
(4) Model A330-941 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(8) Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the
doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete, and by a
determination that additional parts need to be modified. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of the
doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the latch,
which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access
to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse.
(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
2022-0179, dated August 26, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0179).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0179
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0179 refers to June 18, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0136), this AD requires using March
21, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-03-12).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0179 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Although EASA AD 2022-0179 specifies to ``remove the placard
and install an improved handling instructions placard on each
affected part,'' this AD requires replacing the placard on each
affected part with an improved handling instructions placard.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0179.
(i) 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, 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#2d14006c7b7e006c647f001a1e1d006c60626e6d4b4c4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e07137f686d137f776c13090d0e137f73717d7e585f5f10595148">[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 and fax 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#186e74797c7175716a366d74617976776e587e7979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="42342e23262b2f2b306c372e3b232c2d34022423236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 2022-0179,
dated August 26, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0179, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f4e4b7c4f6a6e7c6e216a7a7d607f6e216a7a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3b2b780b396928092dd9686819c8392dd9686">[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
[[Page 24686]]
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be"><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 March 30, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-08529 Filed 4-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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