Proposed Rule2024-11214
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
May 24, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; A320 series airplanes; and A321-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, - 252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a damage-tolerance and fatigue reassessment of nose landing gear (NLG) repairs is necessary for certain parts fitted on airplanes approved for operation in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This proposed AD would require repair and replacement of all affected parts, and introduces restrictions for the installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 102 (Friday, May 24, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 102 (Friday, May 24, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45800-45803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11214]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1475; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00062-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
-133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; A320 series airplanes; and A321-211,
-212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -
252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that a damage-tolerance and fatigue
reassessment of nose landing gear (NLG) repairs is necessary for
certain parts fitted on airplanes approved for operation in the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This proposed AD would
require repair and replacement of all affected parts, and introduces
restrictions for the installation of affected parts, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 8,
2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1475; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4a5a097a481859785ca8191968b9485ca8191">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1475.
<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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone 206-231-3667; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ffbe6e2e0fbe7f6a1ffa1ebe0f8e3e6e1e8cfe9eeeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86f2efebe9f2eeffa8f6a8e2e9f1eaefe8e1c6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 45801]]
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-1475; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00062-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone 206-231-3667; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e5a4743415a4657005e004a4159424740496e484f4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1064797d7f6478693e603e747f677c797e77507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0022, dated January 23, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0022) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, A319-112, A319-113,
A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N,
A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232,
A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-
273N, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N,
A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N,
A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX airplanes. Model A320-215
airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not
include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that a
design review led to a determination that a damage-tolerance and
fatigue reassessment of NLG repairs is required for certain parts
fitted on airplanes approved for CIS operation. The EASA AD addresses
the reassessment of these repairs. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to damage or failure of the affected parts and
the NLG, and possible damage to the airplane and injury to occupants,
following modifications for CIS operations.
Different runway standards in CIS countries have resulted in the
need for specific landing gear modifications or repairs on those
modified landing gears. The landing gear components modified for CIS
runway conditions may be inadequate for continued operation. While it
is possible there are few or no U.S. airplanes subject to the repair
and replacement requirements of this AD, the FAA has determined that
this AD is necessary to identify airplanes with affected parts and
confirm the need for any follow-on actions.
The FAA is proposing 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-2024-1475.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0022 specifies procedures for reporting, repair, and
replacement, as applicable, of the affected parts. EASA AD 2024-0022
also limits the installation of affected parts under certain
conditions. 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.
FAA's Determination
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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2024-0022 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024-0022 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2024-0022 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2024-0022 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-
0022. Service information required by EASA AD 2024-0022 for compliance
will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1475
after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,680 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 45802]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............. $0 $85 Up to $142,800.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the repairs or replacements specified in this proposed
AD. The cost of parts could be as high as $5,620 per airplane.
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2024-1475; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00062-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 8, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(3) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232,
and -271N airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that a damage-tolerance
and fatigue reassessment of nose landing gear (NLG) repairs is
necessary for certain parts fitted on airplanes approved for
operation in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the reassessment of these repairs. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to damage or failure
of the affected parts and the NLG, and possible damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants.
(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, EASA AD 2024-0022, dated January 23, 2024 (EASA AD
2024-0022).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0022
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0022 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0022.
(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 manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#231a0e6275700e626a710e1410130e626e6c60634542420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4fde9859297e9858d96e9f3f7f4e985898b8784a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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 Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817-222-5102; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99edf0f4f6edf1e0b7e9b7fdf6eef5f0f7fed9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d29343032293524732d7339322a3134333a1d3b3c3c733a322b">[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.
[[Page 45803]]
(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 2024-0022,
dated January 23, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2024-0022, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f0e0b3c0f2a2e3c2e612a3a3d203f2e612a3a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7534310635101406145b1000071a05145b1000">[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 at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a>, or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e283c6027203d3e2b2d3a2721200e202f3c2f60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 16, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-11214 Filed 5-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 24, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.