Proposed Rule2024-15461
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
July 17, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-24-05, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2022-24-05 requires repetitive inspections of certain galleys for corrosion of trolley retainer aluminum blocks and delamination of the upper panel of the trolley compartment, and applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-24-05, the list of affected galleys has been revised, and a modification has been developed to restore the design integrity of the affected galleys. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2022-24-05, provide optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, revise the list of affected parts, and prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58086-58089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15461]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1890; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00087-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2022-24-05, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes. AD 2022-24-05 requires repetitive inspections of
certain galleys for corrosion of trolley retainer aluminum blocks and
delamination of the upper panel of the trolley compartment, and
applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-24-05, the
list of affected galleys has been revised, and a modification has been
developed to restore the design integrity of the affected galleys. This
proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2022-24-05,
provide optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections,
revise the list of affected parts, and prohibit the installation of
affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). 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 September
3, 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-2024-1890; 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 material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#39787d4a795c584a58175c4c4b564958175c4c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ecada89fac898d9f8dc289999e839c8dc28999">[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-2024-1890.
<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: 817-222-5102; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3a79a9e9c879b8adda3ddb79c849f9a9d94b3959292dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c397aaaeacb7abbaed93ed87acb4afaaada483a5a2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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-2024-1890; Project Identifier
[[Page 58087]]
MCAI-2024-00087-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: 817-222-5102; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42162b2f2d362a3b6c126c062d352e2b2c25022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="03576a6e6c776b7a2d532d476c746f6a6d64436562622d646c75">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2022-24-05, Amendment 39-22245 (87 FR 74291,
December 5, 2022) (AD 2022-24-05), for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -
112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115,
-131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -
212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N,
and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213,
-231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX,
-272N, and -272NX airplanes. AD 2022-24-05 was prompted by an MCAI
originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0183R1, dated September 20,
2021, to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2022-24-05 requires repetitive inspections of certain galleys
for corrosion of trolley retainer aluminum blocks and delamination of
the upper panel of the trolley compartment, and applicable corrective
actions. The FAA issued AD 2022-24-05 to address damage that could
affect the galley's capability to hold the trolley under emergency
landing loads, which could lead to trolley detachment, possibly
resulting in blocking of an escape path during an emergency exit.
Actions Since AD 2022-24-05 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2022-24-05, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-
0183R1, dated September 20, 2021, and issued EASA AD 2024-0038, dated
February 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0038) (also referred to as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes. EASA AD 2024-0038 states that the list of
affected galleys has been revised, and Airbus and the galley
manufacturer have developed a modification to restore the design
integrity of the affected galleys.
The FAA is proposing this AD to detect and correct damage that
could affect the galley's capability to hold the trolley under
emergency landing loads, which could lead to trolley detachment,
possibly resulting in blocking of an escape path during an emergency
exit.
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-2024-1890.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2022-24-05, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2022-24-05. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2024-0038, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0038 includes the following provisions:
<bullet> Procedures for repetitive general visual inspections of
certain galleys for discrepancies including corrosion of trolley
retainer aluminum blocks and delamination of upper panel of trolley
compartment;
<bullet> Corrective actions including repeating the inspection at
an earlier interval, repairing the trolley compartment upper panel, and
limiting the trolley weight;
<bullet> Procedures for modifying the affected galleys as optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections;
<bullet> A revised the list of affected galleys; and
<bullet> Prohibition of the installation of affected parts unless
the parts are inspected and corrected.
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.
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 2024-0038 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 2024-0038 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2024-0038 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 2024-0038 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required
[[Page 58088]]
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 2024-0038. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0038
for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FAA-2024-1890 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,425 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $242,250
2022[dash]24[dash]05. hour = $170 per hour.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 40 work-hours x $85 per (*) Up to $3,400.*
hour = $3,400.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the parts associated with the modification specified in
this proposed 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
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..... $0 $85
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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 proposed 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
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-24-05, Amendment 39-22245
(87 FR 74291, December 5, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2024-1890; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00087-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 3, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-24-05, Amendment 39-22245 (87 FR 74291,
December 5, 2022) (AD 2022-24-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
[[Page 58089]]
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that damage (including
delamination of work deck and corroded and cracked retainer blocks)
was found during inspection of certain galleys. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address damage that could affect the galley's capability
to hold the trolley under emergency landing loads, which could lead
to trolley detachment, possibly resulting in blocking of an escape
path during an emergency exit.
(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 2024-0038, dated February 5, 2024 (EASA AD
2024-0038).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0038
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0038 refers to ``18 August 2021 [the
effective date of the EASA AD 2021-0183 at original issue],'' this
AD requires using January 9, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2022-24-
05).
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0038 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0038.
(4) Where EASA AD 2024-0038 does not specify corrective action
after a post-repair inspection that has findings of damage, this AD
requires obtaining repair instructions before further flight from
the FAA, EASA, or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA), and accomplishing those actions accordingly. Any approval by
the DOA must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0038 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 manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e9d0c4a8bfbac4a8a0bbc4dedad9c4a8a4a6aaa98f8888c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99a0b4d8cfcab4d8d0cbb4aeaaa9b4d8d4d6dad9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[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 material 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 Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 817-222-5102; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9fdc0c4c6ddc1d087f987edc6dec5c0c7cee9cfc8c887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="34605d595b405c4d1a641a705b43585d5a53745255551a535b42">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0038,
dated February 5, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2024-0038, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7332370033161200125d1606011c03125d1606"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4504013605202436246b2030372a35246b2030">[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#5036227e393e2320353324393f3e103e3122317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82e4f0acebecf1f2e7e1f6ebedecc2ece3f0e3ace5edf4">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 10, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-15461 Filed 7-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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