Rule2024-18628
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
August 21, 2024
Effective
September 25, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that certain engine bleed air system (EBAS) T-Ducts may not conform to the type design due to a quality escape not detected during the manufacturing process on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 engines. This AD requires replacement of affected EBAS T-Ducts and limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67535-67538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18628]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1001; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01129-T;
Amendment 39-22787; AD 2024-14-06]
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 A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports that certain engine bleed air system (EBAS) T-Ducts may not
conform to the type design due to a quality escape not detected during
the manufacturing process on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84,
and Trent XWB-97 engines. This AD requires replacement of affected EBAS
T-Ducts and limits the installation of affected parts under certain
conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
25, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1001; 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:
[[Page 67536]]
<bullet> For EASA material identified 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#4d0c093e0d282c3e2c6328383f223d2c632838"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06474275466367756728637374697667286373">[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-2024-1001.
<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 at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-
7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c9f0e4a8bfbae4a7b0a8aaa6e4aaa6ba89afa8a8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a29b8fc3d4d18fccdbc3c1cd8fc1cdd1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4">[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
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 10, 2024 (89 FR 25191). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2023-0189, dated October 31, 2023, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (referred
to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states a sub-supplier to Rolls-
Royce for bleed ducts on Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97
engines reported that certain EBAS T-Ducts may not conform to the type
design due to a quality escape not detected during the manufacturing
process. Affected EBAS T-Ducts have Part Number RR03-11011-001 and
serial number listed in the Appendix 1 of Rolls-Royce Alert Non-
Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent XWB 36-AK870, dated
September 29, 2023.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of affected
EBAS T-Ducts and limit the installation of affected parts under certain
conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of certain
EBAS T-Ducts on Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84 and Trent
XWB-97 engines. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
cracking of the affected part with consequent air leakage, which could
result in high energy debris release (uncontained engine rotor
failure), an uncontrolled engine fire, and subsequent loss of control
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-2024-1001.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Delta Air Lines. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request for Removal of Step in Exceptions Paragraph
Delta considered the exception in paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed
AD unnecessary, and stated that this exception only restricts the use
of later-approved revisions of Rolls-Royce Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin TRENT XWB-36-AK870 (the NMSB). Delta stated that
putting the date of the NMSB in the proposed AD limits the revision
that can be used to comply with the AD, and use of later revisions will
require approval of alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs). Delta
noted that EASA AD 2023-0189 already defines the NMSB in the
Definitions and Ref. Publications sections, and allows the use of
later-approved revisions of the NMSB to comply with the EASA AD.
The FAA disagrees with removing paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
Appendix 1 of the NMSB defines affected EBAS T-Ducts by part and serial
number. Because Appendix 1 may change in future revisions of the NMSB,
this AD defines the acceptable NMSB version to control for the identity
of the affected parts. Paragraph (h)(3) of this AD does not otherwise
affect the use of later-approved versions for the actions required by
paragraph (1) or (2) of the EASA AD2023-0189. The FAA agrees that AMOC
approvals may be necessary to use a future NMSB version if the
definition of affected parts changes. The FAA has not changed this AD
in this regard.
Request for Reporting Clarification
Delta requested adding a new subparagraph to the ``Exceptions''
section of the NPRM to clarify reporting requirements. Delta stated
that paragraphs 3.A.(4) and 3.B.(4) of Trent Service Bulletin XWB 36-
AK870 require the operator to complete an Appendix 3 form and submit it
to Rolls-Royce. Delta claims the ``reporting requirement'' in an AD
typically requests findings from an inspection to enable the
manufacturer to learn more about the cause of the unsafe condition and
determine appropriate corrective actions. Furthermore, the Trent
Service Bulletin XWB 36-AK870, Appendix 3, merely requests that
operators inform Rolls-Royce that the service bulletin is completed for
their airplanes and does not specify submitting specific information
such as test or inspection results.
The FAA agrees and has added paragraph (i) of this AD in order to
clarify that no reporting is required.
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
comments 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, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic
burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0189 specifies procedures for replacement of affected
EBAS T-Ducts. EASA AD 2023-0189 also limits 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 32 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 67537]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $128,555 Up to $128,725............... Up to $4,119,200.
= $170.
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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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2024-14-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22787; Docket No. FAA-2024-1001;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01129-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 25,
2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 reports that certain engine bleed air
system (EBAS) T-Ducts on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84, and
Trent XWB-97 engines may not conform to the type design due to a
quality escape not detected during the manufacturing process. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of certain EBAS T-Ducts
on Rolls-Royce (RR) Trent XWB-75, Trent XWB-84 and Trent XWB-97
engines. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
cracking of the affected part with consequent air leakage, which
could result in high energy debris release (uncontained engine rotor
failure), an uncontrolled engine fire, and subsequent loss of
control 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
2023-0189, dated October 31, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0189).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0189
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0189 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
2023-0189.
(3) Where the definition of affected part in EASA AD 2023-0189
specifies ``as listed in the APPENDIX 1 of the NMSB,'' replace that
text with ``as listed in the APPENDIX 1 of Rolls-Royce ALERT Non-
Modification Service Bulletin TRENT XWB 36-AK870, dated September
29, 2023.''
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although certain material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0189
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where an
EBAS T-Duct can be replaced, provided only one EBAS T-Ducts requires
replacement.
(k) 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 (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#665f4b2730354b272f344b5155564b272b29252600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6cfdbb7a0a5dbb7bfa4dbc1c5c6dbb7bbb9b5b6909797d8919980">[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 (k)(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
[[Page 67538]]
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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone: 516-228-7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#350c18544346185b4c54565a18565a46755354541b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a59c88c4d3d688cbdcc4c6ca88c6cad6e5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2023-0189,
dated October 31, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0189, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82c3c6f1c2e7e3f1e3ace7f7f0edf2e3ace7f7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0544417645606476642b6070776a75642b6070">[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#5432267a3d3a27243137203d3b3a143a3526357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ef8ecb0f7f0edeefbfdeaf7f1f0def0ffecffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 12, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-18628 Filed 8-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on August 21, 2024.
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