Rule2024-18633
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 A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 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 67530-67532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18633]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1286; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00017-T;
Amendment 39-22788; AD 2024-14-07]
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 A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes,
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model
A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary.
This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 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-2024-1286; 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 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#bffefbccffdadeccde91dacacdd0cfde91daca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91d0d5e2d1f4f0e2f0bff4e4e3fee1f0bff4e4">[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-2024-1286.
<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: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-
231-3225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ce8ede2a2fee3e8e5e2edcceaededa2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a0e0b044418050e03040b2a0c0b0b440d051c">[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
A300 600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on May 1, 2024 (89 FR 35015). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0003,
dated January 5, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0003) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been developed.
EASA AD 2024-0003 specifies that it requires a task (limitation)
already in Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4 Revision 03 that is required by
EASA AD 2017-0202 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-18-21, Amendment
39-19400 (83 FR 47054, September 18, 2018) (AD 2018-18-21)), and that
incorporation of EASA AD 2024-0003 invalidates (terminates) prior
instructions for that task. For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-605R, B4-622R, 300 F4-605R, F4-622R, and A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes only, this AD therefore terminates the limitations required
by paragraph (g) of AD 2018-18-21 for the tasks identified in the
service information referenced in EASA AD 2017-0202 only.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2024-0003. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the risks associated
with the effects of aging on airplane systems. The unsafe
[[Page 67531]]
condition, if not addressed, could result in an increased potential for
failure of certain life-limited parts, and reduced structural integrity
or controllability 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-2024-1286.
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.
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 Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0003, which specifies new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe
life limits.
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 120 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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:
2024-14-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22788; Docket No. FAA-2024-1286;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00017-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 25,
2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2018-18-21, Amendment 39-19400 (83 FR 47054,
September 18, 2018) (AD 2018-18-21).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the risks associated with the effects of
aging on airplane systems. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in an increased potential for failure of certain life-
limited parts, and reduced structural integrity or controllability
of the airplane.
(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
2024-0003, dated January 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0003).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD EASA AD 2024-0003
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0003.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0003 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP,'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0003 is at the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0003, or within 90
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
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(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph
(4) of EASA AD 2024-0003.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0003.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref.
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-0003.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2018-18-21
For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R,
300 F4-605R, F4-622R, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes only:
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2018-18-21 for the tasks identified
in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2017-0202 only.
(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#2e17036f787d036f677c03191d1e036f63616d6e484f4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e17036f787d036f677c03191d1e036f63616d6e484f4f00494158">[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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: 206-231-3225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1175707f3f637e75787f70517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c585d52124e535855525d7c5a5d5d125b534a">[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 2024-0003,
dated January 5, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2024-0003, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4302073003262230226d2636312c33226d2636"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1554516655707466743b7060677a65743b7060">[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#9ff9edb1f6f1eceffafcebf6f0f1dff1feedfeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f495d0146415c5f4a4c5b4640416f414e5d4e01484059">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 12, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-18633 Filed 8-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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