Rule2024-23538
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
October 21, 2024
Effective
November 25, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-800 and A330-900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a protective cap found still in place on the drain hole of a fire extinguishing pipe, and by further investigations indicating these caps may have remained on other airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection (GVI) of the engine fire extinguishing pipe drain hole and, depending on findings, removal of the protective cap, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 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 203 (Monday, October 21, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 203 (Monday, October 21, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84077-84079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23538]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0233; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01003-T;
Amendment 39-22746; AD 2024-10-01]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-800 and A330-900 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by a report of a protective cap found still in place on
the drain hole of a fire extinguishing pipe, and by further
investigations indicating these caps may have remained on other
airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection (GVI)
of the engine fire extinguishing pipe drain hole and, depending on
findings, removal of the protective cap, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 25, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 25,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0233; 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#ca8b8eb98aafabb9abe4afbfb8a5baabe4afbf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4f5f0c7f4d1d5c7d59ad1c1c6dbc4d59ad1c1">[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-2024-0233.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#baecd6dbded3d7d3c894efd6c3dbd4d5ccfadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="77211b16131e1a1e0559221b0e161918013711161659101801">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR
[[Page 84078]]
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model
A330-800 and A330-900 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on February 21, 2024 (89 FR 12993). The NPRM was
prompted by AD 2023-0169, dated September 4, 2023, issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union (EASA AD 2023-0169) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI
states that a protective cap was found still in place on the drain hole
of a fire extinguishing pipe. Further investigations indicated that
this failure to remove those caps may have occurred on other airplanes.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
accumulation of water and ice in the pipe and, in case of an engine
fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time GVI of the
engine fire extinguishing pipe drain hole and, depending on findings,
removal of the protective cap, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0169. The
FAA is issuing 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-2024-0233.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0169 specifies procedures for a GVI of each engine
fire extinguishing pipe drain hole and, if found, removal of the
protective cap. 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 8 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $0 $340 $2,720
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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:
2024-10-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22746; Docket No. FAA-2024-0233;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01003-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 25,
2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and A330-941
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0169, dated September 4,
2023 (EASA AD 2023-0169).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire
Protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a protective cap found still
in place on the drain hole of a fire extinguishing pipe, and by
further investigations indicating these caps may have remained on
other airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address protective
caps possibly remaining in place on fire extinguishing pipes
installed on the
[[Page 84079]]
affected airplanes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in accumulation of water and ice in the pipe and, in case of
an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly
resulting in reduced 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, EASA AD 2023-0169.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0169
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0169 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
2023-0169.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0169 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#40796d0116136d0109126d7773706d010d0f03002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1988ce0f7f28ce0e8f38c9692918ce0eceee2e1c7c0c08fc6ced7">[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 Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone 206-231-3229; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d385bfb2b7babebaa1fd86bfaab2bdbca593b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8be84898c8185819ac6bd84918986879ea88e8989c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2023-0169,
dated September 4, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0169, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92d3d6e1d2f7f3e1f3bcf7e7e0fde2f3bcf7e7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c18085b281a4a0b2a0efa4b4b3aeb1a0efa4b4">[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#80e6f2aee9eef3f0e5e3f4e9efeec0eee1f2e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="167064387f7865667375627f7978567877647738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 3, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-23538 Filed 10-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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