Rule2024-24466
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S 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 24, 2024
Effective
November 29, 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 engine nacelle anti-icing (NAI) forward bulkheads have been found with elongated locating holes. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes for elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits 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
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84806-84808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24466]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T;
Amendment 39-22846; AD 2024-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 engine nacelle anti-icing (NAI) forward bulkheads have
been found with elongated locating holes. This AD requires a one-time
detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes
for elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions,
and prohibits 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 November 29, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of November
29, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; 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#6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2">[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 at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1881.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7317; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3b7b2a7fda5fdbfb693b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d494c59035b0341486d4b4c4c034a425b">[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 July 3, 2024 (89 FR 55120). The NPRM was prompted by AD
2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD
2024-0060R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that
certain engine NAI forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes.
These holes are used in the manufacturing process and closed with
fasteners before delivery. It has been determined that these fasteners,
if loose, may vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating
holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the undetected
loss of NAI protection on both engines, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time detailed
inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes for
elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, and
prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions,
as specified in EASA AD 2024-0060R1. 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-2024-1881.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
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
[[Page 84807]]
Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data 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 2024-0060R1 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead location holes for
discrepancies, including elongation and loose fasteners. Depending on
the inspection results, EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also specifies corrective
action, including obtaining and following instructions if any
discrepancy is identified. EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also requires reporting
of the inspection results to Collins Aerospace. EASA AD 2024-0060R1
also prohibits the installation of an affected part on any airplane
unless it is a serviceable part and is inspected before installation.
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 31 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.5 work-hour x $85 per hour = $638................................ $10 $648 $20,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this 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
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:
2024-19-04 Airbus SAS Airplanes: Amendment 39-22846; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29,
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 54, Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that engine nacelle anti-icing
(NAI) forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address elongated locating holes. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in the fasteners, if
loose, to vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating
holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
undetected loss of NAI protection on both engines, possibly
resulting in 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
2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0060R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0060R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0060R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies if
``any discrepancy is detected, before next flight, contact Collins
Aerospace for approved corrective action instructions and, within
the compliance time specified therein accomplish those instructions
accordingly,'' this AD requires replacing that text with if ``any
discrepancy is detected, the discrepancy must be repaired
[[Page 84808]]
before further flight 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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0060R1.
(i) No Reporting Required
Although EASA AD 2024-0060R1 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#546d7915020779151d06796367647915191b17143235357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="744d5935222759353d26594347445935393b37341215155a131b02">[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 DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (h)(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 Dat Le, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516-228-7317; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#026663762c742c6e67426463632c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4a0a5b0eab2eaa8a184a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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 2024-0060R1,
dated April 16, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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#f6b7b285b693978597d8938384998697d89383"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a3b3e093a1f1b091b541f0f08150a1b541f0f">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this EASA AD on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, 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#2e485c0047405d5e4b4d5a4741406e404f5c4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92f4e0bcfbfce1e2f7f1e6fbfdfcd2fcf3e0f3bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 13, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-24466 Filed 10-23-24; 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 October 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.