Rule2024-28779
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
December 9, 2024
Effective
January 13, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality review performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator (material "Dykem") had been applied on the orifice fitting on certain slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. This AD requires an inspection for discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibits installing affected parts, 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 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 97480-97482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28779]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2025; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00120-T;
Amendment 39-22888; AD 2024-23-09]
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 A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX
airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality
review performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator
(material ``Dykem'') had been applied on the orifice fitting on certain
slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. This AD requires an
inspection for discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs
having certain orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts,
and prohibits installing affected parts, 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 January 13, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2025; 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#d79693a497b2b6a4b6f9b2a2a5b8a7b6f9b2a2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2e3e6d1e2c7c3d1c38cc7d7d0cdd2c38cc7d7">[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-2024-2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 206-231-3667; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#acd8c5c1c3d8c4d582dc82c8c3dbc0c5c2cbeccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32465b5f5d465a4b1c421c565d455e5b5c55725453531c555d44">[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
A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on August 21, 2024 (89 FR 67575). The
NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0057, dated February 28, 2024, issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2024-0057) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that during a quality review performed during
manufacturing, a quality escape was identified on the Model A321NX door
3 slide and offwing slide inflation reservoirs' venting holes, where a
torque strip indicator (material ``Dykem'') had been applied on the
orifice fitting (clogging the vent hole). This condition, in
combination with a slide reservoir pressure loss, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to deployment in flight of a non-inflated slide,
possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control of, the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for
discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain
orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibit
installing affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0057. 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-2024-2025.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), and United Airlines, 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
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, 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 2024-0057 specifies a general visual inspection of affected
parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) for discrepancies
(the presence of ``Dykem'' material on the orifice fitting) and
replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibits installing
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 227 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 97481]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......................... $0 $85 $19,295
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action 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 this on-condition action:
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 = Negligible........ $85
$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 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:
2024-23-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22888; Docket No. FAA-2024-2025;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00120-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -
253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality review
performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator
(material ``Dykem'') had been applied on the orifice fitting on
certain slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address blocked venting holes on the orifice
fitting on an escape slide's inflation reservoir. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could, in combination with a slide
reservoir pressure loss, result in deployment in flight of a non-
inflated slide, possibly resulting in damage to, and 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 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
2024-0057, dated February 28, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0057).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0057
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0057 refers to March 13, 2024, or 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
2024-0057.
(i) 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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f7e72707c7f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7d71737f7c5a5d5d125b534a">[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
[[Page 97482]]
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 (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced
in EASA AD 2024-0057 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1165787c7e6579683f613f757e667d787f76517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="03776a6e6c776b7a2d732d676c746f6a6d64436562622d646c75">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 2024-0057,
dated February 28, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2024-0057 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#a8e9ecdbe8cdc9dbc986cddddac7d8c986cddd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb">[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#7214005c1b1c01021711061b1d1c321c1300135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b0d19450205181b0e081f0204052b050a190a450c041d">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 18, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-28779 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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