Rule2024-28790
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-05- 02, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2023-05-02 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 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 additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 97505-97507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28790]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2139; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00123-T;
Amendment 39-22900; AD 2024-24-10]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-05-
02, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes. AD 2023-05-02 required revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 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 additional new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April
18, 2023 (88 FR 15600, March 14, 2023).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2139; 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#5a1b1e291a3f3b293b743f2f28352a3b743f2f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5213162112373321337c3727203d22337c3727">[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-2024-2139.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 206-231-3667; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d59646062796574235d2349627a6164636a4d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80d4e9edeff4e8f9aed0aec4eff7ece9eee7c0e6e1e1aee7eff6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-05-02, Amendment 39-22371 (88 FR
15600, March 14, 2023) (AD 2023-05-02). AD 2023-05-02 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
AD 2023-05-02 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2023-05-02 to address the
risks associated with the effects of aging on airplane systems.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 11, 2024
(89 FR 73608). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0046, dated February
19, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0046) (also referred to as
the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations have been developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all of the requirements of
EASA AD 2023-05-02. The FAA also proposed to require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0046. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the risks associated with the effects of aging on
airplane systems. Such effects could change system characteristics. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an increased
potential for failure of certain life-limited parts, and reduced
structural integrity 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-2024-2139.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters, including Air Line
Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and two individuals, 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
[[Page 97506]]
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 2024-0046 specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022, which
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of April 18, 2023 (88 FR 15600, March 14, 2023).
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 1,920 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained
actions from AD 2023-05-02 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
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.
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-05-02, Amendment 39-22371
(88 FR 15600, March 14, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2024-24-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22900; Docket No. FAA-2024-2139;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00123-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
(1) This AD replaces AD 2023-05-02, Amendment 39-22371 (88 FR
15600, March 14, 2023) (AD 2023-05-02).
(2) This AD affects AD 2018-23-02, Amendment 39-19488 (83 FR
59278, November 23, 2018) (AD 2018-23-02).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 6, 2023.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX 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. Such effects could change system
characteristics. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited
parts, and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD
2023-05-02, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before February 18, 2022, comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0102). Accomplishing the
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required
by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this
paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0102, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph
(o) of AD 2023-05-02, with no changes.
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022-0102.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0102 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 April 18, 2023 (the effective
date of AD 2023-05-02).
[[Page 97507]]
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0102 is at the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0102, or within 90
days after April 18, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-05-02),
whichever occurs later.
(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0102.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0102.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a
New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (p) of AD
2023-05-02, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program
has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0102.
(j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0046, dated February 19, 2024 (EASA AD
2024-0046). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0046
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0046.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0046 specifies revising ``the
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 2024-0046 is at the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0046, or within 90
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0046.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0046.
(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (j) 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 2024-0046.
(m) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2018-23-02
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or
inspection program required by paragraph (g) or (j) of this AD
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) through (k) of AD
2018-23-02.
(n) 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, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (o) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2a3afada1a2848383cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="df9e92909c9fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2023-05-02 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2023-05-02 are approved
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024-0046 that
are required by paragraph (j) of this AD.
(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.
(o) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3667; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#45112c282a312d3c6b156b012a32292c2b22052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="085c6165677c60712658264c677f6461666f486e6969266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(p) 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.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on January 13,
2025.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0046,
dated February 19, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on April 18,
2023 (88 FR 15600, March 14, 2023).
(i) EASA AD 2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) 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#d09194a390b5b1a3b1feb5a5a2bfa0b1feb5a5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d19095a291b4b0a2b0ffb4a4a3bea1b0ffb4a4">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(6) 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.
(7) 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#c5a3b7ebacabb6b5a0a6b1acaaab85aba4b7a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2244500c4b4c51524741564b4d4c624c4350430c454d54">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 25, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-28790 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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