Rule2025-03455
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
March 4, 2025
Effective
April 8, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of contamination of the advanced pneumatic detector pressure switch of engine pylon fire detectors. This AD requires require replacement of the affected parts and prohibits installation of 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 90 Issue 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11122-11124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03455]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2549; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00359-T;
Amendment 39-22965; AD 2025-04-07]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of contamination of
the advanced pneumatic detector pressure switch of engine pylon fire
detectors. This AD requires require replacement of the affected parts
and prohibits installation of 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 April 8, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 8,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2549; 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#c58481b685a0a4b6a4eba0b0b7aab5a4eba0b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7d784f7c595d4f5d1259494e534c5d125949">[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-2024-2549.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5a3b9b4b1bcb8bca7fba0b9acb4bbbaa395b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="77011b16131e1a1e0559021b0e161918013711161659101801">[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 certain Airbus SAS
Model 330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2024 (89 FR
97562). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0119, dated June 27, 2024,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0119) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states occurrences were reported of contamination of the
advanced pneumatic detector pressure switch of engine pylon fire
detectors.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of the
affected parts and to prohibit installation of affected parts, as
specified in EASA AD 2024-0119. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
such contamination, which could affect the reliability of the engine
pylon fire detector, possibly leading to an undetected fire and
consequent reduced control 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-2024-2549.
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 any
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 2024-0119 specifies procedures for replacement of the
affected engine pylon fire detector and prohibits installation of
affected engine pylon fire detectors. 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 6 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595............ $828 $1,423 $8,538
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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
[[Page 11123]]
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-04-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22965; Docket No. FAA-2024-2549;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00359-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 8, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223,
-223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0119, dated
June 27, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0119).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire
protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of contamination of the
advanced pneumatic detector pressure switch of engine pylon fire
detectors. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this contamination.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the reliability
of the engine pylon fire detector, possibly leading to an undetected
fire and consequent 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 2024-0119.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0119
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0119 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of the EASA AD 2024-0119 states to
``replace each affected part with a serviceable part in accordance
with the instructions of the SB'' this AD requires replacing that
text with ``replace each affected part with a serviceable part in
accordance with the applicable tasks for removal and installation of
the affected parts as specified in the accomplishment instructions
of the SB.''
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0119 defines a serviceable part as
``Engine pylon fire detector, eligible for installation in
accordance with Airbus instructions, which is not an affected part''
for this AD replace that text with ``Engine pylon fire detector,
eligible for installation that is not an affected part.''
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0119.
(i) No Return of Parts Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0119 specifies
to send affected pylon fire detectors to Kidde Technologies Inc.,
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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and
email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c5d51535f5c7a7d7d327b736a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="23626e6c60634542420d444c55">[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, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety 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
paragraphs (i) and (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95e3f9f4f1fcf8fce7bbe0f9ecf4fbfae3d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e08121f1a1713170c500b12071f1011083e181f1f50191108">[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 2024-0119,
dated June 27, 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#8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8"><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.
(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,
[[Page 11124]]
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#7b1d09551215080b1e180f1214153b151a091a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f392d7136312c2f3a3c2b3630311f313e2d3e71383029">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 18, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03455 Filed 3-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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