Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 132 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41177-41180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14778]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0589; Product Identifier 2020-NM-093-AD; Amendment 
39-19920; AD 2020-12-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -151N, and -153N 
airplanes; Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N 
airplanes; and Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N,

[[Page 41178]]

-253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of a non-stabilized approach followed by an 
automatic go-around, which led to an airplane pitch-up attitude and 
resulted in an auto-pilot disconnection. This AD requires revising the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) and applicable corresponding operational 
procedures to limit the use of speed brakes in certain airplane 
configurations and informing all flight crews, thereafter, to operate 
the airplane with limitations accordingly, 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 becomes effective July 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 24, 
2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 24, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact 
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 
221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0589.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0589; 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 AD, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0118, dated May 22, 2020 
(``EASA AD 2020-0118'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -
151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, 
and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -
253N,-253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.
    This AD was prompted by a report of a non-stabilized approach 
followed by an automatic go-around, which led to an airplane pitch-up 
attitude and resulted in an auto-pilot disconnection. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address certain airplane configurations, which could 
result in auto-pilot disconnection and high angle-of-attack, and 
consequent increased workload for the flightcrew during a critical 
phase of flight and possible loss of control of the airplane. See the 
MCAI for additional background information.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0118 describes procedures for revising the AFM to 
limit the use of speed brakes in certain landing conditions.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA 
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated 
all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires revising the existing AFM and applicable 
corresponding operational procedures to limit the use of speed brakes 
in certain airplane configurations and informing all flight crews, 
thereafter, to operate the airplane with limitations accordingly, as 
specified in EASA 2020-0118 as incorporated by reference, except for 
any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0118 
is incorporated by reference in this final rule. This AD, therefore, 
requires compliance with EASA AD 2020-0118 in its entirety, through 
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same 
as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not mean 
that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where 
the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance 
times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the 
section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in the 
EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2020-0118 that is 
required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0118 is available on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0589.

[[Page 41179]]

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because after a go-around initiation under certain configurations, 
pitch up attitude may increase followed by auto-pilot disconnection and 
high angle-of-attack, which could lead to consequent increased workload 
for the flightcrew during a critical phase of flight and a possible 
loss of control of the airplane. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause 
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. 
In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for 
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0589; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-093-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD based on those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments the FAA receives, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact the FAA receives about this AD.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. When final action is 
later identified, the agency might consider further rulemaking then.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good 
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and 
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt 
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 380 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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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............  None...........................             $85          $32,300
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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

    The FAA determined that 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2020-12-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19920; Docket No. FAA-2020-0589; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-093-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 24, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) inclusive, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -151N, and -153N 
airplanes.
    (2) Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -
271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto Flight.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a non-stabilized approach 
followed by an automatic go-around, which lead to an airplane pitch-
up attitude and resulted in an auto-pilot disconnection. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address certain airplane configurations, which 
could result in auto-pilot disconnection and high angle-of-attack, 
and consequent increased workload for the flightcrew during a 
critical phase of flight and possible loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

[[Page 41180]]

(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 
2020-0118, dated May 22, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0118'').

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0118

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0118 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0118 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0118 specifies amending ``the 
applicable AFM [airplane flight manual],'' but this AD requires 
amending ``the applicable AFM and applicable corresponding 
operational procedures.''

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district 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, Large Aircraft 
Section, 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): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0118 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, RC 
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) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0118, 
dated May 22, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For information about EASA AD 2020-0118, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
89990 6017; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://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. This material may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0589.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 11, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-14778 Filed 7-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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