Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59406-59409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20826]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0328; Product Identifier 2020-NM-030-AD; Amendment 
39-21244; AD 2020-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113,

[[Page 59407]]

-114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, 
-216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of crack findings in and around the fastener holes of the 
central and lateral window frame upper junction; those cracks were 
found on fastener holes outside of the inspection area specified in a 
certain airworthiness limitation item (ALI) task. This AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the upper junction fastener holes at the 
lateral window frame for cracking; and for certain airplanes, 
repetitive inspections of the spotface around the fastener holes for 
cracking; and corrective actions if necessary; 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 October 27, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 27, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; 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-2020-0328.

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-
0328; 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, 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.

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 2020-0019, dated February 5, 2020 
(``EASA AD 2020-0019'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and 
-232 airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the 
FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; 
therefore, this AD does not include those airplanes in the 
applicability.
    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 A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, 
-214, -215, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2020 (85 FR 20213). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of crack findings in and around the 
fastener holes of the central and lateral window frame upper junction; 
those cracks were found on fastener holes outside of the inspection 
area specified in a certain ALI task. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the upper junction fastener holes at the 
lateral window frame for cracking; and for certain airplanes, 
repetitive inspections of the spotface around the fastener holes for 
cracking; and corrective actions if necessary; as specified in an EASA 
AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such cracking, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI 
for additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received 
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Impact on Operator's Maintenance Program

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) asked that the FAA include a statement 
that the proposed AD affects and is related to AD 2019-23-01, Amendment 
39-19794 (84 FR 66579, December 5, 2019) (``AD 2019-23-01''), and could 
impact an operator's maintenance program. DAL stated that the 
procedures specified in Airbus Service Bulletins A320-53-1448 and A320-
53-1449, both dated August 5, 2019 (referred to in EASA AD 2020-0019), 
cancel and replace Airworthiness Limitation Item (ALI) Task 531125, 
dated October 11, 2019, which is required in Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) part 2, revision 7. DAL added that FAA Global Alternative 
Method of Compliance (AMOC) AIR-676-20-138, dated April 4, 2020, 
approved ALS part 2, revision 8, which removes ALI Task 531125. DAL 
noted that, for operators that have incorporated revision 8 prior to 
issuance of the proposed AD, there would be a potential gap in 
tracking, and that adding the requested statement would bring awareness 
to the relationship between the specified service information, MCAI, 
affected ADs and ALI task.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concern, and provides the 
following clarification: AD 2019-23-01 does not mandate incorporation 
of ALS part 2, revision 08, in the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program. In addition, ALI Task 531125 was removed from ALS part 2, 
revision 8, for specific model airplanes with specific configurations. 
The FAA has no way to ascertain the impact on an individual operator's 
maintenance program and customize the AD requirements in accordance 
with DAL's maintenance or inspection program. However, under the 
provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD, the FAA will consider requests 
for approval of an AMOC if an operator's maintenance program is 
adversely affected by the requirements of this AD, if sufficient data 
are submitted to substantiate that fact and that show the method used 
adequately addresses the unsafe condition identified in this AD. The 
FAA has not changed this AD regarding this issue.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor

[[Page 59408]]

editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0019 describes procedures for repetitive inspections 
of the upper junction fastener holes at the lateral window frame for 
cracking, repetitive inspections of the spotface around the fastener 
holes for cracking, and corrective actions. Corrective actions include 
repair. 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 938 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...........................              $0             $340         $318,920
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    The FAA has received no definitive data that will enable the FAA to 
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 
AD.

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.

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):

2020-19-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21244; Docket No. FAA-2020-0328; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-030-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 27, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2020-0019, dated February 5, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0019'').
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of crack findings in and around 
the fastener holes of the central and lateral window frame upper 
junction; those cracks were found on fastener holes outside of the 
inspection area specified in a certain airworthiness limitation item 
(ALI) task. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such cracking, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity 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, EASA AD 2020-0019.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0019

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0019 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0019 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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

[[Page 59409]]

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 2020-0019 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(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.

(j) 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].

(k) 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 2020-0019, 
dated February 5, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For information about EASA AD 2020-0019, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; 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-2020-0328.
    (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 September 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20826 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
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