Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 1, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5391-5393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01954]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0945; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01033-T; 
Amendment 39-21895; AD 2022-01-07]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-
23, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. AD 2021-11-23 required revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations, and, for certain airplanes, 
updating the hydraulic monitoring system to include additional 
redundancy. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-23, the FAA has determined 
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. 
This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations; as specified in a European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD 
also revises the applicability to include different airplanes. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 8, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 8, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact 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 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by

[[Page 5392]]

searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0945.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0945; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0209, dated September 15, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0209) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-11-23, Amendment 39-21585 (86 FR 
40932, July 30, 2021) (AD 2021-11-23). AD 2021-11-23 applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on October 29, 2021 (86 FR 59896). The NPRM was 
prompted by the FAA's determination that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as 
specified in EASA AD 2021-0209. The airworthiness limitations include 
updating the hydraulic monitoring system to include additional 
redundancy, which was a separate action in AD 2021-11-23. The NPRM also 
proposed to revise the applicability to include different airplanes.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition 
sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of 
the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. 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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0209 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations related to fuel tank ignition prevention and fuel tank 
flammability reduction. 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 24 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    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 maintenance 
or inspection program revision 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) 2021-11-23, Amendment 39-21585 
(86 FR 40932, July 30, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-01-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21895; Docket No. FAA-2021-0945; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01033-T.

[[Page 5393]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 8, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-11-23, Amendment 39-21585 (86 FR 40932, 
July 30, 2021) (AD 2021-11-23).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, 
certificated in any category; with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or before June 30, 2021.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    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 potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    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 
2021-0209, dated September 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0209).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0209

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0209 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0209 specifies revising ``the 
AMP [aircraft maintenance program]'' within 12 months after its 
effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
``limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals'' 
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0209 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 2021-0209 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0209, or 
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2021-0209 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0209 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, and critical design configuration control 
limitations (CDCCLs) are allowed unless they are approved as 
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of 
EASA AD 2021-0209.

(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 responsible Flight 
Standards 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 
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, 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): Except as required by 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information 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) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3225; 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 2021-0209, 
dated September 15, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0209, contact 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.
    (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 December 23, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01954 Filed 1-31-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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