Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29819-29821]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10524]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2022 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 29819]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0089; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01027-T; 
Amendment 39-22031; AD 2022-09-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-14-
17, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. AD 2021-14-17 required revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-14-
17, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the revision of 
the existing maintenance/inspection program, and also 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 21, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of August 
23, 2021 (86 FR 37891, July 19, 2021).

ADDRESSES: For 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 searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0089.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0089; 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 2021-0207, dated September 15, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0207) (also referred to as 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 2021-14-17, Amendment 39-21644 (86 FR 
37891, July 19, 2021) (AD 2021-14-17). AD 2021-14-17 applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on February 7, 2022 (87 FR 6795). The NPRM was 
prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements 
in AD 2021-14-17, and also 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 
2021-0207.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association 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 2021-0207 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
    This AD would also require EASA AD 2020-0210, dated October 5, 
2020, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for 
incorporation by reference as of August 23, 2021 (86 FR 37891, July 19, 
2021).
    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 15 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

[[Page 29820]]

AD 2021-14-17 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) 2021-14-17, Amendment 39-21644 
(86 FR 37891, July 19, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-09-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22031; Docket No. FAA-2022-0089; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01027-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-14-17, Amendment 39-21644 (86 FR 37891, 
July 19, 2021) (AD 2021-14-17).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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 reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-14-17, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before May 29, 2020: 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 2020-0210, dated October 5, 
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0210). 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 2020-0210, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-14-17, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before May 29, 2020:
    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0210 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using August 23, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-14-
17).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0210 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0210 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 August 23, 2021 (the effective 
date of AD 2021-14-17).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA 2020-0210 is at the ``applicable thresholds'' 
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 
2020-0210, or within 90 days after August 23, 2021 (the effective 
date of AD 2021-14-17), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2020-0210 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0210 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals, With a 
New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2021-14-17, with a new exception. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before May 29, 2020: 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 2020-0210.

(j) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    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 2021-0207, dated September 15, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0207). 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 2021-0207

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0207 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 29821]]

    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0207 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0207 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 the effective date of this AD.
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0207 is at the applicable 
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2021-0207, or within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2021-0207 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0207 does not apply 
to this AD.

(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 2021-0207.

(m) Additional 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 (n) 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.

(n) 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].

(o) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 21, 2022.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2021-0207, dated 
September 15, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 23, 2021 (86 FR 37891, July 19, 2021).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0210, dated 
October 5, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For EASA ADs 2020-0210 and 2021-0207, 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 
these EASA ADs on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 April 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10524 Filed 5-16-22; 8:45 am]
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