Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32292-32295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11538]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1172; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00939-T; 
Amendment 39-22051; AD 2022-11-01]
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 A300 series airplanes, Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This 
AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing gear (MLG) 
support rib 5 lower flange. This AD requires a one-time detailed 
inspection (DET) of the affected area, and applicable corrective 
actions, 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 July 5, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5, 
2022.

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-2021-1172.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1172; 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, FAA, International Validation Branch, 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 2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0190) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A300, A300-600, and A300-
600ST airplanes. Model A300-600ST airplanes are not certificated by the 
FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this 
AD therefore 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 A300 series airplanes and Model A300-600 series airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2022 (87 FR 
1703). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the MLG support 
rib 5 lower flange. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time DET of the 
affected area, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA 
AD 2021-0190.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the MLG support 
rib 5 lower flange. This condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could affect the structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from FedEx. The following presents the 
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.

Request for Allowance of Previously Approved Hardware

    FedEx requested that the FAA include a comment allowing previous 
Airbus Repair Design Approval Sheet (RDAS)-approved hardware that is 
different from the hardware specified in Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A57W017-21 (which is referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0190). FedEx noted that it had airplanes with different fasteners than 
those specified in a required for compliance (RC) step in Airbus AOT 
A57W017-21, and that those different fasteners were approved through an 
Airbus RDAS. FedEx added that Airbus provided configuration approval 
and structural acceptance of its proposed deviations to the fastener 
specifications through Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance 
(ASAC) 80955386/006/2021 Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021, and ASAC 
08955386/024/2022 Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022. FedEx stated that 
adding such a provision in the proposed AD would eliminate the 
necessity for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).
    The FAA concurs with FedEx's request because the alternative method 
will provide an acceptable level of

[[Page 32293]]

safety. The ASAC documents are equivalent to an AMOC approval. The FAA 
has redesignated paragraph (i)(1) of the proposed AD as paragraph 
(i)(1)(i) of this AD and added paragraph (i)(1)(ii) to this AD to 
specify that Airbus ASAC 80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 
2021, and ASAC 80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD, for the 
airplanes identified in those ASACs only.

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, and any other changes 
described previously, 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 2021-0190 specifies procedures for a DET of the affected 
area, a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) around some 
fastener holes in the affected area, and applicable corrective 
action(s) including crack 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 124 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,955........................              $0           $1,955         $242,420
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to replace any cracked rib 
that would be required based on the results of any required actions and 
repair status. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 1,500 work-hours x $85           $620,000  Up to $747,500.
 per hour = $127,500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the repair 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.

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:

2022-11-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22051; Docket No. FAA-2021-1172; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00939-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, without Airbus modification 11912 and identified in figure 
1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.

[[Page 32294]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY22.224

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing 
gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, inboard and outboard of Rib 
5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address cracking of the MLG support rib 5 lower flange. This 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0190).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0190

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0190 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0190 specifies to 
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if any crack is 
detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack must be 
repaired before further flight 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) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0190 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
    (i) 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 (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 responsible Flight Standards 
Office.
    (ii) Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC) 
80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021, and ASAC 
80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD for the airplanes 
identified in those ASACs only.
    (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 (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced 
in EASA AD 2021-0190 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the 
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC 
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can 
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. 
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.

[[Page 32295]]

    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0190, 
dated August 17, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0190, 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 May 13, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11538 Filed 5-27-22; 8:45 am]
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