Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42063-42066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14969]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0454; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01124-T; 
Amendment 39-22106; AD 2022-14-01]
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) 2019-03-
25, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model Airbus SAS Model A318 
series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -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. AD 2019-03-25 required repetitive inspections of 
the center and outer wing box lower stiffeners and panels at a certain 
junction on the left- and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair 
if necessary. AD 2019-03-25 also provided an optional modification, 
which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted 
by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the compliance time for 
the initial inspection is inadequate and must be revised. This AD 
continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-25 with 
revised compliance times for certain airplanes and additional actions 
for certain airplanes, and expands the applicability, as specified in a 
European 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 August 18, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 18, 
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 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

[[Page 42064]]

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-2022-0454.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0454; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0228, dated October 12, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0228) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series 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; 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 to supersede AD 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577 (84 FR 8805, 
March 12, 2019) (AD 2019-03-25). AD 2019-03-25 applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
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. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 11, 2022 (87 FR 21044). The NPRM was prompted 
by a determination that, for certain airplanes, the compliance time for 
the initial inspection is inadequate and must be revised and additional 
actions are required. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the 
actions specified in AD 2019-03-25 with revised compliance times for 
certain airplanes and additional actions for certain airplanes, and 
proposed to expand the applicability, as specified in EASA AD 2021-
0228.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the loss of pre-tension in 
the fasteners, which 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 United Airlines who supported the 
NPRM without change.

Additional Changes Made to This AD

    The FAA has added paragraph (i) to this AD to specify that 
reporting is not required, and redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly. The FAA has also removed the Paperwork Reduction Act 
portion of this AD, as it is no longer relevant. The FAA did not intend 
to require reporting and these revisions clarify that intent.

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 2021-0228 specifies procedures for repetitive internal and 
external SDIs (ultrasonic inspections) of the center and outer wing box 
lower stiffeners and panels at the level of rib 1 junction on the left- 
and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair if necessary; and 
additional actions (re-protection of the inspected area at the lower 
panel at rib1 junction at the left- and right-hand sides) for airplanes 
on which certain service information was used. EASA AD 2021-0228 also 
specifies procedures for an optional modification, which would 
terminate the repetitive inspections. 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 765 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Cost per
               Action                        Labor cost         Parts cost    product     Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from 2019-03-25....  51 work-hours x $85 per           $0       $4,335  $25,860 (516
                                       hour = $4,335.                                     airplanes).
New additional actions..............  13 work-hours x $85 per            0        1,105  Up to $845,325 (Up to
                                       hour = $1,105.                                     765 airplanes).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data that enables the agency to 
provide 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

[[Page 42065]]

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) 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577 
(84 FR 8805, March 12, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-14-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22106; Docket No. FAA-2022-0454; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01124-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 18, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-03-25, Amendment 39-19577 (84 FR 8805, 
March 12, 2019) (AD 2019-03-25).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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, -216, -231, -232, 
and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0228, 
dated October 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0228).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that taperloks used in the 
wing-to-fuselage junction at rib 1 were found to be non-compliant 
with the applicable specification, resulting in a loss of pre-
tension in the fasteners; and a determination that, for certain 
airplanes, the compliance time for the initial inspection is 
inadequate and must be revised and additional actions are required. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the loss of pre-tension in the 
fasteners, which 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, EASA AD 2021-0228.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0228

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0228 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0228 specifies to 
``contact Airbus for approved repair instructions'' if any damage 
(cracking) is found, for this AD, if any cracking is found, the 
cracking 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 2021-0228 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0228 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Additional 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. 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 Vladimir Ulyanov, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 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 2021-0228, 
dated October 12, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0228, 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

[[Page 42066]]

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 22, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14969 Filed 7-13-22; 8:45 am]
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