Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 173 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54863-54865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19279]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0675; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01406-T; 
Amendment 39-22156; AD 2022-18-05]
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 all 
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by unclear and incomplete placard instructions for the 
doghouse door lock. This AD requires installing improved handling 
instruction placards on affected doghouses and re-identifying the 
doghouses, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits 
the installation of affected doghouses under certain conditions. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
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 easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at 
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 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0675.

[[Page 54864]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0675; 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 206-231-3229; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0279, dated December 15, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0279) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model Airbus A318-111, A318-112, 
A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, 
A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-
211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-
233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, 
A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, 
A321-232, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, 
A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 13, 2022 (87 FR 35684). The NPRM was prompted 
by unclear and incomplete placard instructions for the doghouse door 
lock. The NPRM proposed to require installing improved handling 
instruction placards on affected doghouses and re-identifying the 
doghouses, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0279. The NPRM also proposed to 
prohibit the installation of affected doghouses under certain 
conditions.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possible failure of the 
doghouse door lock latch, which could result in locking the door in the 
closed position and preventing access to the emergency equipment in the 
doghouse, possibly resulting in injury to occupants. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 2021-0279 specifies procedures for installing improved 
handling instruction placards on affected doghouses and re-identifying 
the doghouses, and prohibits installation of affected doghouses under 
certain conditions. 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 would affect 1,825 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................             $ *              $85         $155,125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the replacement placards
  specified in this AD.

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

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,

[[Page 54865]]

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:

2022-18-05 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22156; Docket No. FAA-2022-0675; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01406-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) All Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, and A318-122 
airplanes.
    (2) All Model A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, 
A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, and A319-171N 
airplanes.
    (3) All Model A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, 
A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, 
A320-272N, and A320-273N airplanes.
    (4) All Model A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, 
A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-252N, 
A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-272N, 
and A321-272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by unclear and incomplete placard 
instructions for the doghouse door lock, which could lead to 
incorrect operation of the doghouse door lock. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the possible failure of the doghouse door lock 
latch, which could result in locking the door in the closed position 
and preventing access to the emergency equipment in the doghouse, 
possibly resulting in injury to occupants.

(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 
2021-0279, dated December 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0279).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0279

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0279 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0279 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0279 refers to affected 
airplanes, replace the text ``For Group 1 aeroplanes'' with ``Group 
1 airplanes except for airplanes identified in paragraph (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0279.''

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
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 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.
    (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, 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 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.

(j) 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 206-231-3229; 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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0279, 
dated December 15, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0279, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA 
AD on the EASA website at 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: archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 17, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19279 Filed 9-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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