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Published 2023-03-06 · Federal Register document 2023-04467

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

Publication summary

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-22- 16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A320, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A319-111, - 112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes. AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, and also requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Why this record is shown

Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:24:14.395624+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.

Source revision
federal_register_ad_metadata_2023-81e907e5105d0f2c
Source row
results[65]
Raw source SHA-256
81e907e5105d0f2c522e15b6fa8c7277117367b7f70b363862619549836b75e8

Final-rule publication

Recorded publication clauses

AD identifier printed in this edition
2023-04-06
Effective date printed in this edition
2023-04-10
Read 21 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 10, 2023.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11984–12072, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 2c08893c1aa456f66bcd96bda148f55751623976bcb0b4ec8a75208b02257bbf

Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 
2020) (AD 2020-22-16).
    (2) AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 
2021) (AD 2021-16-01).
    (3) AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 
2022) (AD 2022-04-03).

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12072–12452, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4b7096cd3130f73623f50325f9a1a51a4042655a2805bc5ce19b0e2484c4191a

Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any

[[Page 13667]]

category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before February 18, 
2022.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, 
and -272NX airplanes.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12452–13187, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 77fe533108df7b7bc9610612b02c6cc2d8f2b694dfe2ab8d4bb4c918d9a973b1

Subject
(d) Subject

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13187–13290, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b15263823fded4455be00ff56d3a178d819d56a04f0615355cdb43771d1bcef9

Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address to address a safety significant latent 
failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or 
more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous 
or catastrophic failure condition.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13290–13681, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 807fd09a3120a44d93893f527360d198950605383a390db6077d8a4bcb3ab0dc

Compliance
(f) Compliance

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13681–13783, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3

Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2020-22-16, With No Changes
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2020-22-16, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-22-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: 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 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0067). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13783–14585, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: d45f4c59635f30e5aec6e2789eae228c608227711cea3cd4d23deac2a3652fac

Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0067 With No Changes
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0067 With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(j) of AD 2020-22-16, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 specifies revising ``the 
AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the ``tasks and associated thresholds and 
intervals'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 within 
90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-
16).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067, or 
within 90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 
2020-22-16), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0067 does not apply 
to this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14585–15769, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0fa16b0c67371c356ec9e29df3fb06065cb6cfbe6ff74f6d82d8791db57b8888

Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2020-22-16, With a New Exception
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2020-22-16, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2020-22-16, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, after the 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 2020-0067.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15769–16317, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 86216ad6d57969b3b7d769f09a600ce6c94f5625afdfee1b7a4895bcfeeef78d

Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2021-16-01 With No Changes
(j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2021-16-01 With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-16-01, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before June 10, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: Revise the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating task(s) and associated 
thresholds and intervals specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-
0219, dated October 12, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0219), except you are 
required to incorporate task(s) and associated thresholds and 
intervals within 90 days after September 28, 2021 (the effective 
date of AD 2021-16-01). Record a compliance time for the initial 
tasks of either the applicable ``thresholds'' incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0219 or 90 days after 
September 28, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-16-01), whichever 
would occur later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16317–17535, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: eef07f2e85f37931ca204f8ce4ec02ec9b6377abb3e007a3db0c55c3c3107992

Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2021-16-01, With a New Exception
(k) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2021-16-01, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-16-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, 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 2020-0219.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17535–18093, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0d34000fb0d5e2ea86f20431c9381ed29b1ee01d91c5d3fa7d0d50b4b1df1dbe

Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2022-04-03, With No Changes
(l) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2022-04-03, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2022-04-03, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before December 9, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: Except as specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified 
in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0108). Accomplishing the revision of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18093–18854, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9ce7b6d8ba18f62fe2aaca5cf7a3f763944d76d06163cd6c80ce9a44a514232f

Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0108, With No Changes
(m) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0108, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2022-04-03, with no changes.
    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0108 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using March 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-04-
03).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0108 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108 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 March 30, 2022 (the effective 
date of AD 2022-04-03).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108 is at the applicable 
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2021-0108, or within 90 days after March 30, 2022 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-04-03), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0108 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0108 does not apply 
to this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18854–20071, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: fe156712d9cebd8ef1c7bfb7b2efb99714785e0b33dd7ee3577cbcd472ced215

Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2022-04-03, With a New Exception
(n) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2022-04-03, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2022-04-03, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program 
has been revised as required by paragraph (l) 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 2021-0108.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20071–20629, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 8436eb5cfa46379af6e3c387728f40b570ea7737d0c42a9a6ff85f5107e4779a

New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program
(o) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with EASA AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0091). Accomplishing the revision of the existing

[[Page 13668]]

maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (j), and (l) of this 
AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20629–21099, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 64ba024a0a4aa494d080b0149a71508601d0868ee2cac6e40e62eb5f497e952c

Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0091
(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0091

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 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.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2022-0091, 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 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0091.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21099–22012, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: be832b8266d599924f84c14854584bd36b9448c0ef6e83a0bd998e1a11fcb2f9

Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
(q) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (o) 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 2022-0091.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22012–22370, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c06f00cdc0047e16b8bd5fd000333632c0945e9765ce81d3af889dd630194d00

Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2020-22-16
(r) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2020-22-16

    (1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this 
AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2020-22-16, for 
the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA 
AD 2020-0219 only.
    (2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (l) of this 
AD terminates the limitations of Task 262300-00001-1-C, as required 
by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-22-16, for airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020 only.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22370–22985, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e63593da425e62c9ae2cb98abc3bdbf02c370c206d99e7af36dcd30be9a36565

Additional AD Provisions
(s) 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 (t) 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.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22985–24166, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3155b41cfd042d718f0c6c77dd9511de0d4bb140dfe88c678a3e16585ae4fc3a

Additional Information
(t) Additional 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 206-231-3229; email [email protected].

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24166–24439, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5640493b0a7f9ab8c87ab8d818075805424ad78938e9ef0df5cb60ccb7bf8e2d

Material Incorporated by Reference
(u) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 10, 2023.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0091, 
dated May 20, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0067, 
dated March 23, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0219, 
dated October 12, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0108, 
dated April 20, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (7) For EASA ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website 
easa.europa.eu. You may find these EASA ADs on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (8) 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.
    (9) You may view this service information 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24439–26487, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 68362eb13d7c08494d6000e4bb13c852cedb2769a4eb002f096759bca494ed7a

No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.

Find all recorded historical references to AD 2023-04-06 · 2 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.

These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.

Why these observations are shown

They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.

Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: 0904c9ac6df2f718c9b341851624acae7a1ef30e9b4e3e05a5ca83fdab6942aa. Source manifest: 471c8f94918350cd7be5319d550ac99a429d4514d7f5e57f40d6a88e23990f6a.

Official source · 2023-03-06

Publication text

This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.

Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.

Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13665-13668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04467]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1573; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00671-T; 
Amendment 39-22353; AD 2023-04-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-22-
16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, which applied to certain Airbus 
SAS Model A318, A320, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A319-111, -
112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes. AD 
2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 required revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD 
was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require 
the actions in AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, and 
also requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 10, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 10, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of March 
30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1573; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material incorporated by reference in this AD, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> 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 under Docket No. FAA-2022-1573.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 FR 
70439, November 5, 2020) (AD 2020-22-16), AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-
21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021) (AD 2021-16-01), and AD 2022-04-
03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022) (AD 2022-04-
03). AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A318, A320, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N 
airplanes. AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 required 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. AD 
2021-16-01 specified that accomplishing the revision required by that 
AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2020-22-16, for the 
tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 
2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020, only. AD 2022-04-03 specified that 
accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates the 
limitations of Task 262300-00001-1-C, as required by paragraph (i) of 
AD 2020-22-16, for airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate 
or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
January 17, 2020 only. The FAA issued AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and 
AD 2022-04-03 to address safety-significant latent failure (that is not 
annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific 
failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure 
condition.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2022 (87 
FR 74530). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0091) (referred to after this as the 
MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations have been

[[Page 13666]]

developed to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in 
AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03. The NPRM also proposed 
to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0091. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address a safety significant latent failure (that 
is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other 
specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or 
catastrophic failure condition.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1573.

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

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this 
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on this product. 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0091, which specifies new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations for certification maintenance 
requirements.
    This AD requires EASA AD 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020; which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).
    This AD requires EASA AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020, which 
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).
    This AD also requires EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021, 
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation 
by reference as of March 30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).
    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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,680 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 AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 to be 
$7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour) per 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 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

    The FAA has determined that 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 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 
FR 70439, November 5, 2020); AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 
47212, August 24, 2021); AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 
10064, February 23, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-04-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22353; Docket No. FAA-2022-1573; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00671-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 10, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 
2020) (AD 2020-22-16).
    (2) AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 
2021) (AD 2021-16-01).
    (3) AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 
2022) (AD 2022-04-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any

[[Page 13667]]

category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before February 18, 
2022.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, 
and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address to address a safety significant latent 
failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or 
more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous 
or catastrophic failure condition.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2020-22-16, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-22-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: 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 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0067). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0067 With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(j) of AD 2020-22-16, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 specifies revising ``the 
AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the ``tasks and associated thresholds and 
intervals'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 within 
90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-
16).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067, or 
within 90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 
2020-22-16), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0067 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2020-22-16, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2020-22-16, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, after the 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 2020-0067.

(j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2021-16-01 With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-16-01, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before June 10, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: Revise the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating task(s) and associated 
thresholds and intervals specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-
0219, dated October 12, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0219), except you are 
required to incorporate task(s) and associated thresholds and 
intervals within 90 days after September 28, 2021 (the effective 
date of AD 2021-16-01). Record a compliance time for the initial 
tasks of either the applicable ``thresholds'' incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0219 or 90 days after 
September 28, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-16-01), whichever 
would occur later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(k) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2021-16-01, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-16-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, 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 2020-0219.

(l) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2022-04-03, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2022-04-03, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before December 9, 2020, except for Model 
A319-171N airplanes: Except as specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified 
in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0108). Accomplishing the revision of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(m) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0108, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2022-04-03, with no changes.
    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0108 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using March 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-04-
03).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0108 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108 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 March 30, 2022 (the effective 
date of AD 2022-04-03).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108 is at the applicable 
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2021-0108, or within 90 days after March 30, 2022 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-04-03), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0108 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0108 does not apply 
to this AD.

(n) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2022-04-03, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2022-04-03, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program 
has been revised as required by paragraph (l) 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 2021-0108.

(o) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with EASA AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0091). Accomplishing the revision of the existing

[[Page 13668]]

maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (j), and (l) of this 
AD.

(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0091

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 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.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2022-0091, 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 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0091.

(q) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (o) 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 2022-0091.

(r) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2020-22-16

    (1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this 
AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2020-22-16, for 
the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA 
AD 2020-0219 only.
    (2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (l) of this 
AD terminates the limitations of Task 262300-00001-1-C, as required 
by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-22-16, for airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020 only.

(s) 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 (t) 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.

(t) Additional 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 206-231-3229; email [email protected].

(u) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 10, 2023.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0091, 
dated May 20, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0067, 
dated March 23, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0219, 
dated October 12, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0108, 
dated April 20, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (7) For EASA ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website 
easa.europa.eu. You may find these EASA ADs on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (8) 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.
    (9) You may view this service information 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on February 16, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-04467 Filed 3-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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