Published 2023-08-01 · Federal Register document 2023-16166
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Publication summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N; A320 series; and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 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 2022-09-16, 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. 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[216]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 81e907e5105d0f2c522e15b6fa8c7277117367b7f70b363862619549836b75e8
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2023-13-10
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2023-09-05
Read 20 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 5,
2023.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12378–12470, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: fc2e16c7a8271436cfbf1cc69002e6df96d0ae7693c7c77347e8d96346c1d4dd
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197,
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05); and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-
22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022) (AD 2022-09-16).
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12470–12678, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 34e885d96510b699cabb0538f4b7afd1230fad8417f99a1475d1b6b5896089d4
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 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, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX airplanes.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12678–13392, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 6a7709c2b536781d2f7d1d3d4a26082134c436d8b990484965e734a95c050641
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13392–13495, 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 fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or
corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13495–13826, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 41cebd02331eda3ae1c9cfa8ce1bd9d714aeeb68dc6c6e547f1b78449a388c84
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13826–13928, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With No Changes From AD 2020-20-05
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes From AD 2020-20-05
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2020-20-05, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before October 11, 2019: 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 2020-0036R1, dated
June 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0036R1). Accomplishing the maintenance
or inspection program revision required by paragraph (o) of this AD
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13928–14678, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c3478c5cc444be4665b706e7fe1705b43ef3ded4227c8680aed07745439fcc0c
Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0036R1, With No Changes
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0036R1, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD
2020-20-05, with no changes.
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 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 2020-0036R1 within
90 days after November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-20-
05).
(3) The initial compliance times for doing the tasks specified
in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 are at the applicable
``associated thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2020-0036R1, or within 90 days after November 19, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020-20-05), whichever occurs later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of
EASA AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 does not
apply to this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14678–15879, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5bfa043c12383b6b59e087976958d1cd45b29627187c0b7de015e72d773e693a
Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD 2020-20-05, With New Exception
(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD
2020-20-05, With New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2020-20-05, with new exception. Except as required by paragraphs (k)
and (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15879–16441, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4ff60ec2fc2555f2bc9d7bc01576280c1ffb943067ce79612c47dde9e64745c7
Retained Credit for Original EASA AD, With No Changes
(j) Retained Credit for Original EASA AD, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (l) of
AD 2020-20-05, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-
20-05) using EASA AD 2020-0036, dated February 26, 2020.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16441–16831, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ed1b183a161a881bdb206d6259a04a87c1b1487204b6b1e87fc4e2fd27c6f7e0
Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With No Changes From AD 2022-09-16
(k) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes From AD 2022-09-16
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2022-09-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2020: Except as
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with,
EASA AD 2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0140).
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 16831–17554, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 8fa2b210f00133be29b90a40a3e773884248aa8237dc533f00eaa7b56b3c4e97
Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0140
(l) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0140
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2022-09-16, with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0140 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
16).
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0140 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 specifies revising ``the
approved [aircraft maintenance program] 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 June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-16).
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 is at the applicable
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3)
of EASA AD 2021-0140, or within 90 days after June 30, 2022 (the
effective date of AD 2022-09-16), whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0140 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0140 does not apply
to this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17554–18773, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 6d8cfcaac6fd31afc4f6b04f2e55ff547d3892fa639b442ac0e066de01aac157
Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD 2022-09-16, With New Exception
(m) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD
2022-09-16, With New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2022-09-16, with 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 (k) 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 2021-0140.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18773–19324, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 46cc43e5bec5b8cdd07dbf888efb368d591137f9f72147a8db9f375a1ff9eb97
Retained Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20- 05, With Revised References
(n) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-
05, With Revised References
This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in
paragraph (i) of AD 2022-09-16, with revised references.
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD,
including incorporating Task 531135-03-1 as required by EASA AD
2021-0140, terminates Task 531135-01-2, as required by EASA AD 2020-
0036R1 by the requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19324–19804, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: efa4793355ec2f3cd2be1d117c9154fe1cebd41e287d9d419f450681b9c97d13
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 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0085) and EASA AD 2023-0008, dated January 16, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0008). Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same airworthiness
limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the airworthiness
limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail. Accomplishing
the revision of the existing maintenance or
[[Page 50008]]
inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19804–20507, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: abe3cf4c31ccab2a44aea42b47b4762831da8a2f57c37de509e6c010fa164aa2
Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0085 and to EASA AD 2023-0008
(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0085 and to EASA AD 2023-0008
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008
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 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 is at
the applicable ``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008,
respectively, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later. Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same
airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the
airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20507–21771, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: cfb077c4e8e3f1fcb89e231221a4bc42c673b53645c9b043304cc4cfa82ce698
New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
(q) New 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 2022-0085 or EASA AD 2023-0008, as
applicable.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21771–22170, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9449df3e7781515a4915f364131ecaf3849b4ed2f25f1ac52394746f7cf5f223
Additional FAA AD Provisions
(r) Additional FAA 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 (s) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-09-16 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2021-0140 that are
required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-20-05 are approved
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0036R1
that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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 22170–23722, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9848b6f724539b5b6cf20c5b18aa15ab2ce2dddabf384a33b12cf4eac423d757
Additional Information
(s) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23722–23945, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 83675d8d588dfc9582a7803b67ce2f9ecef26881b2cb49801d4d493faf38feb9
Material Incorporated by Reference
(t) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
September 5, 2023.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0085,
dated May 12, 2022.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0008,
dated January 16, 2023.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 30, 2022 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0140,
dated June 14, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0036R1,
dated June 24, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6) For the EASA ADs identified 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 these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(7) You may view this service information 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.
(8) 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 23945–25823, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 6b569fbbcdc24d100fc9e8ffbb5f8a75aaedc893262b3b40d9782345ad066d1e
Explicit historical replacement wording
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2023-13-10 · 1 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: 11337534399f8db3c9095254bb00b357ebc10da05c04b20340158af705b2e657. Source manifest: 1ff2570b8e9f7c4f98536ccb0c0709944df683fdcfbb76d65f910a4ac0ab01d2.
Official source · 2023-08-01
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 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50005-50008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16166]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00628-T;
Amendment 39-22495; AD 2023-13-10]
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) 2020-20-05
and AD 2022-09-16, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318
series; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and
-153N; A320 series; and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-20-05 and AD
2022-09-16 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 2022-09-16, 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. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 5, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 5,
2023
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; 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 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-2022-1296.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-
231-3225; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR
65197, October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05), and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment
39-22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022) (AD 2022-09-16). AD 2020-20-05 and
AD 2022-09-16 applied to certain Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -
232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and
Model -111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -
252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX
airplanes. AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 required revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA
issued AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 to address fatigue cracking,
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 20, 2022 (87
FR 63712). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0085) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that new and/or more restrictive maintenance tasks have
been published.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1296.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2022-09-16 and require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2022-0085. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2021-0140.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16.
[[Page 50006]]
The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2023 (88 FR
17429) (the SNPRM). The SNPRM was prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. In the
SNPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2022-
09-16 and 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-
0085. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2021-0140. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking,
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the SNPRM without change.
The FAA received an additional comment from United Airlines. The
following presents the comment received on the SNPRM and the FAA's
response.
Request To Allow Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC)
United Airlines requested that the FAA allow Airbus-issued ASACs as
acceptable means of compliance when they support extensions to the
compliance time of specified airworthiness limitation section (ALS)
part 2 tasks.
The FAA has determined that the requested change is unnecessary
because the provisions of paragraph (r)(2) permit means of compliance
approved by Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA),
provided that the approval includes the DOA-authorized signature. This
AD has not been changed with regard to this request.
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
comments 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 SNPRM. 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 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008. This
service information specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. These
documents are distinct since one includes all damage tolerant
airworthiness limitations items and the other revises certain damage
tolerant airworthiness limitation items.
This AD would also require EASA AD 2021-0140, which the Director of
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of June
30, 2022 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022).
This AD would also require EASA AD 2020-0036R1, which the Director
of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of
November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020).
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 1,864 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 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour).
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new
actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261
(85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020); and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-22036
(87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
[[Page 50007]]
2023-13-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22495; Docket No. FAA-2022-1296;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00628-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 5,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197,
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05); and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-
22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022) (AD 2022-09-16).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 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, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
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 fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or
corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes From AD 2020-20-05
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2020-20-05, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before October 11, 2019: 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 2020-0036R1, dated
June 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0036R1). Accomplishing the maintenance
or inspection program revision required by paragraph (o) of this AD
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0036R1, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD
2020-20-05, with no changes.
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 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 2020-0036R1 within
90 days after November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-20-
05).
(3) The initial compliance times for doing the tasks specified
in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 are at the applicable
``associated thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2020-0036R1, or within 90 days after November 19, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020-20-05), whichever occurs later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of
EASA AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 does not
apply to this AD.
(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD
2020-20-05, With New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2020-20-05, with new exception. Except as required by paragraphs (k)
and (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1.
(j) Retained Credit for Original EASA AD, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (l) of
AD 2020-20-05, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-
20-05) using EASA AD 2020-0036, dated February 26, 2020.
(k) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes From AD 2022-09-16
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2022-09-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2020: Except as
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with,
EASA AD 2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0140).
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(l) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0140
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2022-09-16, with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0140 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
16).
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0140 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 specifies revising ``the
approved [aircraft maintenance program] 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 June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-16).
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 is at the applicable
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3)
of EASA AD 2021-0140, or within 90 days after June 30, 2022 (the
effective date of AD 2022-09-16), whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0140 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0140 does not apply
to this AD.
(m) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD
2022-09-16, With New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2022-09-16, with 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 (k) 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 2021-0140.
(n) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-
05, With Revised References
This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in
paragraph (i) of AD 2022-09-16, with revised references.
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD,
including incorporating Task 531135-03-1 as required by EASA AD
2021-0140, terminates Task 531135-01-2, as required by EASA AD 2020-
0036R1 by the requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0085) and EASA AD 2023-0008, dated January 16, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0008). Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same airworthiness
limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the airworthiness
limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail. Accomplishing
the revision of the existing maintenance or
[[Page 50008]]
inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.
(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0085 and to EASA AD 2023-0008
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008
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 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 is at
the applicable ``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008,
respectively, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later. Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same
airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the
airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008.
(q) New 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 2022-0085 or EASA AD 2023-0008, as
applicable.
(r) Additional FAA 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 (s) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-09-16 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2021-0140 that are
required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-20-05 are approved
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0036R1
that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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.
(s) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].
(t) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
September 5, 2023.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0085,
dated May 12, 2022.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0008,
dated January 16, 2023.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 30, 2022 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0140,
dated June 14, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0036R1,
dated June 24, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6) For the EASA ADs identified 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 these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(7) You may view this service information 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.
(8) 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 July 25, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-16166 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Why this text is shown
The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T01:33:56.426669+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.
Open the captured official edition
- Source SHA-256
- 40fc5ab3ec9a66ec0cd81012f05b896207730bc3701a57a2e68aeb4f90c6a2c4
- Text SHA-256
- 11337534399f8db3c9095254bb00b357ebc10da05c04b20340158af705b2e657
Return to the full metadata catalog · Search complete publication text · Explore retained publication text and evidence
Coverage and limits
These are dated publication metadata, recorded clauses and literal source observations. Word, model-label, header and reference matches do not establish current legal effect, manufacturer/model identity, aircraft applicability, installed configuration or compliance.
The collection uses 33 explicit annual source snapshots. Source captures and operative-text qualifications have separate states. Missing information remains unknown.