Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84806-84808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24466]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T; 
Amendment 39-22846; AD 2024-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports that engine nacelle anti-icing (NAI) forward bulkheads have 
been found with elongated locating holes. This AD requires a one-time 
detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes 
for elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, 
and prohibits the installation of affected parts under certain 
conditions, 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 November 29, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of November 
29, 2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; 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 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 
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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1881.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7317; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model 
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 3, 2024 (89 FR 55120). The NPRM was prompted by AD 
2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 
2024-0060R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that 
certain engine NAI forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes. 
These holes are used in the manufacturing process and closed with 
fasteners before delivery. It has been determined that these fasteners, 
if loose, may vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating 
holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the undetected 
loss of NAI protection on both engines, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of the airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time detailed 
inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes for 
elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, and 
prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, 
as specified in EASA AD 2024-0060R1. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1881.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    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

[[Page 84807]]

Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed 
inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead location holes for 
discrepancies, including elongation and loose fasteners. Depending on 
the inspection results, EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also specifies corrective 
action, including obtaining and following instructions if any 
discrepancy is identified. EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also requires reporting 
of the inspection results to Collins Aerospace. EASA AD 2024-0060R1 
also prohibits the installation of an affected part on any airplane 
unless it is a serviceable part and is inspected before installation. 
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 31 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                             Labor cost                               Parts cost      product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.5 work-hour x $85 per hour = $638................................          $10          $648          $20,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2024-19-04 Airbus SAS Airplanes: Amendment 39-22846; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T.

 (a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29, 
2024.

 (b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

 (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that engine nacelle anti-icing 
(NAI) forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address elongated locating holes. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in the fasteners, if 
loose, to vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating 
holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
undetected loss of NAI protection on both engines, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

 (f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0060R1).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0060R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0060R1 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies if 
``any discrepancy is detected, before next flight, contact Collins 
Aerospace for approved corrective action instructions and, within 
the compliance time specified therein accomplish those instructions 
accordingly,'' this AD requires replacing that text with if ``any 
discrepancy is detected, the discrepancy must be repaired

[[Page 84808]]

before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.''
    (3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0060R1.

(i) No Reporting Required

    Although EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

(j) 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 manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (k) 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 DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or 
tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be 
done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that 
are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods 
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and 
tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back 
in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to 
procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7317; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0060R1, 
dated April 16, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material 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 this EASA AD on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th 
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email [email protected].

    Issued on September 13, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-24466 Filed 10-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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