Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 83 (Thursday, May 1, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18629-18631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-07487]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0009; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00317-T; 
Amendment 39-23018; AD 2025-08-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a widespread fatigue damage 
(WFD) scenario review for a certification project that indicated 
several cracks found around the potable water and wastewater service 
panels were WFD instead of typical fatigue. This AD requires 
modification of the potable water and wastewater service panels, 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 June 5, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 5, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0009; 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]. 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-2025-0009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3667; 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 certain Airbus SAS 
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2025 (90 FR 
7996). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0105, dated May 30, 2024, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0105) (also referred to as the MCAI). 
The MCAI

[[Page 18630]]

states that, during the WFD scenario review of the frame for 
certification of the Airbus SAS Model A321XLR, it has been identified 
that some previous findings of the full-scale fatigue test in WFD areas 
were not properly correlated. The WFD criteria in terms of number of 
findings per location and end-of-test demonstrated life have to be 
assessed accordingly. Several cracks found around the potable water and 
wastewater service panels (WFD areas) shall be considered as WFD 
instead of typical fatigue findings; therefore, WFD fatigue 
calculations must be updated accordingly.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modification of the 
potable water and wastewater service panels, as specified in EASA AD 
2024-0105. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks around the 
potable water and wastewater service panels, which could affect the 
structural integrity of the fuselage.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0009.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from United Airlines 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, 
and the addition of Note 1 to paragraph (g), 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 2024-0105 specifies procedures for modification of the 
potable water service panel at stringer (STR) 43 between frames (FRs) 
65 and 66 and the wastewater service panel at STR 40 between FRs 65 and 
66. Modification includes:
    <bullet> Removing the solid rivets in both service panels areas;
    <bullet> Performing a rotating probe test (i.e., inspection) of the 
fastener holes for both service panels for any crack;
    <bullet> If any crack is detected in any service panel, obtaining 
and following approved repair instructions;
    <bullet> If any crack is not detected in the potable water service 
panel, cold working the fastener holes;
    <bullet> If any crack is not detected in the wastewater service 
panel, drilling the fastener holes; and
    <bullet> Installing hi-lok fasteners with interference fit in both 
service panels.
    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 344 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,295........................            $110           $2,405         $827,320
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repair of any crack, as specified in 
this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA 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:

2025-08-05 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23018; Docket No. FAA-2025-0009; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00317-T.

[[Page 18631]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 5, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, 
-115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0105, dated May 30, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0105).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a widespread fatigue damage (WFD) 
scenario review for a certification project that indicated several 
cracks found around the potable water and wastewater service panels 
are WFD instead of typical fatigue. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address cracks around the potable water and wastewater service 
panels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the 
structural integrity of the fuselage.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0105.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): FAA AD 2025-03-06, Amendment 39-22954 
(90 FR 9595, February 14, 2025) mandates new airworthiness 
limitations, including tasks 534141-02-2 and 534142-02-1, which are 
referred to in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0105.

(h) Exception to EASA AD 2024-0105

    This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2024-
0105.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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, AIR-520, 
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any 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.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3667; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 2024-0105, 
dated May 30, 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]. You may find this material on 
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material 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 April 15, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-07487 Filed 4-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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