Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
| Published date | 14 February 2020 |
| Citation | 85 FR 8383 |
| Record Number | 2020-02974 |
| Section | Rules and Regulations |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration,Transportation Department |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8383-8386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02974]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0673; Product Identifier 2019-NM-101-AD; Amendment
39-19832; AD 2020-02-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-24-
07, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes;
Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes;
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2014-
24-07 required repetitive rototest inspections for cracking; corrective
actions if necessary; and modification of the torsion box, which
terminates the repetitive inspections. This AD continues to require the
actions in AD 2014-24-07, with certain revised compliance times, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report of a
crack found in the side box beam flange of the fuselage at the frame
(FR) 43 level during a fatigue test campaign. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 20, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publication listed in this AD as of March 20,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
[[Page 8384]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0673.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0673; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0122, dated June 4, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0122'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 airplanes; Model A319-111,
-112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; A320-211, -212,
-214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. Model A320-215
airplanes are not certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S.
type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2014-24-07, Amendment 39-18040 (79 FR
72124, December 5, 2014) (``AD 2014-24-07''). AD 2014-24-07 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214,
-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -
212, -213, -231, -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 6, 2019 (84 FR 46900). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of a crack found in the side box beam flange of the fuselage at
the FR 43 level during a fatigue test campaign. The NPRM proposed to
continue to require repetitive rototest inspections for cracking;
corrective actions if necessary; and modification of the torsion box,
which would terminate the repetitive inspections. The NPRM also
proposed to require certain revised compliance times. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address cracking in the side box beam flange of the
fuselage, which could affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
United Airlines stated its support for the NPRM.
Request To Use a Certain Revision of the Service Information
JetBlue requested that Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251,
Revision 03, dated September 19, 2016, and not Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-53-1251, Revision 04, dated May 17, 2019, be used for
accomplishing the actions specified in the proposed AD and paragraphs
(2) and (3) of EASA AD 2019-0122. JetBlue stated that Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-53-1251, Revision 04, dated May 17, 2019, does not
require any additional work compared to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
53-1251, Revision 03, dated September 19, 2016.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. Paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2019-0122 specifically requires compliance in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251, Revision 04, dated May 17, 2019,
due to changes highlighted in the Accomplishment Instructions for
certain configurations. However, paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019-0122
provides credit for Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251, dated
November 16, 2012; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251, Revision 01,
dated October 18, 2013; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251, Revision
02, dated February 11, 2016; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1251,
Revision 03, dated September 19, 2016; if the actions are accomplished
before the effective date of the AD. This AD provides the same
allowance for credit since EASA AD 2019-0122 is incorporated by
reference. This AD has not been changed in this regard.
Request To Clarify the Applicability
Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that certain language be added to
the applicability paragraph of the proposed AD. DAL stated that
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD applies to certain Model A310, A320,
and A321 family airplanes as identified in EASA AD 2019-0122. DAL
stated that EASA AD 2019-0122 provides additional applicability
details, namely exclusions of manufacturer serial numbers based upon a
certain Airbus modification embodied in production. DAL suggested that
similar language be added to paragraph (c) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees to clarify the applicability of this AD. By
incorporation by reference of EASA AD 2019-0122 into this AD, the same
production modification applicability exceptions identified in EASA AD
2019-0122 apply to this AD. These exceptions are addressed by the
statement ``. . . as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019-0122'' in paragraph (c) of this AD. We have not changed
this AD in this regard.
In addition, this AD and EASA AD 2019-0122 are not applicable to
Model A310 airplanes as the commenter stated. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0122 describes procedures for repetitive rototest
inspections for cracking; corrective actions if necessary; and
modification of the torsion box, which terminates the repetitive
inspections. 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 851 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 8385]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2014-24-07... 178 work-hours x $85 per $31,334 $46,464 $39,540,864
hour = $15,130.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new requirements of this AD add no new economic burden.
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions 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.
Adoption of 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-24-07, Amendment 39-18040 (79 FR 72124, December 5, 2014), and
adding the following new AD:
2020-02-20 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19832; Docket No. FAA-2019-0673;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-101-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective March 20, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014-24-07, Amendment 39-18040 (79 FR 72124,
December 5, 2014) (``AD 2014-24-07'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0122,
dated June 4, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0122'').
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found in the side
box beam flange of the fuselage at the frame (FR) 43 level during a
fatigue test campaign. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking in the side box beam flange of the fuselage, which could
affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
(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 2019-0122.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0122
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0122 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. However, where
Table 1 of EASA AD 2019-0122 provides compliance times for group 1B
airplanes as ``[w]ithin 3,000 FC or 6,000 FH'' after a given date,
this AD requires that those compliance times be calculated 3,000
flight cycles or 6,000 flight hours, ``whichever occurs first''
after January 9, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2014-24-07).
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0122 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district 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
Section, Transport Standards 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): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0122 that contains RC procedures and
tests, except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC
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.
[[Page 8386]]
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223.
(k) 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
March 20, 2020.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0122,
dated June 4, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For information about EASA AD 2019-0122, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 6017; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Transport Standards
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0673.
(6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 29, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02974 Filed 2-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
