Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 11277-11279 [2020-03966]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0221 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@
faa.gov. 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 Defense and Space S.A.’s EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206 231 3220; email
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
16:13 Feb 26, 2020
Jkt 250001
Issued on February 12, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–03935 Filed 2–26–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0727; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–090–AD; Amendment
39–19840; AD 2020–03–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A321–211, –212,
–213, –231, and –232 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report of erroneous
positioning of affected parts on the skin
of the fuselage during the pre-drill
phase, which could result in unwanted
drill-starts. This AD requires
inspections for the presence of
unwanted drill-starts on affected parts,
and an inspection for cracks and
corrective action if necessary, 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 April 2,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 2, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 89990
1000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
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
SUMMARY:
(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 April 2, 2020.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0221, dated September 5,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0221, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; 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–2019–0869.
(6) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
11277
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
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0727.
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–
0727; 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; email
sanjay.ralhan@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0098, dated May 3, 2019 (‘‘EASA
AD 2019–0098’’) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
SAS Model A321–211, –212, –213,
–231, and –232 airplanes.
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
A321–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on October 28, 2019
(84 FR 57657). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of erroneous
positioning of affected parts (internal
upper doublers of the forward
emergency exit doors (#2 position), lefthand and right-hand sides) on the skin
of the fuselage during the pre-drill
phase, which could result in unwanted
drill-starts. The NPRM proposed to
require inspections for the presence of
unwanted drill-starts on affected parts,
and an inspection for cracks and
corrective action if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
unwanted drill-starts, which could
affect the fatigue properties of affected
fuselage skin parts and possibly result
E:\FR\FM\27FER1.SGM
27FER1
11278
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
in cracking of fuselage skin. See the
MCAI for additional background
information.
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the change described
previously and 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.
The FAA also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this final rule.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA has considered
the comment received. An anonymous
person stated support for the NPRM.
Change Made to This Final Rule
EASA AD 2019–0098, which is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD,
specifies to report inspection results to
Airbus within a certain compliance
time. The FAA has added paragraph
(h)(3) to this AD to clarify the
compliance times for the reporting
required by this AD.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
of the forward emergency exit doors (#2
position), left-hand and right-hand
sides), high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspections for cracks, and
corrective actions including repair of
cracked parts. 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 51 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
EASA AD 2019–0098 describes
procedures for inspections for the
presence of unwanted drill-starts on
affected parts (internal upper doublers
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 73 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $6,205 .................................................
The FAA estimates that it would take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement
in this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per hour. Based on these figures, the
Cost per product
$0
FAA estimates the cost of reporting the
inspection results on U.S. operators to
be $4,335, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
Up to $6,205 ..........
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $316,455.
action that would be required based on
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need this
on-condition action:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
93 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,905 .................................................................................................
$4,300
$12,205
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD
has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to Information
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:13 Feb 26, 2020
Jkt 250001
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177–1524.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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,
E:\FR\FM\27FER1.SGM
27FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
AD 2020–03–15 Airbus SAS: Amendment
39–19840; Docket No. FAA–2019–0727;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–090–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 2, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A321–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232
airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0098, dated May 3,
2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0098’’).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
erroneous positioning of affected parts on the
skin of the fuselage during the pre-drill
phase, which could result in unwanted drillstarts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
unwanted drill-starts, which could affect the
fatigue properties of affected fuselage skin
parts and possibly result in cracking of
fuselage skin.
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES
(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 2019–0098.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0098
For purposes of determining compliance
with the requirements of this AD:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:13 Feb 26, 2020
Jkt 250001
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0098 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0098 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019–0098
specifies to report inspection results to
Airbus within a certain compliance time. For
this AD, report inspection results at the
applicable time specified in paragraph
(h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 90 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 90 days after the effective date of 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@
faa.gov. 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 DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0098 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.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement: A federal agency may not conduct
or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
11279
displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection
of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory as
required by this AD; the nature and extent of
confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(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; email sanjay.ralhan@faa.gov.
(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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0098, dated May 3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0098, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) 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–2019–0727.
(5) 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 fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–03966 Filed 2–26–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\27FER1.SGM
27FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11277-11279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03966]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0727; Product Identifier 2019-NM-090-AD; Amendment
39-19840; AD 2020-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of erroneous positioning of
affected parts on the skin of the fuselage during the pre-drill phase,
which could result in unwanted drill-starts. This AD requires
inspections for the presence of unwanted drill-starts on affected
parts, and an inspection for cracks and corrective action if necessary,
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 April 2, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 2,
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 and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0727.
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-
0727; 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; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0098, dated May 3, 2019 (``EASA
AD 2019-0098'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and
-232 airplanes.
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 A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2019 (84 FR 57657).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of erroneous positioning of affected
parts (internal upper doublers of the forward emergency exit doors (#2
position), left-hand and right-hand sides) on the skin of the fuselage
during the pre-drill phase, which could result in unwanted drill-
starts. The NPRM proposed to require inspections for the presence of
unwanted drill-starts on affected parts, and an inspection for cracks
and corrective action if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address unwanted drill-starts, which
could affect the fatigue properties of affected fuselage skin parts and
possibly result
[[Page 11278]]
in cracking of fuselage skin. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. An anonymous person stated support for the NPRM.
Change Made to This Final Rule
EASA AD 2019-0098, which is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD,
specifies to report inspection results to Airbus within a certain
compliance time. The FAA has added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD to
clarify the compliance times for the reporting required by this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously
and 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.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0098 describes procedures for inspections for the
presence of unwanted drill-starts on affected parts (internal upper
doublers of the forward emergency exit doors (#2 position), left-hand
and right-hand sides), high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections
for cracks, and corrective actions including repair of cracked parts.
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 51 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 73 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 Up to $6,205................. Up to $316,455.
= Up to $6,205.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$4,335, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
93 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,300 $12,205
$7,905.......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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,
[[Page 11279]]
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
AD 2020-03-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19840; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0727; Product Identifier 2019-NM-090-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 2, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0098, dated May
3, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0098'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of erroneous positioning of
affected parts on the skin of the fuselage during the pre-drill
phase, which could result in unwanted drill-starts. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address unwanted drill-starts, which could affect
the fatigue properties of affected fuselage skin parts and possibly
result in cracking of fuselage skin.
(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 2019-0098.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0098
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of
this AD:
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0098 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0098 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0098 specifies to report
inspection results to Airbus within a certain compliance time. For
this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified
in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date
of 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 2019-0098 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.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond
to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of information are mandatory as
required by this AD; the nature and extent of confidentiality to be
provided, if any. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(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; email [email protected].
(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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0098,
dated May 3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0098, 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.
(4) 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-
2019-0727.
(5) 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 February 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-03966 Filed 2-26-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
