Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 43499-43503 [2020-15335]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 138 / Friday, July 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(5) Replacement of the flight deck side
windows as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of
Brazilian AD 2020–04–01R01 terminates the
repetitive inspections for the flight deck side
windows specified in paragraph (b)(2) of
Brazilian AD 2020–04–01R01.
(6) The ‘‘Alternative method of compliance
(AMOC)’’ section of Brazilian AD 2020–04–
01R01 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, Large Aircraft
Section, 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 local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
ANAC; or ANAC’s authorized Designee. If
approved by the ANAC Designee, the
approval must include the Designee’s
authorized signature.
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(j) Related Information
(1) For information about Brazilian AD
2020–04–01R01, contact National Civil
Aviation Agency, Aeronautical Products
Certification Branch (GGCP), Rua Laurent
Martins, no 209, Jardim Esplanada, CEP
12242–431—Sa˜o Jose´ dos Campos—SP,
Brazil; telephone 55 (12) 3203–6600; email
pac@anac.gov.br; internet www.anac.gov.br/
en/. You may find this Brazilian AD on the
ANAC website at https://
sistemas.anac.gov.br/certificacao/DA/
DAE.asp. 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. 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–2020–0584.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218;
Kathleen.Arrigotti@faa.gov.
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Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
43499
[FR Doc. 2020–15333 Filed 7–16–20; 8:45 am]
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by August 31,
2020.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ADDRESSES:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0581; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–057–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015–22–08, which applies to all Airbus
SAS Model A318 series airplanes;
Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes;
Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes. The FAA also
proposes to supersede AD 2018–17–19,
which applies to certain Airbus SAS
Model A318 series airplanes; Model
A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115,
–131, –132, and –133 airplanes; Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231,
–232, –233, –251N, and –271N
airplanes; and Model A321–111, –112,
–131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232,
–251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes.
The FAA also proposes to supersede AD
2019–19–15, which applies to certain
Airbus SAS Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, and
–271N airplanes; and Model A321 series
airplanes. AD 2019–19–15 requires
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. Since the
FAA issued AD 2019–19–15, the FAA
has determined that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This proposed AD would
require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will
be incorporated by reference. The FAA
SUMMARY:
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You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that will be
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.
For the Airbus material identified in
this proposed AD that will continue to
be incorporated by reference, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; internet https://
www.airbus.com.
You may view this IBR 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 on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0581.
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–2020–
0581; 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 NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 138 / Friday, July 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223; email
sanjay.ralhan@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0581; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–057–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this
NPRM based on those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
that are received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including
any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the FAA receives about this
NPRM.
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Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to the attention of the
person identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
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Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2019–19–15,
Amendment 39–19751 (84 FR 54480,
October 10, 2019) (‘‘AD 2019–19–15’’),
for certain Airbus SAS Model A318
series airplanes; Model A319–111, –112,
–113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, and
–271N airplanes; and Model A321 series
airplanes. AD 2019–19–15 requires
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA
issued AD 2019–19–15 to address the
failure of certain life-limited parts,
which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. AD 2019–19–
15 specifies that accomplishing the
revision required by that AD terminates
all requirements of AD 2018–17–19,
Amendment 39–19373 (83 FR 44460,
August 31, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–17–19’’).
AD 2018–17–19 specifies that
accomplishing the revisions required by
that AD terminates all requirements of
AD 2015–22–08, Amendment 39–18313
(80 FR 68434, November 5, 2015) (‘‘AD
2015–22–08’’) and AD 2015–05–02,
Amendment 39–18112 (80 FR 15152,
March 23, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–05–02’’).
AD 2015–05–02 was already superseded
by AD 2017–22–03, Amendment 39–
19083 (82 FR 49091, October 24, 2017)
(‘‘AD 2017–22–03’’).
AD 2018–17–19 corresponds to EASA
AD 2017–0215, dated October 24, 2017
(‘‘EASA AD 2017–0215’’), and requires
revising the maintenance or inspection
program to incorporate Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe
Life Airworthiness Limitations (SL–
ALI), Revision 05, Issue 02, dated April
19, 2017 (‘‘ALS Part 1, Revision 05’’).
EASA AD 2017–0215 superseded EASA
AD 2014–0141, dated June 4, 2014
(‘‘EASA AD 2014–0141’’), which
corresponds with FAA AD 2015–22–08.
EASA AD 2017–0215 stated it
supersedes EASA AD 2014–0141 and
requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in A318/A319/A320/A321
ALS Part 1 Revision 05 (which includes
the life limits required by EASA AD
2014–0141).
Although the applicability of EASA
AD 2017–0215 was all airplanes, the
corresponding FAA AD 2018–17–19
only applied to airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before April
19, 2017 (the date of approval of ALS
Part 1, Revision 05). Airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of
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airworthiness issued after April 19,
2017, must comply with the
airworthiness limitations specified as
part of the approved type design and
referenced on the type certificate data
sheet.
This proposed AD would supersede
AD 2019–19–15, AD 2018–17–19, and
AD 2015–22–08.
Actions Since AD 2019–19–15 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019–19–
15, the FAA has determined that new or
more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0080, dated April 1, 2020 (‘‘EASA
AD 2020–0080’’) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all 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, –215, –216, –231, –232,
–233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N,
–272N, and –273N airplanes; and Model
A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
–213, –231, –232, –251N, –252N,
–253N, –271N, –272N, –251NX,
–252NX, –253NX, –271NX, and –272NX
airplanes. Model A320–215 airplanes
are not certificated 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.
Airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness
issued after November 13, 2019, must
comply with the airworthiness
limitations specified as part of the
approved type design and referenced on
the type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the failure of certain lifelimited parts, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2020–0080 describes new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and
safe life limits.
This AD would also require Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 138 / Friday, July 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe
Life Airworthiness Limitations (SL–
ALI), Revision 06, Issue 02, dated
November 30, 2018, which the Director
of the Federal Register approved for
incorporation by reference as of
November 14, 2019 (84 FR 54480,
October 10, 2019).
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.
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FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. The FAA
is proposing this AD because the FAA
has evaluated all pertinent information
and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the
requirements of AD 2019–19–15. This
proposed AD would also require
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, which are
specified in EASA AD 2020–0080
described previously, as incorporated by
reference. Any differences with EASA
AD 2020–0080 are identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
AD.
This proposed AD would require
revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
with these actions is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by this proposed
AD, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the actions described in the
revisions. In this situation, to comply
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator
must request approval for an alternative
method of compliance according to
paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
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source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) to
use this process. As a result, EASA AD
2020–0080 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0080
in its entirety, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD.
Service information specified in
EASA AD 2020–0080 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0080
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0581 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using
the New Process
The FAA’s process of incorporating
by reference MCAI ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with corresponding FAA ADs has been
limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily
those with service bulletins as the
primary source of information for
accomplishing the actions required by
the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now
expanding the process to include MCAI
ADs that require a change to
airworthiness limitation documents,
such as airworthiness limitation
sections.
For these ADs that incorporate by
reference an MCAI AD that changes
airworthiness limitations, the FAA
requirements are unchanged. Operators
must revise the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information specified in
the new airworthiness limitation
document. The airworthiness
limitations must be followed according
to 14 CFR 91.403(c).
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 1,553 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
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The FAA estimates the total cost per
operator for the retained actions from
AD 2019–19–15 to be $7,650 (90 workhours × $85 per work-hour).
The FAA has determined that revising
the existing maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the agency
recognizes that this number may vary
from operator to operator. In the past,
the agency has estimated that this action
takes 1 work-hour per airplane. 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 proposed actions to
be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $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
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
(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
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 138 / Friday, July 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2015–22–08, Amendment 39–
18313 (80 FR 68434, November 5, 2015);
AD 2018–17–19, Amendment 39–19373
(83 FR 44460, August 31, 2018); and AD
2019–19–15, Amendment 39–19751 (84
FR 54480, October 10, 2019); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2020–0581;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–057–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
August 31, 2020.
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(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2015–22–08,
Amendment 39–18313 (80 FR 68434,
November 5, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–22–08’’); AD
2018–17–19, Amendment 39–19373 (83 FR
44460, August 31, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–17–19’’);
and AD 2019–19–15, Amendment 39–19751
(84 FR 54480, October 10, 2019) (‘‘AD 2019–
19–15’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the 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
13, 2019.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, and –153N
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, –252N,
–253N, –271N, –272N, –251NX, –252NX,
–253NX, –271NX, and –272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the failure of certain lifelimited parts, 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 Maintenance or Inspection
Program Revision, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2019–19–15, with no
changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export
certificate of airworthiness issued on or
before November 30, 2018: Within 90 days
after November 14, 2019 (the effective date of
AD 2019–19–15), revise the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate Airbus SAS A318/
A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life Airworthiness
Limitations (SL–ALI), Revision 06, Issue 02,
dated November 30, 2018. The initial
compliance time for doing the revised actions
is at the applicable time specified in Airbus
SAS A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1 Safe
Life Airworthiness Limitations (SL–ALI),
Revision 06, Issue 02, dated November 30,
2018, or within 90 days after November 14,
2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing
the maintenance or inspection program
revision required by paragraph (i) of this AD
terminates the requirements of this
paragraph.
(h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative
Actions and Intervals With a New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (h) of AD 2019–19–15, with a new
exception. Except as required by paragraph
(i) of this AD, after the maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative life limits may be used unless
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of
this AD.
(i) New Maintenance or Inspection Program
Revision
Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0080, dated
April 1, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0080’’).
Accomplishing the maintenance or
inspection program revision required by this
paragraph terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0080
(1) The requirements specified in
paragraph (1), (3), and (4) of EASA AD 2020–
0080 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0080
specifies revising ‘‘the AMP’’ within 12
months after its effective date, but this AD
requires revising the existing maintenance or
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the ‘‘limitations’’ specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020–0080 within
90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks specified in paragraph (2) of EASA
AD 2020–0080 is at the applicable
compliance times specified in paragraph (2)
of EASA AD 2020–0080, or within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
(4) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0080 does not apply to this AD.
(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions
and Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are
allowed except as specified in the provisions
of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA
AD 2020–0080.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, 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 local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (m)(4) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) 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.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2019–19–15 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020–
0080 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, Large Aircraft Section,
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) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2020–0080 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (l)(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
E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM
17JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 138 / Friday, July 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0080, 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.
(2) For information about the Airbus
material identified in this AD, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, RondPoint Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; internet
https://www.airbus.com.
(3) 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. 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–2020–0581.
(4) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3223; email sanjay.ralhan@
faa.gov.
Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–15335 Filed 7–16–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0583; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–071–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2019–14–09, which applies to all Airbus
SAS Model A330–200 Freighter series
airplanes. AD 2019–14–09 requires
repetitive detailed inspections,
including functional testing, of the
oxygen crew and courier distribution
system (OCCDS) and replacement of
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:50 Jul 16, 2020
Jkt 250001
affected part(s) if necessary. Since the
FAA issued AD 2019–14–09, the FAA
has determined that all affected parts
must be replaced with improved flexible
oxygen hoses in order to address the
unsafe condition. This proposed AD
would retain the requirements of AD
2019–14–09 and require replacement of
all affected parts with improved
serviceable parts, which is terminating
action for the repetitive inspections, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will
be incorporated by reference. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by August 31,
2020.
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For the material identified in this
proposed AD that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR), contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-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, 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 on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0583.
ADDRESSES:
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–2020–
0583; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
43503
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email
Vladimir.Ulyanov@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0583; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–071–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this
NPRM based on those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM
17JYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 138 (Friday, July 17, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43499-43503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15335]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0581; Product Identifier 2020-NM-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-22-08, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
The FAA also proposes to supersede AD 2018-17-19, which applies to
certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212,
-214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N airplanes; and Model
A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -
271N airplanes. The FAA also proposes to supersede AD 2019-19-15, which
applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N
airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. AD 2019-19-15 requires
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since
the FAA issued AD 2019-19-15, the FAA has determined that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD
would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that will be 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.
For the Airbus material identified in this proposed AD that will
continue to be incorporated by reference, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44
51; email [email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this IBR 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 on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2020-0581.
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-2020-
0581; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
[[Page 43500]]
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0581;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-057-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM based on those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments that are received, without
change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing
each substantive verbal contact the FAA receives about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to the
attention of the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2019-19-15, Amendment 39-19751 (84 FR 54480,
October 10, 2019) (``AD 2019-19-15''), for certain Airbus SAS Model
A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -
132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232,
-233, -251N, and -271N airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. AD
2019-19-15 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2019-19-15 to address the
failure of certain life-limited parts, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane. AD 2019-19-15 specifies that
accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2018-17-19, Amendment 39-19373 (83 FR 44460, August
31, 2018) (``AD 2018-17-19''). AD 2018-17-19 specifies that
accomplishing the revisions required by that AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2015-22-08, Amendment 39-18313 (80 FR 68434,
November 5, 2015) (``AD 2015-22-08'') and AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-
18112 (80 FR 15152, March 23, 2015) (``AD 2015-05-02''). AD 2015-05-02
was already superseded by AD 2017-22-03, Amendment 39-19083 (82 FR
49091, October 24, 2017) (``AD 2017-22-03'').
AD 2018-17-19 corresponds to EASA AD 2017-0215, dated October 24,
2017 (``EASA AD 2017-0215''), and requires revising the maintenance or
inspection program to incorporate Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life Airworthiness
Limitations (SL-ALI), Revision 05, Issue 02, dated April 19, 2017
(``ALS Part 1, Revision 05''). EASA AD 2017-0215 superseded EASA AD
2014-0141, dated June 4, 2014 (``EASA AD 2014-0141''), which
corresponds with FAA AD 2015-22-08. EASA AD 2017-0215 stated it
supersedes EASA AD 2014-0141 and requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1 Revision 05 (which includes
the life limits required by EASA AD 2014-0141).
Although the applicability of EASA AD 2017-0215 was all airplanes,
the corresponding FAA AD 2018-17-19 only applied to airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before April 19, 2017 (the date of approval
of ALS Part 1, Revision 05). Airplanes with an original airworthiness
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
after April 19, 2017, must comply with the airworthiness limitations
specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the
type certificate data sheet.
This proposed AD would supersede AD 2019-19-15, AD 2018-17-19, and
AD 2015-22-08.
Actions Since AD 2019-19-15 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2019-19-15, the FAA has determined that new
or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0080, dated April 1, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0080'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all 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, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -
271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.
Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated 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.
Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 13, 2019,
must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet;
this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the
applicability.
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the failure of certain life-limited parts,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0080 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
This AD would also require Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
[[Page 43501]]
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life Airworthiness Limitations
(SL-ALI), Revision 06, Issue 02, dated November 30, 2018, which the
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of November 14, 2019 (84 FR 54480, October 10, 2019).
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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA has evaluated all pertinent information and determined
an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2019-19-15.
This proposed AD would also require revising the existing maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD
2020-0080 described previously, as incorporated by reference. Any
differences with EASA AD 2020-0080 are identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections).
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph
(l)(1) of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0080
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0080 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD.
Service information specified in EASA AD 2020-0080 that is required
for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0080 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0581 after the FAA final rule is published.
Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process
The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the
primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs
has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service
bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the
actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the
process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness
limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.
For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes
airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged.
Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new
airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must
be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c).
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,553 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained
actions from AD 2019-19-15 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. In the past, the agency has estimated that this action
takes 1 work-hour per airplane. 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 proposed
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(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
[[Page 43502]]
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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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]
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2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
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a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-22-08, Amendment 39-18313
(80 FR 68434, November 5, 2015); AD 2018-17-19, Amendment 39-19373 (83
FR 44460, August 31, 2018); and AD 2019-19-15, Amendment 39-19751 (84
FR 54480, October 10, 2019); and
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b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2020-0581; Product Identifier 2020-NM-
057-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by August 31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2015-22-08, Amendment 39-18313 (80 FR 68434,
November 5, 2015) (``AD 2015-22-08''); AD 2018-17-19, Amendment 39-
19373 (83 FR 44460, August 31, 2018) (``AD 2018-17-19''); and AD
2019-19-15, Amendment 39-19751 (84 FR 54480, October 10, 2019) (``AD
2019-19-15'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the 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 13,
2019.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, and -153N 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, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX,
and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the failure of certain life-limited
parts, 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 Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No
Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2019-19-15, with no changes. For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before November 30, 2018: Within 90 days
after November 14, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-19-15),
revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate Airbus SAS A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life
Airworthiness Limitations (SL-ALI), Revision 06, Issue 02, dated
November 30, 2018. The initial compliance time for doing the revised
actions is at the applicable time specified in Airbus SAS A318/A319/
A320/A321 ALS Part 1 Safe Life Airworthiness Limitations (SL-ALI),
Revision 06, Issue 02, dated November 30, 2018, or within 90 days
after November 14, 2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the
maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (i)
of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals With a
New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2019-19-15, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(i) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative life
limits may be used unless approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(i) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0080, dated April 1, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0080'').
Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision
required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0080
(1) The requirements specified in paragraph (1), (3), and (4) of
EASA AD 2020-0080 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080 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 ``limitations'' specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0080 within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080 is at the applicable compliance
times specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0080, or within 90
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0080 does not apply
to this AD.
(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals are allowed except as specified in the
provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2020-
0080.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(4) 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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2019-19-15 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0080 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, Large Aircraft
Section, 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) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0080 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (l)(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
[[Page 43503]]
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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0080, 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.
(2) For information about the Airbus material identified in this
AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
internet https://www.airbus.com.
(3) 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. 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-2020-0581.
(4) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected].
Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15335 Filed 7-16-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
