Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 64955-64958 [2020-22622]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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 October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–22623 Filed 10–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0347; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–042–AD; Amendment
39–21277; AD 2020–21–04]
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 A300 F4–600R series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of damaged main deck cargo
crossbeams on the right-hand side,
between certain frame locations. This
AD requires repetitive detailed
inspections of the affected main deck
cargo crossbeams for any damage, and
depending on findings, accomplishment
of applicable corrective actions, 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 November
18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of November 18, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49
221 8999 000; 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
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:58 Oct 13, 2020
Jkt 253001
64955
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0347.
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
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–
0347; 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,
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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3225; email:
dan.rodina@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
United Parcel Service Co. (UPS)
requested that the FAA withdraw the
NPRM. UPS pointed out that the NPRM
duplicates multiple tasks and the
associated task intervals specified in the
Airbus A300–600 Maintenance Planning
Document (MPD) that inspect the same
area and structure. UPS also stated that
those specific tasks are part of its
approved Maintenance Specification
Manual (MSM). UPS mentioned that the
unsafe condition was discovered as a
direct result of the tasks specified in the
Airbus A300–600 MPD. UPS insisted
that the existing tasks in the A300–600
MPD and UPS’s MSM meet or exceed
the requirements of the NPRM.
The FAA disagrees with the
commenter’s request. Although the tasks
and the associated task intervals
specified in the A300–600 MPD may be
duplicated in the requirements of this
AD, those tasks and intervals specified
in the A300–600 MPD are not
necessarily mandatory for all affected
U.S. registered airplanes. However, this
FAA AD mitigates the identified unsafe
condition with mandatory tasks and
intervals for all affected airplanes.
Because this unsafe condition could
exist or develop on Model A300 F4–
600R series airplanes, mandatory
repetitive inspections of the affected
area are necessary to ensure the safety
of the fleet. Issuance of an AD is the
appropriate method to correct an unsafe
condition. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0050, dated March 9, 2020;
corrected March 11, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD
2020–0050’’) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
SAS Model A300 F4–600R series
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
A300 F4–600R series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 1, 2020 (85 FR 25356).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of
damaged main deck cargo crossbeams
on the right-hand side, between certain
frame locations. The NPRM proposed to
require repetitive detailed inspections of
the affected main deck cargo crossbeams
for any damage, and depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective actions, as specified in an
EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
damaged main deck cargo crossbeams,
which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Request To Remove the Reporting
Requirement
UPS requested that the FAA remove
the reporting requirement in the NPRM.
UPS mentioned that the reporting
requirement does not add value or help
in resolving the unsafe condition. UPS
pointed out that Airbus has a ten year
history of service evaluation for this
item, including multiple parts removed
from service and returned to Airbus for
evaluation. UPS stated that repetitive
reporting of which crossbeams are
identified as discrepant would not
provide any further technical
information that would result in a
different resolution to the unsafe
condition.
The FAA disagrees with the
commenter’s request. Reporting allows
the manufacturer to collect
airworthiness information from all
operators in order to fully understand
the extent of the unsafe condition,
E:\FR\FM\14OCR1.SGM
14OCR1
64956
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
especially in cases where that data
might not be available through other
means. This information will be used to
determine that the unsafe condition is
adequately addressed. Based on the
results of these reports, we might
determine that further corrective action
is warranted. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2020–0050 describes
procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of the affected main deck
cargo crossbeams from frame (FR) 48 to
FR54 for any damage (including bent,
curved, and cracked crossbeams),
corrective actions, and terminating
actions. Corrective actions include
detailed inspections of the right-hand
and left-hand crossbeams and lugs for
damage (including buckling and
cracking) and correct diameter of the
lug/crossbeam holes, repair, and
replacement of damaged crossbeams.
Optional terminating actions include
replacement of crossbeams with
reinforced machined crossbeams. 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 52 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
6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ..........................................................................................
$0
$510
$26,520
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 $4,420, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
repairs 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 these
on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION REPAIRS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ......................................................................................................................
$10,000
$10,510
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the FAA to
provide cost estimates for the on-
condition inspections and replacements
specified in this AD.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do the optional terminating
actions specified in this AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR OPTIONAL TERMINATING ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 .................................................................................................................
$10,000
$11,530
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:58 Oct 13, 2020
Jkt 253001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
E:\FR\FM\14OCR1.SGM
14OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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):
■
2020–21–04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21277; Docket No. FAA–2020–0347;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–042–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 18, 2020.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0050, dated March 9, 2020;
corrected March 11, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–
0050’’).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:58 Oct 13, 2020
Jkt 253001
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
damaged main deck cargo crossbeams on the
right-hand side, between certain frame
locations. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address damaged main deck cargo
crossbeams, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0050.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0050
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0050 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0050 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020–0050
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 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 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, 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) 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
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
2020–0050 that contains RC procedures and
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
64957
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3)
and (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. 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 Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206–231–3225; email: dan.rodina@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 2020–0050, dated March 9, 2020;
corrected March 11, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020–0050, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
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,
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
E:\FR\FM\14OCR1.SGM
14OCR1
64958
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 199 / Wednesday, October 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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–2020–0347.
(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 October 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–22622 Filed 10–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0200; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–185–AD; Amendment
39–21276; AD 2020–21–03]
Examining the AD Docket
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–14–
01, which applied to certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–400
series airplanes. AD 2015–14–01
required a detailed inspection for loose
bolts on the aft translating door crank
assembly, and removal and
reinstallation of the bolts. This AD
retains the inspections of AD 2015–14–
01 and adds airplanes to the
applicability. For all airplanes, this AD
also requires a modification of the door
crank handle, which will terminate the
inspection requirements. This AD was
prompted by reports of loose bolts that
are intended to secure the translating
door crank assembly to the outside
handle shaft, and of sealant missing
from these bolts on another translating
door. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective November
18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 18, 2020.
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:58 Oct 13, 2020
Jkt 253001
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of August 11, 2015 (80 FR
38615, July 7, 2015).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited,
Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375–
4000; fax 416–375–4539; email thd@
dehavilland.com; internet https://
dehavilland.com. You may view this
referenced service information 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 on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0200.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0200; 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,
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:
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7323; fax 516–794–5531; email
9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued Canadian AD
CF–2014–08R1, dated July 30, 2019
(also referred to as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC–8–400
series airplanes. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0200.
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2015–14–01,
Amendment 39–18199 (80 FR 38615,
July 7, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–14–01’’). AD
2015–14–01 applied to certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–400
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on March 20,
2020 (85 FR 16008). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of loose bolts that
are intended to secure the translating
door crank assembly to the outside
handle shaft, and of sealant missing
from these bolts on another translating
door. The NPRM proposed to retain the
requirements of AD 2015–14–01 and
add airplanes to the applicability. The
NPRM also proposed to require, for all
airplanes, a modification of the door
crank handle, which would terminate
the inspection. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the potential for both
bolts to become loose or fall out after the
door is closed and locked, which would
prevent the door from being opened
from inside or outside and impede
evacuation in the event of an
emergency. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Request To Use the Latest Service
Information
Horizon Air requested that the FAA
use the latest service information for the
actions proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA agrees with the comment.
The FAA has revised paragraphs (i), (j)
and (l) of this AD accordingly.
Request To Require Only Certain
Sections of the Service Information
Horizon Air requested that the
proposed AD specifically require
paragraph 3.B., ‘‘Procedure,’’ of the
applicable service information specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of the
proposed AD instead of the entire
section of the Accomplishment
Instructions. Horizon Air stated that the
job set-up and close out sections of the
Accomplishment Instructions do not
directly correct the unsafe condition,
and that incorporating the job set-up
and close out sections restricts an
operator’s ability to perform other
maintenance in conjunction with
incorporating the service information.
The FAA agrees with the commenter’s
request. Paragraphs 3.A., ‘‘Job Set-Up,’’
and 3.C., ‘‘Close Out,’’ of the
E:\FR\FM\14OCR1.SGM
14OCR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64955-64958]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22622]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0347; Product Identifier 2020-NM-042-AD; Amendment
39-21277; AD 2020-21-04]
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 A300 F4-600R series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of damaged main deck cargo crossbeams on the
right-hand side, between certain frame locations. This AD requires
repetitive detailed inspections of the affected main deck cargo
crossbeams for any damage, and depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions, 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 November 18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 18,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; 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, 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-2020-0347.
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-
0347; 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, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3225; 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 2020-0050, dated March 9, 2020;
corrected March 11, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0050'') (also referred to as
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''),
to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-
600R series 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 A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 1, 2020 (85 FR 25356). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of damaged main deck cargo crossbeams on the right-hand side,
between certain frame locations. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive detailed inspections of the affected main deck cargo
crossbeams for any damage, and depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damaged main deck cargo
crossbeams, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of
the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
United Parcel Service Co. (UPS) requested that the FAA withdraw the
NPRM. UPS pointed out that the NPRM duplicates multiple tasks and the
associated task intervals specified in the Airbus A300-600 Maintenance
Planning Document (MPD) that inspect the same area and structure. UPS
also stated that those specific tasks are part of its approved
Maintenance Specification Manual (MSM). UPS mentioned that the unsafe
condition was discovered as a direct result of the tasks specified in
the Airbus A300-600 MPD. UPS insisted that the existing tasks in the
A300-600 MPD and UPS's MSM meet or exceed the requirements of the NPRM.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. Although the tasks
and the associated task intervals specified in the A300-600 MPD may be
duplicated in the requirements of this AD, those tasks and intervals
specified in the A300-600 MPD are not necessarily mandatory for all
affected U.S. registered airplanes. However, this FAA AD mitigates the
identified unsafe condition with mandatory tasks and intervals for all
affected airplanes. Because this unsafe condition could exist or
develop on Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes, mandatory repetitive
inspections of the affected area are necessary to ensure the safety of
the fleet. Issuance of an AD is the appropriate method to correct an
unsafe condition. This AD has not been changed in this regard.
Request To Remove the Reporting Requirement
UPS requested that the FAA remove the reporting requirement in the
NPRM. UPS mentioned that the reporting requirement does not add value
or help in resolving the unsafe condition. UPS pointed out that Airbus
has a ten year history of service evaluation for this item, including
multiple parts removed from service and returned to Airbus for
evaluation. UPS stated that repetitive reporting of which crossbeams
are identified as discrepant would not provide any further technical
information that would result in a different resolution to the unsafe
condition.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. Reporting allows
the manufacturer to collect airworthiness information from all
operators in order to fully understand the extent of the unsafe
condition,
[[Page 64956]]
especially in cases where that data might not be available through
other means. This information will be used to determine that the unsafe
condition is adequately addressed. Based on the results of these
reports, we might determine that further corrective action is
warranted. This AD has not been changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0050 describes procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of the affected main deck cargo crossbeams from frame (FR)
48 to FR54 for any damage (including bent, curved, and cracked
crossbeams), corrective actions, and terminating actions. Corrective
actions include detailed inspections of the right-hand and left-hand
crossbeams and lugs for damage (including buckling and cracking) and
correct diameter of the lug/crossbeam holes, repair, and replacement of
damaged crossbeams. Optional terminating actions include replacement of
crossbeams with reinforced machined crossbeams. 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 52 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510........................... $0 $510 $26,520
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
$4,420, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition repairs 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 these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Repairs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510.... $10,000 $10,510
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA
to provide cost estimates for the on-condition inspections and
replacements specified in this AD.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do the optional
terminating actions specified in this AD.
Estimated Costs for Optional Terminating Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,530. $10,000 $11,530
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
[[Page 64957]]
This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it
addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2020-21-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21277; Docket No. FAA-2020-0347;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-042-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 18, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0050, dated March 9,
2020; corrected March 11, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0050'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of damaged main deck cargo
crossbeams on the right-hand side, between certain frame locations.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damaged main deck cargo
crossbeams, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0050.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0050
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0050 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0050 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0050 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 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 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,
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) 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, 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 2020-0050 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (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. 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 Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206-231-3225; 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 2020-0050,
dated March 9, 2020; corrected March 11, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0050, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; 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, 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
[[Page 64958]]
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-2020-0347.
(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 October 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22622 Filed 10-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
