Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 67467-67469 [2020-23235]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 206 / Friday, October 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(c) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–24
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 24, Electrical Power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that
electronic circuit breakers (ECBs) were found
in a locked state after maintenance, but
before flight. ECBs were turned off prior to
maintenance and then not reset properly after
maintenance was complete. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent improperly set
ECBs, which if not detected, could lead to
loss of power supply to equipment without
indication to the flightcrew before take-off.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM)
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, revise Section 4 of the existing AFM
for your airplane by replacing the
information as specified in PC–24 (Pilatus)
Temporary Revision No. 02371–016, dated
November 1, 2019, to the Pilatus PC–24
AFM.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901
Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4059;
fax: (816) 329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@
faa.gov. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Union Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2020–
0096, dated April 29, 2020, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0917.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, 901 Locust
Street, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816)
329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact PILATUS Aircraft Ltd.,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:07 Oct 22, 2020
Jkt 253001
Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box
992, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone +41
(0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73;
email: techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com;
internet: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust Street,
Kansas City, Missouri. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329–4148.
Issued on October 13, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–23301 Filed 10–22–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0965; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01068–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that a welding
quality issue has been identified in the
gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located
at each wing-to-pylon interface; the
inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to
an oval shape, which could lead to
cracking caused by direct contact
between metal parts. This proposed AD
would require replacing affected bleed
duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at
the wing-to-pylon interface with a
serviceable part, 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 December 7,
2020.
SUMMARY:
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.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
67467
• 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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For the material that will be
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +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
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0965.
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–
0965; 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.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to 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–
2020–0965; Project Identifier MCAI–
2020–01068–T’’ 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 proposal
because of those comments.
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67468
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 206 / Friday, October 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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
regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received
about this proposed AD.
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 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. 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 EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0169R1, dated August 19, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0169R1’’) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and
–1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that a welding
quality issue has been identified in the
gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located
at each wing-to-pylon interface; the
inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to
an oval shape, which could lead to
cracking caused by direct contact
between metal parts. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to hot
bleed air leakage in the pylon area, and
possibly result in loss of the pneumatic
system and exposure of the wing
structure to high temperatures, and lead
to reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
EASA AD 2020–0169R1 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2020–0169R1 describes
procedures for replacing affected bleed
duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at
the wing-to-pylon interface with
serviceable parts. This material is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
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 the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
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
2020–0169R1 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–
0169R1 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
2020–0169R1 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–
0169R1 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0965 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 .....
Up to $48,800 .............................................
Up to $50,925 .................
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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:07 Oct 22, 2020
Jkt 253001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $662,025.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 206 / Friday, October 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2020–0965;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01068–T.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
December 7, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 36, Pneumatic.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:07 Oct 22, 2020
Jkt 253001
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that a
welding quality issue has been identified in
the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located
at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner
ring of a gimbal had deformed to an oval
shape, which could lead to cracking caused
by direct contact between metal parts. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to hot bleed air
leakage in the pylon area, and possibly result
in loss of the pneumatic system and exposure
of the wing structure to high temperatures,
and lead to reduced 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, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0169R1,
dated August 19, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–
0169R1’’).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0169R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0169R1 refers to
its effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0169R1 does not apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0169R1
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) 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 responsible Flight
Standards 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 (k)(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 responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, 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.
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Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
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67469
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2020–0169R1 that contains RC procedures
and tests: Except as required by paragraph
(j)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0169R1, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +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. 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–2020–0965.
(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.
Issued on October 15, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–23235 Filed 10–22–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2020–0011; Notice No.196]
RIN 1513–AC63
Proposed Establishment of the Goose
Gap Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the approximately 8,129-acre
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 206 (Friday, October 23, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67467-67469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23235]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0965; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01068-T]
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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report that a welding quality issue has been
identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at each
wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to an
oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused by direct contact
between metal parts. This proposed AD would require replacing affected
bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface
with a serviceable part, 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 December 7,
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For the material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in
this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +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-2020-0965.
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-
0965; 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. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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; [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to 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-2020-0965;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01068-T'' 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 proposal because of those comments.
[[Page 67468]]
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
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed AD.
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
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; [email protected].
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 EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0169R1, dated August 19, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0169R1'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report that a welding quality issue has
been identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at
each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed
to an oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused by direct contact
between metal parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to hot bleed air leakage in the pylon area,
and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system and exposure of the
wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0169R1 describes procedures for replacing affected
bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface
with serviceable parts. This material is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2020-0169R1 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this 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-
0169R1 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-
0169R1 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 2020-0169R1 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020-0169R1 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0965 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,125 Up to $48,800.......... Up to $50,925.......... Up to $662,025.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 67469]]
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 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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2020-0965; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-
01068-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by December 7, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that a welding quality issue
has been identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct
located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal
had deformed to an oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused
by direct contact between metal parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address this condition, which could lead to hot bleed air leakage in
the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system
and exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to
reduced 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0169R1, dated August 19, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0169R1'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0169R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0169R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0169R1 does not
apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0169R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 responsible Flight
Standards 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 (k)(2) 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
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, 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 2020-0169R1 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0169R1, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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. 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-
2020-0965.
(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; [email protected].
Issued on October 15, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-23235 Filed 10-22-20; 8:45 am]
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