Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 70051-70054 [2020-24345]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Rules and Regulations khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES year (or about 435) will save 30 minutes from not reading this removed information. This time is valued at a rate of $118.22 per hour—the median hourly wage of $59.11 for an attorney according to 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data 1 plus 100 percent more for benefits and overhead. This produces savings to SDVO small businesses per year of $25,713 in current dollars. The cost savings also includes a savings to the government, assuming that 2 percent of the 38,000 Federal contracting officers per year (or about 760) will save 30 minutes from not reading this removed information. This time is valued at a rate of $82.74— assuming the average Federal contracting officer is a GS–12 step 1 (DC locality in 2020 of $41.37) 2 and adding 100 percent more for benefits and overhead, for annual savings of $31,441. This produces total savings per year of $57,287 in current dollars. The annual savings to SDVO small businesses and to the government totals to $57,154 in current dollars. In the first year, it is assumed that 5 percent of SDVO small businesses (about 1,088) and 5 percent of Federal contracting officers (about 1,900) would read this Federal Register notice which is estimated to take 30 minutes per SDVO small business at $118.22 per hour and $82.74 per hour per Federal contracting officer, producing cost in the first year of $142,915 ($64,312 for SDVO small businesses and $78,603 for the Federal Government). This cost is not expected to continue in subsequent years. Table 1 displays the costs and savings of this rule over the first 2 years it is published, with the savings and costs in the second year expected to continue into perpetuity. Table 2 presents the annualized net savings in 2016 dollars. dollars, or less than a dollar per SDVO TABLE 2—ANNUALIZED SAVINGS IN PERPETUITY WITH 7% DISCOUNT small business, as detailed in the Executive Order 13771 discussion RATE, 2016 DOLLARS above. SBA certified this rule at the proposed rule stage and received no comments on ($40,254) the certification. Accordingly, SBA $6,585 therefore certifies that this rule has ‘‘no significant impact upon a substantial ($33,669) number of small entities’’ within the meaning of the RFA. Estimate Annualized Savings .................... Annualized Costs ........................ Annualized Net Savings ...... C. Executive Order 12988 This action meets applicable standards set forth in Sec. 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. The action does not have retroactive or preemptive effect. D. Executive Order 13132 This rule does not have federalism implications as defined in Executive Order 13132. It will not have substantial direct effects 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, as specified in the Executive Order. As such, it does not warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. E. Paperwork Reduction Act, (5 U.S.C. 601–612) SBA has determined that this final rule will not impose new, or modify existing, recordkeeping or reporting requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. F. Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612 The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires administrative agencies to consider the effect of their actions on small entities, small non-profit businesses, and small local governments. Pursuant to the RFA, when an agency issues a rule, the agency must prepare an analysis that describes whether the impact of the rule TABLE 1—SCHEDULE OF COSTS/(SAV- will have a significant economic impact INGS) OVER 2 YEAR HORIZON, CUR- on a substantial number of small entities. If not, the RFA permits agencies RENT DOLLARS to certify to that effect. There are approximately 21,750 Savings Costs SDVO small businesses and all can be affected by this rule. However, this rule Year 1 ...... 598 hours, 1,494 hours, removes regulations that are ($57,154). $142,915. unnecessary or redundant, saving these Year 2 ...... 598 hours, 0 hours, $0. entities time in reading the regulations. ($57,154). The annualized net savings to SDVO small businesses 3 is $15,147 in current 1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm, retrieved July 31, 2020. 2 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/payleave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2020/DCB_ h.pdf, retrieved July 31, 2020. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Nov 03, 2020 Jkt 253001 70051 3 From annualized savings of $18,110 per SDVO small businesses minus the one-time cost to SDVO small businesses annualized to $2,963, both in 2016 dollars. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 List of Subjects in 13 CFR Part 125 Government contracts, Government procurement, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Small businesses, Technical assistance, Veterans. Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, SBA is amending 13 CFR part 125 as follows: PART 125—GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING PROGRAMS 1. The authority citation for part 125 is revised to read as follows: ■ Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(p), (q), 634(b)(6), 637, 644, 657f, 657q, 657r, and 657s; 38 U.S.C. 501 and 8127. §§ 125.15, 125.16, 125.19, and 125.20 [Removed and Reserved] 2. Remove and reserve §§ 125.15, 125.16, 125.19, and 125.20. ■ Jovita Carranza, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2020–23121 Filed 11–3–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026–03–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0968; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00974–T; Amendment 39–21304; AD 2020–22–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A320–251N and –271N airplanes; Model A321–251N, –271N, –272N, –252NX, and –271NX airplanes; Model A330–243, –343, and –941 airplanes; and Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of removable SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1 70052 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Rules and Regulations display units (RDUs) found undocked from the hosting display docking stations (DDSs). This AD requires removal of the RDUs or implementation of an operational restriction, and a onetime inspection of the RDU installation onto the DDS 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 becomes effective November 19, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 19, 2020. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 21, 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 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 the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0968. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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– 0968; 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 AD, any VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Nov 03, 2020 Jkt 253001 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: 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: Discussion The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0155, dated July 14, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0155’’) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A320–251N and –271N airplanes; Model A321–251N, –271N, –272N, –252NX, and –271NX airplanes; Model A330–243 airplanes; Model A330–343 airplanes; Model A330–941 airplanes; and Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of RDUs found undocked from the hosting DDSs caused by incorrect RDU installation or damage to the DDS. The FAA is issuing this AD to address undocked RDUs, which could lead to detachment of an RDU, possibly resulting in injury to airplane occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information. Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2020–0155 describes procedures for removal of the RDUs or implementation of an operational restriction, and a one-time inspection of the RDU installation onto the DDS and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include repair or replacement of the DDS, reinstallation or replacement of the RDU, and realignment of the RDU and DDS. 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Requirements of This AD This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2020– 0155 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 2020–0155 is incorporated by reference in this final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2020–0155 in its entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 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 2020–0155 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020–0155 is available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0968. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date There are currently no domestic operators of these products. Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. The FAA invites you to send any E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1 70053 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Rules and Regulations written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0968; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00974–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. 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 consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on those comments. The FAA will post all comments the FAA receives, 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 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 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. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered airplanes. If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per RDU ........................................................................................................ $0 The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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. 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, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. 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: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. The FAA determined that 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Nov 03, 2020 Jkt 253001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $85 per RDU. 2020–22–08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 21304; Docket No. FAA–2020–0968; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00974–T. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective November 19, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0155, dated July 14, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0155’’). (1) Model A320–251N and –271N airplanes. (2) Model A321–251N, –271N, –272N, –252NX, and –271NX airplanes. (3) Model A330–243 airplanes. (4) Model A330–343 airplanes. (5) Model A330–941 airplanes. (6) Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. (d) Subject PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Regulatory Findings Cost per product Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23, Communications; 44, Cabin systems. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of removable display units (RDUs) found undocked from the hosting display docking stations (DDS). The FAA is issuing this AD to address undocked RDUs, which could lead to detachment of an RDU, possibly resulting in injury to airplane occupants. E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1 70054 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Rules and Regulations (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 2020–0155. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0155 (1) Where EASA AD 2020–0155 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0155 does not apply to this AD. (3) Where the EASA AD specifies ‘‘any discrepancies,’’ those discrepancies include damage or deformity to the DDS tab, a jammed butterfly latch, a RDU that does not engage easily, and a RDU that does not latch. (4) Where paragraph (3) of the EASA AD specifies a compliance time of ‘‘before next flight,’’ that compliance time does not apply to this AD. (5) Where AOT A44P001–20–00 and A23L001–20–00, as specified in EASA AD 2020–0155, specify the gap must be equal to or greater than 4.2mm, for this AD, the gap must be greater than 4.0mm. (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 2020–0155 that contains RC procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Nov 03, 2020 Jkt 253001 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. (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 2020–0155, dated July 14, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For information about EASA AD 2020– 0155, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 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 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–2020–0968. (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 16, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–24345 Filed 11–3–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY 32 CFR Part 2402 Implementing the Freedom of Information Act Office of Science and Technology Policy. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), after consideration of the public SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 comments submitted in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on October 31, 2018, is amending its regulations to implement the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. The regulations reflect OSTP’s policy and practices and reaffirm its commitment to providing the fullest possible disclosure of records to the public. DATES: Effective December 4, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Wittenberg, Legal Counsel, OSTP, (202) 456–4444. Questions about the content of this notice may also be sent to ostpfoia@ostp.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OSTP is amending its regulations governing its implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In 2013, OSTP implemented its FOIA regulations, currently codified at 32 CFR part 2402. The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, Public Law 114–185, requires each agency to review and update its FOIA regulations in accordance with its provisions. Among other things, the FOIA Improvement Act makes changes that require agencies to (1) withhold information only when it is reasonably foreseeable that disclosure would harm an interest protected by an exemption; (2) allow a minimum of ninety (90) days to file an appeal following an adverse determination; and (3) inform requestors of their right to seek dispute resolution services. In connection with OSTP’s review of its FOIA regulations, OSTP is updating these regulations to clarify OSTP’s process for responding to requests for information, incorporate new language on partial disclosures of information, increase the period of time for a requestor to appeal an adverse determination from thirty (30) days to ninety (90) days, and require OSTP to notify requestors of their right to seek dispute resolution services. Due to the scope of the proposed revisions, the new rules will replace OSTP’s current FOIA regulations in their entirety. The new rules will reflect statutory changes to the FOIA and improve FOIA-related service and performance, thereby strengthening OSTP’s compliance with the FOIA. On October 31, 2018, OSTP issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on the proposed changes to its FOIA regulations. In response, OSTP received one public comment about the proposed rule. The commenter did not suggest any changes to the rule. OSTP, however, decided to make one minor additional change in order to clarify the calculation of fees. In the definition of ‘‘direct cost’’ in § 2402.3(c)(5), OSTP is changing the phrase, ‘‘employee or E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 214 (Wednesday, November 4, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70051-70054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24345]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0968; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00974-T; 
Amendment 39-21304; AD 2020-22-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes; Model A321-
251N, -271N, -272N, -252NX, and -271NX airplanes; Model A330-243, -343, 
and -941 airplanes; and Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of removable

[[Page 70052]]

display units (RDUs) found undocked from the hosting display docking 
stations (DDSs). This AD requires removal of the RDUs or implementation 
of an operational restriction, and a one-time inspection of the RDU 
installation onto the DDS 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 becomes effective November 19, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 19, 
2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 21, 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 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-2020-0968.

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-
0968; 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 AD, 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: 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 2020-0155, dated July 14, 2020 
(``EASA AD 2020-0155'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes; 
Model A321-251N, -271N, -272N, -252NX, and -271NX airplanes; Model 
A330-243 airplanes; Model A330-343 airplanes; Model A330-941 airplanes; 
and Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
    This AD was prompted by reports of RDUs found undocked from the 
hosting DDSs caused by incorrect RDU installation or damage to the DDS. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address undocked RDUs, which could lead 
to detachment of an RDU, possibly resulting in injury to airplane 
occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0155 describes procedures for removal of the RDUs or 
implementation of an operational restriction, and a one-time inspection 
of the RDU installation onto the DDS and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions 
include repair or replacement of the DDS, reinstallation or replacement 
of the RDU, and realignment of the RDU and DDS. 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

    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 issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated 
all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2020-0155 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 2020-0155 
is incorporated by reference in this final rule. This AD, therefore, 
requires compliance with EASA AD 2020-0155 in its entirety, through 
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this 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 2020-0155 that is 
required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0155 is available on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0968.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of these products. 
Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for 
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any

[[Page 70053]]

written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your 
comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2020-0968; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00974-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. 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 consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this AD based on those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments the FAA receives, 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 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 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.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good 
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and 
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt 
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with 
this AD:

                  Estimated Costs for Required Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost               Parts cost       Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                 $0   $85 per RDU.
 $85 per RDU.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to 
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 
AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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):

2020-22-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21304; Docket No. FAA-2020-0968; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00974-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 19, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0155, dated July 14, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0155'').
    (1) Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes.
    (2) Model A321-251N, -271N, -272N, -252NX, and -271NX airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-243 airplanes.
    (4) Model A330-343 airplanes.
    (5) Model A330-941 airplanes.
    (6) Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23, 
Communications; 44, Cabin systems.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of removable display units 
(RDUs) found undocked from the hosting display docking stations 
(DDS). The FAA is issuing this AD to address undocked RDUs, which 
could lead to detachment of an RDU, possibly resulting in injury to 
airplane occupants.

[[Page 70054]]

(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 2020-0155.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0155

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0155 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0155 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Where the EASA AD specifies ``any discrepancies,'' those 
discrepancies include damage or deformity to the DDS tab, a jammed 
butterfly latch, a RDU that does not engage easily, and a RDU that 
does not latch.
    (4) Where paragraph (3) of the EASA AD specifies a compliance 
time of ``before next flight,'' that compliance time does not apply 
to this AD.
    (5) Where AOT A44P001-20-00 and A23L001-20-00, as specified in 
EASA AD 2020-0155, specify the gap must be equal to or greater than 
4.2mm, for this AD, the gap must be greater than 4.0mm.

(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 2020-0155 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(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 2020-0155, 
dated July 14, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For information about EASA AD 2020-0155, 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 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-2020-0968.
    (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 16, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-24345 Filed 11-3-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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