Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 75838-75840 [2020-26046]
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75838
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 229 / Friday, November 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(A) If a washer on the external fitting
makes contact with a weld, perform a
spotfacing to the diameter of 17mm (+ 0.1/
¥ 0.1) with a cutter root radius of 0.5mm.
(B) If a washer on the internal fitting falls
in the radius of the bracket, perform a
spotfacing to the diameter of 17mm (+ 0.1/
¥ 0.1) with a cutter root radius of 0.5mm.
(iv) Torque each nut to 169–203 lbf.in (1.9–
2.3 daN.m), and apply sealing compound to
outer edge of the LH rear upper fitting.
(4) Completion of the requirements in
paragraph in (f)(3) of this AD constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive checks
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(g) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited for
flights over water.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Matthew Fuller,
AD Program Manager, Operational Safety
Branch, Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
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(i) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.01.06, and
EASB No. 05A047, each Revision 0 and dated
December 18, 2015, and each Revision 1 and
dated April 4, 2018, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For
service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323; fax 972–
641–3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
You may view a copy of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018–0090, dated April 20,
2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2018–0893.
(j) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Nov 25, 2020
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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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332–25.03.43, Revision
0, dated April 4, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332–
25.03.43, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2019.
(iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225–
25A207, Revision 0, dated April 4, 2018.
(iv) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225–
25A207, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2019.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 800–232–0323 or Fax: 972–641–
3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
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/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on October 27, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–25493 Filed 11–25–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0788; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–091–AD; Amendment
39–21327; AD 2020–23–11]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A300 series
airplanes; and Airbus SAS Model A300
B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series
airplanes, and Airbus SAS Model A300
C4–605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300–600
series airplanes). This AD was prompted
by reports of cracking at a certain hole
location on the left-hand (LH) side of a
certain frame (FR). This AD requires
SUMMARY:
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repetitive inspections for discrepancies
of certain areas in and around the
fuselage, as specified in two European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
ADs, which are incorporated by
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of January 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-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–
0788.
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–
0788; 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;
telephone 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
2020–0110R1, dated May 27, 2020; and
EASA AD 2020–0111R2, dated June 16,
2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0110R1’’ and
‘‘EASA AD 2020–0111R2’’) (also
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 229 / Friday, November 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
referred to as ‘‘the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,’’
or ‘‘the MCAI’’); to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model
A300 series airplanes and Airbus SAS
Model A300–600 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 all Airbus SAS Model A300
series airplanes and Airbus SAS Model
A300–600 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
September 1, 2020 (85 FR 54286). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of
cracking at hole location #10 on the LH
side of FR4. The NPRM proposed to
require repetitive inspections for
discrepancies of certain areas in and
around the fuselage, as specified in two
EASA ADs.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue cracking, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the
fuselage. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA has considered
the comment received. FedEx indicated
its support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule 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 Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0110R1 describes
procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections for discrepancies
(i.e., cracking) of the fuselage internal
structure at certain frames, windshield
frame lower section and closing panel,
fuselage skin lap joint, and center wing
bottom skin internal angle; and
applicable corrective actions (repairing
discrepancies).
EASA AD 2020–0111R2 describes
procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections for discrepancies of
the outer wing bottom skin internal joint
plate, outer wing bottom skin, fuselage
internal structure at certain frames, and
windshield frame lower section and
closing panel; and applicable corrective
actions (repairing discrepancies).
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 118 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
90 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,650 .....................................................................................
$0
$7,650
$902,700
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the agency to
provide cost estimates for the oncondition actions specified in this AD.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Nov 25, 2020
Jkt 253001
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:
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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:
■
2020–23–11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21327; Docket No. FAA–2020–0788;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–091–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective January 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C,
B2–203, B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203
airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R
and B4–622R airplanes; Model A300 F4–
605R and F4–622R airplanes; and Model
A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 229 / Friday, November 27, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage; 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking at hole location #10 on the left-hand
side of frame 4. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address fatigue cracking, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the
fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraph
(c)(1) of this AD: Except as specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (3) of this AD, comply
with all required actions and compliance
times specified in, and in accordance with,
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0110R1, dated May 27,
2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0110R1’’).
(2) For airplanes identified in paragraph
(c)(2) of this AD: Except as specified in
paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of this AD, comply
with all required actions and compliance
times specified in, and in accordance with,
EASA AD 2020–0111R2, dated June 16, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0111R2’’).
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(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0110R1
and EASA AD 2020–0111R2
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0110R1 refers to
its effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020–
0111R2 refers to June 3, 2020 (‘‘the effective
date of this [EASA] AD at original issue’’),
this AD requires using the effective date of
this AD.
(3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0110R1 and EASA AD 2020–0111R2
does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or 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 (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 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Nov 25, 2020
Jkt 253001
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): Except
as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if
any service information contains procedures
or tests that are identified as RC, those
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; telephone 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 2020–0110R1, dated May 27,
2020.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0111R2, dated June
16, 2020.
(3) For EASA AD 2020–0110R1 and EASA
AD 2020–0111R2, 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.
(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–2020–0788.
(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 November 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–26046 Filed 11–25–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 91
[Docket No.: FAA–2017–0768; Amdt. No.
91–348C]
RIN 2120–AL55
Extension of the Prohibition Against
Certain Flights in the Damascus Flight
Information Region (FIR) (OSTT)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action extends the
prohibition against certain flight
operations in the Damascus Flight
Information Region (FIR) (OSTT) by all:
U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial
operators; persons exercising the
privileges of an airman certificate issued
by the FAA, except when such persons
are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for
a foreign air carrier; and operators of
U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except
when the operator of such aircraft is a
foreign air carrier. The FAA finds this
action necessary to address significant,
continuing hazards to U.S. civil aviation
associated with the ongoing and
complex conflict in Syria. The FAA also
republishes the approval process and
exemption information for this Special
Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR),
consistent with other recently published
flight prohibition SFARs, and makes
minor administrative revisions.
DATES: This final rule is effective on
November 27, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen Moates, Air Transportation
Division, Flight Standards Service,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone 202–267–8166;
email Stephen.moates@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
I. Executive Summary
This action extends the expiration
date of the prohibition against certain
U.S. civil flight operations in the
Damascus FIR (OSTT) by all: U.S. air
carriers; U.S. commercial operators;
persons exercising the privileges of an
airman certificate issued by the FAA,
except when such persons are operating
U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air
carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered
civil aircraft, except when the operator
of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier.
Specifically, this amendment extends
the expiration date of SFAR No. 114,
§ 91.1609 of title 14, Code of Federal
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 229 (Friday, November 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75838-75840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26046]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0788; Product Identifier 2020-NM-091-AD; Amendment
39-21327; AD 2020-23-11]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-
600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Airbus SAS Model A300
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series
airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at a certain
hole location on the left-hand (LH) side of a certain frame (FR). This
AD requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies of certain areas
in and around the fuselage, as specified in two European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) ADs, which are incorporated by reference. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 4,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material 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-2020-0788.
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-
0788; 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; telephone 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 2020-0110R1, dated May 27, 2020; and
EASA AD 2020-0111R2, dated June 16, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0110R1'' and
``EASA AD 2020-0111R2'') (also
[[Page 75839]]
referred to as ``the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information,''
or ``the MCAI''); to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS
Model A300 series airplanes and Airbus SAS Model A300-600 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 all Airbus SAS Model
A300 series airplanes and Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2020 (85 FR
54286). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking at hole location
#10 on the LH side of FR4. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections for discrepancies of certain areas in and around the
fuselage, as specified in two EASA ADs.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. FedEx indicated its support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule 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 Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0110R1 describes procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections for discrepancies (i.e., cracking) of the fuselage
internal structure at certain frames, windshield frame lower section
and closing panel, fuselage skin lap joint, and center wing bottom skin
internal angle; and applicable corrective actions (repairing
discrepancies).
EASA AD 2020-0111R2 describes procedures for repetitive special
detailed inspections for discrepancies of the outer wing bottom skin
internal joint plate, outer wing bottom skin, fuselage internal
structure at certain frames, and windshield frame lower section and
closing panel; and applicable corrective actions (repairing
discrepancies).
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 118 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90 work-hours x $85 per hour = $7,650........................ $0 $7,650 $902,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency 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
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:
2020-23-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21327; Docket No. FAA-2020-0788;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-091-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and
B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes;
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
[[Page 75840]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage;
57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at hole location #10
on the left-hand side of frame 4. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD:
Except as specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (3) of this AD, comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0110R1, dated May 27, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0110R1'').
(2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD:
Except as specified in paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of this AD, comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0111R2, dated June 16, 2020 (``EASA AD
2020-0111R2'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0110R1 and EASA AD 2020-0111R2
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0110R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0111R2 refers to June 3,
2020 (``the effective date of this [EASA] AD at original issue''),
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0110R1 and EASA AD
2020-0111R2 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or 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 (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
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): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 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; telephone
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 2020-0110R1,
dated May 27, 2020.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0111R2, dated June 16, 2020.
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0110R1 and EASA AD 2020-0111R2, 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.
(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-2020-0788.
(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 November 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26046 Filed 11-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P