Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 79415-79418 [2020-27004]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective
date of this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–57A2363 RB, dated December
23, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing
the repair before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
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(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email:
eric.lin@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–57A2363 RB, dated December 23, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
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St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(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 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–27006 Filed 12–9–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1105; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01459–T; Amendment
39–21345; AD 2020–25–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020–01–
17, which applied to all Airbus SAS
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes. AD 2020–01–17
required repetitive checks of the
pressure gauges on the inflation
reservoir of each emergency escape
slide/raft to determine the amount of
pressure and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective
actions. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2020–01–17,
expands the list of affected parts to be
checked, and provides optional
terminating action for the repetitive
checks; as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is incorporated by reference.
This AD was prompted by the
determination that certain parts that
were not identified in AD 2020–01–17
are also subject to the unsafe condition.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
SUMMARY:
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79415
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of February 14, 2020 (85 FR
5310, January 30, 2020).
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by January 25, 2021.
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; 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–
1105.
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–
1105; 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:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223; email
Sanjay.Ralhan@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2020–01–17,
Amendment 39–19823 (85 FR 5310,
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January 30, 2020) (AD 2020–01–17),
which applied to all Airbus SAS Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes. AD 2020–01–17 required
repetitive checks of the pressure gauges
on the inflation reservoir of each
emergency escape slide/raft to
determine the amount of pressure and,
depending on findings, accomplishment
of applicable corrective actions. The
FAA issued AD 2020–01–17 to address
insufficient reservoir pressure in an
emergency escape slide/raft, which
would prevent the deployment of the
emergency escape slide/raft during an
emergency, possibly resulting in injury
to the occupants.
Actions Since AD 2020–01–17 Was
Issued
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0236, dated October 27, 2020
(EASA AD 2020–0236) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N,
–153N, and –171N airplanes; Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –215, –216,
–231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N,
–253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N
airplanes; and Model A321 series
airplanes. Model A319–153N and
A320–215 airplanes are not certified by
the FAA and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
This AD was prompted by a report
that during airplane boarding a loud
bang was heard. A subsequent
inspection revealed that one emergency
escape slide/raft was found with zero
reservoir pressure, due to a burst
rupture disk assembly in the inflation
reservoir, which was probably caused
by a manufacturing defect. This AD was
also prompted by the determination that
additional parts are subject to the unsafe
condition, and by the availability of an
optional terminating action for the
repetitive checks. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address insufficient reservoir
pressure in an emergency escape slide/
raft, which would prevent the
deployment of the emergency escape
slide/raft during an emergency, possibly
resulting in injury to the occupants. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0236 describes
procedures for repetitive checks of the
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pressure gauge on the inflation reservoir
of each emergency escape slide/slide
raft to determine the amount of
pressure, and applicable corrective
actions. The corrective actions include,
among other things, replacement of any
affected emergency escape slide/raft or
inflation reservoir. EASA AD 2020–0236
also describes procedures for a
modification or replacement of affected
parts, which would eliminate the need
for the repetitive pressure checks.
This AD also requires EASA AD
2019–0316, dated December 23, 2019,
which the Director of the Federal
Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of February 14, 2020 (85 FR
5310, January 30, 2020).
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 has 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 retains the requirements of
AD 2020–01–17, and requires
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2020–0236 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Accomplishment of the initial pressure
check specified in EASA AD 2020–0236
terminates the requirements of AD
2020–01–17.
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
2020–0236 is incorporated by reference
in this AD. This AD, therefore, requires
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compliance with EASA AD 2020–0236
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 2020–0236 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0236
is available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1105.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because if a rupture disk assembly
in the inflation reservoir of an
emergency escape slide/slide raft burst,
it would result in a sudden loss of
reservoir pressure and prevent the
deployment of the emergency escape
slide/raft during an emergency, possibly
resulting in injury to the occupants. In
addition, the compliance time for the
required action is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and
for publication of the final rule.
Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable. In
addition, for the reasons stated above,
the FAA finds that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your
comments to an address under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1105; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01459–T’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the final rule, 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 final rule
because of those comments.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
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 Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3223; email Sanjay.Ralhan@
faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA
79417
receives that 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
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1,680 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .........................................
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the 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.
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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.
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Jkt 253001
Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$85
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
■ a. Removing airworthiness directive
(AD) 2020–01–17, Amendment 39–
19823 (85 FR 5310, January 30, 2020),
and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
2020–25–03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21345; Docket No. FAA–2020–1105;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01459–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective December 28, 2020.
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
$142,800 per check.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020–01–17,
Amendment 39–19823 (85 FR 5310, January
30, 2020) (AD 2020–01–17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes, certificated in any category,
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of
this AD.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, and –171N
airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N,
–271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –252N,
–253N, –271N, –272N, –251NX, –252NX,
–253NX, –271NX, and –272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.
(e) Reason
[Amended]
■
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Sfmt 4700
This AD was prompted by a report that
during airplane boarding a loud bang was
heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that
one emergency escape slide/raft was found
with zero reservoir pressure, due to a burst
rupture disk assembly in the inflation
reservoir, which was probably caused by a
manufacturing defect. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address insufficient reservoir
pressure in an emergency escape slide/raft,
which would prevent the deployment of the
emergency escape slide/raft during an
emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the
occupants.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Retained Requirements, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2020–01–17, with no
changes. 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 2019–0316, dated
December 23, 2019 (EASA AD 2019–0316).
(h) Retained Exceptions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (h) of AD 2020–01–17, with no
changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0316 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using
February 14, 2020 (the effective date of FAA
AD 2020–01–17).
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0316 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019–0316 specifies
to comply with ‘‘the instructions of the
AOT,’’ this AD requires compliance with the
procedures marked as required for
compliance (RC) in the Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT).
(i) New Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0236,
dated October 27, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–
0236). Accomplishment of the initial check,
as specified in EASA AD 2020–0236 and
required by this paragraph, terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
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(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0236
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0236 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0236 does not apply to this AD.
(k) 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 (l) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2020–01–17 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding actions in EASA AD 2020–
0236 that are required by paragraph (i) of this
AD.
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(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 (k)(2) of this AD, for
any service information referenced in EASA
AD 2020–0236 that contains RC procedures
and tests, those 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.
(7) 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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3223; email Sanjay.Ralhan@
faa.gov.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
(m) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 28, 2020.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0236, dated October 27,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on February 14, 2020 (85
FR 5310, January 30, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0316, dated December 23,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA ADs, 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 these
EASA ADs on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(6) 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–2020–1105.
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Issued on November 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–27004 Filed 12–9–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0984; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–161–AD; Amendment
39–21290; AD 2020–21–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–16–
05, which applied to certain The Boeing
Company Model 757 airplanes. AD
2018–16–05 required repetitive
inspections for skin cracking and shim
migration at the upper link drag fittings,
diagonal brace cracking, and fastener
looseness; and applicable on-condition
actions. This AD retains the actions
required by AD 2018–16–05, reduces
the compliance times for certain
inspections, and adds repetitive
inspections at certain fastener hole
locations and applicable on-condition
actions. This AD was prompted by
reports of bolt rotation in the engine
drag fitting joint and fastener heads; an
inspection of the fastener holes revealed
that cracks were found in the skin. This
AD was also prompted by a report of
multiple cracks in the drag fitting at
fastener holes found during an
inspection required by AD 2018–16–05.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 14,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 14, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10DER1.SGM
10DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 238 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79415-79418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27004]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1105; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01459-T;
Amendment 39-21345; AD 2020-25-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-01-
17, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes. AD 2020-01-17 required repetitive checks of the
pressure gauges on the inflation reservoir of each emergency escape
slide/raft to determine the amount of pressure and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. This AD
retains the requirements of AD 2020-01-17, expands the list of affected
parts to be checked, and provides optional terminating action for the
repetitive checks; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was
prompted by the determination that certain parts that were not
identified in AD 2020-01-17 are also subject to the unsafe condition.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 28,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
February 14, 2020 (85 FR 5310, January 30, 2020).
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 25, 2021.
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; 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-2020-1105.
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-
1105; 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: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2020-01-17, Amendment 39-19823 (85 FR 5310,
[[Page 79416]]
January 30, 2020) (AD 2020-01-17), which applied to all Airbus SAS
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-01-17
required repetitive checks of the pressure gauges on the inflation
reservoir of each emergency escape slide/raft to determine the amount
of pressure and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective actions. The FAA issued AD 2020-01-17 to address
insufficient reservoir pressure in an emergency escape slide/raft,
which would prevent the deployment of the emergency escape slide/raft
during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants.
Actions Since AD 2020-01-17 Was Issued
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0236, dated October 27, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0236) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes;
Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N,
-253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321 series
airplanes. Model A319-153N and A320-215 airplanes are not certified by
the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet;
this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the
applicability.
This AD was prompted by a report that during airplane boarding a
loud bang was heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that one
emergency escape slide/raft was found with zero reservoir pressure, due
to a burst rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir, which was
probably caused by a manufacturing defect. This AD was also prompted by
the determination that additional parts are subject to the unsafe
condition, and by the availability of an optional terminating action
for the repetitive checks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
insufficient reservoir pressure in an emergency escape slide/raft,
which would prevent the deployment of the emergency escape slide/raft
during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0236 describes procedures for repetitive checks of the
pressure gauge on the inflation reservoir of each emergency escape
slide/slide raft to determine the amount of pressure, and applicable
corrective actions. The corrective actions include, among other things,
replacement of any affected emergency escape slide/raft or inflation
reservoir. EASA AD 2020-0236 also describes procedures for a
modification or replacement of affected parts, which would eliminate
the need for the repetitive pressure checks.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2019-0316, dated December 23, 2019,
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation
by reference as of February 14, 2020 (85 FR 5310, January 30, 2020).
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 has
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 retains the requirements of AD 2020-01-17, and requires
accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2020-0236 described
previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Accomplishment of the initial pressure check specified in EASA AD 2020-
0236 terminates the requirements of AD 2020-01-17.
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 2020-0236
is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD, therefore, requires
compliance with EASA AD 2020-0236 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 2020-0236 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020-0236 is available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-1105.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because if a rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir of an
emergency escape slide/slide raft burst, it would result in a sudden
loss of reservoir pressure and prevent the deployment of the emergency
escape slide/raft during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to
the occupants. In addition, the compliance time for the required action
is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for
publication of the final rule. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In
addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good cause
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1105; Project
Identifier MCAI-2020-01459-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
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 final rule because of those comments.
[[Page 79417]]
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
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 Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,680 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85........... $0 $85 $142,800 per check.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the 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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2020-01-17, Amendment 39-19823
(85 FR 5310, January 30, 2020), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2020-25-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21345; Docket No. FAA-2020-1105;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01459-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 28,
2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-01-17, Amendment 39-19823 (85 FR 5310,
January 30, 2020) (AD 2020-01-17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, and -171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX,
and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that during airplane boarding a
loud bang was heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that one
emergency escape slide/raft was found with zero reservoir pressure,
due to a burst rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir,
which was probably caused by a manufacturing defect. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address insufficient reservoir pressure in an
emergency escape slide/raft, which would prevent the deployment of
the emergency escape slide/raft during an emergency, possibly
resulting in injury to the occupants.
[[Page 79418]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Requirements, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2020-01-17, with no changes. 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 2019-0316, dated December 23, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-
0316).
(h) Retained Exceptions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2020-01-17, with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0316 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using February 14, 2020 (the effective date of FAA AD
2020-01-17).
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0316 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0316 specifies to comply with ``the
instructions of the AOT,'' this AD requires compliance with the
procedures marked as required for compliance (RC) in the Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT).
(i) New Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0236, dated October 27, 2020 (EASA AD
2020-0236). Accomplishment of the initial check, as specified in
EASA AD 2020-0236 and required by this paragraph, terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0236
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0236 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0236 does not apply
to this AD.
(k) 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 (l) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-01-17 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding actions in EASA AD 2020-0236 that are
required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, for any service information referenced
in EASA AD 2020-0236 that contains RC procedures and tests, those 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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected].
(m) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 28, 2020.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0236,
dated October 27, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 14, 2020 (85 FR 5310, January 30, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0316,
dated December 23, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA ADs, 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 these
EASA ADs on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(6) 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-2020-1105.
(7) 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 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-27004 Filed 12-9-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
