Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 10493-10496 [2021-01609]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 33 / Monday, February 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(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 2020–0227.
[FR Doc. 2021–01850 Filed 2–19–21; 8:45 am]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0227
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0227 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0227 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)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or ATR–GIE Avions de Transport
Re´gional’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0227, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1184.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3220; email:
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
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Jkt 253001
Issued on January 23, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1178; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01325–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020–09–14, which applies to certain
Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. AD 2020–09–14 requires
revising the existing airplane flight
manual (AFM) to define a liquidprohibited zone on the flight deck and
provide procedures following liquid
spillage on the center pedestal. AD
2020–09–14 also requires installing a
removable integrated control panel (ICP)
cover on the flight deck and further
revising the AFM to include
instructions for ICP cover use. Since the
FAA issued AD 2020–09–14, a new,
water-resistant ICP has been developed.
This proposed AD would require
installing a new, water-resistant ICP,
which would allow removing the ICP
protective cover and the AFM revisions,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which will be incorporated by reference.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 8, 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.
DATES:
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10493
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email 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–
1178.
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–
1178; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1178; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01325–T’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
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
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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 proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3218. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2020–09–14,
Amendment 39–19910 (85 FR 30601,
May 20, 2020) (AD 2020–09–14), which
applies to certain Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. AD
2020–09–14 requires revising the
existing AFM to define a liquidprohibited zone on the flight deck and
provide procedures following liquid
spillage on the center pedestal. AD
2020–09–14 also requires installing a
removable ICP cover on the flight deck
and further revising the AFM to include
instructions for ICP cover use. AD 2020–
09–14 superseded AD 2020–03–12,
Amendment 39–19837 (85 FR 7863,
February 12, 2020), which applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. Both ADs required revising
the existing AFM to define a liquidprohibited zone on the flight deck and
provide procedures following liquid
spillage on the center pedestal.
The FAA issued AD 2020–09–14 to
address the potential for dual-engine inflight shutdown (IFSD), possibly
resulting in a forced landing with
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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consequent damage to the airplane and
injury to occupants.
Actions Since AD 2020–09–14 Was
Issued
The preamble to AD 2020–09–14
explains that the FAA considers the
requirements ‘‘interim action’’ and was
considering further rulemaking. The
FAA has now determined that further
rulemaking is indeed necessary, and
this proposed AD follows from that
determination. Since the FAA issued
AD 2020–09–14, a new, water-resistant
ICP has been developed by the
manufacturer to address the identified
unsafe condition.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0203, dated September 23, 2020
(EASA AD 2020–0203) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941
and –1041 airplanes. EASA AD 2020–
0203 superseded EASA AD 2020–0090
(which corresponds to FAA AD 2020–
09–14).
This proposed AD was prompted by
the development of a new, waterresistant ICP to prevent damage from
inadvertent liquid spillage on the center
pedestal. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the potential for dual-engine
IFSD, possibly resulting in a forced
landing with consequent damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not
explicitly restate the requirements of AD
2020–09–14, this proposed AD would
retain all requirements of AD 2020–09–
14 and revise the applicability. Those
requirements are referenced in EASA
AD 2020–0203, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this
proposed AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0203 describes
procedures for revising the AFM to
define a liquid-prohibited zone on the
flight deck and provide procedures
following liquid spillage on the center
pedestal, installing an ICP cover on the
flight deck, and further revising the
AFM to include instructions for ICP
cover use. EASA AD 2020–0203 also
describes procedures for installing a
new, water-resistant ICP; removing the
ICP protective cover; and removing the
AFM revisions. This material is
reasonably available because the
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interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2020–0203 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. The FAA also
proposes to revise the applicability to
exclude only airplanes on which Mod
116038 was installed in production.
Additionally, for airplanes modified per
Mod 116010, which introduced the
removable protective ICP cover, certain
AFM requirements specified in EASA
AD 2020–0203 would not be required by
this proposed 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
2020–0203 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0203
in its entirety, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
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will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1178 after the FAA final
rule is published.
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2020–0203 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0203
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 15 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS(*)
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
Labor cost
Retained AFM revision from AD 2020–09–
14.
Retained installation from AD 2020–09–14
New proposed actions .................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..............
$0
$85 ...................
$1,105.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..........
Up to 42 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up
to $3,570.
(*)
(*)
$170 .................
Up to $3,570 ....
$2,210.
Up to $53,550.
* The FAA has received no definitive data regarding cost estimates for these parts.
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the on-condition actions specified in
this proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known costs in the cost
estimate.
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
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
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
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For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
2020–09–14, Amendment 39–19910 (85
FR 30601, May 20, 2020); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2020–1178;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01325–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments for this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by April
8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020–09–14,
Amendment 39–19910 (85 FR 30601, May 20,
2020) (AD 2020–09–14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated
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in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020–0203, dated September 23, 2020 (EASA
AD 2020–0203).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 31, Instruments.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by two reports of
abnormal operation of the components of the
ENG START panel or Electronic Centralized
Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) Control Panel
(ECP) due to liquid spillage in the system,
and the subsequent uncommanded engine inflight shutdown (IFSD) of one engine in each
case. This AD was also prompted by the
development of a new, water-resistant
integrated control panel (ICP) that will
address this unsafe condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the potential for
dual-engine IFSD, possibly resulting in a
forced landing with consequent damage to
the airplane and injury to occupants.
(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 2020–0203.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0203 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020–0203 refers to
the effective date of EASA AD 2020–0020E,
this AD requires using February 14, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020–03–12).
(3) Where EASA AD 2020–0203 refers to
the effective date of EASA AD 2020–0090,
this AD requires using June 4, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020–09–14).
(4) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2020–
0203 specifies removing the AFM [airplane
flight manual] changes ‘‘as required by
paragraph (2) or (4) of [the MCAI], as
applicable,’’ this AD requires removing the
AFM changes required by paragraph (1), (2),
(4), or (5), as applicable, from the AFM.
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(5) For airplanes with Mod 116010: This
AD does not require the actions specified in
paragraph (1), (3), and (4) of EASA AD 2020–
0203, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(6) ‘‘Note 1’’ of EASA AD 2020–0203 does
not apply to this AD. However, after the
actions required by EASA AD 2020–0203,
paragraphs (3) to (5), as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, have been
accomplished on an airplane, that airplane
may be operated with a damaged or missing
ICP removable cover, provided provisions
that address the ICP removable cover are
included in the operator’s approved
minimum equipment list (MEL). After the
actions required by EASA AD 2020–0203,
paragraph (6), as required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, have been accomplished on an
airplane, that airplane may be operated
without an ICP removable cover, provided
provisions that address the ICP removable
cover are removed from the operator’s
approved MEL.
(7) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0203 does not apply to this AD.
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the airplane to a location where
the actions specified in this AD can be
accomplished (if the operator elects to do so),
provided a removable ICP cover is installed
on the flight deck.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus’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
2020–0203 that contains RC procedures and
tests: 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
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with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0203, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1178.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218.
Issued on January 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–01609 Filed 2–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1179; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00818–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
General Electric Company (GE) CF6–
80A, CF6–80A1, CF6–80A2, CF6–80A3,
CF6–80C2A1, CF6–80C2A2, CF6–
80C2A3, CF6–80C2A5, CF6–80C2A5F,
CF6–80C2A8, CF6–80C2B1, CF6–
80C2B1F, CF6–80C2B1F1, CF6–
80C2B1F2, CF6–80C2B2, CF6–80C2B2F,
CF6–80C2B3F, CF6–80C2B4, CF6–
80C2B4F, CF6–80C2B5F, CF6–80C2B6,
CF6–80C2B6F, CF6–80C2B6FA, CF6–
80C2B7F, CF6–80C2B8F, CF6–
SUMMARY:
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80C2D1F, CF6–80C2K1F and CF6–
80C2L1F model turbofan engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by an
inspection by the manufacturer that
revealed cracking of the high-pressure
turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disk. This
proposed AD would require visual
inspection and fluorescent penetrant
inspection (FPI) of the HPT thermal
shield and, if cracking is detected,
removal from service of the HPT
thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1 disk
and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 8, 2021.
DATES:
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 service information identified in
this NPRM, contact General Electric
Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
OH 45215; phone: (513) 552–3272;
email: aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com;
website: www.ge.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238–
7759.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1179; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kevin M. Clark, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7088; fax: (781) 238–
7199; email: Kevin.M.Clark@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\22FEP1.SGM
22FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10493-10496]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01609]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1178; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01325-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020-09-14, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -
1041 airplanes. AD 2020-09-14 requires revising the existing airplane
flight manual (AFM) to define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight
deck and provide procedures following liquid spillage on the center
pedestal. AD 2020-09-14 also requires installing a removable integrated
control panel (ICP) cover on the flight deck and further revising the
AFM to include instructions for ICP cover use. Since the FAA issued AD
2020-09-14, a new, water-resistant ICP has been developed. This
proposed AD would require installing a new, water-resistant ICP, which
would allow removing the ICP protective cover and the AFM revisions, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
will be incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8,
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 that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1178.
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-
1178; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1178; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01325-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
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
[[Page 10494]]
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
proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910 (85 FR 30601, May
20, 2020) (AD 2020-09-14), which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-09-14 requires revising the
existing AFM to define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and
provide procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal. AD
2020-09-14 also requires installing a removable ICP cover on the flight
deck and further revising the AFM to include instructions for ICP cover
use. AD 2020-09-14 superseded AD 2020-03-12, Amendment 39-19837 (85 FR
7863, February 12, 2020), which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-
941 and -1041 airplanes. Both ADs required revising the existing AFM to
define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and provide
procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal.
The FAA issued AD 2020-09-14 to address the potential for dual-
engine in-flight shutdown (IFSD), possibly resulting in a forced
landing with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
Actions Since AD 2020-09-14 Was Issued
The preamble to AD 2020-09-14 explains that the FAA considers the
requirements ``interim action'' and was considering further rulemaking.
The FAA has now determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary,
and this proposed AD follows from that determination. Since the FAA
issued AD 2020-09-14, a new, water-resistant ICP has been developed by
the manufacturer to address the identified unsafe condition.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0203, dated September 23, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0203) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. EASA AD
2020-0203 superseded EASA AD 2020-0090 (which corresponds to FAA AD
2020-09-14).
This proposed AD was prompted by the development of a new, water-
resistant ICP to prevent damage from inadvertent liquid spillage on the
center pedestal. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the potential
for dual-engine IFSD, possibly resulting in a forced landing with
consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2020-09-14, this proposed AD would retain all
requirements of AD 2020-09-14 and revise the applicability. Those
requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2020-0203, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0203 describes procedures for revising the AFM to
define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and provide
procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal, installing
an ICP cover on the flight deck, and further revising the AFM to
include instructions for ICP cover use. EASA AD 2020-0203 also
describes procedures for installing a new, water-resistant ICP;
removing the ICP protective cover; and removing the AFM revisions. This
material is reasonably available because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2020-0203 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. The FAA also proposes to revise the
applicability to exclude only airplanes on which Mod 116038 was
installed in production. Additionally, for airplanes modified per Mod
116010, which introduced the removable protective ICP cover, certain
AFM requirements specified in EASA AD 2020-0203 would not be required
by this proposed 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 2020-0203
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0203 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is
[[Page 10495]]
not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD
2020-0203 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0203 will
be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1178 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 15 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions(*)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained AFM revision from AD 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................... $1,105.
2020-09-14. per hour = $85.
Retained installation from AD 2 work-hours x (*) $170.................. $2,210.
2020-09-14. $85 per hour =
$170.
New proposed actions.......... Up to 42 work- (*) Up to $3,570.......... Up to $53,550.
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$3,570.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data regarding cost estimates for these parts.
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included
all known costs in the cost estimate.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910 (85
FR 30601, May 20, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2020-1178; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-
01325-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments for this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-09-14, Amendment 39-19910 (85 FR 30601,
May 20, 2020) (AD 2020-09-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0203, dated September
23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0203).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by two reports of abnormal operation of the
components of the ENG START panel or Electronic Centralized Aircraft
Monitoring (ECAM) Control Panel (ECP) due to liquid spillage in the
system, and the subsequent uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown
(IFSD) of one engine in each case. This AD was also prompted by the
development of a new, water-resistant integrated control panel (ICP)
that will address this unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the potential for dual-engine IFSD, possibly resulting in
a forced landing with consequent damage to the airplane and injury
to occupants.
(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 2020-0203.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to the effective date of EASA
AD 2020-0020E, this AD requires using February 14, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020-03-12).
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0203 refers to the effective date of EASA
AD 2020-0090, this AD requires using June 4, 2020 (the effective
date of AD 2020-09-14).
(4) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2020-0203 specifies removing
the AFM [airplane flight manual] changes ``as required by paragraph
(2) or (4) of [the MCAI], as applicable,'' this AD requires removing
the AFM changes required by paragraph (1), (2), (4), or (5), as
applicable, from the AFM.
[[Page 10496]]
(5) For airplanes with Mod 116010: This AD does not require the
actions specified in paragraph (1), (3), and (4) of EASA AD 2020-
0203, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(6) ``Note 1'' of EASA AD 2020-0203 does not apply to this AD.
However, after the actions required by EASA AD 2020-0203, paragraphs
(3) to (5), as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, have been
accomplished on an airplane, that airplane may be operated with a
damaged or missing ICP removable cover, provided provisions that
address the ICP removable cover are included in the operator's
approved minimum equipment list (MEL). After the actions required by
EASA AD 2020-0203, paragraph (6), as required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, have been accomplished on an airplane, that airplane may be
operated without an ICP removable cover, provided provisions that
address the ICP removable cover are removed from the operator's
approved MEL.
(7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0203 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
actions specified in this AD can be accomplished (if the operator
elects to do so), provided a removable ICP cover is installed on the
flight deck.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus'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 2020-0203 that contains RC procedures and
tests: RC procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD;
any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as
RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with
the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0203, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1178.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
Issued on January 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-01609 Filed 2-19-21; 8:45 am]
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