Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 13229-13232 [2021-04441]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 43 / Monday, March 8, 2021 / Proposed Rules
B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1 helicopters that
do not have a redesigned hold-down
strap. AD 2014–02–05 corresponds with
EASA AD 2009–0019, dated February 3,
2009.
Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes
only such action and does not preclude
the FAA from further rulemaking on
this issue, nor does it commit the FAA
to any course of action in the future.
Request To Revise the Applicability of
the NPRM
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) and American
Eurocopter, in consultation with
Eurocopter, requested that the
applicability of the NPRM be limited to
helicopters modified by a Geneva center
console supplemental type certificate
(STC).
The FAA acknowledges these
comments to the NPRM. However, the
FAA considers the requested change to
the NPRM moot by this withdrawal.
FAA’s Conclusions
Upon further consideration, the FAA
has determined that the NPRM does not
adequately address the identified unsafe
condition and is unnecessary due to
other rulemaking. Accordingly, the
NPRM is withdrawn.
Regulatory Findings
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, the notice of proposed
rulemaking, Docket No. FAA–2007–
27495, which was published in the
Federal Register on March 13, 2007 (72
FR 11297), is withdrawn.
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■
Issued on February 24, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–04235 Filed 3–5–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
16:28 Mar 05, 2021
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0128; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01406–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A321–211,
–231, and –232 airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report of false
drill starts found around the latch hook
mounting holes of certain door frames of
the fuselage due to erroneous
manufacturing processes. This proposed
AD would require a one-time inspection
of the area around the latch hook
mounting holes of the forward and aft
door frames to detect damage from false
drill starts, and repair if necessary, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
proposed for incorporation 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 22, 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, For EASA,
use: Contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this IBR material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
DATES:
Since this action only withdraws an
NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a
final rule. This action therefore is not
covered under Executive Order 12866,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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13229
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–2021–
0128.
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–2021–
0128; 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:
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:
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–2021–0128; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01406–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
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
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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 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
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0222, dated October 14, 2020
(EASA AD 2020–0222) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A321–
211, –231, and –232 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of false drill starts found around
the latch hook mounting holes of certain
door frames of the fuselage due to
erroneous manufacturing processes.
These false drill starts were found
around the latch hook mounting holes
on frames 16 and 66 of the left- and
right-hand sides of forward and aft
passenger doors 1 and 4.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address damage from false drill starts,
which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0222 describes
procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the area around the latch
hook mounting holes of the forward and
aft door frames to detect damage from
false drill starts, and repair of any
damage found. This material is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2020–0222 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Clarification of Compliance Times to
Certain Proposed AD Requirements
Although EASA AD 2020–0222 does
not specifically state compliance times
for the corrective actions required by
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0222,
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0222
does specify to accomplish applicable
corrective actions within the
compliance time as specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1473, dated
December 20, 2019. Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–53–1473, dated
December 20, 2019, specifies the
compliance times for these actions are
before further flight. Therefore,
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD
would require the corrective actions to
be done before further flight.
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
2020–0222 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0222
in its entirety, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2020–0222 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0222
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0128 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 21 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS *
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
14 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,190 .....................................................................................
$0
$1,190
$24,990
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting
requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based
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on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results
on U.S. operators to be $1,785, or $85
per product.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
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repairs that would be required based on
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition repairs:
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ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 42 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,570 (per door) ......................................................................................
* $0
Cost per
product
Up to $3,570.
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the parts cost estimates for the on-condition repairs 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
operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected operators.
As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this proposed AD is 2120–
0056. The paperwork cost associated
with this proposed AD has been
detailed in the Costs of Compliance
section of this document and includes
time for reviewing instructions, as well
as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all
reporting associated with this proposed
AD is mandatory. Comments concerning
the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177–1524.
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
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17:32 Mar 05, 2021
Jkt 253001
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2021–0128;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01406–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by April
22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A321–211, –231, and –232 airplanes,
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certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0222, dated October 14,
2020 (EASA AD 2020–0222).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of false
drill starts found around the latch hook
mounting holes of certain door frames of the
fuselage due to erroneous manufacturing
processes. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address damage from false drill starts, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0222.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0222
(1) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020–0222
specifies to report inspection results to
Airbus within a certain compliance time. For
this AD, report inspection results at the
applicable time specified in paragraph
(h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 90 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0222 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
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inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if
any service information contains procedures
or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement: A federal agency may not conduct
or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection
of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory as
required by this AD. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this
burden to Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation Administration,
10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177–1524.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0222, 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–2021–0128.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
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16:28 Mar 05, 2021
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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.
Issued on February 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–04441 Filed 3–5–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0127; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede airworthiness directive (AD)
2015–25–04 for Agusta S.p.A (now
Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and
A109A II helicopters. AD 2015–25–04
requires inspecting the slider assembly
pitch control (slider) for play and
replacing the slider if the play exceeds
certain limits. Since the FAA issued AD
2015–25–04, further investigation
determined the play was caused by a
manufacturing issue. This proposed AD
would retain certain requirements of AD
2015–25–04, require replacing certain
part-numbered sliders as a terminating
action for the inspections, and prohibit
installing the affected part on any
helicopter. The actions of this proposed
AD are intended to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
SUMMARY:
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p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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–2021–
0127; 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 proposed
AD, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) 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:
Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager,
Operational Safety Branch,
Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
telephone 817–222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
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–2021–0127; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00829–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
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 proposal.
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
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13229-13232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04441]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0128; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01406-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of false drill starts found around
the latch hook mounting holes of certain door frames of the fuselage
due to erroneous manufacturing processes. This proposed AD would
require a one-time inspection of the area around the latch hook
mounting holes of the forward and aft door frames to detect damage from
false drill starts, and repair if necessary, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation 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 22,
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, For EASA, use: 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-2021-
0128.
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-2021-
0128; 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: 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:
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-2021-0128; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01406-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 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
[[Page 13230]]
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 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 which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0222, dated October 14, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0222) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of false drill starts
found around the latch hook mounting holes of certain door frames of
the fuselage due to erroneous manufacturing processes. These false
drill starts were found around the latch hook mounting holes on frames
16 and 66 of the left- and right-hand sides of forward and aft
passenger doors 1 and 4.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address damage from false drill
starts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0222 describes procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the area around the latch hook mounting holes of the
forward and aft door frames to detect damage from false drill starts,
and repair of any damage found. This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2020-0222 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Clarification of Compliance Times to Certain Proposed AD Requirements
Although EASA AD 2020-0222 does not specifically state compliance
times for the corrective actions required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2020-0222, paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0222 does specify to
accomplish applicable corrective actions within the compliance time as
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1473, dated December 20,
2019. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1473, dated December 20, 2019,
specifies the compliance times for these actions are before further
flight. Therefore, paragraph (g) of this proposed AD would require the
corrective actions to be done before further flight.
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 2020-0222
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0222 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified
in EASA AD 2020-0222 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-
0222 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0128 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 21 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,190........................ $0 $1,190 $24,990
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S.
operators to be $1,785, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition repairs that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition repairs:
[[Page 13231]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 42 work-hours x $85 per * $0 Up to $3,570.
hour = $3,570 (per door).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the parts
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs 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 operators. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2021-0128; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-
01406-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-211, -231, and -232
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0222, dated October 14,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0222).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of false drill starts found
around the latch hook mounting holes of certain door frames of the
fuselage due to erroneous manufacturing processes. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address damage from false drill starts, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0222.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0222
(1) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0222 specifies to report
inspection results to Airbus within a certain compliance time. For
this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified
in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0222 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: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal
[[Page 13232]]
inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond
to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of information are mandatory as
required by this AD. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0222, 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-
2021-0128.
(2) 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].
Issued on February 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04441 Filed 3-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
