Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 27261-27264 [2021-10590]

Download as PDF 27261 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 96 Thursday, May 20, 2021 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0370; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00477–T; Amendment 39–21568; AD 2021–11–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the loss of a windshield in flight, and the consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck, which caused damage to flight deck items and systems and subsequent thermal shock and overheat, damage to windshield structural plies, and impaired structural integrity of the windshield. This AD requires repetitive inspections and electrical test measurements (EMTs) of affected windshields, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective June 4, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 4, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 6, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 May 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact 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 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– 0370. 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– 0370; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 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: Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0111, dated April 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021– 0111) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A320–211, –212, –214, –215, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes. Model 320–215 airplanes, which are included in the applicability of EASA AD, are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; those airplanes are therefore not included in applicability of this AD. This AD was prompted by the loss of the right windshield in flight on a Model A319 series airplane. The consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck caused damage to flight deck items and systems and led to a significant increase in flightcrew workload. Investigations into the incident identified several contributing factors, including manufacturing variability, fretting between windshield components, water ingress, and corrosion of electrical braids. The subsequent thermal shock and overheat damaged more than one of the windshield structural plies and impaired the structural integrity of the windshield. Failure of the windshield could result in injury to the flightcrew and depressurization of the airplane, which could cause loss of control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2021–0111 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of affected windshields for defects including delamination or bubbles on the windshield and signs of water ingress and corrosion damage of the windshield connector, EMTs (dielectric and insulation tests) of the windshields for potential wiring insulation damage and core degradation, and replacement of windshields that fail an inspection or EMT. EASA AD 2021– 0111 also specifies reporting inspection and test results to Airbus. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the E:\FR\FM\20MYR1.SGM 20MYR1 27262 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Requirements of This AD This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2021– 0111 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2021–0111 is incorporated by reference in this final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2021–0111 in its entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2021–0111 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2021–0111 is available at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0370. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because impaired structural integrity of the windshield could lead to failure of the windshield, possibly resulting in injury to the flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of the airplane, which would require exceptional piloting skill to maintain control the airplane. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2021–0370; Project Identifier MCAI– 2021–00477–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3223; email Sanjay.Ralhan@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,728 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS * Labor cost Cost per product Parts cost 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ........................................................ $0 Cost on U.S. operators $255 Up to $440,640. * The table does not include estimated costs for reporting. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 May 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20MYR1.SGM 20MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations The FAA estimates that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the reporting requirement in this 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 $146,880, or $85 per product. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 27263 actions 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 actions: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 .................................................................................................................... $12,990 $13,840 The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. 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 AD is 2120–0056. The paperwork cost associated with this 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 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 May 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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: ■ 2021–11–06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 21568; Docket No. FAA–2021–0370; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00477–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 4, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD. (1) All Model A318–111, A318–112, A318– 121, and A318–122 airplanes. (2) All Model A319–111, A319–112, A319– 113, A319–114, A319–115, A319–131, A319– 132, A319–133, A319–151N, A319–153N, and A319–171N airplanes. (3) All Model A320–211, A320–212, A320– 214, A320–216, A320–231, A320–232, A320– 233, A320–251N, A320–252N, A320–253N, A320–271N, A320–272N, and A320–273N airplanes. (4) All Model A321–111, A321–112, A321– 131, A321–211, A321–212, A321–213, A321– 231, A321–232, A321–251N, A321–252N, A321–253N, A321–251NX, A321–252NX, A321–253NX, A321–271N, A321–272N, A321–271NX, and A321–272NX airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by the loss of a windshield in flight, and the consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck, which caused damage to flight deck items and systems and subsequent thermal shock and overheat, damage to windshield structural plies, and impaired structural integrity of the windshield. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the windshield, which could result in injury to the flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of the airplane, and would require exceptional piloting skill to maintain control 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0111, dated April 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0111). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0111 (1) Where EASA AD 2021–0111 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2021–0111 does not apply to this AD. E:\FR\FM\20MYR1.SGM 20MYR1 27264 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (i) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact 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. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0111, dated April 22, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021–0111, contact 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 May 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0370. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@ nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on May 12, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–10590 Filed 5–17–21; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0568; Project Identifier 2019–NE–20–AD; Amendment 39– 21542; AD 2021–10–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International, S.A. (CFM) CFM56–5B and CFM56–7B model turbofan engines with a certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) inner stationary seal installed. This AD was prompted by cracks found in the rotating air HPT front seal. This AD requires removal, inspection, and replacement of the affected HPT inner stationary seal and, depending on the findings, replacement of the rotating air HPT front seal, HPT rotor blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective June 24, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 24, 2021. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact CFM International Inc., Aviation Operations Center, 1 Neumann Way, M/D Room 285, Cincinnati, OH 45125; phone: (877) SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 432–3272; fax: (877) 432–3329; email: aviation.fleetsupport@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. It is also available at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0568. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0568; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McGuire, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7120; fax: (781) 238– 7199; email: chris.mcguire@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all CFM CFM56–5B and CFM56–7B model turbofan engines with a certain HPT inner stationary seal installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 20, 2019 (84 FR 49487). The NPRM was prompted by a report that two cracks were discovered on a CFM CFM56–5B model turbofan engine rotating air HPT front seal during a routine engine shop visit. After investigation, CFM determined that the HPT inner stationary seal, part number 1808M56G01, may not have received the correct braze heat treat cycle at the time of the honeycomb replacement. As a result, the affected HPT inner stationary seal could lead to a localized separation of the replaced honeycomb, which may reduce the life of the rotating air HPT front seal. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removal, inspection, and replacement of the affected HPT inner stationary seal and, depending on the findings, replacement of the rotating air HPT front seal, HPT rotor blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. The FAA is issuing this AD E:\FR\FM\20MYR1.SGM 20MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 96 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27261-27264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10590]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 27261]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0370; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00477-T; 
Amendment 39-21568; AD 2021-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by the loss of a windshield in flight, and the consequent 
rapid depressurization of the flight deck, which caused damage to 
flight deck items and systems and subsequent thermal shock and 
overheat, damage to windshield structural plies, and impaired 
structural integrity of the windshield. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections and electrical test measurements (EMTs) of affected 
windshields, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated 
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 4, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 4, 
2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 6, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact 
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-2021-0370.

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-
0370; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above.

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:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0111, dated April 22, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0111) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and 
Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, 
-253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes. Model 320-215 airplanes, 
which are included in the applicability of EASA AD, are not 
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type 
certificate data sheet; those airplanes are therefore not included in 
applicability of this AD.
    This AD was prompted by the loss of the right windshield in flight 
on a Model A319 series airplane. The consequent rapid depressurization 
of the flight deck caused damage to flight deck items and systems and 
led to a significant increase in flightcrew workload. Investigations 
into the incident identified several contributing factors, including 
manufacturing variability, fretting between windshield components, 
water ingress, and corrosion of electrical braids. The subsequent 
thermal shock and overheat damaged more than one of the windshield 
structural plies and impaired the structural integrity of the 
windshield. Failure of the windshield could result in injury to the 
flightcrew and depressurization of the airplane, which could cause loss 
of control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0111 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections of affected windshields for defects including delamination 
or bubbles on the windshield and signs of water ingress and corrosion 
damage of the windshield connector, EMTs (dielectric and insulation 
tests) of the windshields for potential wiring insulation damage and 
core degradation, and replacement of windshields that fail an 
inspection or EMT. EASA AD 2021-0111 also specifies reporting 
inspection and test results to Airbus. This material is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the

[[Page 27262]]

FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA 
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated 
all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2021-0111 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2021-0111 
is incorporated by reference in this final rule. This AD, therefore, 
requires compliance with EASA AD 2021-0111 in its entirety, through 
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same 
as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not mean 
that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where 
the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance 
times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the 
section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in the 
EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2021-0111 that is 
required for compliance with EASA AD 2021-0111 is available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0370.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because impaired structural integrity of the windshield could lead to 
failure of the windshield, possibly resulting in injury to the 
flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of the airplane, which would 
require exceptional piloting skill to maintain control the airplane. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0370; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00477-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,728 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                     Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Cost per
                  Labor cost                      Parts cost        product          Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255............              $0            $255  Up to $440,640.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The table does not include estimated costs for reporting.


[[Page 27263]]

    The FAA estimates that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the reporting requirement in this 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 
$146,880, or $85 per product.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions 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 actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850...         $12,990          $13,840
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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 AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this 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 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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-11-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21568; Docket No. FAA-2021-0370; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00477-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 4, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
    (1) All Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, and A318-122 
airplanes.
    (2) All Model A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, 
A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, and A319-171N 
airplanes.
    (3) All Model A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, 
A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, 
A320-272N, and A320-273N airplanes.
    (4) All Model A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, 
A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-252N, A321-253N, A321-
251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-272N, A321-271NX, and 
A321-272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the loss of a windshield in flight, and 
the consequent rapid depressurization of the flight deck, which 
caused damage to flight deck items and systems and subsequent 
thermal shock and overheat, damage to windshield structural plies, 
and impaired structural integrity of the windshield. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the windshield, which could 
result in injury to the flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of 
the airplane, and would require exceptional piloting skill to 
maintain control 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0111, dated April 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0111).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0111

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0111 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0111 does not apply 
to this AD.

[[Page 27264]]

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight 
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains 
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and 
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests 
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and 
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using 
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided 
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact 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].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0111, 
dated April 22, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0111, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0370.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10590 Filed 5-17-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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