Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 35413-35416 [2021-14269]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 126 / Tuesday, July 6, 2021 / Proposed Rules
inertia reel, which could prevent the seatbelt
from locking and result in injury to the
occupant during an emergency landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service, after
the effective date of this AD:
(i) Remove each comfort clip from service.
(ii) Inspect each shoulder harness seat belt
for a rip and abrasion. If there is a rip or any
abrasion, before further flight, remove the
shoulder harness seat belt from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install any comfort clip on any
helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Steven Warwick, Aerospace
Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth
ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5225;
email Steven.R.Warwick@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4; telephone 1–450–437–2862
or 1–800–363–8023; fax 1–450–433–0272;
email productsupport@bellflight.com; or at
https://www.bellflight.com/support/contactsupport. You may view this referenced
service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–
5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed
Transport Canada AD CF–2018–16, dated
June 14, 2018. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0539.
16:39 Jul 02, 2021
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[FR Doc. 2021–14257 Filed 7–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0545; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00071–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
(1) The Manager, 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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Issued on June 28, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of a broken
forward guide arm found during a
passenger door emergency opening test.
Investigation results indicated that the
opening speed of the door was higher
than expected, likely caused by a
reduced damping due to oil leakage of
the passenger door damper emergency
opening actuator (DEOA). This
proposed AD would require repetitively
replacing certain forward and aft guide
arms on the passenger door, inspecting
the forward and aft guide arm support
brackets for damage, modifying certain
DEOAs, and repair if necessary. This
proposed AD would also provide an
optional terminating action for the
repetitive replacements, 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 August 20,
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.
SUMMARY:
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• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0545.
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–
0545; 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@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–2021–0545; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00071–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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 126 / Tuesday, July 6, 2021 / Proposed Rules
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0085,
dated March 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0085) (also referred to as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. EASA
AD 2021–0085 supersedes EASA AD
2021–0018 dated 15 January 2021,
retains all requirements and adds
terminating action for the repetitive
replacements.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of a broken forward guide arm
found during a passenger door
emergency opening test. Investigation
results indicated that the opening speed
of the door was higher than expected,
likely caused by a reduced damping due
to oil leakage of the passenger door
DEOA. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address failure of a passenger door to
perform its intended function during an
emergency opening, which could result
in reduced evacuation capacity from the
airplane and injury to occupants. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0085 describes
procedures for repetitively replacing the
forward and aft guide arms following
any passenger door emergency opening,
modifying the airplane so that there is
a maximum of one affected DEOA per
door pair (left- and right-hand sides),
inspecting the forward and aft guide
arm support brackets for damage, and
repair. EASA AD 2021–0085 also
describes procedures for replacement of
each affected DEOA having part number
FE396001001, which is terminating
action for the repetitive replacements.
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 2021–0085 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
2021–0085 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0085
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
2021–0085 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0085
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0545 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 15 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Up to 93 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $7,905 ...........
Modification ...........................................................................
Up to $13,600 .......................
$0 ..........................................
Up to $21,505 .......................
Up to $935 ............................
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Jul 02, 2021
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for the on-condition repairs specified in
this proposed AD.
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Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $322,575.
Up to $14,025.
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 126 / Tuesday, July 6, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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.
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.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
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:
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Jul 02, 2021
Jkt 253001
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–2021–0545;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00071–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by August 20,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a
broken forward guide arm found during a
passenger door emergency opening test.
Investigation results indicated that the
opening speed of the door was higher than
expected, likely caused by a reduced
damping due to oil leakage of the passenger
door damper emergency opening actuator
(DEOA). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address failure of a passenger door to perform
its intended function during an emergency
opening, which could result in reduced
evacuation capacity from the airplane and
injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) EASA AD 2021–0085,
dated March 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0085).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0085
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0085 refers to
January 29, 2021 (the effective date of EASA
AD 2021–0018), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0085 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0085 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2021–0085 refer to ‘‘the limits as defined
in the inspection SB [service bulletin],’’ for
this AD use ‘‘the limits as defined in ASR
[aircraft structural repair] A350–A–51–73–
11–01ZZZ–667Z–A.’’
(5) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021–0085 specify to ‘‘replace the
forward and aft guide arms on that door in
accordance with the instructions of the
inspection SB,’’ this AD requires ‘‘removing
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35415
the forward and aft guide arms on that door,
in accordance with the instructions of the
inspections SB; doing a detailed inspection
of the forward and aft guide arm support
bracket on that door and all applicable
corrective actions as specified in paragraphs
(3) through (5) of EASA AD 2021–0085; and
installing new forward and aft guide arms on
that door, in accordance with the instructions
of the inspections SB.’’
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0085 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus 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 (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2021–
0085, 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 EASA AD on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 126 / Tuesday, July 6, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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–2021–0545.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
Issued on June 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–14269 Filed 7–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0546; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00387–P]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hoffmann
GmbH & Co. KG Propellers
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020–25–05, which applies to all
Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann)
model HO–V 72 propellers. AD 2020–
25–05 requires amending the existing
aircraft flight manual (AFM) with
abnormal propeller vibration
instructions. AD 2020–25–05 also
requires visual inspection and nondestructive test (NDT) inspection of the
propeller hub and, depending on the
results of the inspections, replacement
of the propeller hub with a part eligible
for installation. AD 2020–25–05 also
requires replacement of the propeller
hub before exceeding 30 years since the
date of manufacture. Since the FAA
issued AD 2020–25–05, analyses of the
inspection results showed that the 30year life limit of the propeller hub is no
longer needed. This proposed AD would
retain certain requirements of AD 2020–
25–05 and remove the 30-year life limit
of the propeller hub. 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 August 20,
2021.
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:39 Jul 02, 2021
Jkt 253001
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Hoffmann GmbH &
Co. KG, Ku¨pferlingstrasse 9, 83022,
Rosenheim, Germany; phone: +49 0
8031 1878 0; email: info@hoffmannprop.com; website: https://hoffmannprop.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (781) 238–7759.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0546; 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, the mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: (781) 238–7761; fax: (781)
238–7199; email: michael.schwetz@
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–2021–0546; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00387–P’’ 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.
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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 we receive about this proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Michael Schwetz,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. 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 FAA issued AD 2020–25–05,
Amendment 39–21347 (85 FR 78702,
December 7, 2020), (AD 2020–25–05),
for all Hoffmann model HO–V 72
propellers. AD 2020–25–05 was
prompted by reports of cracks at
different positions on two affected
propeller hubs. AD 2020–25–05 requires
amending the existing AFM with
abnormal propeller vibration
instructions. AD 2020–25–05 also
requires visual inspection and NDT
inspection of the propeller hub and,
depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the
propeller hub with a part eligible for
installation. AD 2020–25–05 also
requires replacement of the propeller
hub before exceeding 30 years since the
date of manufacture or within 30 days
after the effective date of AD 2020–25–
05, whichever occurs later. The agency
issued AD 2020–25–05 to prevent
failure of the propeller hub.
E:\FR\FM\06JYP1.SGM
06JYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 6, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35413-35416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14269]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0545; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00071-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of a broken forward guide arm found during a
passenger door emergency opening test. Investigation results indicated
that the opening speed of the door was higher than expected, likely
caused by a reduced damping due to oil leakage of the passenger door
damper emergency opening actuator (DEOA). This proposed AD would
require repetitively replacing certain forward and aft guide arms on
the passenger door, inspecting the forward and aft guide arm support
brackets for damage, modifying certain DEOAs, and repair if necessary.
This proposed AD would also provide an optional terminating action for
the repetitive replacements, 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 August 20,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact 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-2021-0545.
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-
0545; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; 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-2021-0545; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00071-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
[[Page 35414]]
personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this
proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0085, dated March 19, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0085) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. EASA AD 2021-
0085 supersedes EASA AD 2021-0018 dated 15 January 2021, retains all
requirements and adds terminating action for the repetitive
replacements.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a broken forward guide
arm found during a passenger door emergency opening test. Investigation
results indicated that the opening speed of the door was higher than
expected, likely caused by a reduced damping due to oil leakage of the
passenger door DEOA. The FAA is proposing this AD to address failure of
a passenger door to perform its intended function during an emergency
opening, which could result in reduced evacuation capacity from the
airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0085 describes procedures for repetitively replacing
the forward and aft guide arms following any passenger door emergency
opening, modifying the airplane so that there is a maximum of one
affected DEOA per door pair (left- and right-hand sides), inspecting
the forward and aft guide arm support brackets for damage, and repair.
EASA AD 2021-0085 also describes procedures for replacement of each
affected DEOA having part number FE396001001, which is terminating
action for the repetitive replacements.
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 2021-0085 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 2021-0085
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0085 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 2021-0085 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2021-
0085 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0545 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 15 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 93 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $13,600......... Up to $21,505........ Up to $322,575.
= Up to $7,905.
Modification....................... $0.................... Up to $935........... Up to $14,025.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the 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
[[Page 35415]]
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.
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-2021-0545; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
00071-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 20, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a broken forward guide arm
found during a passenger door emergency opening test. Investigation
results indicated that the opening speed of the door was higher than
expected, likely caused by a reduced damping due to oil leakage of
the passenger door damper emergency opening actuator (DEOA). The FAA
is issuing this AD to address failure of a passenger door to perform
its intended function during an emergency opening, which could
result in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and injury
to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) EASA
AD 2021-0085, dated March 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0085).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0085
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0085 refers to January 29, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0018), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0085 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0085 does not apply
to this AD.
(4) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0085 refer to
``the limits as defined in the inspection SB [service bulletin],''
for this AD use ``the limits as defined in ASR [aircraft structural
repair] A350-A-51-73-11-01ZZZ-667Z-A.''
(5) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0085 specify to
``replace the forward and aft guide arms on that door in accordance
with the instructions of the inspection SB,'' this AD requires
``removing the forward and aft guide arms on that door, in
accordance with the instructions of the inspections SB; doing a
detailed inspection of the forward and aft guide arm support bracket
on that door and all applicable corrective actions as specified in
paragraphs (3) through (5) of EASA AD 2021-0085; and installing new
forward and aft guide arms on that door, in accordance with the
instructions of the inspections SB.''
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0085
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
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 (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2021-0085, 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. You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products
[[Page 35416]]
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-2021-0545.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email [email protected].
Issued on June 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14269 Filed 7-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
