Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 43440-43443 [2021-16559]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, including inspections for
discrepancies (cracking) of certain structural
elements, are necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage,
and corrosion in principal structural
elements; such fatigue cracking, damage, and
corrosion could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
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 2020–0251, dated
November 11, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0251).
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(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0251
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0251 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in
paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020–0251 do not
apply to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2020–
0251 specifies actions if discrepancies are
found while accomplishing any task
‘‘required by paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (4) of
this [EASA] AD,’’ this AD requires actions if
discrepancies are found while accomplishing
any task ‘‘required by paragraph (1), (2), or
(3) of EASA AD 2020–0251.’’
(4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2020–
0251 specifies actions ‘‘in case of finding
discrepancies,’’ for this AD, discrepancies
include fatigue cracking.
(5) Paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2020–0251
specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’
within 12 months after its effective date, but
this AD requires, for airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued on
or before March 20, 2018, revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate the ‘‘limitations,
tasks and associated thresholds and
intervals’’ specified in paragraph (6) of EASA
AD 2020–0251 within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD.
(6) For airplanes with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export
certificate of airworthiness issued on or
before March 20, 2018, the initial compliance
time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2020–0251 is at
the applicable ‘‘thresholds’’ as incorporated
by the requirements of paragraph (6) of EASA
AD 2020–0251, or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(7) The provisions specified in paragraphs
(7) and (8) of EASA AD 2020–0251 do not
apply to this AD.
(8) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0251 does not apply to this AD.
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After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0251.
Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–16686 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(j) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0251 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(f) Compliance
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(i) New Provisions for Alternative Actions
and Intervals
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0617; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00385–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l)(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 Defense and Space S.A.’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
(l) Related Information
DATES:
(1) For EASA AD 2020–0251, 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
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–2021–0621.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3220; email
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
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Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–600, B4–
600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model
A300–600 series airplanes). This
proposed AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This proposed AD would
require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
proposed for incorporation by reference.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by September 23,
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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–
0617.
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–
0617; 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.
Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3225; email
dan.rodina@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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–2021–0617; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00385–T’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
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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 Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3225; email dan.rodina@
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 2021–0093,
dated March 30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0093) (also referred to as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model
A300–600 series airplanes.
EASA AD 2021–0093 specifies that it
requires tasks (limitations) already
required by EASA AD 2019–0090
(which corresponds to FAA AD 2019–
21–01, Amendment 39–19767 (84 FR
56935, October 24, 2019) (AD 2019–21–
01)) and EASA AD 2020–0111R2 (which
corresponds to FAA AD 2020–23–11,
Amendment 39–21327 (85 FR 75838,
November 27, 2020) (AD 2020–23–11))
and invalidates prior instructions for
those tasks. This proposed AD would,
for AD 2019–21–01 and AD 2020–23–
11, terminate the limitation for the tasks
identified in the service information
referred to in EASA AD 2021–0093
only.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address fatigue cracking, damage,
and corrosion in principal structural
elements, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage. See
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43441
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0093 describes new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and
safe life limits.
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 has evaluated all
pertinent information and determined
an unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, which are
specified in EASA AD 2021–0093
described previously, as incorporated by
reference. Any differences with EASA
AD 2021–0093 are identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
AD.
This proposed AD would require
revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
with these actions is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by this proposed
AD, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the actions described in the
revisions. In this situation, to comply
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator
must request approval for an alternative
method of compliance according to
paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to
use some civil aviation authority (CAA)
ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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ADs. The FAA has been coordinating
this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to
incorporate EASA AD 2021–0093 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0093
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
EASA AD 2021–0093 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 EASA AD 2021–0093.
Service information required by EASA
AD 2021–0093 for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0617 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using
the New Process
The FAA’s process of incorporating
by reference MCAI ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with corresponding FAA ADs has been
limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily
those with service bulletins as the
primary source of information for
accomplishing the actions required by
the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now
expanding the process to include MCAI
ADs that require a change to
airworthiness limitation documents,
such as airworthiness limitation
sections.
For these ADs that incorporate by
reference an MCAI AD that changes
airworthiness limitations, the FAA
requirements are unchanged. Operators
must revise the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information specified in
the new airworthiness limitation
document. The airworthiness
limitations must be followed according
to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).
The previous format of the
airworthiness limitation ADs included a
paragraph that specified that no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or
intervals may be used unless the actions
and intervals are approved as an
alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in the AMOCs
paragraph under ‘‘Other FAA
Provisions.’’ This new format includes a
‘‘New Provisions for Alternative Actions
and Intervals’’ paragraph that does not
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specifically refer to AMOCs, but
operators may still request an AMOC to
use an alternative action or interval.
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 118 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
The FAA has determined that revising
the existing maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the agency
recognizes that this number may vary
from operator to operator. Since
operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their
affected fleet(s), the FAA has
determined that a per-operator estimate
is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency
estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours ×
$85 per work-hour).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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 has 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,
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The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2021–0617;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00385–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by September
23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019–21–01,
Amendment 39–19767 (84 FR 56935, October
24, 2019) (AD 2019–21–01) and AD 2020–23–
11, Amendment 39–21327 (85 FR 75838,
November 27, 2020) (AD 2020–23–11).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies all Airbus SAS Model
A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–
605R, B4–622R, F4–605R, F4–622R, and C4–
605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage,
and corrosion in principal structural
elements, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
(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 2021–0093, dated
March 30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0093).
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0093
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0093 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0093 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021–0093
specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’
within 12 months after its effective date, but
this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA
2021–0093 is at the applicable ‘‘thresholds’’
as incorporated by the requirements of
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021–0093, or
within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs
(4) of EASA AD 2021–0093 do not apply to
this AD.
(6) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0093 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and
Intervals
After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0093.
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(j) Terminating Action for Certain
Requirements of AD 2019–21–01 and AD
2020–23–11
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates the corresponding
requirements of AD 2019–21–01, for the tasks
identified in the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0093 only.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates the corresponding
requirements of AD 2020–23–11, for the tasks
identified in the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0093 only.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l)(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 local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
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from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2021–
0093, 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
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–2021–0617.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3225; email dan.rodina@
faa.gov.
Issued on July 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–16559 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0571; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00101–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model
787–8, 787–9, and 787–10 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of damage to the thrust reverser
(TR) translating sleeve secondary sliders
due to contact between the slider and
the slider track liner. This damage was
only found on TR sleeves installed on
certain engines. This proposed AD
would require determining the serial
number of the TR and performing
applicable on-condition actions; or
replacing the TR with a serviceable TR.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by September 23,
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 service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this referenced service information 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 on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0571.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0571; 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
E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM
09AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43440-43443]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16559]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0617; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00385-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively
called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This proposed AD was prompted
by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 September
23, 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
[[Page 43441]]
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-2021-0617.
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-
0617; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; 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-2021-0617; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00385-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated 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 Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; 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 2021-0093, dated March 30, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0093) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes.
EASA AD 2021-0093 specifies that it requires tasks (limitations)
already required by EASA AD 2019-0090 (which corresponds to FAA AD
2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935, October 24, 2019) (AD
2019-21-01)) and EASA AD 2020-0111R2 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2020-
23-11, Amendment 39-21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27, 2020) (AD 2020-23-
11)) and invalidates prior instructions for those tasks. This proposed
AD would, for AD 2019-21-01 and AD 2020-23-11, terminate the limitation
for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA
AD 2021-0093 only.
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the fuselage. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0093 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
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 has
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD
2021-0093 described previously, as incorporated by reference. Any
differences with EASA AD 2021-0093 are identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections).
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph
(k)(1) of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA
[[Page 43442]]
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0093 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore,
require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0093 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 EASA AD 2021-0093
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
EASA AD 2021-0093. Service information required by EASA AD 2021-0093
for compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0617 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process
The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the
primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs
has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service
bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the
actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the
process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness
limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.
For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes
airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged.
Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new
airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must
be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).
The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a
paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals
are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in the AMOCs paragraph under
``Other FAA Provisions.'' This new format includes a ``New Provisions
for Alternative Actions and Intervals'' paragraph that does not
specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may still request an AMOC to
use an alternative action or interval.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 118 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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 has 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-2021-0617; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
00385-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935,
October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-01) and AD 2020-23-11, Amendment 39-
21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27, 2020) (AD 2020-23-11).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-
620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant
F airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion
in principal structural elements, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
(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
2021-0093, dated March 30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0093).
[[Page 43443]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0093
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0093 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0093 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0093 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA 2021-0093 is at the applicable ``thresholds''
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2021-0093, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0093 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0093 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2021-0093.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2019-21-01 and AD
2020-23-11
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2019-21-01, for the tasks
identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0093 only.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2020-23-11, for the tasks
identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0093 only.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l)(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 local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district 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 (k)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2021-0093, 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 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-
2021-0617.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3225; email [email protected].
Issued on July 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16559 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
