Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 57025-57027 [2021-22225]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0350; or in person at Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
14 CFR Part 39
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the mandatory continuing
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0350; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01633–T; Amendment airworthiness information (MCAI), any
comments received, and other
39–21746; AD 2021–20–08]
information. The address for Docket
RIN 2120–AA64
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Airplanes
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Washington, DC 20590.
Administration (FAA), DOT.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
ACTION: Final rule.
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320,
telephone and fax 206–231–3225; email
A321, A330–200, A330–200 Freighter,
A330–300, A330–800, A330–900, A340– dan.rodina@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
200, A340–300, A340–500, A340–600,
and A380–800 series airplanes. This AD Background
was prompted by a report that repetitive
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
disconnection and reconnection of
certain batteries during airplane parking for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0274,
or storage could lead to a reduction in
dated December 10, 2020 (EASA AD
capacity of those batteries. This AD
2020–0274) (also referred to as the
requires replacing certain nickelMCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries with
for all:
serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or
• Airbus SAS Model A318–111, –112,
maintaining the electrical storage
capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries during –121, and –122 airplanes;
• Airbus SAS Model A319–111, –112,
airplane storage or parking, as specified
–113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133,
in a European Union Aviation Safety
–151N, –153N, and –171N airplanes;
Agency (EASA) AD, which is
• Airbus SAS Model A320–211, –212,
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
–214, –215, –216, –231, –232, –233,
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
–251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N,
condition on these products.
and –273N airplanes;
DATES: This AD is effective November
• Airbus SAS Model A321–111, –112,
18, 2021.
–131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232,
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference –251N, –251NX, –252N, –252NX,
of a certain publication listed in this AD –253N, –253NX, –271N, –271NX,
–272N, and –272NX airplanes;
as of November 18, 2021.
• Airbus SAS Model A330–201, –202,
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
–203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301,
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
–302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer–342, –343, –743L, –841, and –941
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
airplanes;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
• Airbus SAS Model A340–211, –212,
ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this –213, –311, –312, –313, –541, –542,
–642, and –643 airplanes; and
IBR material on the EASA website at
• Airbus SAS Model A380–841, –842,
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
and –861 airplanes.
view this material at the FAA,
Model A320–215, A330–743L, A340–
Airworthiness Products Section,
542, and A340–643 airplanes are not
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
certificated by the FAA and are not
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
included on the U.S. type certificate
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. data sheet; this AD therefore does not
include those airplanes in the
It is also available in the AD docket at
applicability.
https://www.regulations.gov by
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
searching for and locating Docket No.
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
FAA–2021–0350.
part 39 by adding an AD that would
Examining the AD Docket
apply to all Airbus SAS Model A318,
You may examine the AD docket at
A319, A320, A321, A330–200, A330–
https://www.regulations.gov by
200 Freighter, A330–300, A330–800,
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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16:23 Oct 13, 2021
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A330–900, A340–200, A340–300, A340–
500, A340–600, and A380–800 series
airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 11, 2021 (86 FR 25810).
The NPRM was prompted by a report
that repetitive disconnection and
reconnection of certain Ni-Cd batteries
during airplane parking or storage could
lead to a reduction in capacity of those
batteries. The NPRM proposed to
require replacing certain Ni-Cd batteries
with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or
maintaining the electrical storage
capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries during
airplane storage or parking, as specified
in EASA 2020–0274.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
reduced capacity of certain Ni-Cd
batteries, which could lead to reduced
battery endurance performance and
possibly result in failure to supply the
minimum essential electrical power
during abnormal or emergency
conditions. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the
Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional
comments from one commenter, Delta
Air Lines. The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
Request for Clarification on the Method
of Compliance
Delta Air Lines stated that it included
the procedures for on-wing preservation
of the batteries specified in the service
information into its maintenance
program work cards. Paragraph 5.2 of
the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2020–0274 describes the onwing preservation procedure and the
procedures are detailed in Appendix 2
of the referenced service information.
Delta Air Lines noted that the procedure
was not directly marked as Required for
Compliance (RC) in either paragraph 5.2
or Appendix 2, but is referenced in
another paragraph marked as ‘‘RC.’’
Delta Air Lines asked that the AD clarify
the method of compliance with the
preservation procedures, specifically, if
incorporation of the procedures into
routine maintenance program work
cards is acceptable for AD compliance.
The FAA agrees that the incorporation
of the procedures into routine
maintenance program work cards does
meet the intent of the AD and is,
therefore, an acceptable means of
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
compliance. The FAA has not changed
this AD as a result of this comment.
burden on any operator. Accordingly,
the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest requires adopting this
AD as proposed. Except for minor
editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0274 specifies
procedures for replacing certain affected
Ni-Cd batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd
batteries, or maintaining the electrical
storage capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries
during airplane storage or parking. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1,814 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ..........................................................................................
$0
$425
$770,950
Authority for This Rulemaking
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–20–08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21746; Docket No. FAA–2021–0350;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01633–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 18, 2021.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (7) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and
–171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N,
–271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –251NX,
–252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX, –271N,
–271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes.
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 24, Electrical Power.
This AD was prompted by a report that
repetitive disconnection and reconnection of
certain nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries
during airplane parking or storage could lead
to a reduction in capacity of those batteries.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
reduced capacity of certain Ni-Cd batteries,
which could lead to reduced battery
endurance performance and possibly result
in failure to supply the minimum essential
electrical power during abnormal or
emergency conditions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
(b) Affected ADs
None.
PO 00000
(d) Subject
(e) Reason
■
§ 39.13
(5) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, –343, –841, and –941
airplanes.
(6) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes.
(7) Model A380–841, –842, and –861
airplanes.
Sfmt 4700
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 2020–0274, dated
December 10, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0274).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0274
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0274 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020–0274 defines a
‘‘reconnection cycle’’ as ‘‘repeated
disconnection and connection of a battery
. . . ,’’ this AD defines it as ‘‘one instance
of disconnection and connection of a
battery. . . .’’
(3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0274 does not apply to this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0274 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
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(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) 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 referenced in EASA
AD 2020–0274 that contains paragraphs that
are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC
paragraphs, including subparagraphs under
an RC paragraph, must be done to comply
with this AD; any paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that
are not identified as RC are recommended.
The instructions in paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified
as RC can be done and the airplane can be
put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to instructions
identified as RC require approval of an
AMOC.
(k) Related Information
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.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:23 Oct 13, 2021
Jkt 256001
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0274, dated December 10,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020–0274, 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.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email
fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on October 6, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–22225 Filed 10–13–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0261; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01502–T; Amendment
39–21753; AD 2021–20–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019–19–
06, which applied to certain Airbus SAS
Model A330–202, –243, –243F, –302,
–323, and –343 airplanes. AD 2019–19–
06 required an inspection to determine
the part number and serial number of
the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs),
and replacement of each affected SGRA
with a serviceable part. This AD
continues to require replacement of
each affected SGRA with a serviceable
part, expands the applicability to
include all airplanes on which the
affected part may be installed, and also
prohibits installation of an affected part;
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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57027
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD was prompted by a report that
cracks have been found within the ring
gears of the SGRAs due to a change in
the manufacturing process and
inadequate post-production nondestructive testing for potential
cracking, and a determination that the
requirements of AD 2019–19–06 may
not ensure the permanent removal from
service of affected SGRAs. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
This AD is effective November
18, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of November 18, 2021.
DATES:
For material 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–
0261.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0261; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57025-57027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22225]
[[Page 57025]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0350; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01633-T;
Amendment 39-21746; AD 2021-20-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter,
A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, A340-600,
and A380-800 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that
repetitive disconnection and reconnection of certain batteries during
airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of
those batteries. This AD requires replacing certain nickel-cadmium (Ni-
Cd) batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or maintaining the
electrical storage capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries during airplane
storage or parking, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 18, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 18,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0350.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0350; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0274, dated December 10, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0274) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all:
Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes;
Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -
132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes;
Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -
232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes;
Airbus SAS Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX,
-272N, and -272NX airplanes;
Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243,
-243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -743L, -
841, and -941 airplanes;
Airbus SAS Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -
541, -542, -642, and -643 airplanes; and
Airbus SAS Model A380-841, -842, and -861 airplanes.
Model A320-215, A330-743L, A340-542, and A340-643 airplanes are not
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-
800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, A340-600, and A380-800
series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 11, 2021 (86 FR
25810). The NPRM was prompted by a report that repetitive disconnection
and reconnection of certain Ni-Cd batteries during airplane parking or
storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of those batteries. The
NPRM proposed to require replacing certain Ni-Cd batteries with
serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or maintaining the electrical storage
capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries during airplane storage or parking,
as specified in EASA 2020-0274.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced capacity of certain
Ni-Cd batteries, which could lead to reduced battery endurance
performance and possibly result in failure to supply the minimum
essential electrical power during abnormal or emergency conditions. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from one commenter, Delta Air
Lines. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the
FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Clarification on the Method of Compliance
Delta Air Lines stated that it included the procedures for on-wing
preservation of the batteries specified in the service information into
its maintenance program work cards. Paragraph 5.2 of the service
information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0274 describes the on-wing
preservation procedure and the procedures are detailed in Appendix 2 of
the referenced service information. Delta Air Lines noted that the
procedure was not directly marked as Required for Compliance (RC) in
either paragraph 5.2 or Appendix 2, but is referenced in another
paragraph marked as ``RC.'' Delta Air Lines asked that the AD clarify
the method of compliance with the preservation procedures,
specifically, if incorporation of the procedures into routine
maintenance program work cards is acceptable for AD compliance.
The FAA agrees that the incorporation of the procedures into
routine maintenance program work cards does meet the intent of the AD
and is, therefore, an acceptable means of
[[Page 57026]]
compliance. The FAA has not changed this AD as a result of this
comment.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly,
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0274 specifies procedures for replacing certain
affected Ni-Cd batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or
maintaining the electrical storage capacity of those Ni-Cd batteries
during airplane storage or parking. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,814 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425........................... $0 $425 $770,950
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-20-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21746; Docket No. FAA-2021-0350;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01633-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 18,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N,
and -272NX airplanes.
(5) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -841, and -941
airplanes.
(6) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642
airplanes.
(7) Model A380-841, -842, and -861 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical
Power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that repetitive disconnection
and reconnection of certain nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries during
airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of
those batteries. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced
capacity of certain Ni-Cd batteries, which could lead to reduced
battery endurance performance and possibly result in failure to
supply the minimum essential electrical power during abnormal or
emergency conditions.
(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
2020-0274, dated December 10, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0274).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0274
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0274 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0274 defines a ``reconnection cycle'' as
``repeated disconnection and connection of a battery . . . ,'' this
AD defines it as ``one instance of disconnection and connection of a
battery. . . .''
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0274 does not apply
to this AD.
[[Page 57027]]
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0274
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) 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 referenced
in EASA AD 2020-0274 that contains paragraphs that are labeled as
RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under
an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any
paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are
not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in
paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions
identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
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].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0274,
dated December 10, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0274, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on October 6, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22225 Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
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