Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 57027-57030 [2021-22293]
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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.
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(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:
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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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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0245,
dated November 9, 2020 (EASA AD
2020–0245) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus A330–
201, A330–202, A330–203, A330–223,
A330–223F, A330–243, A330–243F,
A330–301, A330–302, A330–303, A330–
321, A330–322, A330–323, A330–341,
A330–342, A330–343, A330–743L,
A330–841, and A330–941 airplanes.
EASA AD 2020–0245 supersedes EASA
AD 2019–0093 (which corresponds to
FAA AD 2019–19–06, Amendment 39–
19742 (84 FR 51960, October 1, 2019)
(AD 2019–19–06)). Model A330–743L
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 to supersede AD 2019–19–06.
AD 2019–19–06 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A330–202, –243,
–243F, –302, –323, and –343 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 7, 2021 (86 FR 17995).
The NPRM 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 NPRM
proposed to continue to require
replacement of each affected SGRA with
a serviceable part, would expand the
applicability to include all airplanes on
which the affected part may be
installed, and would also prohibit
installation of an affected part, as
specified in EASA AD 2020–0245.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking of an SGRA, which, in
combination with an independent
failure on the second SGRA of the same
slat surface, could lead to an
uncontrolled movement of the affected
slat surface in flight, or detachment of
the slat surface, and could possibly
result in damage to the stabilizers and
reduced controllability of the airplane.
See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment. The Air Line Pilots
Association, International (ALPA)
expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Service Bulletin
Reference
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested
clarification of the reference to ‘‘the SB’’
in the statement ‘‘in accordance with
the instructions of the SB’’ in EASA AD
2020–0245. DAL gave no justification
for the request.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The
Definitions section of EASA AD 2020–
0245 clearly defines ‘‘The SB’’ and ‘‘The
Liebherr SB.’’ Therefore, ‘‘the SB’’ in the
specified statement refers to Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3233, dated
March 7, 2019. This AD has not been
changed as a result of this comment.
Request To Add Paragraph Identifying
Certain Parts as Not Affected
DAL requested that paragraph (h)(5)
be added to the proposed AD to specify
that ‘‘units listed [in] Liebherr SB 926C–
27–01 Table 1 are not considered an
affected part.’’ DAL refers to the Note
that accompanies Table 1 in the
Liebherr Service Bulletin 926C–27–01,
dated December 18, 2018 (Liebherr SB
926C–27–01), as justification for the
request.
The FAA disagrees with the request to
add the specified paragraph because it
is an incorrect statement. Table 1 in
Liebherr SB 926C–27–01 is titled
‘‘Affected Serial Numbers’’ and contains
the list of three different serial number
ranges. Parts with serial numbers
included in those ranges are considered
affected parts, except for parts
mentioned in the Note, that is, parts
already inspected during the final
assembly line that are specifically
marked as ‘‘WOI–01’’ on the
identification plate. This is consistent
with the definition of ‘‘Affected part’’ in
the MCAI, which identifies the serial
numbers in the table as affected parts
‘‘except those that have passed (no
defects found) an inspection, or have
been repaired, as applicable, in
accordance with the instructions of the
Liebherr SB.’’ This AD has not been
changed with regard to this request.
Change to This Final Rule
The FAA has revised the format of
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the change described
previously and minor editorial changes.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this final rule.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0245 describes
procedures for replacing each affected
SGRA, and specifies a prohibition
against installation of an affected part.
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 123 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
Labor cost
Retained action from AD
2019–19–06.
New actions ........................
17 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,445 .........................
* $0
$1,445 .................
$177,735.
Up to 15 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $1,275 .....
*0
Up to $1,275 .......
Up to $156,825.
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the parts specified in this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected operators.
As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
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.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2019–19–06, Amendment 39–
19742 (84 FR 51960, October 1, 2019);
and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
Authority for This Rulemaking
Adoption of the Amendment
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
2021–20–15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21753; Docket No. FAA–2021–0261;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01502–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 18, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019–19–06,
Amendment 39–19742 (84 FR 51960, October
1, 2019) (AD 2019–19–06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (5) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and
–243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330–223F and –243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes.
(4) Model A330–841 airplanes.
(5) Model A330–941 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that
cracks have been found within the ring gears
of the slat geared rotary actuators (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 cracking
of an SGRA, which, in combination with an
independent failure on the second SGRA of
the same slat surface, could lead to an
uncontrolled movement of the affected slat
surface in flight, or detachment of the slat
surface, and could possibly result in damage
to the stabilizers and reduced controllability
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0245, dated
November 9, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0245).
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57029
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0245
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0245 refers to
May 10, 2019 (the effective date of EASA AD
2019–0093), this AD requires using
November 5, 2019 (the effective date of AD
2019–19–06).
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020–
0245 specifies a method of accomplishment
of certain actions, replace the text ‘‘replace
each affected part with a serviceable part in
accordance with the instructions of the SB,’’
with ‘‘removal of each affected part and
installation of a serviceable part in
accordance with paragraphs 3.C. (2) and 3.C.
(3) of the SB.’’
(3) Where EASA AD 2020–0245 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(4) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0245 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible
Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if
any service information contains procedures
or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on November 18, 2021.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0245, dated November 9,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For EASA AD 2020–0245, 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.
(5) 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–2021–0261.
(6) 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 September 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
This AD is effective November
18, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 18, 2021.
DATES:
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited,
Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375–
4000; fax 416–375–4539; email thd@
dehavilland.com; internet https://
dehavilland.com. You may view this
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–2021–0312.
ADDRESSES:
[FR Doc. 2021–22293 Filed 10–13–21; 8:45 am]
Examining the AD Docket
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0312; 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0312; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01376–T; Amendment
39–21729; AD 2021–19–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
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De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC–8–102, –103, and –106
airplanes; Model DHC–8–201 and –202
airplanes; Model DHC–8–301, –311, and
–315 airplanes; and Model DHC–8–400,
–401, and –402 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports that mounting nuts
attaching the rudder actuator bracket to
the vertical stabilizer have been found
cracked or missing due to hydrogen
embrittlement. This AD requires a onetime inspection of the rudder actuator
bracket mounting nuts, and corrective
actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
SUMMARY:
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Aziz
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516–228–7329; fax 516–794–
5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF–
2020–34, dated October 6, 2020 (TCCA
AD CF–2020–34) (also referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Model DHC–8–102,
–103, and –106 airplanes; Model DHC–
8–201 and –202 airplanes; Model DHC–
8–301, –311, –314, and –315 airplanes;
and Model DHC–8–400, –401, and –402
airplanes. Model DHC–8–314 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. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0312.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Model DHC–8–102,
–103, and –106 airplanes; Model DHC–
8–201 and –202 airplanes; Model DHC–
8–301, –311, and –315 airplanes; and
Model DHC–8–400, –401, and –402
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 20, 2021 (86
FR 20459). The NPRM was prompted by
reports that mounting nuts attaching the
rudder actuator bracket to the vertical
stabilizer have been found cracked or
missing due to hydrogen embrittlement.
The NPRM proposed to require a onetime inspection of the rudder actuator
bracket mounting nuts, and corrective
actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the possible loss of
the rudder actuator bracket, which
could result in a dormant disconnection
between the rudder actuator and the
vertical stabilizer. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in a loss of
directional control of the aircraft. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), indicated its
support for the NPRM.
E:\FR\FM\14OCR1.SGM
14OCR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57027-57030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22293]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: 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; 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 non-destructive
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.
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 material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0261.
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 [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 57028]]
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0245, dated November 9, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0245) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F, A330-
243, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-
323, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-743L, A330-841, and A330-941
airplanes. EASA AD 2020-0245 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0093 (which
corresponds to FAA AD 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742 (84 FR 51960,
October 1, 2019) (AD 2019-19-06)). Model A330-743L 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 to supersede AD 2019-19-06. AD 2019-19-06 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -302, -323, and -343
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2021
(86 FR 17995). The NPRM 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 non-destructive
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 NPRM proposed to continue to require
replacement of each affected SGRA with a serviceable part, would expand
the applicability to include all airplanes on which the affected part
may be installed, and would also prohibit installation of an affected
part, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0245.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of an SGRA, which,
in combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, could lead to an uncontrolled movement of the
affected slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface, and
could possibly result in damage to the stabilizers and reduced
controllability of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. The Air
Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) expressed support for the
NPRM.
Request To Clarify Service Bulletin Reference
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested clarification of the reference to
``the SB'' in the statement ``in accordance with the instructions of
the SB'' in EASA AD 2020-0245. DAL gave no justification for the
request.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The Definitions section of EASA AD 2020-
0245 clearly defines ``The SB'' and ``The Liebherr SB.'' Therefore,
``the SB'' in the specified statement refers to Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3233, dated March 7, 2019. This AD has not been changed as a
result of this comment.
Request To Add Paragraph Identifying Certain Parts as Not Affected
DAL requested that paragraph (h)(5) be added to the proposed AD to
specify that ``units listed [in] Liebherr SB 926C-27-01 Table 1 are not
considered an affected part.'' DAL refers to the Note that accompanies
Table 1 in the Liebherr Service Bulletin 926C-27-01, dated December 18,
2018 (Liebherr SB 926C-27-01), as justification for the request.
The FAA disagrees with the request to add the specified paragraph
because it is an incorrect statement. Table 1 in Liebherr SB 926C-27-01
is titled ``Affected Serial Numbers'' and contains the list of three
different serial number ranges. Parts with serial numbers included in
those ranges are considered affected parts, except for parts mentioned
in the Note, that is, parts already inspected during the final assembly
line that are specifically marked as ``WOI-01'' on the identification
plate. This is consistent with the definition of ``Affected part'' in
the MCAI, which identifies the serial numbers in the table as affected
parts ``except those that have passed (no defects found) an inspection,
or have been repaired, as applicable, in accordance with the
instructions of the Liebherr SB.'' This AD has not been changed with
regard to this request.
Change to This Final Rule
The FAA has revised the format of paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0245 describes procedures for replacing each affected
SGRA, and specifies a prohibition against installation of an affected
part.
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 123 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained action from AD 2019- 17 work-hours x * $0 $1,445................. $177,735.
19-06. $85 per hour =
$1,445.
New actions.................. Up to 15 work- * 0 Up to $1,275........... Up to $156,825.
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$1,275.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the parts specified in this
AD.
[[Page 57029]]
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742
(84 FR 51960, October 1, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-20-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21753; Docket No. FAA-2021-0261;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01502-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 18,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-19-06, Amendment 39-19742 (84 FR 51960,
October 1, 2019) (AD 2019-19-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
(5) Model A330-941 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks have been found
within the ring gears of the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs)
due to a change in the manufacturing process and inadequate post-
production non-destructive 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 cracking of an SGRA, which, in
combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, could lead to an uncontrolled movement of the
affected slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface,
and could possibly result in damage to the stabilizers and reduced
controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0245, dated November 9, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0245).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0245
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0245 refers to May 10, 2019 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0093), this AD requires using
November 5, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-19-06).
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0245 specifies a method
of accomplishment of certain actions, replace the text ``replace
each affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the
instructions of the SB,'' with ``removal of each affected part and
installation of a serviceable part in accordance with paragraphs
3.C. (2) and 3.C. (3) of the SB.''
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0245 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0245 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200
[[Page 57030]]
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3229; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 18, 2021.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0245,
dated November 9, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For EASA AD 2020-0245, 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.
(5) 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-2021-0261.
(6) 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 September 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22293 Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
