Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 8169-8172 [2022-02996]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 30 / Monday, February 14, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 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. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 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: ■ 2022–03–14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 21931; Docket No. FAA–2021–0667; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00580–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0127, dated May 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0127). jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report that during type certification activity, it was identified that certain monitoring software was incorrectly implemented in the braking control system (BCS) certification standard. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inservice limitations related to the braking and steering system, which, under specific degraded conditions, could lead to a reduction in braking performance and potentially lead to a runway excursion, and result in damage to the airplane and injury to passengers. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Feb 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 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, EASA AD 2021–0127. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0127 (1) Where EASA AD 2021–0127 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2021–0127 does not apply to this AD. (3) Where EASA AD 2021–0127 requires modifying the airplanes and specifies the modification ‘‘can be accomplished in accordance with the instructions of the SB,’’ for this AD, replace the text ‘‘the instructions of the SB’’ with ‘‘paragraphs 3.C. and 3.E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the SB.’’ (i) Additional AD Provisions PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES § 39.13 (f) Compliance 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. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8169 (j) 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. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0127, dated May 12, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021–0127, 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 January 25, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02995 Filed 2–11–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0845; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00651–T; Amendment 39–21929; AD 2022–03–12] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330–200, –300, –800, and –900 series airplanes; and Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM 14FER1 8170 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 30 / Monday, February 14, 2022 / Rules and Regulations series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. This AD requires replacing the placard with an improved instruction placard, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21, 2022. 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 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 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–2021–0845. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0845; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Feb 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 Background Request for Exception to Required Part EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA AD 2021– 0136) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS A330–201, A330–202, A330–203, A330–223, A330–243, A330– 301, A330–302, A330–303, A330–321, A330–322, A330–323, A330–341, A330– 342, A330–343, A330–841, A330–941, A340–211, A340–212, A340–213, A340– 311, A340–312, A340–313, A340–541, A340–542, A340–642, and A340–643 airplanes. Model 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 A330– 200, –300, –800, and –900 series airplanes; and Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2021 (86 FR 55747). The NPRM was prompted by reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. The NPRM proposed replacing the placard with an improved instruction placard, as specified in EASA AD 2021–0136. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of the doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch, which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse. See the MCAI for additional background information. DAL requested an exception to allow the use of internally manufactured placards having the same text and font size as the Diehl placard, part number (P/N) 1500500–00C844, specified in the Diehl Aviation service information referenced in EASA AD 2021–0136. DAL stated that if one of the installed Diehl placards were missing or damaged, alternate placard sources may be able to provide replacements faster while maintaining an acceptable level of safety. The FAA does not agree with the requested exception. This AD mandates the use of a placard, P/N 1500500– 00C844, specified in the Diehl Aviation service information. Operators may request to use an alternate placard through the alternative method of compliance (AMOC) process specified in the provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Operators should provide justification that such an alternate placard meets all airworthiness requirements, not only that the placard would have the same text and font size. This AD has not been changed with regard to this request. 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 an additional comment from Delta Air Lines (DAL). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety 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 2021–0136 specifies procedures for replacing the instruction placard on the passenger cabin doghouse door. EASA AD 2021–0136 also prohibits the installation of doghouses with incorrect instruction placards. 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 62 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM 14FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 30 / Monday, February 14, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 8171 ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Cost on U.S. operators Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170. Up to $95 per placard .................. Up to $265 per placard ................ Up to $16,430.* * Assuming one placard per product. The number of placards on an airplane depends on the passenger configuration and varies from operator to operator. 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. 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: ■ 2022–03–12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 21929; Docket No. FAA–2021–0845; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00651–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this AD. (1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and –243 airplanes. (2) Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes. (3) Model A330–841 airplanes. (4) Model A330–941 airplanes. (5) Model A340–211, –212, and –213 airplanes. (6) Model A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes. (7) Model A340–541 airplanes. (8) Model A340–642 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings. The Amendment (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of the doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch, which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse. Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Feb 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (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 2021–0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0136). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0136 (1) Where EASA AD 2021–0136 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Although EASA AD 2021–0136 specifies to ‘‘remove the placard and install an improved handling instructions placard on each affected part,’’ this AD requires replacing the placard on each affected part with an improved handling instructions placard. (3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2021–0136 does not apply to this AD. (i) Additional 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 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-AIR-730-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 E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM 14FER1 8172 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 30 / Monday, February 14, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 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, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 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 of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0136, dated June 4, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021–0136, 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 January 24, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02996 Filed 2–11–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–1016; Project Identifier AD–2021–00625–E; Amendment 39–21936; AD 2022–03–19] jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Feb 11, 2022 The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) Passport 20–17BB1A, Passport 20–18BB1A, and Passport 20–19BB1A model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing quality escape that requires a reduction to the life limit of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disks. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual and the operator’s existing approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP) to incorporate a reduced life limit for certain HPT rotor stage 1 disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21, 2022. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215, United States; phone: (513) 552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: www.ge.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1016. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1016; 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: Scott Stevenson, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7132; fax: (781) 238– 7199; email: Scott.M.Stevenson@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GE Passport 20–17BB1A, Passport 20–18BB1A, and Passport 20– 19BB1A model turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2021 (86 FR 67669). The NPRM was prompted by a report from GE of a manufacturing quality escape that identified a certain population of HPT rotor stage 1 disks that did not meet the design specification. GE determined that machining and inspection of the affected HPT rotor stage 1 disks was inconsistent with the engineering drawing. Further analysis by GE determined that the nonconformance at the forward and aft hooks of the HPT rotor stage 1 disks may cause the disks to fail prematurely and, therefore, the life limit of the affected HPT rotor stage 1 disks requires reduction. As a result, GE decreased the life limit of the affected HPT rotor stage 1 disks. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the GE Passport 20 Line Maintenance Manual, GEK 112062, and the operator’s existing approved CAMP to incorporate a reduced life limit for certain HPT rotor stage 1 disks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received one comment, from GE. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response. Request To Update Date of Service Information GE requested that the FAA correct the date of GE Service Bulletin (SB) PASSPORT20–A–72–00–0116–00A– 930A–D, Issue 002, in this AD from July 22, 2021, to August 13, 2021. GE commented that the NPRM included the date of the draft SB and not the date of the published SB. GE stated that there was no change to the document content between the draft and publication dates. The FAA agrees and has revised this AD as requested. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM 14FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8169-8172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02996]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0845; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00651-T; 
Amendment 39-21929; AD 2022-03-12]
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 A330-200, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and 
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600

[[Page 8170]]

series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions 
on the doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. This AD 
requires replacing the placard with an improved instruction placard, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation 
of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21, 
2022.

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 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-2021-0845.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0845; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0136) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, 
A330-243, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, 
A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-841, A330-941, A340-211, A340-212, 
A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, A340-542, A340-642, 
and A340-643 airplanes. Model 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 
A330-200, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on October 7, 2021 (86 FR 55747). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports that the instructions on the doghouse door lock placard are 
unclear and incomplete. The NPRM proposed replacing the placard with an 
improved instruction placard, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0136. The 
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts under 
certain conditions.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation 
of the doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling 
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch, which 
could block the door in the closed position and prevent access to the 
emergency equipment inside the doghouse. 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 an additional comment from Delta Air Lines (DAL). 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response.

Request for Exception to Required Part

    DAL requested an exception to allow the use of internally 
manufactured placards having the same text and font size as the Diehl 
placard, part number (P/N) 1500500-00C844, specified in the Diehl 
Aviation service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0136. DAL 
stated that if one of the installed Diehl placards were missing or 
damaged, alternate placard sources may be able to provide replacements 
faster while maintaining an acceptable level of safety.
    The FAA does not agree with the requested exception. This AD 
mandates the use of a placard, P/N 1500500-00C844, specified in the 
Diehl Aviation service information. Operators may request to use an 
alternate placard through the alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
process specified in the provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. 
Operators should provide justification that such an alternate placard 
meets all airworthiness requirements, not only that the placard would 
have the same text and font size. This AD has not been changed with 
regard to this request.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety 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 2021-0136 specifies procedures for replacing the 
instruction placard on the passenger cabin doghouse door. EASA AD 2021-
0136 also prohibits the installation of doghouses with incorrect 
instruction placards.
    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 62 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 8171]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product     Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...  Up to $95 per placard..  Up to $265 per placard.  Up to $16,430.*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Assuming one placard per product. The number of placards on an airplane depends on the passenger configuration
  and varies from operator to operator.

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.

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:

2022-03-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21929; Docket No. FAA-2021-0845; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00651-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-841 airplanes.
    (4) Model A330-941 airplanes.
    (5) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (6) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (7) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (8) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that the instructions on the 
doghouse door lock placard are unclear and incomplete. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address possible incorrect operation of the 
doghouse door lock due to unclear and incomplete handling 
instructions on the door placard installed near the lock. This 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the latch, 
which could block the door in the closed position and prevent access 
to the emergency equipment inside the doghouse.

(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 
2021-0136, dated June 4, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0136).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0136

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0136 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Although EASA AD 2021-0136 specifies to ``remove the placard 
and install an improved handling instructions placard on each 
affected part,'' this AD requires replacing the placard on each 
affected part with an improved handling instructions placard.
    (3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0136 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Additional 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 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

[[Page 8172]]

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, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 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 of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0136, 
dated June 4, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0136, 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 January 24, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02996 Filed 2-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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