Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 69222-69225 [2022-24987]

Download as PDF 69222 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Proposed Rules develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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 2022–01–09, Amendment 39–21897 (87 FR 1666, January 12, 2022); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ ■ Stemme AG: Docket No. FAA–2022–1421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01088–G. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 3, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022–01–09, Amendment 39–21897 (87 FR 1666, January 12, 2022). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Stemme AG Model Stemme S 10–VT and Model Stemme S 12 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, with a freewheel clutch having part number 12AK with a serial number starting with ‘‘12-’’ installed, except those which VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 have been modified by following the instructions of Stemme Service Bulletin Doc. No. P062–980058, Revision 02, dated April 19, 2022, and have been re-identified with ‘‘M’’ at the end of the serial number. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7100, Powerplant System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as unintended slipping of the freewheel clutch with overheating (burnishing) of the friction pads inside of the clutch. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure removal of the affected freewheel clutch from service. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a loss of thrust and consequent loss of glider control. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Action and Compliance (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, remove the freewheel clutch from service. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a freewheel clutch part number 12AK with a serial number starting with 201F;12-’’ on any glider, unless it has been modified by following the instructions of Stemme Service Bulletin Doc. No. P062– 980058, Revision 02, dated April 19, 2022, and has been re-identified with ‘‘/M’’ at the end of the serial number. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in § 39.19. In accordance with § 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@ faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. AMOCs approved for AD 2022–01–09 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0278R1, dated August 11, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1421. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4165; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. (3) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Stemme AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6–7, D–15344 Strausberg, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612–0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612– 30; email: airworthiness@stemme.de; website: stemme.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on November 9, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–25020 Filed 11–17–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1412; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00805–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K–3C, B2– 203, B4–2C, and B4–203 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that internal system pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions in the pressurization lines, with an associated risk of contamination of the check valves. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections (functional checks) of the pressurization of the hydraulic system reservoirs, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM 18NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Proposed Rules 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1412; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website atad.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 regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–1412. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3225; email dan.rodina@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–1412; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00805–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231– 3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0116, dated June 21, 2022 (EASA AD 2022– 0116) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2–203, A300 B2K–3C, A300 B4–203, A300 B4–2C, A300C4–203, and A300F4–203 airplanes. Model A300C4–203 and A300F4–203 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that internal system pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions at the pressurization lines, with an associated risk of contamination of the check valves. The three hydraulic system reservoirs are PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 69223 pressurized by air coming from the engine or the auxiliary power unit bleed air duct or from the ground connection. Air tightness of the pressurization system of the reservoirs is achieved by check valves that are located on the respective pressurization lines and on top of each hydraulic reservoir. The FAA is proposing this AD to address check valve contamination, which could lead to hydraulic reservoir pressurization issues and, if combined with an air pressurization line rupture, could lead to loss of hydraulic systems and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2022–0116 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed inspections by performing functional checks for air leakage of the hydraulic system reservoirs and corrective actions. Corrective actions include a fault isolation to identify the source of depressurization and replacement of the check valves. EASA AD 2022–0116 also specifies procedures for reporting the inspection findings. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022–0116 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM 18NOP1 69224 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Proposed Rules requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022–0116 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2022–0116 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2022–0116 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2022–0116. Service information required by EASA AD 2022–0116 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022– 1412 after the FAA final rule is published. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 2 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 .......................................................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 (reporting) ............................................................................ The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the corrective actions specified in this proposed AD. Paperwork Reduction Act A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PO 00000 Cost per product Parts cost Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $0 0 Cost on U.S. operators $340 85 $680 170 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2022–1412; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00805–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 3, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K–3C, B2–203, B4–2C, and B4–203 airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic power. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that internal system pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions at pressurization lines level, with an associated risk of contamination of the check valves. The FAA is issuing this AD to address check valve contamination, which could lead to hydraulic reservoir pressurization issues and, if combined with an air pressurization line rupture, could lead to loss of hydraulic systems and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM 18NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Proposed Rules (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 2022–0116, dated June 21, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0116). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0116 (1) Where EASA AD 2022–0116 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0116 specifies to report the first functional check (test) results to Airbus within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report the first functional check (test) results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0116 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 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)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Related Information (1) For EASA AD 2022–0116, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website atad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This material may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– 2022–1412. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231– 3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov. Issued on November 2, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–24987 Filed 11–17–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1480; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00548–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD– 100–1A10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the tailcone upper firewall where the auxiliary power unit (APU) muffler electrical bonding strap is attached. This proposed AD would require a detailed visual inspection of the tailcone upper firewall for defects, rework by replacement of the APU electrical bonding strap, and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 69225 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1480; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 Coˆte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–2999; email ac.yul@ aero.bombardier.com; website bombardier.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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–1480; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00548–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM 18NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69222-69225]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24987]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1412; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00805-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, and B4-203 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that 
internal system pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions 
in the pressurization lines, with an associated risk of contamination 
of the check valves. This proposed AD would require repetitive 
inspections (functional checks) of the pressurization of the hydraulic 
system reservoirs, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in 
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed 
for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR

[[Page 69223]]

11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1412; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) 
in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website 
easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website 
atad.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 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1412.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1412; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00805-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Dan 
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected]. Any commentary that 
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be 
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0116, dated June 21, 2022 (EASA 
AD 2022-0116) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-203, A300 B2K-3C, A300 B4-
203, A300 B4-2C, A300C4-203, and A300F4-203 airplanes. Model A300C4-203 
and A300F4-203 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not 
included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD 
therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
    The MCAI states that internal system pollution can occur, most 
likely due to corroded unions at the pressurization lines, with an 
associated risk of contamination of the check valves. The three 
hydraulic system reservoirs are pressurized by air coming from the 
engine or the auxiliary power unit bleed air duct or from the ground 
connection. Air tightness of the pressurization system of the 
reservoirs is achieved by check valves that are located on the 
respective pressurization lines and on top of each hydraulic reservoir. 
The FAA is proposing this AD to address check valve contamination, 
which could lead to hydraulic reservoir pressurization issues and, if 
combined with an air pressurization line rupture, could lead to loss of 
hydraulic systems and possibly result in loss of control of the 
airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0116 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections by performing functional checks for air leakage of the 
hydraulic system reservoirs and corrective actions. Corrective actions 
include a fault isolation to identify the source of depressurization 
and replacement of the check valves. EASA AD 2022-0116 also specifies 
procedures for reporting the inspection findings.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after 
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop in other products of these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2022-0116 described previously, except for any differences 
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with

[[Page 69224]]

requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating 
this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes 
to incorporate EASA AD 2022-0116 by reference in the FAA final rule. 
This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 
2022-0116 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a 
particular section in EASA AD 2022-0116 does not mean that operators 
need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD 
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' 
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section 
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2022-
0116. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0116 for compliance 
will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1412 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 2 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340..............................              $0            $340            $680
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 (reporting)....................               0              85             170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the corrective actions specified in this proposed AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1412; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00805-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 3, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-
2C, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that internal system 
pollution can occur, most likely due to corroded unions at 
pressurization lines level, with an associated risk of contamination 
of the check valves. The FAA is issuing this AD to address check 
valve contamination, which could lead to hydraulic reservoir 
pressurization issues and, if combined with an air pressurization 
line rupture, could lead to loss of hydraulic systems and possibly 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

[[Page 69225]]

(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 
2022-0116, dated June 21, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0116).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0116

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0116 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0116 specifies to report the 
first functional check (test) results to Airbus within a certain 
compliance time. For this AD, report the first functional check 
(test) results at the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0116 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 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)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (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

    (1) For EASA AD 2022-0116, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA 
AD on the EASA website atad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. 
This material may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1412.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

    Issued on November 2, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24987 Filed 11-17-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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