Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 6615-6618 [2023-02010]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 21 / Wednesday, February 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
servicing loans and grants made by the
water or waste disposal systems, or
other eligible entity, to individuals. The
entity is responsible for:
(1) Understanding all provisions of
the loan and grant documents; and
(2) Servicing loans and grants in the
manner outlined in the executed loan
and grant documents.
(c) Scoring. For applications
submitted by water or waste disposal
systems or other eligible entities to
benefit individuals, the criteria in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (9) of this
section will be used to rank applications
and in selecting projects for funding.
(1) Lending experience. Degree of
expertise and successful experience in
making and servicing loans to
individuals. Up to 15 points.
(2) Operational experience. Degree of
expertise and experience in operating
and maintaining water or waste disposal
system. Up to 15 points.
(3) Work plan. Extent to which the
work plan demonstrates a well thought
out, comprehensive approach to
accomplishing the objectives of this
part, clearly defines who will be served
by the project, and appears likely to be
sustainable. Up to 15 points.
(4) Population. The system after the
proposed project will primarily serve a
rural area having a population:
(i) Not in excess of 1,000—25 points.
(ii) Between 1,001 and 2,500—15
points.
(iii) Between 2,501 and 5,500—5
points.
(5) Income. The median household
income of population to be served by
the proposed project is:
(i) Not in excess of 50 percent of the
SNMHI—30 points.
(ii) More than 50 percent and not in
excess of 60 percent of the SNMHI
income—20 points.
(iii) More than 60 percent and not in
excess of 70 percent of the SNMHI—15
points.
(6) Joint financing. The amount of
funds, other than RUS funds, committed
to the proposed project is:
(i) Fifty percent or more—15 points.
(ii) Twenty to forty-nine percent—10
points.
(iii) Five to nineteen percent—5
points.
(7) Colonia. (See definition in
§ 1777.4). The proposed project will
provide water or waste disposal services
to the residents of a recognized
Colonia—25 points.
(8) Access and health risks. (i) A
service area that lacks access to both
water and waste disposal facilities,
resulting in a significant health risk—50
points.
(ii) A service area that lacks access to
either water or waste disposal facilities,
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resulting in a significant health risk—40
points.
(iii) A service area that has access to
water and waste disposal facilities but
has a significant health risk—20 points.
(9) Discretionary. (i) State Director or
designee with loan and grant approval
authority in certain cases, and when a
written justification is prepared, may
assign up to 15 points for administrative
and programmatic priorities for items
including, but not limited to, natural
disasters, funding or priority
coordination between RUS and other
agencies, including leveraged funding,
for award to applicants under this
program, to assist those projects that are
the most cost effective, or to projects
located in areas experiencing high
unemployment and poverty rates and
severe health risks.
(ii) RUS Administrator may assign up
to 15 additional points that will be
considered in the total points for items
including, but not limited to, the
geographic distribution of funds
nationally and within the state, and the
severity of health risks. Any funds
transferred to RHS for individual
assistance will be administered
following the provisions established in
their governing statutes, regulations or
policy. However, funds cannot be used
to make improvements to the residence,
except for the improvements authorized
by § 1777.32. Funds cannot be used to
pay individuals for their own labor.
RUS transferred funds to RHS that
remain after providing individual loans
and grants will be returned to RUS or
its successors.
§ 1777.34
terms.
Individual loans—Rates and
Individual loans will bear interest at
not more than the maximum of 5
percent per annum, or the Federal
Financing Bank or other Agency
designated source, on loans of a similar
term at the time such loans are made.
The term will not exceed the estimated
useful life of the eligible improvements
financed or as determined by tribal or
state law or statute, whichever is less.
§§ 1777.35 through 1777.41
§ 1777.42
[Reserved]
Delegation of authority.
The Administrator may delegate
approval authority under this section, to
the Assistant Administrator, WEP in
accordance with 7 CFR 1780.
§ 1777.43
Exception authority.
The Administrator may, in individual
cases, make an exception to any
requirement or provision of this part
which is not inconsistent with the
authorizing statute or other applicable
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6615
law and is determined to be in the
Government’s interest.
§ 1777.44 Availability of forms and
regulations.
Information on forms and regulations
are available online from the Agency
website.
§§ 1777.45 through 1777.99
§ 1777.100
[Reserved]
OMB control number.
The reporting and recordkeeping
requirements contained in this part have
been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget and assigned
OMB control number 0572–0121.
Andrew Berke,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–01126 Filed 1–31–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1295; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01181–T; Amendment
39–22295; AD 2023–01–01]
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 A318 series
airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–216, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes;
and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report of a
nose landing gear (NLG) sliding tube
rupture that led to a NLG collapse. This
AD requires inspection of certain NLG
and main landing gear (MLG) sliding
tubes and applicable corrective actions
and eventual replacement of all affected
parts, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). 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 8,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 21 / Wednesday, February 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 8, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–1295; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For EASA material incorporated by
reference in this AD, 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 material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
• 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 at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2022–1295.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hye
Yoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
817–222–5584; email: hye.yoon.jang@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 20, 2022 (87 FR
63715). The NPRM was prompted by
AD 2021–0236, dated October 29, 2021,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2021–0236)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that NLG sliding tube
rupture, leading to NLG collapse during
taxiing, occurred on a Model A320
airplane. Investigations identified
overheat damage on that NLG, caused
by incorrect accomplishment of a repair
on the chromium-plated diameter of the
sliding tube during the last NLG
overhaul. Further investigations
identified a batch of NLG and MLG
sliding tubes that are possibly affected
by a similar condition, which, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
NLG or MLG structural failure and
subsequent collapse of the gears,
possibly resulting in damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require inspection of certain NLG and
MLG sliding tubes and applicable
corrective actions and eventual
replacement of all affected parts. The
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the
installation of affected parts under
certain conditions. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address NLGs and MLGs that
may have been subject to the incorrect
accomplishment of a repair, which, if
not detected and corrected, could lead
to NLG or MLG structural failure and
subsequent collapse of the gears,
possibly resulting in damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1295.
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–216, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes;
and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from
the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the
NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in
the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA
reviewed the relevant data, considered
the comment 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 this product. 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.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021–
0236, which specifies procedures for a
detailed inspection of the visible
chrome surface of affected NLG and
MLG sliding tubes for any discrepancies
(cracks), a magnetic particle inspection
(MPI) and Barkhausen noise inspection
(BNI) of affected parts for any
discrepancies (cracks), eventual
replacement of affected parts, and
corrective actions. Corrective actions
include immediate replacement of the
NLG or MLG sliding tube or shock
absorber. 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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1,825 airplanes of U.S. registry.
Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered airplanes that would need the
required actions because the affected
part is not installed on any U.S.registered airplanes. U.S.-registered
airplanes therefore would need to
comply with only the parts prohibition
specified in this AD.
If an affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future,
the FAA provides the following cost
estimates to comply with the required
actions in this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost *
Cost per
product
50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,250 .................................................................................................................
$0
$4,250
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the replacement parts specified in this AD.
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01FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 21 / Wednesday, February 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
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.
2023–01–01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22295; Docket No. FAA–2022–1295;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–01181–T.
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.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
nose landing gear (NLG) sliding tube rupture
leading to an NLG collapse. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address NLGs and main
landing gears (MLGs) that may have been
subject to the incorrect accomplishment of a
repair, which, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to NLG or MLG structural failure
and subsequent collapse of the gears,
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane
and injury to occupants.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
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■
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:
■
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(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 8, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (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 2021–0236, dated
October 29, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0236).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0236
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0236 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0236 specifies to do a detailed visual
inspection, replace the text ‘‘the instructions
of the AOT’’ with ‘‘paragraphs 4.2.2.2 and
4.2.2.5 of the AOT.’’
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0236 specifies to do a magnetic particle
inspection (MPI) and a Barkhausen noise
inspection (BNI), replace the text ‘‘the
instructions of the AOT’’ with ‘‘paragraphs
4.2.2.3 and 4.2.2.6 of the AOT.’’
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021–
0236 specifies that ‘‘if discrepancies are
detected on an affected part’’ for this AD
discrepancies include cracking and heat
damage.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0236 specifies
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6617
to quarantine parts, this AD does not require
that action.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2021–0236.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0236 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) 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 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 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-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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Approval Organization (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Hye Yoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817–222–5584;
email: hye.yoon.jang@faa.gov.
(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0236, dated October 29,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0236, 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 at 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 service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 21 / Wednesday, February 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 4, 2023.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–02010 Filed 1–31–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0987; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01416–R; Amendment
39–22298; AD 2023–01–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by an occurrence reported
where during an inspection of a tail
rotor head (TRH) pitch change spider,
excessive play and excessive wear were
detected, due to an unwanted rotating
motion. This AD requires for helicopters
with certain part-numbered TRH spider
pitch change units installed, inspecting
for correct installation of the spider
pitch change nut (nut); marking a 2 to
5 mm wide black paint index mark and
repetitively inspecting the alignment of
the marking; and additional inspections
and corrective actions if necessary. This
AD also allows an affected part to be
installed on a helicopter if certain
requirements of this AD are met. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 8,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of March 8, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–0987; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
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SUMMARY:
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Jkt 259001
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at
airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html.
• You may view this service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also
available at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–0987.
Other Related Service Information:
Other related Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this final rule
is available at the Airbus Helicopters
and FAA contact information under
Material Incorporated by Reference
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephanie Sunderbruch, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Risk Management
Section, Systems Policy Branch, Policy
& Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–4659; email
Stephanie.L.Sunderbruch@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 Helicopters Model
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
August 2, 2022 (87 FR 47141). The
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD
2021–0282, dated December 17, 2021
(EASA AD 2021–0282), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters, formerly
Eurocopter and Aerospatiale, Model AS
350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350
B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 350 D,
AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355
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F2, AS 355 N, and AS 355 NP
helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA
advises that an occurrence was reported
where, during an inspection of a TRH
pitch change spider, excessive play in
the assembly and excessive wear on its
parts were detected, which was due to
an unwanted rotating motion. EASA
advises that this condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of the
TRH pitch change control and loss of
control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2021–0282
requires a one-time check (inspection)
of the nut for correct installation,
accomplishing a black paint index
marking, 2 to 5 mm wide, on the
rotating spider and on the bearing
spacer of the TRH spider pitch change
unit, repetitive checks (inspections) of
the marking alignment, and depending
on the findings, accomplishment of
additional inspections and corrective
actions. The additional inspections
include inspecting the TRH spider pitch
change unit for corrosion; inspecting for
rotation and wear on the faces of the
bushes; visually inspecting the rotating
plate and the rotating plate threads for
damage; and inspecting the TRH spider
pitch change unit if the mark is
misaligned. The corrective actions
include removing parts with corrosion
from service; replacing bushes that
rotate or have wear; and replacing
damaged rotating plates. EASA AD
2021–0282 also specifies certain
procedures for installation of the
affected TRH spider pitch change unit.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require, for helicopters with certain
part-numbered TRH spider pitch change
units installed, inspecting for correct
installation of the nut and depending on
the results, inspecting the TRH spider
pitch change unit for corrosion,
inspecting for rotation and wear on the
faces of the bushes, inspecting the
rotating plate and the rotating plate
threads for damage, and removing
specified parts from service and
replacing them with airworthy parts. In
the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to
require for helicopters with certain partnumbered TRH spider pitch change
units installed, marking a 2 to 5 mm
wide black paint index mark to identify
the position of certain parts and after
the initial marking, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 10 hours time in
service (TIS), visually inspecting the
alignment of the marking; and
additional inspections and corrective
actions if necessary. Additionally, the
NPRM proposed to allow an affected
part to be installed on a helicopter if
certain requirements of the NPRM are
met.
E:\FR\FM\01FER1.SGM
01FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6615-6618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02010]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1295; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01181-T;
Amendment 39-22295; AD 2023-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214,
-216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of a nose landing gear (NLG) sliding tube rupture that led to a
NLG collapse. This AD requires inspection of certain NLG and main
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes and applicable corrective actions and
eventual replacement of all affected parts, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference (IBR). 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 8, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference
[[Page 6616]]
of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 8, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1295; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material incorporated by reference 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 at ad.easa.europa.eu.
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 at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1295.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hye Yoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817-222-5584; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Model A318 series
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and
-232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October
20, 2022 (87 FR 63715). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2021-0236, dated
October 29, 2021, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2021-0236) (also referred
to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that NLG sliding tube rupture, leading
to NLG collapse during taxiing, occurred on a Model A320 airplane.
Investigations identified overheat damage on that NLG, caused by
incorrect accomplishment of a repair on the chromium-plated diameter of
the sliding tube during the last NLG overhaul. Further investigations
identified a batch of NLG and MLG sliding tubes that are possibly
affected by a similar condition, which, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to NLG or MLG structural failure and subsequent collapse of
the gears, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspection of certain NLG
and MLG sliding tubes and applicable corrective actions and eventual
replacement of all affected parts. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit
the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address NLGs and MLGs that may have been subject to
the incorrect accomplishment of a repair, which, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to NLG or MLG structural failure and subsequent
collapse of the gears, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and
injury to occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1295.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the
comment 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 this product. 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0236, which specifies procedures for
a detailed inspection of the visible chrome surface of affected NLG and
MLG sliding tubes for any discrepancies (cracks), a magnetic particle
inspection (MPI) and Barkhausen noise inspection (BNI) of affected
parts for any discrepancies (cracks), eventual replacement of affected
parts, and corrective actions. Corrective actions include immediate
replacement of the NLG or MLG sliding tube or shock absorber. 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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,825 airplanes of U.S.
registry. Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes
that would need the required actions because the affected part is not
installed on any U.S.-registered airplanes. U.S.-registered airplanes
therefore would need to comply with only the parts prohibition
specified in this AD.
If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply
with the required actions in this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost * product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,250. $0 $4,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the replacement parts specified in this AD.
[[Page 6617]]
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:
2023-01-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22295; Docket No. FAA-2022-1295;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01181-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 8, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a nose landing gear (NLG)
sliding tube rupture leading to an NLG collapse. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address NLGs and main landing gears (MLGs) that may have
been subject to the incorrect accomplishment of a repair, which, if
not detected and corrected, could lead to NLG or MLG structural
failure and subsequent collapse of the gears, possibly resulting in
damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (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
2021-0236, dated October 29, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0236).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0236
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0236 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0236 specifies to do a
detailed visual inspection, replace the text ``the instructions of
the AOT'' with ``paragraphs 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.5 of the AOT.''
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0236 specifies to do a
magnetic particle inspection (MPI) and a Barkhausen noise inspection
(BNI), replace the text ``the instructions of the AOT'' with
``paragraphs 4.2.2.3 and 4.2.2.6 of the AOT.''
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0236 specifies that ``if
discrepancies are detected on an affected part'' for this AD
discrepancies include cracking and heat damage.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0236 specifies to quarantine parts, this AD does not require that
action.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2021-0236.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0236
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) 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 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 International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Approval Organization (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hye Yoon Jang,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: 817-222-5584; email: [email protected].
(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0236,
dated October 29, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0236, 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 at 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 service information that is incorporated
by reference at the
[[Page 6618]]
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 4, 2023.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02010 Filed 1-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
