Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 10017-10020 [2023-03178]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 32 / Thursday, February 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
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
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:
■
2023–03–03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–22328; Docket No. FAA–2022–1419;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01002–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
damaged tail rotor duplex bearing (TRDB)
that was improperly installed on a sliding
control assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:15 Feb 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
to ensure the proper installation of a TRDB
and prevent a TRDB from remaining in
service beyond its life limit. The unsafe
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to structural failure of the TRDB,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency
AD 2022–0182–E, dated August 30, 2022
(EASA AD 2022–0182–E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0182–E
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0182–E requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022–0182–E refers to
July 28, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD
2022–0152–E, dated July 26, 2022) and its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0182–E
specifies discarding certain parts, this AD
requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0182–E
specifies returning a part to the
manufacturer, this AD does not require that
action.
(5) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0182–E does not apply to this AD.
10017
Stop: ACO, College Park, GA 30337;
telephone (404) 474–5548; email
william.mccully@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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) Emergency AD 2022–0182–E, dated
August 30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022–0182–E, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information
at 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.
(5) You may view this service information
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:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 31, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0182–E
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
[FR Doc. 2023–03270 Filed 2–15–23; 8:45 am]
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) 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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of 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-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dan McCully, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., Mail
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1407; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–01043–T; Amendment
39–22321; AD 2023–02–14]
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 A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of potential foreign object debris
(FOD) contamination of the thermal
relief valve (TRV). This AD requires
replacement of affected auxiliary power
unit (APU) low-pressure (LP) shut-off
valves (SOVs), an inspection to detect
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
10018
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 32 / Thursday, February 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
fuel leaks of affected engine LP SOVs
and APU isolation shut-off valves
(ISOVs), and applicable corrective
actions, and prohibits installation of
affected parts, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 23,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 23, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–1407; 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 material identified in this final
rule, 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 at
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 at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA–2022–1407.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat
Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, FAA, International Validation
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516–228–
7317; email Dat.V.Le@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 SAS Model A350–
941 and –1041 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
November 4, 2022 (87 FR 66623). The
NPRM was prompted by AD 2022–0157,
dated August 4, 2022, issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union
(EASA AD 2022–0157) (also referred to
as the MCAI). The MCAI states that
reports have been received from the
manufacturer of the APU, the engine LP
SOV, and the APU ISOV of potential
FOD contamination of the TRV, which
was generated by a quality escape
during the manufacturing assembly
process. Results of the technical
investigation determined that FOD in
the TRV may lead to a fuel leakage
through the valve. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could, in case of
an APU or engine fire, contribute to an
uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require replacement of affected APU LP
SOVs, an inspection to detect fuel leaks
of affected engine LP SOVs and APU
ISOVs, and applicable corrective
actions, as specified in EASA AD 2022–
0157. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit installation of affected parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
potential FOD contamination, which
could lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result
in an APU or engine fire and contribute
to an uncontrolled fire, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1407.
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 2022–
0157, which specifies procedures for
replacement of affected APU LP SOVs
with serviceable parts, a special detailed
inspection of affected engine LP SOVs
and APU ISOVs for discrepancies
(leaks), and replacement of discrepant
engine LP SOVs and APU ISOVs with
serviceable parts. EASA AD 2022–0157
also prohibits installation of an affected
APU LP SOV, engine LP SOV, or APU
ISOV. 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 69 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to 15 work-hours × $85 per hour = $585 ..............................................................................
$0
$585
$40,365
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:15 Feb 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
the results of any required actions. The
agency has no way of determining the
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
number of aircraft that might need oncondition actions:
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 32 / Thursday, February 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
10019
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 .................................................................
Up to $18,000 ...........................................
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.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:15 Feb 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
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]
2023–02–14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22321; Docket No. FAA–2022–1407;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01043–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
potential foreign object debris (FOD)
contamination of the thermal relief valve
(TRV). The FAA is issuing this AD to address
potential FOD contamination, which could
lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in an auxiliary
power unit (APU) or engine fire and
contribute to an uncontrolled fire, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) 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–
0157, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–
0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0157 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–
0157 specifies ‘‘any discrepancy’’ this AD
defines discrepancy as leaks of the APU, the
engine low-pressure (LP) shut-off valve
(SOV), and the APU isolation shut-off valve
(ISOV).
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
$18,595
(3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2022–0157.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0157 specifies
to scrap certain parts, send those parts to the
manufacturer, or check spares, this AD does
not include that requirement.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
PO 00000
Cost per
product
Sfmt 4700
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0157 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 Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if
any service information 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
10020
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 32 / Thursday, February 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516–228–
7317; email Dat.V.Le@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 2022–0157, dated August 4,
2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022–0157, 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 service information
at 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
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 27, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–03178 Filed 2–15–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1408; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00857–T; Amendment
39–22325; AD 2023–02–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–09–
03, which applied to certain Airbus SAS
Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes.
AD 2022–09–03 required revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. This AD was prompted by
a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:15 Feb 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
necessary. This AD continues to require
the actions in AD 2022–09–03 and
requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate additional
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 23,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 23, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of June 16, 2022 (87 FR
29030, May 12, 2022).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–1408; 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 material identified in this final
rule, 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 at
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 at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA–2022–1408.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat
Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, FAA, International Validation
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516–228–
7317; email Dat.V.Le@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2022–09–03,
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Amendment 39–22023 (87 FR 29030,
May 12, 2022) (AD 2022–09–03). AD
2022–09–03 applied to certain Airbus
SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. AD 2022–09–03 required
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA
issued AD 2022–09–03 to address the
potential failure of certain life-limited
parts, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 9, 2022 (87 FR
67575). The NPRM was prompted by
AD 2022–0124, dated June 28, 2022,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2022–0124)
(referred to after this as the MCAI).
EASA AD 2022–0124 superseded EASA
AD 2021–0206 (which corresponds to
FAA AD 2022–09–03). The MCAI states
that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been
developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
continue to require the actions in AD
2022–09–03. The NPRM also proposed
to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate additional
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2022–0124. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the potential failure of certain
life-limited parts, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1408.
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
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10017-10020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03178]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1407; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01043-T;
Amendment 39-22321; AD 2023-02-14]
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 A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of potential foreign object debris (FOD) contamination of the
thermal relief valve (TRV). This AD requires replacement of affected
auxiliary power unit (APU) low-pressure (LP) shut-off valves (SOVs), an
inspection to detect
[[Page 10018]]
fuel leaks of affected engine LP SOVs and APU isolation shut-off valves
(ISOVs), and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits installation
of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 23, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 23,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1407; 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 material identified in this final rule, 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 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 at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1407.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; 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 Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 4, 2022 (87 FR 66623). The NPRM was prompted by AD
2022-0157, dated August 4, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0157)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that reports have been
received from the manufacturer of the APU, the engine LP SOV, and the
APU ISOV of potential FOD contamination of the TRV, which was generated
by a quality escape during the manufacturing assembly process. Results
of the technical investigation determined that FOD in the TRV may lead
to a fuel leakage through the valve. This condition, if not detected
and corrected, could, in case of an APU or engine fire, contribute to
an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of affected
APU LP SOVs, an inspection to detect fuel leaks of affected engine LP
SOVs and APU ISOVs, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in
EASA AD 2022-0157. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential FOD
contamination, which could lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in an APU or engine fire and contribute
to an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1407.
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 2022-0157, which specifies procedures for
replacement of affected APU LP SOVs with serviceable parts, a special
detailed inspection of affected engine LP SOVs and APU ISOVs for
discrepancies (leaks), and replacement of discrepant engine LP SOVs and
APU ISOVs with serviceable parts. EASA AD 2022-0157 also prohibits
installation of an affected APU LP SOV, engine LP SOV, or APU ISOV.
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 69 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 15 work-hours x $85 per hour = $585.................... $0 $585 $40,365
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need on-condition actions:
[[Page 10019]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $18,000....... $18,595
= $595.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2023-02-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22321; Docket No. FAA-2022-1407;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01043-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of potential foreign object
debris (FOD) contamination of the thermal relief valve (TRV). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address potential FOD contamination, which
could lead to a fuel leak. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in an auxiliary power unit (APU) or engine fire and
contribute to an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0157, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0157 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0157 specifies ``any
discrepancy'' this AD defines discrepancy as leaks of the APU, the
engine low-pressure (LP) shut-off valve (SOV), and the APU isolation
shut-off valve (ISOV).
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0157.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0157 specifies to scrap certain parts, send those parts to the
manufacturer, or check spares, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0157
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
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
[[Page 10020]]
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; 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 2022-0157,
dated August 4, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0157, 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 service information at 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 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 27, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03178 Filed 2-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P