Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 20749-20751 [2023-07136]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 67 / Friday, April 7, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Issued on February 17, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07094 Filed 4–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–0014; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01160–T; Amendment 39–22382; AD 2023–05–13] 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 A300 B4–600, B4– 600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 12, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 12, 2023. ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0014; 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 incorporated by reference in this AD, contact EASA, ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:44 Apr 06, 2023 Jkt 259001 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 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 under Docket No. FAA– 2023–0014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3225; email dan.rodina@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 A300– 600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2023 (88 FR 2276). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022–0173, dated August 24, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022–0173) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. EASA AD 2022–0173 specifies that it requires a task (limitation) related to the replacement of life-limited parts already in Airbus A300–600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life Airworthiness Limitations Items (SL–ALI) Revision 02 that is required by EASA AD 2017–0204 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–18–19, Amendment 39–19398 (83 FR 47056, September 18, 2018) (AD 2018–18–19)), and that incorporation of EASA AD 2022–0173 invalidates (terminates) prior instructions for that task. For Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, B4–622R, C4–605R Variant F, F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes only: this AD therefore terminates the limitations for the safe life limits required by paragraph (g) of AD 2018– 18–19, for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022–0173 only. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 20749 specified in EASA AD 2022–0173. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue damage in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 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–2023–0014. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from 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– 0173, which specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. This service information 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 128 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1 20750 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 67 / Friday, April 7, 2023 / Rules and Regulations operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour). 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:44 Apr 06, 2023 Jkt 259001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2023–05–13 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 22382; Docket No. FAA–2023–0014; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01160–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 12, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2018–18–19, Amendment 39–19398 (83 FR 47056, September 18, 2018) (AD 2018–18–19). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD. (1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes. (2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes. (3) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes. (4) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue damage in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0173, dated August 24, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0173). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0173 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022–0173. (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022–0173 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (2) of EASA 2022–0173 is at the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022–0173, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022– 0173. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0173. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0173. (j) Terminating Action for AD 2018–18–19 For Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, B4–622R, C4–605R Variant F, F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes only: Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2018–18–19, for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022–0173 only. (k) 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 (l) 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 local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district 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. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206– 231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov. (m) 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. E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 67 / Friday, April 7, 2023 / Rules and Regulations (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0173, dated August 24, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022–0173, 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 material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on March 9, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07136 Filed 4–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1308; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00532–T; Amendment 39–22377; AD 2023–05–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021–04– 05, which applied to certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD– 500–1A10 and BD–500–1A11 airplanes. AD 2021–04–05 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 necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2021–04–05 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:44 Apr 06, 2023 Jkt 259001 The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 12, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 12, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 30, 2021 (86 FR 10799, February 23, 2021). ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1308; 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 service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, 13100 Henri-Fabre Boulevard, Mirabel, Que´bec J7N 3C6, Canada; telephone 450–476–7676; email a220_crc@abc.airbus; website a220world.airbus.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2022–1308. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, 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: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021–04–05, Amendment 39–21426 (86 FR 10799, February 23, 2021) (AD 2021–04–05). AD 2021–04–05 applied to certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD–500–1A10 and BD–500– 1A11 airplanes. AD 2021–04–05 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 20751 restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2021–04–05 to address reduced structural integrity of the airplane or reduced controllability of the airplane. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2022 (87 FR 65538). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF–2022–18, dated April 14, 2022, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the manufacturer has published a revision to the airworthiness limitations, which contains new or more restrictive requirements, and states that failure to comply with the instructions could result in an unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2021–04–05 and to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity of the airplane or reduced controllability of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1308. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA received additional comments from Delta Airlines (DAL). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Require MCAI Instead of Service Information DAL requested that the FAA require compliance with the MCAI instead of service information so that Issue 014.00 of the airworthiness limitations is required through incorporation by reference (IBR) of Transport Canada AD CF–2022–18. DAL noted that the type certificate data sheet (TCDS) for these airplane models (TCDS T00008NY) states that any document that is Transport Canada-approved or Transport Canada-approved through the Manufacturer’s Design Approval Representative is accepted by the FAA and is considered FAA-approved. DAL added that Transport Canada has released AD CF–2022–58, dated October 12, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF– 2022–58), which mandates Issue 015.00 of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 67 (Friday, April 7, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20749-20751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07136]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0014; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01160-T; 
Amendment 39-22382; AD 2023-05-13]
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 A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, 
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model 
A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a determination 
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. 
This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 12, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 12, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0014; 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 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 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 under Docket No. FAA-2023-0014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; 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 
A300-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on January 13, 2023 (88 FR 2276). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-
0173, dated August 24, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0173) 
(also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
    EASA AD 2022-0173 specifies that it requires a task (limitation) 
related to the replacement of life-limited parts already in Airbus 
A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitations Items (SL-ALI) Revision 02 that is required 
by EASA AD 2017-0204 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-18-19, Amendment 
39-19398 (83 FR 47056, September 18, 2018) (AD 2018-18-19)), and that 
incorporation of EASA AD 2022-0173 invalidates (terminates) prior 
instructions for that task. For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-605R, B4-622R, C4-605R Variant F, F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes 
only: this AD therefore terminates the limitations for the safe life 
limits required by paragraph (g) of AD 2018-18-19, for the tasks 
identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0173 
only.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 
2022-0173. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue damage in 
principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
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-2023-0014.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from 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 2022-0173, which specifies new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe 
life limits. This service information 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 128 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per

[[Page 20750]]

operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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:

2023-05-13 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22382; Docket No. FAA-2023-0014; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01160-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 12, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2018-18-19, Amendment 39-19398 (83 FR 47056, 
September 18, 2018) (AD 2018-18-19).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
    (1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue damage in principal structural 
elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0173, dated August 24, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0173).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0173

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0173.
    (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0173 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this 
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA 2022-0173 is at the applicable ``limitations'' 
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 
2022-0173, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph 
(3) of EASA AD 2022-0173.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0173.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0173.

(j) Terminating Action for AD 2018-18-19

    For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, 
C4-605R Variant F, F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes only: Accomplishing 
the actions required by this AD terminates the corresponding 
requirements of AD 2018-18-19, for the tasks identified in the 
service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0173 only.

(k) 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 (l) 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 local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district 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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(m) 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.

[[Page 20751]]

    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0173, 
dated August 24, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0173, 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 material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 9, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07136 Filed 4-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.