Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 55551-55553 [2023-17501]
Download as PDF
55551
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 88, No. 157
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1655; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00887–T; Amendment
39–22423; AD 2023–08–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330–201, –202,
–203, –301, –302, and –303 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of
corrosion and cracks found on engine
inlet attach fittings. This AD requires an
inspection to determine whether
affected engine inlet attach fittings are
installed, and replacement of those
affected engine inlet attach fittings or
replacement with and inlet cowl having
no affected engine inlet attach fittings,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD also prohibits the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
20, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 20, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–1655; 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
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Aug 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
(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 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–
2022–1655.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@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 A330–
201, –202, –203, –301, –302, and –303
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 28, 2022
(87 FR 79819). The NPRM was
prompted by AD 2022–0133, dated July
5, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union (EASA AD 2022–
0133) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that findings of corrosion
and cracks on engine inlet attach fittings
have been reported. It was determined
that the affected fittings are susceptible
to stress corrosion cracking due to the
material used for the fittings. The MCAI
notes that stress corrosion cracking, if
not detected and corrected, could lead
to failure of one or more fittings,
possibly resulting in damage to the
airplane or injury to occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require an inspection to determine
whether affected engine inlet attach
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
fittings are installed, and replacement of
those affected engine inlet attach fittings
or replacement with an inlet cowl
having no affected engine inlet attach
fittings, as specified in EASA AD 2022–
0133. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit the installation of affected
parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1655.
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 two commenters. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request for Exclusion of Certain
Accomplishment Instruction Steps
Delta requested revising paragraph (h)
of the proposed AD to clarify that the
access and close instructions in service
information referenced by EASA AD
2022–0133 are not required. Delta stated
that no guidance is provided indicating
that the access and close instructions
can be either done using airline best
practices, or omitted in the case that the
instructions have been accomplished
previously.
The FAA disagrees. The FAA has
reviewed the instructions and
determined that the instructions are
adequate and can be performed in
conjunction with other maintenance
actions. The access and close
instructions are to open and close the
fan cowl doors, install the inlet, make
sure the work area is clean and clear of
tools, and an inspection report. As
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, the
inspection report specified in the
closing actions is not required. If the
requirements of the AD, including
access and close, have been
accomplished previously, paragraph (f)
of this AD provides relief for actions
already done. For methods other than
those required by the AD, operators may
request an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) under the
provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM
16AUR1
55552
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
Request for a Reporting Requirement
One commenter requested revising
paragraph (i) of the proposed AD to
require submitting an inspection report
to the manufacturer. The commenter
states the change would align with the
EASA AD and that the wide-body
design of the affected 11 U.S.-registered
airplanes is duplicated or modified by
Airbus in newer designs. The
commenter also states the information
would assist in avoiding these issue in
the future.
The FAA disagrees. EASA AD 2022–
0133 does not require reporting;
however, the Airbus service information
referenced by EASA 2022–0133 does
specify an inspection report. The FAA
does not consider it necessary to require
an inspection report because the unsafe
condition has been clearly determined
and the corrective actions are defined.
However, submitting an inspection
report is not prohibited, and any
operator may do so voluntarily. The AD
has not been changed in this regard.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Conclusion
EASA AD 2022–0133 specifies
procedures for an inspection to
determine whether affected engine inlet
attach fittings (those having certain part
numbers and made of aluminum alloy
7175–T66 or 7075–T6) are installed, and
replacement of those affected engine
inlet attach fittings with serviceable
parts or replacement with an inlet cowl
having no affected engine inlet attach
fittings. EASA AD 2022–0133 also
prohibits the installation of affected
parts. This material is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 comments received, and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD
as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will
affect 11 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Cost per
product
Labor cost
Parts cost
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ................................................................................
None .........................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
action that would be required based on
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
Cost on U.S.
operators
$425
$4,675
number of aircraft that might need this
on-condition action:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
210 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $17,850 per nacelle .................
Up to $10,136 ................................
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Aug 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Cost per product
Up to $27,986 per nacelle.
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:
■
E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM
16AUR1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 16, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
2023–08–08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22423; Docket No. FAA–2022–1655;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00887–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective September 20, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A330–201, –202, –203, –301, –302, and –303
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
corrosion and cracks found on engine inlet
attach fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to
detect and correct stress corrosion cracking.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in failure of one or more fittings,
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane
or 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) 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–
0133, dated July 5, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0133
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0133 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0133 does not apply to this AD.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0133 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:04 Aug 15, 2023
Jkt 259001
(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 paragraphs (i) and (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 Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206–231–3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@
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) AD 2022–0133, dated July 5, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022–0133, 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 April 20, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–17501 Filed 8–15–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
55553
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0583; Airspace
Docket No. 22–ACE–20]
RIN 2120–AA66
Modification of Class E Airspace;
Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance, NE
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies Class E
airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface to adequately
contain all instrument flight rule (IFR)
procedures at Alliance Municipal
Airport, NE. This action supports the
safety and management of IFR
operations at the airport.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, October
5, 2023. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under 1 CFR part 51,
subject to the annual revision of FAA
Order JO 7400.11 and publication of
conforming amendments.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), all
comments received, this final rule, and
all background material may be viewed
online at www.regulations.gov using the
FAA Docket number. Electronic
retrieval help and guidelines are
available on the website. It is available
24 hours each day, 365 days each year.
FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. You may also contact the
Rules and Regulations Group, Office of
Policy, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Keith T. Adams, Federal Aviation
Administration, Western Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 2200 S
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198,
telephone: (206) 231–2428.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM
16AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55551-55553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17501]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 88 , No. 157 / Wednesday, August 16, 2023 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 55551]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1655; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00887-T;
Amendment 39-22423; AD 2023-08-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -301, -302, and -303 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks found on engine
inlet attach fittings. This AD requires an inspection to determine
whether affected engine inlet attach fittings are installed, and
replacement of those affected engine inlet attach fittings or
replacement with and inlet cowl having no affected engine inlet attach
fittings, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits
the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 20, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
20, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1655; 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-2022-1655.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; 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
A330-201, -202, -203, -301, -302, and -303 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2022 (87 FR 79819).
The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0133, dated July 5, 2022, issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2022-0133) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that findings of corrosion and cracks on engine inlet
attach fittings have been reported. It was determined that the affected
fittings are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking due to the
material used for the fittings. The MCAI notes that stress corrosion
cracking, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of one
or more fittings, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane or
injury to occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection to determine
whether affected engine inlet attach fittings are installed, and
replacement of those affected engine inlet attach fittings or
replacement with an inlet cowl having no affected engine inlet attach
fittings, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0133. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1655.
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 two commenters. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request for Exclusion of Certain Accomplishment Instruction Steps
Delta requested revising paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to
clarify that the access and close instructions in service information
referenced by EASA AD 2022-0133 are not required. Delta stated that no
guidance is provided indicating that the access and close instructions
can be either done using airline best practices, or omitted in the case
that the instructions have been accomplished previously.
The FAA disagrees. The FAA has reviewed the instructions and
determined that the instructions are adequate and can be performed in
conjunction with other maintenance actions. The access and close
instructions are to open and close the fan cowl doors, install the
inlet, make sure the work area is clean and clear of tools, and an
inspection report. As specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, the
inspection report specified in the closing actions is not required. If
the requirements of the AD, including access and close, have been
accomplished previously, paragraph (f) of this AD provides relief for
actions already done. For methods other than those required by the AD,
operators may request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under
the provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
[[Page 55552]]
Request for a Reporting Requirement
One commenter requested revising paragraph (i) of the proposed AD
to require submitting an inspection report to the manufacturer. The
commenter states the change would align with the EASA AD and that the
wide-body design of the affected 11 U.S.-registered airplanes is
duplicated or modified by Airbus in newer designs. The commenter also
states the information would assist in avoiding these issue in the
future.
The FAA disagrees. EASA AD 2022-0133 does not require reporting;
however, the Airbus service information referenced by EASA 2022-0133
does specify an inspection report. The FAA does not consider it
necessary to require an inspection report because the unsafe condition
has been clearly determined and the corrective actions are defined.
However, submitting an inspection report is not prohibited, and any
operator may do so voluntarily. The AD has not been changed in this
regard.
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
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on 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
EASA AD 2022-0133 specifies procedures for an inspection to
determine whether affected engine inlet attach fittings (those having
certain part numbers and made of aluminum alloy 7175-T66 or 7075-T6)
are installed, and replacement of those affected engine inlet attach
fittings with serviceable parts or replacement with an inlet cowl
having no affected engine inlet attach fittings. EASA AD 2022-0133 also
prohibits the installation of affected parts. This material is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 11 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425............ None............................ $425 $4,675
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
210 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $10,136..... Up to $27,986 per
up to $17,850 per nacelle. nacelle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
[[Page 55553]]
2023-08-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22423; Docket No. FAA-2022-1655;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00887-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 20,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
301, -302, and -303 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks found on
engine inlet attach fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
and correct stress corrosion cracking. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of one or more fittings, possibly
resulting in damage to the airplane or 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) 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
2022-0133, dated July 5, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0133
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0133 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0133 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0133
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
paragraphs (i) and (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 Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3229; 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0133,
dated July 5, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0133, 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 April 20, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-17501 Filed 8-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P