Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 71506-71509 [2023-22488]

Download as PDF 71506 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 199 Tuesday, October 17, 2023 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1995; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00905–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require 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 proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 2023. DATES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Oct 16, 2023 Jkt 262001 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1995; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2023–1995. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817–222–5102; email timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–1995; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00905–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817–222–5102; email timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023– 0151) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS A318–111, A318–112, A318–121, A318–122, A319–111, A319– 112, A319–113, A319–114, A319–115, A319–131, A319–132, A319–133, A319– 151N, A319–153N, A319–171N, A320– 211, A320–212, A320–214, A320–215, A320–216, A320–231, A320–232, A320– 233, A320–251N, A320–252N, A320– 253N, A320–271N, A320–272N, A320– 273N, A321–111, A321–112, A321–131, A321–211, A321–212, A321–213, A321– 231, A321–232, A321–251N, A321– 251NX, A321–252N, A321–252NX, A321–253N, A321–253NX, A321–271N, A321–271NX, A321–272N, and A321– 272NX airplanes. Model A320–215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD E:\FR\FM\17OCP1.SGM 17OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 199 / Tuesday, October 17, 2023 / Proposed Rules therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. EASA AD 2023–0151 specifies that it requires a task (limitation) related to the center wing box front spar stiffeners already in Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 ALS Part 2 DT–ALI Revision 09 or A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2 DT– ALI Revision 09 Variation 9.2 that are required by EASA AD 2022–0085 and EASA AD 2023–0008 respectively (which correspond to FAA AD 2023– 13–10, Amendment 39–22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023–13– 10)), and that incorporation of EASA AD 2023–0151 invalidates (terminates) prior instructions for that task. This proposed AD therefore would terminate the limitations for tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0151 only, as required by paragraph (o) of AD 2023–13–10. The FAA is proposing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, 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–2023–1995. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023– 0151, 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 FAA’s Determination 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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 2023–0151 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Oct 16, 2023 Jkt 262001 described previously, as incorporated by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2023–0151 are identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2023–0151 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2023–0151 through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2023–0151 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2023–0151. Service information required by EASA AD 2023–0151 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2023– 1995 after the FAA final rule is published. Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process The FAA’s process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the actions required by PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 71507 the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections. For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged. Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e). The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in the AMOC paragraph under ‘‘Additional AD Provisions.’’ This new format includes a ‘‘New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals’’ paragraph that does not specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may still request an AMOC to use an alternative action or interval. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1,680 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 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 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 E:\FR\FM\17OCP1.SGM 17OCP1 71508 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 199 / Tuesday, October 17, 2023 / Proposed Rules with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: (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 cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which 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 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0151). (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by December 1, 2023. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0151 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraph (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023–0151. (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023– 0151 specifies ‘‘Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP,’’ this AD requires replacing those words with ‘‘Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.’’ (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0151 is at the applicable ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0151, 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 (4) of EASA AD 2023– 0151. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0151. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2023–13–10, Amendment 39–22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023–13–10). (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2023–1995; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00905–T. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before May 12, 2023. (1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and –171N airplanes. (3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes. (4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –251NX, –252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX, –271N, –271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Oct 16, 2023 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 2023–0151. (j) Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2023–13–10 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2023–13–10 for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0151 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 Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817– 222–5102; email timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2023–0151, 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 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. E:\FR\FM\17OCP1.SGM 17OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 199 / Tuesday, October 17, 2023 / Proposed Rules (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 October 4, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–22488 Filed 10–16–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 61 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2083; Notice No. 24– 1] RIN 2120–AL89 Robinson Helicopter R–22 and R–44 Special Training and Experience Requirements Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This rulemaking would revise the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), Robinson R–22/44 Special Training and Experience Requirements, to provide consistency with other FAA regulatory requirements, training, and testing publications. The rulemaking would remove the low gravity (low G) dual flight instruction requirement to align the SFAR with current aircraft placard requirements and the limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook (RFM/POH) set forth by Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This proposed revision would also update the SFAR so it mirrors the terminology currently used in the Helicopter Flying Handbook and Practical Test Standards (PTS). This rulemaking proposes to clarify the awareness training endorsement and flight review requirements for less experienced pilots, remove legacy dates, and update the applicability section to include ground and flight training, including flight reviews provided by authorized flight instructors. Additionally, the FAA proposes to add an expiration date to the SFAR to allow the FAA time to review and refine the R–22 and R–44 requirements for ground training, aeronautical experience, including flight training, and flight reviews, before lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Oct 16, 2023 Jkt 262001 moving them to a permanent location in a separate subchapter. DATES: Send comments on or before December 18, 2023. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA–2023–2083 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at https://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cara M. Barbera, Training and Certification Group, General Aviation and Commercial Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–1100; email Cara.Barbera@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Executive Summary A. Overview of Proposed Rule B. Summary of the Costs and Benefits II. Authority for This Rulemaking III. Background A. SFAR 73 Final Rule Background Information B. AD 95–11–09 (R–22) and AD 95–11–10 (R–44) Low G Cyclic Pushover Prohibition Background C. Recommendation and Proposal IV. Discussion of the Proposal A. Removal of Required Flight Training on the Effects of Low G Maneuvers and Proper Recovery Procedures B. Moving Flight Training Topic of Low G Hazards to Ground Training Requirements C. Awareness Training Renamed as Ground Training D. Flight Review Requirements for Pilots With Less Experience in R–22/R–44 E. Enhanced Training in Autorotation Procedures PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 71509 F. Removal of Legacy Dates G. Add Persons Who Seek To Provide Ground Training or Flight Training or Conduct a Flight Review to Applicability Section H. Revise Term Blade Stall I. Revise Term Certified and Certificated for Flight Instructors J. R–22/R–44 Awareness Training Endorsement K. Add Expiration Date to SFAR No. 73 V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses A. Regulatory Impact Analysis B. Regulatory Flexibility Act C. International Trade Impact Assessment D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment E. Paperwork Reduction Act F. International Compatibility G. Environmental Analysis VI. Executive Order Determinations A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism B. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments C. Executive Order 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use D. Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation VII. Additional Information A. Comments Invited B. Confidential Business Information C. Electronic Access and Filing D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act I. Executive Summary A. Overview of Proposed Rule Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 73, found in part 61 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), currently requires the effects of low G maneuvers and proper recovery procedures to be accomplished during dual instruction flight training. However, because of the inherent danger in performing low G maneuvers, Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 95–11– 09 1 and 95–11–10,2 effective July 14, 1995, prohibit intentionally inducing low G flight in Robinson model R–22 and R–44 helicopters. The FAA proposes to remove the requirement to perform low G maneuvers during flight training due to safety concerns and to continue addressing these hazards in the ground training topic for low G hazards, which is established in the SFAR. The FAA proposes additional amendments to SFAR No. 73 to update and align its terminology with other FAA regulations and publications. Certain terminology in SFAR No. 73 has 1 See AD 95–11–09, Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 Helicopters (Jul. 14, 1995), https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/ AB0E6D73A5A548F186256A4D006126BD.0001. 2 See AD 95–11–10, Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters (Jul. 14, 1995), https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/ FED1D31B434F466E86256A4D00613579.0001. E:\FR\FM\17OCP1.SGM 17OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 199 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71506-71509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22488]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 199 / Tuesday, October 17, 2023 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 71506]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1995; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00905-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed 
AD would require 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 proposed for incorporation by 
reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1995; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 
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. It is 
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1995.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 817-222-5102; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1995; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00905-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817-222-5102; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2023-0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA 
AD 2023-0151) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, 
A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, 
A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-
214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-
252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-111, A321-112, 
A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, 
A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, 
A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX airplanes. Model A320-215 
airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the 
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD

[[Page 71507]]

therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The 
MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have 
been developed.
    EASA AD 2023-0151 specifies that it requires a task (limitation) 
related to the center wing box front spar stiffeners already in Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 2 DT-ALI Revision 09 or A318/A319/A320/
A321 ALS Part 2 DT-ALI Revision 09 Variation 9.2 that are required by 
EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 respectively (which correspond 
to FAA AD 2023-13-10, Amendment 39-22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023) 
(AD 2023-13-10)), and that incorporation of EASA AD 2023-0151 
invalidates (terminates) prior instructions for that task. This 
proposed AD therefore would terminate the limitations for tasks 
identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0151 
only, as required by paragraph (o) of AD 2023-13-10.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, 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-2023-1995.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0151, 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.

FAA's Determination

    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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 
2023-0151 described previously, as incorporated by reference. Any 
differences with EASA AD 2023-0151 are identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to 
paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2023-0151 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2023-0151 through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a 
particular section in EASA AD 2023-0151 does not mean that operators 
need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD 
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' 
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section 
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2023-
0151. Service information required by EASA AD 2023-0151 for compliance 
will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1995 after the FAA final rule is published.

Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process

    The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the 
primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs 
has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service 
bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the 
actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the 
process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness 
limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.
    For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes 
airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged. 
Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new 
airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must 
be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).
    The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a 
paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals 
are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in 
the AMOC paragraph under ``Additional AD Provisions.'' This new format 
includes a ``New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals'' 
paragraph that does not specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may 
still request an AMOC to use an alternative action or interval.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,680 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed 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 
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

[[Page 71508]]

with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by 
prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the 
Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This 
regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses 
an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 
identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2023-1995; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-
00905-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 1, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2023-13-10, Amendment 39-22495 (88 FR 50005, 
August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-10).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before May 12, 2023.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, 
and -272NX 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 cracking, accidental damage, or 
corrosion in principal structural elements, which 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 
2023-0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0151).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0151

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraph (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0151.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0151 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved 
AMP,'' this AD requires replacing those words with ``Within 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance 
or inspection program, as applicable.''
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0151 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2023-0151, 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 
(4) of EASA AD 2023-0151.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0151.

(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 2023-0151.

(j) Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2023-13-10

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the 
corresponding requirements of AD 2023-13-10 for the tasks identified 
in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0151 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 Timothy Dowling, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 817-222-5102; email 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2023-0151, 
dated July 25, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2023-0151, 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 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.

[[Page 71509]]

    (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 October 4, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-22488 Filed 10-16-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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