Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 17-20 [2023-28802]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 2, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier Business
Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–2999; email
ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; website
bombardier.com.
(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.
(5) You may view this material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on November 29, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–28800 Filed 12–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–2243; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00699–T; Amendment
39–22631; AD 2023–25–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–08–
04, which applied to all Airbus SAS
Model A300 series airplanes. AD 2022–
08–04 required revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
Since the FAA issued AD 2022–08–04,
the FAA has determined new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This AD continues to require
the actions of AD 2022–08–04, and
requires 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 January 17,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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SUMMARY:
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of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 17, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of June 16, 2022 (87 FR
29037, May 12, 2022).
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by February 16, 2024.
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–2023–2243; 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 street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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 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–
2023–2243.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206–
231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–2243;
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17
Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00699–T’’
at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD,
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 AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 206–231–3225; email
dan.rodina@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
The FAA issued AD 2022–08–04,
Amendment 39–22007 (87 FR 29037,
May 12, 2022) (AD 2022–08–04), for all
Airbus SAS Model A300 series
airplanes. AD 2022–08–04 was
prompted by an MCAI originated by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued AD 2021–0134,
dated June 1, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0134), to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2022–08–04 required revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations described in Airbus A300
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Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 2 Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–
ALI) Revision 03, Variation 3.2
(Variation 3.2). The FAA issued AD
2022–08–04 to address possible reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2022–08–04 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2022–08–
04, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021–
0134 and issued EASA AD 2023–0104,
dated May 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–
0104) (also referred to as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for all
Airbus SAS Model A300 series
airplanes. The FAA has removed Airbus
SAS Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–
3C, and B2–203 airplanes from the FAA
type certificate. Therefore, this AD does
not include those airplanes in the
applicability.
The MCAI states that since EASA AD
2021–0134 was issued, Airbus
published Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 DT–
ALI Revision 03, Variation 3.4
(Variation 3.4), which supersedes
Variation 3.2. Variation 3.4, as defined
in EASA AD 2023–0104, contains new
and more restrictive tasks and
introduces Maintenance Program
Publication Triggers (MPPT), reflecting
the limit of validity (LOV) of the
engineering data that supports the
structural maintenance program.
Therefore, EASA AD 2023–0104 takes
over the requirements of EASA AD
2021–0134 and requires
accomplishment of the actions and
compliance with the new MPPT
specified in Variation 3.4.
The MCAI also stated it had
previously issued AD 2017–0207, dated
October 12, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–
0207); AD 2020–0110R1, dated May 27,
2020 (EASA AD 2020–0110R1); AD
2021–0134; and AD 2021–0181, dated
July 30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0181);
requiring the actions described in
Airbus A300 Airbus A300 ALS Part 2
DT–ALI Revision 03, Variation 3.1,
Variation 3.2, and Variation 3.3,
respectively. EASA AD 2017–0207
corresponds to FAA AD 2018–19–17,
Amendment 39–19417 (83 FR 48207,
September 24, 2018). EASA AD 2020–
0110R1 corresponds to certain actions
in FAA AD 2020–23–11, Amendment
39–21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27,
2020). EASA AD 2021–0181
corresponds to FAA AD 2022–05–06,
Amendment 39–21957 (87 FR 10956,
February 28, 2022). After those EASA
ADs were issued, Airbus published
Variation 3.4, as defined in EASA AD
2023–0104. The MCAI states that it does
not supersede EASA ADs 2017–0207,
2020–0110R1, and 2021–0181.
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However, the MCAI does affect EASA
AD 2017–0207 and specifies that where
it requires a task (limitation) that is
required by EASA AD 2017–0207
(which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–
19–17), the instructions of Variation 3.4
invalidate (terminate) the instructions of
Airbus A300 Airbus A300 ALS Part 2
DT–ALI Revision 03. Therefore,
accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD
2018–19–17 for the tasks identified in
the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2023–0104 only. This AD also
replaces the LOVs specified in
paragraph 1.3 of Airbus A300
Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS), Part 2—Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–
ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28,
2017, as required by FAA AD 2018–19–
17.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
possible reduced structural integrity of
the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–2243.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023–0104 specifies
procedures for new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, which
includes updated airplane LOV
language and MPPTs.
This AD also requires EASA AD
2021–0134, dated June 1, 2021, which
the Director of the Federal Register
approved for incorporation by reference
as of June 16, 2022 (87 FR 29037, May
12, 2022).
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.
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 AD after determining that
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations,
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which are specified in EASA AD 2023–
0104 described previously, as
incorporated by reference.
This AD requires 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 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 (n)(1) of this 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 incorporation by
reference of EASA AD 2021–0134 is
retained and EASA AD 2023–0104 is
incorporated by reference in this AD.
This AD requires compliance with
EASA AD 2021–0134 and EASA AD
2023–0104 in their entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the
heading of a particular section in EASA
AD 2021–0134 or EASA AD 2023–0104
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
2021–0134 or EASA AD 2023–0104.
Service information required by EASA
AD 2021–0134 and EASA AD 2023–
0104 for compliance will be available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–2243 after this AD 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
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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 AMOCs 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.
without notice and comment, RFA
analysis is not required.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
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.
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Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency,
for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ Under this section, an agency,
upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without providing notice and
seeking comment prior to issuance.
Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than thirty days, upon
a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic
operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are unnecessary,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In
addition, for the forgoing reason(s), the
FAA finds that good cause exists
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not
apply when an agency finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule
without prior notice and comment.
Because the FAA has determined that it
has good cause to adopt this rule
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Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered airplanes. For any affected
airplane that may be imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future,
the FAA provides the following cost
estimates to comply with this AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per
operator for the retained actions from
AD 2022–08–04 to be $7,650 (90 workhours × $85 per work-hour).
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.
The FAA estimates the total cost per
operator for the new action to be $7,650
(90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
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:
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19
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2022–08–04, Amendment 39–
22007 (87 FR 29037, May 12, 2022); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
2023–25–04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22631; Docket No. FAA–2023–2243;
Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00699–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective January 17, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022–08–04,
Amendment 39–22007 (87 FR 29037, May 12,
2022) (AD 2022–08–04). This AD affects AD
2018–19–17, Amendment 39–19417 (83 FR
48207, September 24, 2018) (AD 2018–19–
17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance.
(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 possible reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing
Maintenance or Inspection Program, With
No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2022–08–04, with no
changes. Except as specified in paragraph (h)
of this AD: Comply with all required actions
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and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0134, dated
June 1, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0134).
Accomplishing the revision of the existing
maintenance or inspection program required
by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–
0134, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions
specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2022–08–04,
with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0134 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using June 16,
2022 (the effective date of AD 2022–08–04).
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0134 specifies ‘‘This AD invalidates the LOV
[limit of validity] as specified in Airbus A300
ALS Part 2 Revision 03 [EASA AD 2017–
0207],’’ this AD replaces the LOVs specified
in paragraph 1.3 of Airbus A300
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS),
Part 2—Damage Tolerant Airworthiness
Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03,
dated August 28, 2017, as required by FAA
AD 2018–19–17.
(3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–0134
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 June 16, 2022
(the effective date of AD 2022–08–04).
(4) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0134 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative
Actions and Intervals With a New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (i) of AD 2022–08–04, with a new
exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance
or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0134.
(j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance
or Inspection Program
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023–0104,
dated May 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0104).
Accomplishing the revision of the existing
maintenance or inspection program required
by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
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(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0104
(1) This AD does not adopt the
requirements specified in paragraphs (1), (2),
and (3) of EASA AD 2023–0104.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023–
0104 specifies ‘‘Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, revise the 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.’’
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(3) The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks specified in paragraph (4) of EASA
AD 2023–0104 is at the associated thresholds
as incorporated by the requirements of
paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023–0104, 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 (5) of EASA AD 2023–
0104.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0104.
(l) Replacement of LOVs and Terminating
Action for AD 2018–19–17
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (j) of this AD replaces the LOVs
specified in paragraph 1.3 of Airbus A300
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS),
Part 2-Damage Tolerant Airworthiness
Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03,
dated August 28, 2017, as required by AD
2018–19–17.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2018–19–
17 for the tasks identified in the service
information referenced in AD 2023–0104
only.
(m) New Provisions for Alternative Actions
and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (j) 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
2023–0104.
(n) 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 manager of the International Validation
Branch, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (o) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (n)(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
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
(o) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206–
231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.
(p) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on January 17, 2024.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2023–0104, dated May 24, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on June 16, 2022 (87 FR
29037, May 12, 2022).
(i) EASA AD 2021–0134, dated June 1,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) EASA ADs 2023–0104 and 2021–0134,
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.
(6) 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. This material may be found
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–2243.
(7) You may view this material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations, or email fr.inspection@
nara.gov.
Issued on December 8, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–28802 Filed 12–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\02JAR1.SGM
02JAR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 2, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17-20]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28802]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-2243; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00699-T;
Amendment 39-22631; AD 2023-25-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08-
04, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. AD
2022-08-04 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-08-04, the FAA
has determined new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This AD continues to require the actions of AD 2022-08-04,
and requires 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 January 17, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 17,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of June
16, 2022 (87 FR 29037, May 12, 2022).
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 16, 2024.
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-2023-2243; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
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 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-2023-2243.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-
231-3225; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-2243; Project Identifier MCAI-
2023-00699-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Dan
Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3225; 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
The FAA issued AD 2022-08-04, Amendment 39-22007 (87 FR 29037, May
12, 2022) (AD 2022-08-04), for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series
airplanes. AD 2022-08-04 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0134, dated June 1, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-
0134), to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2022-08-04 required revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations described in Airbus A300
[[Page 18]]
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2 Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI) Revision 03, Variation 3.2
(Variation 3.2). The FAA issued AD 2022-08-04 to address possible
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2022-08-04 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2022-08-04, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-
0134 and issued EASA AD 2023-0104, dated May 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-
0104) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. The FAA has removed
Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, and B2-203 airplanes from
the FAA type certificate. Therefore, this AD does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
The MCAI states that since EASA AD 2021-0134 was issued, Airbus
published Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 DT-ALI Revision 03, Variation 3.4
(Variation 3.4), which supersedes Variation 3.2. Variation 3.4, as
defined in EASA AD 2023-0104, contains new and more restrictive tasks
and introduces Maintenance Program Publication Triggers (MPPT),
reflecting the limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that
supports the structural maintenance program. Therefore, EASA AD 2023-
0104 takes over the requirements of EASA AD 2021-0134 and requires
accomplishment of the actions and compliance with the new MPPT
specified in Variation 3.4.
The MCAI also stated it had previously issued AD 2017-0207, dated
October 12, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0207); AD 2020-0110R1, dated May 27,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0110R1); AD 2021-0134; and AD 2021-0181, dated July
30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0181); requiring the actions described in Airbus
A300 Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 DT-ALI Revision 03, Variation 3.1,
Variation 3.2, and Variation 3.3, respectively. EASA AD 2017-0207
corresponds to FAA AD 2018-19-17, Amendment 39-19417 (83 FR 48207,
September 24, 2018). EASA AD 2020-0110R1 corresponds to certain actions
in FAA AD 2020-23-11, Amendment 39-21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27,
2020). EASA AD 2021-0181 corresponds to FAA AD 2022-05-06, Amendment
39-21957 (87 FR 10956, February 28, 2022). After those EASA ADs were
issued, Airbus published Variation 3.4, as defined in EASA AD 2023-
0104. The MCAI states that it does not supersede EASA ADs 2017-0207,
2020-0110R1, and 2021-0181. However, the MCAI does affect EASA AD 2017-
0207 and specifies that where it requires a task (limitation) that is
required by EASA AD 2017-0207 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-19-17),
the instructions of Variation 3.4 invalidate (terminate) the
instructions of Airbus A300 Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 DT-ALI Revision 03.
Therefore, accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this
AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2018-19-17 for the
tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0104 only. This AD also replaces the LOVs specified in paragraph 1.3 of
Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 03, dated
August 28, 2017, as required by FAA AD 2018-19-17.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2243.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0104 specifies procedures for new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, which includes updated airplane LOV language
and MPPTs.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2021-0134, dated June 1, 2021, which
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of June 16, 2022 (87 FR 29037, May 12, 2022).
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.
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 AD after determining that the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on
other products of the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 2023-0104
described previously, as incorporated by reference.
This AD requires 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 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 (n)(1) of this 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
incorporation by reference of EASA AD 2021-0134 is retained and EASA AD
2023-0104 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires
compliance with EASA AD 2021-0134 and EASA AD 2023-0104 in their
entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section
in EASA AD 2021-0134 or EASA AD 2023-0104 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 2021-
0134 or EASA AD 2023-0104. Service information required by EASA AD
2021-0134 and EASA AD 2023-0104 for compliance will be available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2243 after this AD 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
[[Page 19]]
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 AMOCs 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.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the
forgoing reason(s), the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. For any
affected airplane that may be imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply
with this AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained
actions from AD 2022-08-04 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
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.
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new action 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08-04, Amendment 39-22007
(87 FR 29037, May 12, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2023-25-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22631; Docket No. FAA-2023-2243;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00699-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 17, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-08-04, Amendment 39-22007 (87 FR 29037,
May 12, 2022) (AD 2022-08-04). This AD affects AD 2018-19-17,
Amendment 39-19417 (83 FR 48207, September 24, 2018) (AD 2018-19-
17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and
B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance.
(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 possible reduced structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection
Program, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2022-08-04, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD: Comply with all required actions
[[Page 20]]
and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0134, dated June 1, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0134). Accomplishing the revision of the existing
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (j) of this
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0134, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph
(h) of AD 2022-08-04, with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0134 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using June 16, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-08-
04).
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0134 specifies ``This AD
invalidates the LOV [limit of validity] as specified in Airbus A300
ALS Part 2 Revision 03 [EASA AD 2017-0207],'' this AD replaces the
LOVs specified in paragraph 1.3 of Airbus A300 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness
Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, as
required by FAA AD 2018-19-17.
(3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0134 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 June 16, 2022 (the effective
date of AD 2022-08-04).
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0134 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals With a
New Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2022-08-04, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program
has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2021-0134.
(j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0104, dated May 24, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0104). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0104
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA AD 2023-0104.
(2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0104 specifies ``Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 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 (4) of EASA AD 2023-0104 is at the associated thresholds
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (4) of EASA AD
2023-0104, 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
(5) of EASA AD 2023-0104.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0104.
(l) Replacement of LOVs and Terminating Action for AD 2018-19-17
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this
AD replaces the LOVs specified in paragraph 1.3 of Airbus A300
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2-Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 03, dated August
28, 2017, as required by AD 2018-19-17.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this
AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2018-19-17 for
the tasks identified in the service information referenced in AD
2023-0104 only.
(m) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (j) 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 2023-0104.
(n) 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 manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (o) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (n)(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.
(o) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].
(p) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
January 17, 2024.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0104,
dated May 24, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 16, 2022 (87 FR 29037, May 12, 2022).
(i) EASA AD 2021-0134, dated June 1, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) EASA ADs 2023-0104 and 2021-0134, 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.
(6) 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. This material may be found in the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2243.
(7) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email [email protected].
Issued on December 8, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28802 Filed 12-29-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P