Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 242-244 [2023-28854]
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242
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1994; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00658–T; Amendment
39–22636; AD 2023–25–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A321,
A330–200, A330–200 Freighter, A330–
300, A330–800, A330–900, A340–200,
and A340–300 series airplanes; Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231,
–232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N,
–271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes;
and Model A340–541 and A340–642
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report that a production deficiency of
some SafeLav gaseous oxygen container
(SLGOC) batches was identified during
production testing of newly
manufactured oxygen containers. This
AD requires replacing affected SLGOCs
and prohibiting the installation of
affected SLGOCs, 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 February 7,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 7, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1994; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
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SUMMARY:
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• For material incorporated by
reference in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
• You may view this material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–1994.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231–
3667; email: timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus SAS Model:
• A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes;
• A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115,
–131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and
–171N airplanes;
• A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231,
–232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N,
–271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes;
• A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
–213, –231, –232, –251N, –251NX,
–252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX,
–271N, –271NX, –272N, and –272NX
airplanes;
• A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F,
–243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, –343, –841, and
–941 airplanes; and
• A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312,
–313, –541, and –642 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 13, 2023 (88 FR
70913). The NPRM was prompted by
AD 2023–0094, dated May 8, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2023–0094)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that a production
deficiency of some SLGOC batches was
identified during production testing of
newly manufactured oxygen containers.
Subsequent investigation identified
missing heat treatment of the actuation
pin of the SLGOC, which could cause its
jamming, with consequent failure of
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Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
oxygen flow activation. This condition,
if not corrected, could prevent
supplemental oxygen supply in case of
decompression in the cabin/lavatory,
possibly resulting in injury to lavatory
occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require replacing affected SLGOCs and
prohibiting the installation of affected
SLGOCs, as specified in EASA AD
2023–0094. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–1994.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from
Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the
NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in
the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA
reviewed the relevant data, considered
the comment received, and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD
as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on this product. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023–0094 specifies
procedures for replacing affected
SLGOCs and prohibiting the installation
of affected SLGOCs. This material is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 728 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..........................................................................................
$4,570
$4,740
$3,450,720
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some or all
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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.
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Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
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16:21 Jan 02, 2024
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the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2023–25–09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22636; Docket No. FAA–2023–1994;
Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00658–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective February 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (6) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(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.
(5) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, –343, –841, and –941
airplanes.
(6) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a
production deficiency of some SafeLav
gaseous oxygen container (SLGOC) batches
was identified during production testing of
newly manufactured oxygen containers. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address missing
heat treatment of the actuation pin of the
SLGOC, which could cause its jamming, with
consequent failure of oxygen flow activation.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in lack of supplemental oxygen supply
in case of decompression in the cabin/
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
lavatory, possibly resulting in injury to
lavatory occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–
0094, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–
0094).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0094
(1) Where EASA AD 2023–0094 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0094.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2023–0094 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraphs (j)(2) and (i) of this
AD, if any service information referenced in
EASA AD 2023–0094 contains paragraphs
that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC
paragraphs, including subparagraphs under
an RC paragraph, must be done to comply
with this AD; any paragraphs, including
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244
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that
are not identified as RC are recommended.
The instructions in paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified
as RC can be done and the airplane can be
put back in an airworthy condition. Any
identified as RC require approval of an
AMOC.
For more information about this AD,
contact Tim Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231–
3667; email: timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov.
(l) 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 2023–0094, dated May 8, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023–0094, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this material 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/
ibrlocations.html, or email fr.inspection@
nara.gov.
Issued on December 14, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–28854 Filed 1–2–24; 8:45 am]
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
16:21 Jan 02, 2024
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1502; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00380–T; Amendment
39–22634; AD 2023–25–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault
Aviation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
(k) Additional Information
VerDate Sep<11>2014
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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Tom
Rodriguez, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 206–
231–3226; email tom.rodriguez@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023–04–
10, which applied to all Dassault
Aviation Model MYSTERE–FALCON
900 airplanes. AD 2023–04–10 required
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. This AD was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD
continues to require the actions in AD
2023–04–10, and requires revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations; as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 7,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 7, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of May 12, 2023 (88 FR
20743, April 7, 2023).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1502; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For material incorporated by
reference in this AD, contact EASA,
SUMMARY:
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu
• You may view this material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–1502.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2023–04–10,
Amendment 39–22357 (88 FR 20743,
April 7, 2023) (AD 2023–04–10). AD
2023–04–10 applied to all Dassault
Aviation Model MYSTERE–FALCON
900 airplanes. AD 2023–04–10 required
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA
issued AD 2023–04–10 to address
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. AD 2023–04–10 specifies that
accomplishing the revision required by
that AD terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2010–26–05,
Amendment 39–16544 (75 FR 79952,
December 21, 2010) (AD 2010–26–05)
for Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE–
FALCON 900 airplanes only. This AD
therefore continues to allow that
terminating action.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 21, 2023 (88 FR 47086);
corrected August 14, 2023 (88 FR
54933). The NPRM was prompted by
AD 2023–0046, dated March 2, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2023–0046)
(also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been
developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
continue to require the actions in AD
2023–04–10 and to require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as specified in EASA AD
2023–0046. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address reduced structural integrity
of the airplane.
E:\FR\FM\03JAR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 242-244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28854]
[[Page 242]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1994; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00658-T;
Amendment 39-22636; AD 2023-25-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-
300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -
271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A340-541 and A340-642
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a production
deficiency of some SafeLav gaseous oxygen container (SLGOC) batches was
identified during production testing of newly manufactured oxygen
containers. This AD requires replacing affected SLGOCs and prohibiting
the installation of affected SLGOCs, 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 February 7, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 7,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1994; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1994.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-
231-3667; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model:
A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes;
A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N,
-153N, and -171N airplanes;
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes;
A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N,
-251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX
airplanes;
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -841, and -941
airplanes; and
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642
airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 13, 2023 (88
FR 70913). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-0094, dated May 8, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2023-0094) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that a production deficiency of some SLGOC batches was
identified during production testing of newly manufactured oxygen
containers. Subsequent investigation identified missing heat treatment
of the actuation pin of the SLGOC, which could cause its jamming, with
consequent failure of oxygen flow activation. This condition, if not
corrected, could prevent supplemental oxygen supply in case of
decompression in the cabin/lavatory, possibly resulting in injury to
lavatory occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected SLGOCs
and prohibiting the installation of affected SLGOCs, as specified in
EASA AD 2023-0094. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1994.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the
comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0094 specifies procedures for replacing affected
SLGOCs and prohibiting the installation of affected SLGOCs. This
material is reasonably available because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 728 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 243]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $4,570 $4,740 $3,450,720
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-25-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22636; Docket No. FAA-2023-1994;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00658-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(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.
(5) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -841, and -941
airplanes.
(6) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a production deficiency of
some SafeLav gaseous oxygen container (SLGOC) batches was identified
during production testing of newly manufactured oxygen containers.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address missing heat treatment of the
actuation pin of the SLGOC, which could cause its jamming, with
consequent failure of oxygen flow activation. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in lack of supplemental oxygen supply
in case of decompression in the cabin/lavatory, possibly resulting
in injury to lavatory occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2023-0094, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0094).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0094
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0094 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0094.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0094
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (j)(2) and (i) of this AD, if any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0094 contains paragraphs that are labeled
as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs
under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any
paragraphs, including
[[Page 244]]
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC
are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tim Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3667; email:
[email protected].
(l) 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 2023-0094,
dated May 8, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0094, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material 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/ibrlocations.html, or email [email protected].
Issued on December 14, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28854 Filed 1-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P