Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 6411-6413 [2024-01965]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
evaluation the general supply and
demand for milk. If the market
administrator finds that uneconomic
movements are occurring, and such
movements are persistent and pervasive,
or are not being made in a way that
assures orderly marketing and efficient
handling of milk in the marketing area,
after good cause shown, the market
administrator may disallow the
payments of distributing plant delivery
credit on such milk. Before making such
a finding, the market administrator shall
give the handler on such milk sufficient
notice that an investigation is being
considered and shall provide notice that
the handler has the opportunity to
explain why such movements were
necessary, or the opportunity to correct
such movements prior to the
disallowance of any distributing plant
delivery credits. Any disallowance of
distributing plant delivery credit
pursuant to this provision shall remain
confidential between the market
administrator and the handler.
Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–01829 Filed 1–30–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1895; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00652–T; Amendment
39–22649; AD 2023–26–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Background
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS A300 B4–600, B4–600R,
and F4–600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model
A300–600 series airplanes). This AD
was prompted by a determination that
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD
requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:30 Jan 31, 2024
Jkt 262001
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 7,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 7, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1895; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For material incorporated by
reference in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email 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–
2023–1895.
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:
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300–
600 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
October 2, 2023 (88 FR 67685). The
NPRM was prompted by AD 2023–0091,
dated May 5, 2023, issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union
(EASA AD 2023–0091) (also referred to
as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations have been developed.
EASA AD 2023–0091 specifies that it
requires certain tasks (limitations)
already in Airbus A300–600
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
6411
Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS), Part 2 DT–ALI, Revision 03, that
is required by EASA AD 2019–0090,
dated April 26, 2019 (which
corresponds to FAA AD 2019–21–01,
Amendment 39–19767 (84 FR 56935,
October 24, 2019) (AD 2019–21–01)),
and that incorporation of EASA AD
2023–0091 invalidates (terminates) prior
instructions for those tasks. This AD
would therefore terminate the
limitations required by paragraph (g) of
AD 2019–21–01, for the tasks identified
in the service information referred to in
EASA AD 2023–0091 only.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in EASA AD 2023–0091. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue cracking, 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–2023–1895.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from
FedEx and DonZel Culver. Both
commenters 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 comments received, and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD
as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on this product. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023–0091 specifies new or
more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and
safe life limits. 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.
E:\FR\FM\01FER1.SGM
01FER1
6412
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 128 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising
the existing maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the agency
recognizes that this number may vary
from operator to operator. Since
operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their
affected fleet(s), the FAA has
determined that a per-operator estimate
is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency
estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours ×
$85 per work-hour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:30 Jan 31, 2024
Jkt 262001
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2023–26–06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22649; Docket No. FAA–2023–1895;
Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00652–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019–21–01,
Amendment 39–19767 (84 FR 56935, October
24, 2019) (AD 2019–21–01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
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, 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 2023–0091, dated
May 5, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0091).
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0091
(1) This AD does not adopt the
requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of EASA AD 2023–0091.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–
0091 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 (3) of EASA
2023–0091 is at the applicable ‘‘associated
thresholds’’ as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2023–0091, 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–
0091.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0091.
(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) or
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2023–0091.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2019–21–01
Accomplishing the actions required by this
AD terminates the corresponding
requirements of AD 2019–21–01 for the tasks
identified in the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2023–0091 only.
(k) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety
E:\FR\FM\01FER1.SGM
01FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206–
231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.
AGENCY:
the airplane reaching its limit of validity
(LOV). This AD requires repetitive
inspections for cracks of skin repairs at
Stringer S–17, and corrective actions if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 7,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 7, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1041; 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, any comments
received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this final rule, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57,
Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone
562–797–1717; website
myboeingfleet.com.
• You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206–231–3195. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–1041.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
Ashforth, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3520;
email Bill.Ashforth@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–600,
737–700, and 737–800 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by an evaluation
by the design approval holder (DAH)
indicating the fuselage skin repairs at
the double row of fasteners centered on
certain stringers have inadequate
inspection requirements for continuing
airworthiness following repair
accomplishment. This AD is intended to
complete certain programs to support
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
(Boeing) Model 737–600, 737–700, and
737–800 series airplanes. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on May 25, 2023 (88 FR 33849). The
NPRM was prompted by an evaluation
by the DAH indicating the fuselage skin
repairs at the double row of fasteners
centered on certain stringers have
inadequate inspection requirements for
continuing airworthiness following
(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 2023–0091, dated May 5, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023–0091, 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.
(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 January 2, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–01965 Filed 1–31–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1041; Project
Identifier AD–2022–01223–T; Amendment
39–22657; AD 2024–01–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:30 Jan 31, 2024
Jkt 262001
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
6413
repair accomplishment, which could
result in fatigue cracking of the repair
going undetected.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require repetitive inspections for
cracking of the skin repairs at S–17, and
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address this fatigue
cracking, which, if not addressed, could
grow to a critical length and result in
rapid decompression and loss of the
airplane’s structural integrity.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the
Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA also received comments
from Aviation Partners Boeing (APB),
Boeing, Southwest Airlines (Southwest),
and SunExpress Airline (SunExpress).
Compliance With AMOC Procedures
APB determined that the
incorporation of supplemental type
certificate (STC) ST00830SE for
installation of split scimitar winglets
affects compliance with the mandated
actions in the proposed rule, but the
extent of the impact to compliance is
not fully known at this time. APB noted
that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD
would replace the provisions in Boeing
Service Bulletin 737–53A1217 R1 that
specify contacting Boeing for an
alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) for alternative inspections and
corrective actions, and instead would
require using a method approved in
accordance with paragraph (i) of the
proposed AD. APB stated that for
affected airplanes with these winglets,
approval of any alternative inspections
and corrective actions for Zone 3 and
Zone 4 repairs must be obtained from
the Manager, AIR–520 Continued
Operational Safety Branch, FAA,
through the means described in
paragraph (i)(1) of the proposed AD.
APB asserted that Boeing does not have
delegation to approve repairs in areas
affected by the configuration of STC
ST00830SE and cannot use ODA
approval as specified in paragraph (i)(3)
of the proposed AD.
The FAA acknowledges APB’s
comment. Paragraph (h)(1) of this AD
states that AMOC approval be obtained
using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in
‘‘paragraph (i)’’ of this AD, and does not
limit approvals to the provisions of
paragraph (i)(1) or (3) of this AD.
Therefore, no change to this AD is
necessary.
E:\FR\FM\01FER1.SGM
01FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6411-6413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01965]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1895; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00652-T;
Amendment 39-22649; AD 2023-26-06]
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 A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 7, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 7,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1895; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1895.
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:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A300-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on October 2, 2023 (88 FR 67685). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-
0091, dated May 5, 2023, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2023-0091) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been developed.
EASA AD 2023-0091 specifies that it requires certain tasks
(limitations) already in Airbus A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS), Part 2 DT-ALI, Revision 03, that is required by EASA AD
2019-0090, dated April 26, 2019 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2019-21-
01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935, October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-
01)), and that incorporation of EASA AD 2023-0091 invalidates
(terminates) prior instructions for those tasks. This AD would
therefore terminate the limitations required by paragraph (g) of AD
2019-21-01, for the tasks identified in the service information
referred to in EASA AD 2023-0091 only.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2023-0091. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking,
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-2023-1895.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from FedEx and DonZel Culver. Both
commenters 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
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0091 specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. 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.
[[Page 6412]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-26-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22649; Docket No. FAA-2023-1895;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00652-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935,
October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 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, 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
2023-0091, dated May 5, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0091).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0091
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0091.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0091 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 (3) of EASA 2023-0091 is at the applicable ``associated
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of
EASA AD 2023-0091, 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 2023-0091.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0091.
(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) or intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2023-0091.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2019-21-01
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
corresponding requirements of AD 2019-21-01 for the tasks identified
in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0091 only.
(k) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety
[[Page 6413]]
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 206-231-3225; 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 2023-0091,
dated May 5, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0091, 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.
(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 [email protected].
Issued on January 2, 2024.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-01965 Filed 1-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P