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


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.