Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 73316-73320 [2024-20258]

Download as PDF 73316 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ‘‘NON– CONFIDENTIAL’’ with the information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email. DOE will make its own determination as to the confidentiality of the information and treat it according to its determination. It is DOE’s policy that all comments may be included in the public docket, without change and as received, including any personal information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure). 3. Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters’ names compiled into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting time. 1. The authority citation for part 1008 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. 552; 5 U.S.C. 552a; 42 U.S.C. 7254; and 5 U.S.C. 301. Section 1008.22(c) also issued under 42 U.S.C. 405 note. 2. Section 1008.12, as proposed to be amended at 88 FR 82788 (November 27, 2023), is further amended by adding paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(O) to read as follows: ■ § 1008.12 Exemptions. * * * * * (b) * * * (1) * * * (ii) * * * (O) Research, Technology, and Economic Security Due Diligence Review Records (DOE–85). * * * * * [FR Doc. 2024–20152 Filed 9–9–24; 8:45 am] VI. Approval by the Office of the Secretary of Energy BILLING CODE 6450–01–P The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of proposed rulemaking. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 1008 Federal Aviation Administration Administration practice and procedure, Freedom of information, Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–2138; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00124–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on September 3, 2024, by Ann Dunkin, Senior Agency Official for Privacy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS PART 1008—RECORDS MAINTAINED ON INDIVIDUALS (PRIVACY ACT) Signed in Washington, DC, on September 3, 2024. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Department of Energy proposes to amend part 1008 of chapter X of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth below: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Sep 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–20–12, AD 2018–17–21, and AD 2019–14–04, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2019–14– 04 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and terminates the provisions of AD 2018– 17–21, which in turn terminates the provisions of AD 2016–20–12. Since the FAA issued AD 2019–14–04, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 25, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2138; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2024–2138. • For Airbus material identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, RondPoint Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; website airbus.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206–231–3667; email Timothy.P.Dowling@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM 10SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–2138; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00124–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206–231–3667; email Timothy.P.Dowling@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA issued AD 2019–14–04, Amendment 39–19682 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019) (AD 2019–14–04), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2019–14–04 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Sep 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2018–0231, dated October 25, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0231) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2019–14–04), to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2019–14–04 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive fuel airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2019–14–04 to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. AD 2019–14–04 specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates all requirements of AD 2018–17–21, Amendment 39–19375 (83 FR 44209, August 30, 2018) (AD 2018–17–21). AD 2018–17–21 specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016–20–12, Amendment 39–18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) (AD 2016–20–12). This proposed AD would supersede AD 2016–20–12 and AD 2018–17–21 as those ADs have already been terminated. Actions Since AD 2019–14–04 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2019–14– 04, EASA superseded AD 2018–0231 and issued EASA AD 2024–0047, dated February 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024– 0047) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Airbus SAS Model A318– 111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and –171N airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214, –215, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes; and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, 232, –251N, –251NX, –252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX, –271N, –271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes. Model A320–215 airplanes are not certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 6, 2023, must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 73317 The FAA is proposing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2024–2138. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024– 0047. This material specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for fuel airworthiness limitations items and critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). This proposed AD would also require Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of August 29, 2019 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019). This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2019–14–04. This proposed AD would also require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 2024– 0047 already described, as proposed for incorporation by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2024–0047 are identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and Critical Design Configuration Control E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM 10SEP1 73318 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with these actions and CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024–0047 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2024–0047 through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2024–0047 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2024–0047. Material required by EASA AD 2024– 0047 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2024–2138 after the FAA final rule is published. Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process The FAA’s process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections. For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes airworthiness limitations, the FAA VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Sep 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 requirements are unchanged. Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e). The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in the AMOCs paragraph under ‘‘Additional AD Provisions.’’ This new format includes a ‘‘New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs’’ paragraph that does not specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may still request an AMOC to use an alternative action, interval, or CDCCL. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1,920 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2019–14–04 to be $7,650 (90 workhours × $85 per work-hour). The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed actions 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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–20–12, Amendment 39– 18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016); AD 2018–17–21, Amendment 39–19375 (83 FR 44209, August 30, 2018); and AD 2019–14–04, Amendment 39–19682 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019); and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: ■ ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2024–2138; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00124–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by October 25, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–20–12, Amendment 39–18678 (81 E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM 10SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules FR 72507, October 20, 2016); AD 2018–17– 21, Amendment 39–19375 (83 FR 44209, August 30, 2018); and AD 2019–14–04, Amendment 39–19682 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019) (AD 2019–14–04). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before November 6, 2023. (1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and –171N airplanes. (3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes. (4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –251NX, –252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX, –271N, –271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2019–14–04, with no changes. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before June 13, 2018: Within 90 days after August 29, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019–14–04), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018, or within 90 days after August 29, 2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Sep 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 (h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2019–14–04, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. (i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0047, dated February 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0047). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0047 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024–0047. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0047 specifies revising ‘‘the AMP,’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0047 is at the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0047, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024–0047. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0047. (k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0047. (l) 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 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 73319 appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2019–14–04 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD. (iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2019–14–04 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024– 0047 that are required by paragraph (i) of this AD, except AMOCs that specify Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS), Part 5, Revision 06, or Revision 07 are not approved as AMOCs for paragraph (i) of this AD. (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. (m) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206– 231–3667; email timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov. (n) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE]. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0047, dated February 19, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on August 29, 2019 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019). (i) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For EASA material identified 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. (6) For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airbus.com; website airbus.com. E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM 10SEP1 73320 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules (7) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (8) 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 September 4, 2024. Suzanne Masterson, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–20258 Filed 9–9–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 1226 [Docket No. CPSC–2013–0014] Revision to the Voluntary Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Request for comment. AGENCY: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (Commission or CPSC) mandatory rule, Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers, incorporates by reference ASTM F2236– 14, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers. ASTM notified the Commission that it has revised this incorporated voluntary standard. CPSC seeks comment on whether the revision improves the safety of soft infant and toddler carriers. DATES: Comments must be received by September 24, 2024. ADDRESSES: You can submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC–2013– 0014, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit through this website: confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public. CPSC typically does not accept comments submitted by email, except as described below. Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier/ Confidential Written Submissions: CPSC encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Sep 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 eRulemaking Portal. You may, however, submit comments by mail, hand delivery, or courier to: Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone: (301) 504–7479. If you wish to submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public, you may submit such comments by mail, hand delivery, or courier, or you may email them to: cpsc-os@cpsc.gov. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and docket number. CPSC may post all comments without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to: https://www.regulations.gov. Do not submit to this website: confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public. If you wish to submit such information, please submit it according to the instructions for mail/hand delivery/courier/ confidential written submissions. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to: https:// www.regulations.gov, and insert the docket number, CPSC–2013–0014, into the ‘‘Search’’ box, and follow the prompts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zachary Foster, Project Manager, Division of Human Factors, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850; telephone: (301) 987–2034; email: zfoster@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requires the Commission to adopt mandatory standards for durable infant or toddler products. 15 U.S.C. 2056a(b)(1). Mandatory standards must be ‘‘substantially the same as’’ voluntary standards, or they may be ‘‘more stringent’’ than the applicable voluntary standards, if the Commission determines that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the products. Id. Mandatory standards may be based, in whole or in part, on a voluntary standard. Section 104(b)(4)(B) of the CPSIA specifies the process for when a voluntary standards organization revises a standard that the Commission incorporated by reference under section 104(b)(1). First, the voluntary standards organization must notify the PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Commission of the revision. Once the Commission receives this notification, the Commission may reject or accept the revised standard. To reject a revised standard, the Commission must notify the voluntary standards organization within 90 days of receiving the notice that it has determined that the revised standard does not improve the safety of the consumer product and that it is retaining the existing standard. If the Commission does not take this action, the revised voluntary standard will be considered a consumer product safety standard issued under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058), effective 180 days after the Commission received notification of the revision (or a later date specified by the Commission in the Federal Register). 15 U.S.C. 2056a(b)(4)(B). In 2014, the Commission adopted a mandatory rule for soft infant and toddler carriers under section 104(b)(1) of the CPSIA, which was codified in 16 CFR part 1226. The rule incorporated by reference ASTM F2236–14, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers, with no modifications. 79 FR 17422 (March 28, 2014). At the time the Commission published the final rule, ASTM F2236– 14 was the current version of the voluntary standard. ASTM F2236–14 applies to soft infant and toddler carriers, which it describes as a product normally of sewn fabric construction, which is designed to contain a full-term infant to a toddler, generally in an upright position, in close proximity to the caregiver. The ASTM standard includes performance requirements, test methods, and requirements for warning labels and instructional literature, to address hazards to infants associated with soft infant and toddler carriers. After the Commission adopted the mandatory standard in 2014, ASTM approved two more revisions: ASTM F2236–16 and ASTM F2236–16a. However, ASTM did not notify CPSC of these revisions under CPSIA section 104(b)(4)(B). Consequently, these revised standards did not become the mandatory standards by operation of law, and the Commission did not update the mandatory standard to incorporate by reference these revised ASTM standards. On August 26, 2024, ASTM notified CPSC that it had approved and published ASTM F2236–24. CPSC staff is assessing the revised voluntary standard to determine, consistent with section 104(b)(4)(B) of the CPSIA, its effect on the safety of consumer products covered by the standard. The Commission invites public comment on that question, to inform staff’s E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM 10SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73316-73320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20258]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2138; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00124-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-20-12, AD 2018-17-21, and AD 2019-14-04, which apply to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2019-
14-04 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations and terminates the provisions of AD 2018-17-21, which in 
turn terminates the provisions of AD 2016-20-12. Since the FAA issued 
AD 2019-14-04, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 25, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2138; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material identified in this proposed 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. It is also 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2138.
     For Airbus material identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email airbus.com">account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 
website airbus.com.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 206-231-3667; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 73317]]

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2138; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00124-T'' at the beginning of your 
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the 
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the 
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2019-14-04, Amendment 39-19682 (84 FR 35812, July 
25, 2019) (AD 2019-14-04), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2019-14-04 was prompted by an MCAI 
originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2018-0231, dated October 25, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0231) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2019-14-04), to 
correct an unsafe condition.
    AD 2019-14-04 requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive fuel airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2019-14-
04 to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, 
which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a 
fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. AD 2019-14-04 
specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD 
terminates all requirements of AD 2018-17-21, Amendment 39-19375 (83 FR 
44209, August 30, 2018) (AD 2018-17-21). AD 2018-17-21 specifies that 
accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, October 
20, 2016) (AD 2016-20-12). This proposed AD would supersede AD 2016-20-
12 and AD 2018-17-21 as those ADs have already been terminated.

Actions Since AD 2019-14-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2019-14-04, EASA superseded AD 2018-0231 
and issued EASA AD 2024-0047, dated February 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-
0047) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Airbus SAS Model 
A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -
253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, 
-253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes. Model A320-215 
airplanes are not certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. 
type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not 
include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that new 
or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
    Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 6, 2023, must 
comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the 
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; 
this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the 
applicability.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address the potential of ignition 
sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of 
the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2138.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0047. This material specifies new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations for fuel airworthiness 
limitations items and critical design configuration control limitations 
(CDCCLs).
    This proposed AD would also require Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018, which the Director 
of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of 
August 29, 2019 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019).
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2019-
14-04. This proposed AD would also require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are 
specified in EASA AD 2024-0047 already described, as proposed for 
incorporation by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2024-0047 are 
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control

[[Page 73318]]

Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with these actions and CDCCLs is 
required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously 
modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed 
AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in 
the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the 
operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) according to paragraph (l)(1) of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024-0047 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2024-0047 through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a 
particular section in EASA AD 2024-0047 does not mean that operators 
need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD 
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' 
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section 
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-
0047. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0047 for compliance will be 
available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2024-2138 after the FAA final rule is published.

Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,920 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2019-14-04 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate.
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed 
actions 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

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 
(81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016); AD 2018-17-21, Amendment 39-19375 (83 
FR 44209, August 30, 2018); and AD 2019-14-04, Amendment 39-19682 (84 
FR 35812, July 25, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2024-2138; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00124-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by October 25, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-20-12, 
Amendment 39-18678 (81

[[Page 73319]]

FR 72507, October 20, 2016); AD 2018-17-21, Amendment 39-19375 (83 
FR 44209, August 30, 2018); and AD 2019-14-04, Amendment 39-19682 
(84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019) (AD 2019-14-04).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 6, 2023.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, 
and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2019-14-04, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before June 13, 2018: Within 90 days 
after August 29, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-14-04), revise 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated June 13, 2018. The initial 
compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), 
Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, dated 
June 13, 2018, or within 90 days after August 29, 2019, whichever 
occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance 
or inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With a New 
Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2019-14-04, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless 
the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0047, dated February 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0047). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0047

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0047.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0047 specifies revising ``the 
AMP,'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0047 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0047, or within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0047.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0047.

(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-0047.

(l) 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2019-14-04 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2019-14-04 are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024-0047 that 
are required by paragraph (i) of this AD, except AMOCs that specify 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS), 
Part 5, Revision 06, or Revision 07 are not approved as AMOCs for 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (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.

(m) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email 
[email protected].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS 
AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0047, 
dated February 19, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on August 29, 
2019 (84 FR 35812, July 25, 2019).
    (i) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS), Part 5, Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 05, 
dated June 13, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For EASA material identified 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.
    (6) For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 
31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; email airbus.com">account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; website 
airbus.com.

[[Page 73320]]

    (7) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th 
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (8) 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 September 4, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20258 Filed 9-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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