Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 77045-77049 [2024-21212]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2024 / Proposed Rules Signing Authority DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION This document of the Department of Energy was signed on September 9, 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. Federal Aviation Administration Signed in Washington, DC, on September 10, 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: PART 1008—RECORDS MAINTAINED ON INDIVIDUALS (PRIVACY ACT) 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 amend by adding paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(R) to read as follows: ■ § 1008.12 Exemptions. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 * * * * * (b) * * * (2) * * * (ii) * * * (R) Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Program Files (DOE–42). * * * * * [FR Doc. 2024–20838 Filed 9–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Sep 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–2145; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00077–T] RIN 2120–AA64 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) 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03 require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2023–13– 10 and all actions in AD 2024–04–03 and 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 November 4, 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–2024–2145; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 77045 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– 2024–2145. • 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. 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: 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–2024–2145; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00077–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 E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM 20SEP1 77046 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2024 / Proposed Rules ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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 2023–13–10, Amendment 39–22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023–13–10), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2023–13–10 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2023–0008, dated January 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0008) and AD 2022– 0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0085) (which correspond to FAA AD 2023–13–10), to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2023–13–10 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2023–13–10 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The FAA issued AD 2024–04–03, Amendment 39–22682 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024) (AD 2024–04–03), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2024–04–03 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA. EASA issued AD 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2022–0151) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2024–04–03), to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2024–04–03 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2024–04–03 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in reduced VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Sep 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 structural integrity of the airplane. AD 2024–04–03 specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates certain requirements of AD 2023–13–10. Actions Since AD 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03 Were Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03, EASA superseded AD 2022–0085, AD 2023–0008, and AD 2023–0151 and issued EASA AD 2024– 0031, dated January 31, 2024; corrected February 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0031) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Airbus SAS Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122; A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and –171N; A320–211, –212, –214, –215, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N; and 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 certificated 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. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2145. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024– 0031. This material specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. This proposed AD would also require the following material, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023): • EASA AD 2022–0085 • EASA AD 2023–0008 This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2023–0151, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of April 19, 2024 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024). 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. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 requirements of AD 2024–04–03 and certain requirements of AD 2023–13–10. 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– 0031 already described, as proposed for incorporation by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2024–0031 are identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and Critical Design Configuration Control 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 (q)(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 retain the IBR of EASA AD 2022–0085, EASA AD 2023–0008, and EASA AD 2023–0151, and incorporate EASA AD 2024–0031 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM 20SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2024 / Proposed Rules ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 EASA AD 2022–0085, EASA AD 2023– 0008, EASA AD 2023–0151, and EASA AD 2024–0031 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 2022–0085, EASA AD 2023– 0008, EASA AD 2023–0151, or EASA AD 2024–0031 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 2022–0085, EASA AD 2023–0008, EASA AD 2023– 0151, or EASA AD 2024–0031. Material required by EASA AD 2022–0085, EASA AD 2023–0008, EASA AD 2023– 0151, and EASA AD 2024–0031 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2024–2145 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Sep 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 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 1,898 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 AD2023–13–10 to be $7,650 (90 workhours × $85 per work-hour). The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2024–04–03 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 77047 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 Directives (AD) 2023–13–10, Amendment 39– 22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023); and AD 2024–04–03, Amendment 39– 22682 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024) and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: ■ ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2024–2145; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00077–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by November 4, 2024. (b) Affected ADs (1) This AD replaces AD 2023–13–10, Amendment 39–22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023–13–10). (2) This AD replaces AD 2024–04–03, Amendment 39–22682 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024) (AD 2024–04–03). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4), certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 19, 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. E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM 20SEP1 77048 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2024 / Proposed Rules (4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –252N, 253N, –271N, –272N, –251NX, –252NX, –253NX, –271NX, 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 fatigue cracking, accidental 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2023–13–10, With New Terminating Action This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 2023–13–10, with new terminating action. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2022: 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 2022–0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0085) and EASA AD 2023– 0008, dated January 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0008). Where EASA AD 2023–0008 affects the same airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022–0085, the airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023–0008 prevail. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022– 0085 and EASA AD 2023–0008, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (p) of AD 2023–13–10, with no changes. (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022– 0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008 do not apply to this AD. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023–13–10). (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008 is at the applicable ‘‘thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008, respectively, or within 90 days after September 5, 2023 (the effective VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Sep 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 date of AD 2023–13–10), whichever occurs later. Where EASA AD 2023–0008 affects the same airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022–0085, the airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023– 0008 prevail. (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022–0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008 do not apply to this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0085 and of EASA AD 2023–0008. (i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2023–13–10, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (q) of AD 2023–13–10, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraphs (j) and (n) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2022–0085 or EASA AD 2023–0008, as applicable. (j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2024–04–03, With New Terminating Action This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2024–04–03, with new terminating action. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before May 12, 2023: Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0151). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (k) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2023– 0151 With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2024–04–03, with no changes. (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023–0151. (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023– 0151 specifies ‘‘Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP,’’ this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘Within 90 days after April 19, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024–04–03), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.’’ (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0151 is at the applicable ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0151, or within 90 days after April 19, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024–04– 03), whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023– 0151. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0151. (l) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2024–04–03, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2024–04–03, with no changes. Except as required by paragraph (n) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0151. (m) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2023–13–10, With No Changes This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD 2024–04–03, with no changes. Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0151 only. (n) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Except as specified in paragraph (o) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024–0031, dated January 31, 2024; corrected February 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0031). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD. (o) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0031 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024–0031. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0031 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP,’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0031 is at the applicable ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0031, 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), (5), and (6) of EASA AD 2024–0031. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0031. (p) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (n) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM 20SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 183 / Friday, September 20, 2024 / Proposed Rules provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0031. (q) 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 (r) 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 previously for AD 2023–13–10 and AD 2024–04–03 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024–0031 that are required by paragraph (n) 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (r) 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. (s) 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 2024–0031, dated January 31, 2024; corrected February 1, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on April 19, 2024 (89 FR 18769, dated March 15, 2024). (i) EASA AD 2023–0151, dated July 25, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (5) The following material was approved for IBR on September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50005, dated August 1, 2023). (i) EASA AD 2022–0085, dated May 12, 2022. (ii) EASA AD 2023–0008, dated January 16, 2023. (6) 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; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Sep 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (7) 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. (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. 77049 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM). 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2151; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, this SNPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Boeing material identified in this proposed AD, 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 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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2151. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Cortez-Muniz, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3958; email: Luis.A.Cortez-Muniz@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would apply to all The Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and 777F series airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by changing certain proposed actions from ultrasonic inspections (UT) to open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over that in the NPRM, the FAA is requesting comments on this SNPRM. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by November 4, 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– 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–2023–2151; Project Identifier AD–2023–00984–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 again revise 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 proposed AD. Issued on September 12, 2024. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–21212 Filed 9–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2151; Project Identifier AD–2023–00984–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM 20SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77045-77049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21212]


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

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2145; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00077-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) 
2023-13-10 and AD 2024-04-03, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2023-13-10 and AD 2024-
04-03 require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-13-10 and AD 2024-04-03, the 
FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require 
certain actions in AD 2023-13-10 and all actions in AD 2024-04-03 and 
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 November 4, 
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-2024-2145; 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-2024-2145.
     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.

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:

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-2024-2145; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00077-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

[[Page 77046]]

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 2023-13-10, Amendment 39-22495 (88 FR 50005, 
August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-10), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2023-13-10 was prompted by an 
MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2023-0008, dated January 
16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0008) and AD 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA 
AD 2022-0085) (which correspond to FAA AD 2023-13-10), to correct an 
unsafe condition.
    AD 2023-13-10 requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2023-13-
10 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.
    The FAA issued AD 2024-04-03, Amendment 39-22682 (89 FR 18769, 
March 15, 2024) (AD 2024-04-03), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2024-04-03 was prompted by an 
MCAI originated by EASA. EASA issued AD 2023-0151, dated July 25, 2023 
(EASA AD 2022-0151) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2024-04-03), to 
correct an unsafe condition.
    AD 2024-04-03 requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2024-04-
03 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. AD 2024-04-03 specifies that accomplishing 
the revision required by that AD terminates certain requirements of AD 
2023-13-10.

Actions Since AD 2023-13-10 and AD 2024-04-03 Were Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2023-13-10 and AD 2024-04-03, EASA 
superseded AD 2022-0085, AD 2023-0008, and AD 2023-0151 and issued EASA 
AD 2024-0031, dated January 31, 2024; corrected February 1, 2024 (EASA 
AD 2024-0031) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Airbus SAS 
Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, 
-131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N; A320-211, -212, -214, -215, 
-216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N; 
and 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 certificated 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.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2145.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0031. This material specifies new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and 
safe life limits.
    This proposed AD would also require the following material, which 
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of September 5, 2023 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023):

 EASA AD 2022-0085
 EASA AD 2023-0008

    This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2023-0151, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of April 19, 2024 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024).
    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 requirements of AD 2024-04-03 and 
certain requirements of AD 2023-13-10. 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 2024-0031 
already described, as proposed for incorporation by reference. Any 
differences with EASA AD 2024-0031 are identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control 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 (q)(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 retain the IBR of EASA AD 2022-0085, EASA AD 2023-0008, 
and EASA AD 2023-0151, and incorporate EASA AD 2024-0031 by reference 
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require 
compliance with

[[Page 77047]]

EASA AD 2022-0085, EASA AD 2023-0008, EASA AD 2023-0151, and EASA AD 
2024-0031 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 2022-0085, EASA AD 2023-0008, EASA AD 2023-0151, or 
EASA AD 2024-0031 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 2022-0085, EASA AD 2023-0008, EASA 
AD 2023-0151, or EASA AD 2024-0031. Material required by EASA AD 2022-
0085, EASA AD 2023-0008, EASA AD 2023-0151, and EASA AD 2024-0031 for 
compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2024-2145 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 1,898 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 AD2023-13-10 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2024-04-03 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 Directives (AD) 2023-13-10, Amendment 39-
22495 (88 FR 50005, August 1, 2023); and AD 2024-04-03, Amendment 39-
22682 (89 FR 18769, March 15, 2024) and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2024-2145; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00077-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by November 4, 2024.

 (b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces AD 2023-13-10, Amendment 39-22495 (88 FR 
50005, August 1, 2023) (AD 2023-13-10).
    (2) This AD replaces AD 2024-04-03, Amendment 39-22682 (89 FR 
18769, March 15, 2024) (AD 2024-04-03).

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4), certificated in any category, with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before December 19, 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.

[[Page 77048]]

    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, 253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, 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 fatigue cracking, accidental 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) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program From AD 2023-13-10, With New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2023-13-10, with new terminating action. For airplanes with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2022: 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 2022-0085, dated May 
12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0085) and EASA AD 2023-0008, dated January 
16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0008). Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the 
same airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the 
airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail. 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

 (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008, 
With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(p) of AD 2023-13-10, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 
specifies revising ``the approved AMP'' within 12 months after its 
effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days 
after September 5, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-13-10).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 is at 
the applicable ``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008, 
respectively, or within 90 days after September 5, 2023 (the 
effective date of AD 2023-13-10), whichever occurs later. Where EASA 
AD 2023-0008 affects the same airworthiness limitations as those in 
EASA AD 2022-0085, the airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA 
AD 2023-0008 prevail.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0085 and of EASA AD 2023-0008.

 (i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2023-13-10, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (q) of AD 
2023-13-10, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraphs 
(j) and (n) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection 
program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no 
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0085 or EASA AD 2023-
0008, as applicable.

 (j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program From AD 2024-04-03, With New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2024-04-03, with new terminating action. For airplanes with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before May 12, 2023: Except as specified 
in paragraph (k) of this AD, comply with all required actions and 
compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-
0151, dated July 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0151). Accomplishing the 
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required 
by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the requirements of this 
paragraph.

 (k) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0151 With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2024-04-03, with no changes.
    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0151.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0151 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved 
AMP,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 90 days 
after April 19, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024-04-03), revise 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.''
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0151 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2023-0151, or within 90 days after April 19, 2024 (the 
effective date of AD 2024-04-03), whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph 
(4) of EASA AD 2023-0151.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0151.

 (l) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2024-04-03, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2024-04-03, with no changes. Except as required by paragraph (n) of 
this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has 
been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2023-0151.

 (m) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Tasks Required by AD 2023-
13-10, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD 
2024-04-03, with no changes. Accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD for the tasks identified in the service 
information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0151 only.

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

    Except as specified in paragraph (o) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0031, dated January 31, 2024; 
corrected February 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0031). Accomplishing the 
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required 
by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and 
(j) of this AD.

 (o) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0031

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0031.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0031 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP,'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this 
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0031 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2024-0031, 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), (5), and (6) of EASA AD 2024-0031.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0031.

 (p) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical 
Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (n) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the

[[Page 77049]]

provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-
0031.

 (q) 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 (r) 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 previously for AD 2023-13-10 and AD 2024-04-
03 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 
2024-0031 that are required by paragraph (n) 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.

 (r) 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].

 (s) 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 2024-0031, 
dated January 31, 2024; corrected February 1, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on April 19, 
2024 (89 FR 18769, dated March 15, 2024).
    (i) EASA AD 2023-0151, dated July 25, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following material was approved for IBR on September 5, 
2023 (88 FR 50005, dated August 1, 2023).
    (i) EASA AD 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022.
    (ii) EASA AD 2023-0008, dated January 16, 2023.
    (6) 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 EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (7) 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.
    (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 12, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-21212 Filed 9-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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