Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 11916-11918 [2025-03942]

Download as PDF 11916 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 48 / Thursday, March 13, 2025 / Proposed Rules (l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2024–0218R1, dated December 19, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on March 6, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–03983 Filed 3–12–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–0345; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00475–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) 2022–27–01, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. AD 2022–27–01 requires replacing affected fasteners and applying additional head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars in the center wing box (CWB). Since the FAA issued AD 2022–27–01, the FAA determined that additional Airbus SAS Model A350 manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) are affected by the same potential unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Mar 12, 2025 Jkt 265001 the actions in AD 2022–27–01 and would expand the applicability to include the additional Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs, 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 April 28, 2025. 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 Docket No. FAA–2025–0345; 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– 2025–0345. • 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: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3225; email Dan.Rodina@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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2025–0345; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00475–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 Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3225; email Dan.Rodina@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA issued AD 2022–27–01, Amendment 39–22286 (87 FR 80026, December 29, 2022) (AD 2022–27–01), for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. AD 2022–27–01 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2022–0080, dated May 9, 2022, to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2022–27–01 requires replacing affected fasteners and applying additional head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars in the CWB, as E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 48 / Thursday, March 13, 2025 / Proposed Rules specified in EASA AD 2022–0080. The FAA issued AD 2022–27–01 to address fasteners installed in the CWB rotating inside their fastener holes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to loss of a fastener clamping and cracking of the nut sealant cover, possibly resulting, in case of lightning strike, in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. Actions Since AD 2022–27–01 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2022–27– 01, EASA superseded AD 2022–0080, dated May 9, 2022, and issued EASA AD 2024–0161, dated August 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0161) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. The MCAI states that additional Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs are affected by the same potential unsafe condition, and the service information referenced in the MCAI has been revised to identify the additional airplanes. EASA AD 2024–0161 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2022–0080 and expands the applicability to include additional Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs. 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–2025–0345. which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. Explanation of Required Compliance Information Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA 2024–0161 specifies procedures for replacing affected fasteners installed on the left-hand and right-hand CWB at the front and rear spar areas and for adding head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars in the CWB. 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. 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 2024–0161 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2024–0161 in its entirety 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 2024–0161 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 2024–0161. Material required by EASA AD 2024– 0161 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2025–0345 after the FAA final rule is published. 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. Explanation of Retained Requirements Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 2022–27–01, this proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2022– 27–01. Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2024–0161, 11917 Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2022–27–01. This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include additional Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2024–0161 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 34 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Action Labor cost Replace fasteners ..... Up to 83 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,055. khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Mar 12, 2025 Jkt 265001 Parts cost Cost per product Up to $17,716 .......... Up to $24,771 .......... 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 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Cost on U.S. operators Up to $842,214. 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 E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1 11918 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 48 / Thursday, March 13, 2025 / Proposed Rules under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024–0161. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0161 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0161 refers to ‘‘23 May 2022 [the effective date of EASA AD 2022–0080],’’ this AD requires using February 2, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2022–27–01). (2) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0161. 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(f), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–27–01, Amendment 39– 22286 (87 FR 80026, December 29, 2022); and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: ■ ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2025–0345; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00475–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by April 28, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022–27–01, Amendment 39–22286 (87 FR 80026, December 29, 2022) (AD 2022–27–01). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0161, dated August 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0161). khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted a report that during flight and fatigue testing it was detected that some fasteners installed in the center wing box (CWB) rotated inside their fastener holes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fasteners installed in the CWB rotating inside their fastener holes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to loss of a fastener clamping and cracking of the nut sealant cover, possibly resulting, in case of lightning strike, 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) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Mar 12, 2025 Jkt 265001 (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: 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 2022–27–01 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024– 0161 that are required by paragraph (g) 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, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231– 3225; email Dan.Rodina@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0161, dated August 19, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations, or email fr.inspection@ nara.gov. Issued on March 7, 2025. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–03942 Filed 3–12–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 1 [SB: MD Docket No. 24–85; FCC 25–11; FR ID 283344] Assessment and Collection of Space and Earth Station Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2024 Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that seeks additional comments on revising the regulatory fees for space and earth station payors. DATES: Submit comments on or before March 27, 2025; and reply comments on or before April 11, 2025. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by MD Docket No. 24–85, by any of the following methods: • Federal Communications Commission’s Website: https:// www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 48 (Thursday, March 13, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11916-11918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03942]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0345; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00475-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) 
2022-27-01, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -
1041 airplanes. AD 2022-27-01 requires replacing affected fasteners and 
applying additional head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars 
in the center wing box (CWB). Since the FAA issued AD 2022-27-01, the 
FAA determined that additional Airbus SAS Model A350 manufacturer 
serial numbers (MSNs) are affected by the same potential unsafe 
condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 
2022-27-01 and would expand the applicability to include the additional 
Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs, 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 April 28, 
2025.

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 Docket 
No. FAA-2025-0345; 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-2025-0345.
     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: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-
3225; 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-2025-0345; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00475-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 Dan 
Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-27-01, Amendment 39-22286 (87 FR 80026, 
December 29, 2022) (AD 2022-27-01), for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-
941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2022-27-01 was prompted by an MCAI 
originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2022-0080, dated May 9, 2022, to 
correct an unsafe condition.
    AD 2022-27-01 requires replacing affected fasteners and applying 
additional head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars in the 
CWB, as

[[Page 11917]]

specified in EASA AD 2022-0080. The FAA issued AD 2022-27-01 to address 
fasteners installed in the CWB rotating inside their fastener holes. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to loss of a 
fastener clamping and cracking of the nut sealant cover, possibly 
resulting, in case of lightning strike, in a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2022-27-01 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-27-01, EASA superseded AD 2022-0080, 
dated May 9, 2022, and issued EASA AD 2024-0161, dated August 19, 2024 
(EASA AD 2024-0161) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. The MCAI states that additional Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs 
are affected by the same potential unsafe condition, and the service 
information referenced in the MCAI has been revised to identify the 
additional airplanes. EASA AD 2024-0161 retains the requirements of 
EASA AD 2022-0080 and expands the applicability to include additional 
Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs.
    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-2025-0345.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2022-27-01, this proposed AD would retain all the 
requirements of AD 2022-27-01. Those requirements are referenced in 
EASA AD 2024-0161, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of 
this proposed AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA 2024-0161 specifies procedures for replacing affected 
fasteners installed on the left-hand and right-hand CWB at the front 
and rear spar areas and for adding head nut cap protection at the front 
and rear spars in the CWB. 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 2022-27-01. 
This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include additional 
Airbus SAS Model A350 MSNs. This proposed AD would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2024-0161 described 
previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text 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 2024-0161 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2024-0161 in its entirety 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 2024-0161 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-
0161. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0161 for compliance will be 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0345 after the 
FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 34 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                          Estimated Costs for Required Actions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product             Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fasteners..................  Up to 83 work-hours x $85    Up to $17,716.........  Up to $24,771.........  Up to $842,214.
                                      per hour = $7,055.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 11918]]

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(f), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-27-01, Amendment 39-22286 
(87 FR 80026, December 29, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2025-0345; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00475-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 28, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-27-01, Amendment 39-22286 (87 FR 80026, 
December 29, 2022) (AD 2022-27-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0161, dated August 19, 
2024 (EASA AD 2024-0161).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted a report that during flight and fatigue 
testing it was detected that some fasteners installed in the center 
wing box (CWB) rotated inside their fastener holes. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fasteners installed in the CWB rotating 
inside their fastener holes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could lead to loss of a fastener clamping and cracking of the nut 
sealant cover, possibly resulting, in case of lightning strike, 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) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0161.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0161

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0161 refers to ``23 May 2022 [the 
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0080],'' this AD requires using 
February 2, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2022-27-01).
    (2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0161.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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 2022-27-01 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2024-0161 that are 
required by paragraph (g) 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, AIR-520, 
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or 
tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be 
done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that 
are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods 
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and 
tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back 
in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to 
procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0161, 
dated August 19, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 7, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03942 Filed 3-12-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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