[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 11 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2627-2629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00609]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0609; Product Identifier 2019-NM-054-AD; Amendment 
39-21018; AD 2019-25-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report 
of dislodged passenger door girt bars. This AD requires modification of 
the girt bar retention mechanism of the affected doors, as specified in 
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is 
incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 20, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 20, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0609.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0609; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0076, dated March 29, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0076'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model 
A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 26, 2019 (84 FR 44563). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
dislodged passenger door girt bars. The NPRM proposed to require 
modification of the girt bar retention mechanism of the affected door.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address dislodged girt bars, which 
could result in functional loss of the affected door slide and possibly 
prevent safe evacuation during an emergency. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Supportive Comments

    One anonymous commenter stated support for the NPRM. Delta Airlines 
also agreed with the intent of the NPRM and submitted a request as 
described below.

Request for Correction of Certain Serial Numbers

    Delta Airlines requested that the FAA include a correction to 
certain serial numbers listed in the appendixes of Airbus service 
information referenced by EASA AD 2019-0076. Delta Airlines stated that 
certain door serial numbers were duplicated for certain airplanes 
across the different appendixes and after sending a request for 
clarification, Airbus confirmed to Delta Airlines that those repeated 
numbers were typographical errors.
    The FAA agrees to revise this AD to include the correct serial 
numbers. For airplanes having manufacturer serial numbers 0062 and 
0119, the appendixes of Airbus service information referenced by EASA 
AD 2019-0076 identify the correct part numbers for the doors, but not 
the correct associated serial numbers. Those two airplanes, with 
manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0062 and 0119, are not on the U.S. 
registry. The FAA has added paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) to this AD to 
specify the correct serial numbers.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0076 describes procedures for modification of the girt 
bar retention mechanism of the affected doors. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 2628]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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52 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,420........................         $90,000          $94,420       $1,133,040
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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


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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-25-19 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21018; Docket No. FAA-2019-0609; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-054-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 20, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of dislodged passenger door 
girt bars. The FAA is issuing this AD to address dislodged girt 
bars, which could result in functional loss of the affected door 
slide and possibly prevent safe evacuation during an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0076, dated March 29, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0076'').

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0076

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0076 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0076 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) For an airplane having manufacturer serial number (MSN) 
0062: Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0076 
specifies door serial numbers (S/Ns) for that MSN, this AD requires 
using the applicable door S/Ns specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) 
through (viii) of this AD instead.
    (i) For left-hand (LH) door 1: S/N UH10082 for part number (P/N) 
WF101BGBBAAH.
    (ii) For RH door 1: S/N UH10080 for P/N WF100BHBBAAH.
    (iii) For LH door 2: S/N UH10080 for P/N WG101BKAYAAB.
    (iv) For RH door 2: S/N UH10075 for P/N WG100BJAYAAB.
    (v) For LH door 3: S/N UH10075 for P/N WD101BFAUAAB.
    (vi) For RH door 3: S/N UH10084 for P/N WD100BFAUAAB.
    (vii) For LH door 4: S/N UH10070 for P/N WH101BRAXAAB.
    (viii) For RH door 4: S/N UH10070 for P/N WH100BQAXAAB.
    (4) For an airplane having MSN 0119: Where the service 
information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0076 specifies door serial 
numbers for that MSN, this AD requires using the applicable door 
serial numbers specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (viii) of 
this AD instead.
    (i) LH door 1: S/N UH10128 for P/N WF101BJBBAAH.
    (ii) RH door 1: S/N UH10122 for P/N WF100BKBBAAH.
    (iii) LH door 2: S/N UH10122 for P/N WG101BNAYAAB.
    (iv) RH door 2: S/N UH10120 for P/N WG100BKAYAAB.
    (v) LH door 3: S/N UH10126 for P/N WD101BMAUAAB.
    (vi) RH door 3: S/N UH10126 for P/N WD100BMAUAAB.
    (vii) LH door 4: S/N UH10126 for P/N WH101BWAXAAB.
    (viii) RH door 4: S/N UH10124 for P/N WH100BVAXAAB.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in

[[Page 2629]]

paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards 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): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0076 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (4), and (i)(2) 
of this AD, RC 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) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3218.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0076, 
dated March 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0076, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This 
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0609.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 31, 2019.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-00609 Filed 1-15-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P