[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 108 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34371-34375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12025]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0451; Product Identifier 2020-NM-036-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-
01-19 and AD 2004-25-02, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A320 
series airplanes. AD 99-01-19 and AD 2004-25-02 require repetitive 
inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain areas of the 
fuselage, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2004-25-02 also 
provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
Since the FAA issued AD 2004-25-02, it has been reported that, during 
full scale tests to support the Model A320 structure extended service 
goal (ESG) exercise, several cracks were found on both sides of the 
overwing emergency exit door cut-outs at fuselage section 15. This 
proposed AD would continue to require, for certain airplanes, 
repetitive inspections of the fastener holes for any cracking, and 
repair if necessary, and would provide an optional terminating action 
for the fastener hole inspections. This proposed AD would also expand 
the applicable airplanes and require, for all airplanes, inspections of 
the emergency exit door structure for any cracking and repair if 
necessary; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. 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 July 20, 
2020.

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 https://www.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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-

[[Page 34372]]

30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For EASA material that will be 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. For Airbus service information 
identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness 
Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, 
France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email 
[email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com. You 
may view this IBR material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0451.

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-2020-
0451; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223; 
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-2020-0451; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-036-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM based on those comments.
    The FAA will post all received comments, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact the agency receives about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2004-25-02, Amendment 39-13889 (70 FR 1184, 
January 6, 2005) (``AD 2004-25-02''), which applies to certain Airbus 
SAS Model A320 series airplanes. AD 2004-25-02 requires repetitive 
inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain areas of the 
fuselage, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2004-25-02 also 
provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
The FAA issued AD 2004-25-02 to address fatigue cracking of the 
fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.
    AD 2004-25-02 specifies that accomplishing the inspection in 
paragraph (i) of that AD terminates the repetitive inspection 
requirements of that AD. In addition, paragraph (f) of AD 2004-25-02 
specifies that accomplishing the inspection in that paragraph 
terminates the requirements of AD 99-01-19, Amendment 39-10987 (64 FR 
1114, January 8, 1999) (``AD 99-01-19'').

Actions Since AD 2004-25-02 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2004-25-02, the agency has determined 
additional action is necessary to address the identified unsafe 
condition and that additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe 
condition.
    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0040, dated February 28, 2020 
(``EASA AD 2020-0040'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -
131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -
216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not 
certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate 
data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the 
applicability. EASA AD 2020-0040 supersedes French AD 2002-259(B), 
dated May 15, 2002 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2004-25-12).
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report that during full scale 
tests to support the Model A320 structure ESG exercise, several cracks 
were found on both sides of the overwing emergency exit door cut-outs 
at fuselage section 15. The FAA is proposing this AD to address fatigue 
cracking of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

    Paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this proposed AD restate the 
requirements and optional terminating action of AD 2004-25-02, except a 
terminating action for repaired areas is removed as of the effective 
date of this AD. Paragraph (h) of AD 2004-25-02 (which corresponds to 
paragraph (i) of this proposed AD), specifies that accomplishment of 
the repair terminates the repetitive inspections for the area repaired. 
However, paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0040, specifies that the repair 
does not terminate the repetitive inspections. The corresponding FAA 
paragraph (paragraph (i) of this proposed AD) specifies the repair does 
not terminate the inspections as of the effective date of this AD.
    In addition, the FAA has revised the service information compliance 
language for the optional modification. Paragraph (i) of AD 2004-25-02 
refers to using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, dated December 9, 
1994; or Revision 02, dated December 5, 2001, for the optional 
modification. However, paragraph (j) of this proposed AD specifies 
using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, Revision 02, dated December 
5, 2001, for the optional modification. The FAA has added paragraph (m) 
of this proposed AD to provide credit for the optional modification if 
done using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, dated December 9, 
1994.
    Also, the FAA did not restate paragraph (j) of AD 2004-25-02 in 
this proposed AD because that paragraph was informational. If Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, dated December 9, 1994; or Revision 02, 
dated December 5, 2001; was used for the optional modification while 
complying with AD 99-01-19, operators are in compliance with paragraph 
(i) of AD 2004-25-02 (which now corresponds to paragraphs (j) and (m) 
of this proposed AD).

[[Page 34373]]

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0040 describes, among other actions, procedures for 
inspections of the emergency exit door structure for any cracking and 
repair, and if necessary.
    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, Revision 02, dated 
December 5, 2001. This service information describes procedures for 
repetitive rotating probe inspections of the fasteners holes and repair 
if necessary.
    This AD would also require Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, 
Revision 02, dated December 5, 2001, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 10, 
2005 (70 FR 1184, January 6, 2005).
    This AD would also require Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, 
Revision 01, dated January 15, 1998, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 12, 
1999 (64 FR 1114, January 8, 1999).
    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 and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    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 the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014-25-02. 
This proposed AD would also expand the applicability and require 
accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2020-0040 described 
previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences 
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0040 
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed 
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0040 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 the EASA AD 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 the EASA AD. Service information specified 
in EASA AD 2020-0040 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-
0040 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0451 after the FAA 
final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 800 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                     Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
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Retained actions from AD 2004-25-  Up to 19 work-hours              $0  Up to $1,615.......  Up to $1,292,000.
 02.                                x $85 per hour =
                                    Up to $1,615.
New proposed actions.............  Up to 23 work-hours               0  Up to $1,955.......  Up to $1,564,000.
                                    x $85 per hour =
                                    Up to $1,955.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

  Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions: Modification, Repair of Fastener Holes, and Repair of Cracks in the
                              Emergency Exit Door Structure That Are Within Limits
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               Labor cost                          Parts cost                       Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 66 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up   Up to $85,000..............  Up to $90,610.
 to $5,610.
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    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repair of cracks 
in the emergency exit door structure that are not within limits that is 
specified in this proposed AD.

[[Page 34374]]



                  Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......          $4,219           $4,304
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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.

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
99-01-19, Amendment 39-10987 (64 FR 1114, January 8, 1999); and AD 
2004-25-02, Amendment 39-13889 (70 FR 1184, January 6, 2005); and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2020-0451; Product Identifier 2020-NM-
036-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by July 20, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 99-01-19, Amendment 39-10987 (64 FR 1114, 
January 8, 1999) (``AD 99-01-19''); and AD 2004-25-02, Amendment 39-
13889 (70 FR 1184, January 6, 2005) (``AD 2004-25-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, 
-214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that, during full scale tests 
to support the Model A320 structure extended service goal (ESG) 
exercise, several cracks were found on both sides of the overwing 
emergency exit door cut-outs at fuselage section 15. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of the fuselage, 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 Initial Inspections, with No Changes

    For Airbus SAS Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 21346 has not been done: This 
paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 2004-25-
02, with no changes. At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection to find cracking 
on the outboard flanges around the fastener holes of frames 38 
through 41, between stringers 12 and 21, using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 02, dated December 5, 2001.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1998; 
or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 02, dated December 
5, 2001; has been done as of February 10, 2005 (the effective date 
of AD 2004-25-02): Do the next inspection within 4,900 flight cycles 
after accomplishment of the last inspection, or within 1,100 flight 
cycles after February 10, 2005, whichever is later.
    (2) For airplanes on which no inspection specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1998; 
or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 02, dated December 
5, 2001; has been done as of February 10, 2005 (the effective date 
of AD 2004-25-02): Do the inspection at the earlier of the times 
specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles.
    (ii) Before the accumulation of 24,800 total flight cycles, or 
within 3,500 flight cycles after February 10, 2005 (the effective 
date of AD 2004-25-02), whichever is later.

(h) Retained Repetitive Inspections if No Cracking Is Found, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2004-25-02, with no changes. If no crack is found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD: Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,900 flight 
cycles.

(i) Retained Corrective Actions With New Repetitive Inspections and 
Compliance Language

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2004-25-02, with new repetitive inspections and compliance language. 
If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, before further flight, repair using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1998; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1032, Revision 02, dated December 5, 
2001. Accomplishment of a repair using the service bulletin before 
the effective date of this AD ends the repetitive inspection 
requirements for the area repaired. As of the effective date of this 
AD, the repair does not constitute terminating action for the 
repetitive inspection. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 4,900 flight cycles. If any crack is found 
during any inspection required by this AD, and the service bulletin 
specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Before further 
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA.

[[Page 34375]]

(j) Retained Optional Terminating Action With Changes to the Service 
Information Compliance Language

    This paragraph restates the optional terminating action 
specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of AD 2004-25-02, with changes 
to the service information compliance language. Accomplishment of 
Airbus Modification 21346 using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-
1031, Revision 02, dated December 5, 2001, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraphs (h) 
and (i) this AD.

(k) New Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (l) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0040, dated February 28, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0040'').

(l) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0040

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0040 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2020-0040 requires the accomplishment of 
repetitive inspections and corrective actions as specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of the EASA AD, those actions are not 
required by this AD as specified in the EASA AD. Those actions are 
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the optional terminating 
action specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, if Airbus Modification 
21346 was performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1031, dated December 9, 1994.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (o)(2) 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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2004-25-02 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) through (j) 
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, Large Aircraft 
Section, 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0040, 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. For Airbus service information identified in this 
AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
internet https://www.airbus.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. 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-
2020-0451.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223; email [email protected].

    Issued on May 29, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12025 Filed 6-3-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P