[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58463-58466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20850]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00434-T]
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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and 
Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report 
that a Model A319 airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in 
flight. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist or 
develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and electrical test 
measurements (ETMs) of the affected parts, and applicable corrective 
actions, and would prohibit the installation of affected parts under 
certain conditions; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 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 November 
14, 2022.

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.
    For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) 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. 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 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1237.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00434-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.

[[Page 58464]]

    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, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0058, dated March 28, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0058) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, 
B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; 
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes; Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes; and A300-600ST airplanes. Model A300-600ST 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.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319 
airplane lost the right-hand front windshield in flight, with 
consequent rapid flight deck depressurization, causing damage to flight 
deck items and systems, and significant increase of flightcrew 
workload. The investigations identified several contributing factors, 
including manufacturing variability, fretting between windshield 
components, water ingress, and electrical braids corrosion, which led 
to a thermal shock and overheat, damaging more than one windshield 
structural ply and impairing the structural integrity of the 
windshield. Due to the design similarity, this condition can also exist 
or develop on Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. The FAA 
is proposing this AD to address possible windshield failure. This 
condition, if not addressed, could possibly result in injury to the 
flightcrew and in-flight depressurization of the airplane, and would 
significantly increase pilot workload. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0058 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections and ETMs of the affected parts, and applicable corrective 
actions. The corrective actions include replacing any affected window 
with a serviceable window. EASA AD 2022-0058 also prohibits installing 
certain part numbers. 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

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the 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 these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2022-0058 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 2022-0058 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2022-0058 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 2022-0058 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-
0058. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0058 for compliance 
will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1237 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 120 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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               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.....              $0   $340 per inspection cycle.  $40,800 per inspection
                                                                                       cycle.
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[[Page 58465]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action 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 this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700.         $11,393          $13,093
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    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00434-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by November 14, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that a Model A319 airplane lost 
the right-hand front windshield in flight. Due to the design 
similarity, this condition can also exist or develop on Model A300, 
A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address possible windshield failure. This condition, if not 
addressed, could possibly result in injury to the flightcrew and in-
flight depressurization of the airplane, and would significantly 
increase pilot workload.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0058, dated March 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0058).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0058

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0058 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Note 2 to paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0058 specifies 
that, ``operators may refer to the SB'' when a lack of data impairs 
the determination of the windshield age or utilization, for this AD 
replace those words with ``operators must refer to the SB''.
    (3) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0058 refers to a 
``defect, as identified in the SB,'' for purposes of this AD, 
defects include manufacturing variability, fretting between 
windshield components, water ingress, and electrical braids 
corrosion.
    (4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0058 is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although paragraphs (11) and (12) of EASA AD 2022-0058 and the 
service information referenced therein specify to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

(j) Additional 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 responsible Flight 
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch,

[[Page 58466]]

send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph 
(k)(2) 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, 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For EASA AD 2022-0058, 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 
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
1237.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

    Issued on September 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20850 Filed 9-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P