[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 241 (Friday, December 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76919-76922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-27304]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1237; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00434-T;
Amendment 39-22264; AD 2022-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 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 AD requires repetitive
inspections and electrical test measurements (ETMs) of the affected
parts, and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits the
installation of affected parts under certain conditions, 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 January 20, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 20,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For material incorporated by reference 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
[[Page 76920]]
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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
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 C4-605R Variant F airplanes;
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -
221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on September 27, 2022 (87 FR 58463). The NPRM was
prompted by AD 2022-0058, dated March 28, 2022, issued by EASA, which
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union
(EASA AD 2022-0058) (referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI
states 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. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the windshield,
possibly result in injury to the flightcrew and in-flight
depressurization of the airplane, and would significantly increase
pilot workload.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive inspections and
ETMs of the affected parts, and applicable corrective actions, and
prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions,
as specified in EASA AD 2022-0058. 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.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1237.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and FedEx Express who supported the NPRM without
change.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant data, considered the
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on this product. This AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM.
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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...... $0 $340 per inspection cycle. $40,800 per inspection
cycle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700... $11,393 $13,093
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this 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
[[Page 76921]]
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
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.
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:
2022-25-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22264; Docket No. FAA-2022-1237;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00434-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 20, 2023.
(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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0058.
(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,
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 International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (k) 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 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
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) Additional Information
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].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0058,
dated March 28, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(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.
[[Page 76922]]
(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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on November 29, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-27304 Filed 12-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P