[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38384-38387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12441]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0156; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01511-T;
Amendment 39-22454; AD 2023-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-19-
05, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941 airplanes.
AD 2022-19-05 required maintenance actions, including a high pressure
valve (HPV) seal integrity test, repetitive replacement of the HPV
clips, revision of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), and
implementation of updates to the FAA-approved operator's minimum
equipment list (MEL). This AD was prompted by additional instructions
and maintenance procedures developed to address failures of the HPV.
This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2022-19-05 and
provides additional criteria for the installation of HPV and HPV clips,
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 July 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 18,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0156; 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: ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street,
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-2023-0156.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On August 18, 2022, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2022-18-51 for all
Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941
[[Page 38385]]
airplanes. Emergency AD 2022-18-51 corresponded to EASA Emergency AD
2022-0170-E, dated August 17, 2022 (EASA Emergency AD 2022-0170-E).
EASA is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. Emergency AD 2022-18-51 required revising the existing AFM to
incorporate additional limitations prohibiting takeoff for certain
airplane configurations; specified airplane dispatch restrictions using
certain provisions of the A330 MMEL (master minimum equipment list) or
amending the existing FAA-approved operator's MEL; and required
obtaining and accomplishing instructions following certain maintenance
messages. The FAA issued Emergency AD 2022-18-51 to address a leaking
HPV, which may expose the pressure regulating valve (PRV), which is
installed downstream from the HPV, to high pressure, possibly damaging
the PRV itself and preventing its closure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in high pressure and temperatures in the duct
downstream from the PRV, with possible duct burst, damage to several
systems, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
Since the FAA issued Emergency AD 2022-18-51, EASA superseded its
Emergency AD 2022-0170-E and issued EASA AD 2022-0181, dated August 29,
2022 (EASA AD 2022-0181), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
SAS A330-841 and -941 airplanes. The FAA issued AD 2022-19-05,
Amendment 39-22174 (87 FR 54870, September 8, 2022) (AD 2022-19-05),
for all Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941 airplanes. AD 2022-19-05 was
prompted by EASA AD 2022-0181, which was intended to address leaking
bleed system HPVs, likely due to HPV clip failure and sealing ring
damage.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-19-05, Amendment 39-22174 (87 FR
54870, September 8, 2022) (AD 2022-19-05). AD 2022-19-05 applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941 airplanes. AD 2022-19-05 required
revising the existing AFM to incorporate additional limitations
prohibiting takeoff for certain airplane configurations; specifies
airplane dispatch restrictions using certain provisions of the A330
MMEL (master minimum equipment list) or amending the existing FAA-
approved operator's MEL; requires obtaining and accomplishing
instructions following certain maintenance messages; revising the
Limitations section of the AFM; updating the A330 MMEL with new
provisions and procedures; a seal integrity test of each HPV; and a
detailed inspection of the wing bellows. The FAA issued AD 2022-19-05
to address a leaking HPV, which may expose the PRV, which is installed
downstream from the HPV, to high pressure, possibly damaging the PRV
itself and preventing its closure.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2023 (88
FR 7370). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0227, dated November 24,
2022, issued by EASA (EASA AD 2022-0227) (also referred to as the
MCAI). EASA AD 2022-0227 states that Airbus has since published
improved instructions and maintenance procedures to address failures of
the HPV and incorporate comments received. You may examine the MCAI in
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0156.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain certain requirements of AD
2022-19-05 and provide additional criteria for the installation of HPV
and HPV clips. Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2022-0227,
which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received an additional comment from Delta Air Lines
(Delta). The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to that comment.
Request for an Additional Exception for Revised Publication
Delta requested an exception be added to paragraph (h) to use
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A36L009-22, original issue,
dated August 25, 2022, for compliance with the EASA AD 2022-0227,
instead of Airbus AOT A36L009-22, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2022.
The FAA disagrees that updating this final rule is necessary
because EASA AD 2022-0227, which is required by this AD, allows credit
for the original issue in paragraph (16) of EASA AD 2022-0227.
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. Except for minor editorial
changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic
burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0227 specifies procedures for the following actions:
Revision of the Limitations section of the existing AFM
and removal of the previously required limitations.
Implementation of the instructions of the MMEL update on
the basis of which the operator's MEL must be amended with new
provisions and procedures for the following items: Air Conditioning
Pack, Engine Bleed Air Supply System, Engine Bleed IP (Intermediate
Pressure) Check Valve, and Engine Bleed HP (High Pressure) Valve, and
cancel the dispatch restrictions.
A seal integrity test of each HPV, and corrective actions
(including replacement of the HPV, and a detailed inspection of the
wing bellow on engine 1(2) and replacement of any damaged or deformed
wing bellow).
EASA AD 2022-0227 also describes the following maintenance
instructions, among other actions, to be accomplished following certain
faults or failures:
HPV troubleshooting procedure and additional maintenance
actions after any Class 1 maintenance message associated to an HPV
fault, and corrective actions (including replacement of the HPV or wing
bellow).
HPV seal integrity test and the additional maintenance
actions after any Class 1 or Class 2 maintenance message associated to
a PRV fault, and corrective actions (including replacement of the HPV
and PRV, and a detailed inspection of the wing bellow on engine 1(2)
and replacement of any damaged or deformed wing bellow).
A visual (borescope) inspection of the engine bleed air
system (EBAS) to detect signs of foreign object debris (FOD), including
metallic debris in the butterfly valve and dents or damage of the flaps
of the intermediate pressure check valve (IPCV), and dents and missing
segments in the PRV, the header of the HP/IP duct, the y-duct, and the
pylon ducts after any failure of an HPV
[[Page 38386]]
clip and/or any of the HPV butterfly sealing rings, and corrective
actions (including removing FOD and replacing the IPCV or PRV).
A seal integrity test of each HPV after any take-off or
go-around accomplished with ``packs OFF'' or ``APU bleed ON'' or
``engine bleed OFF,'' and corrective actions (including replacement of
the HPV, and a detailed inspection of the wing bellow on engine 1(2)
and replacement of any damaged or deformed wing bellow).
Additional actions to be performed for any Class 1
maintenance message associated with an HPV fault.
Initial and repetitive replacement of each HPV clip with a
new HPV clip.
EASA AD 2022-0227 also specifies that HPV clips may be installed
provided they are new and serviceable, and replaced before exceeding
4,000 hours time-in-service.
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The FAA
anticipates that further AD action may follow.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 19 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic
burden. The current costs for this AD are repeated for the convenience
of affected operators, as follows:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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AFM revision.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $1,615
hour = $85.
MEL update............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 1,615
hour = $85.
HPV Seal Integrity Test............... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 1,615
hour = $85.
HPV clip replacement (both engines)... 11 work-hours x $85 per 28 963 18,297
hour = $935.
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HPV replacement (each)........................ 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $6,459 $6,799
$340.
Wing bellow replacement (each wing)........... 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = 663 1,173
$510.
PRV replacement (both engines)................ 9 work-hours x $85 per hour = 107,620 108,385
$765.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the maintenance actions or additional actions specified
in this AD.
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
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-19-05, Amendment 39-22174 (87
FR 54870, dated September 8, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2023-11-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22454; Docket No. FAA-2023-0156;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01511-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 18, 2023.
[[Page 38387]]
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-19-05, Amendment 39-22174 (87 FR 54870,
September 8, 2022) (AD 2022-19-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-841 and -941
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 36, Pneumatic;
75, Air.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of leaking bleed system high
pressure valves (HPVs), likely due to HPV clip failure and sealing
ring damage, and by the development of additional instructions and
maintenance procedures to address HPV failures. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address a leaking HPV, which may expose the pressure
regulating valve (PRV), which is installed downstream from the HPV,
to high pressure, possibly damaging the PRV itself and preventing
its closure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
high pressure and temperatures in the duct downstream from the PRV,
with possible duct burst, damage to several systems, and consequent
loss of control 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0227, dated November 24, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0227).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0227
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0227 refers to ``05 September 2022 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0181],'' this AD requires using
September 15, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-19-05).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0227 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraphs (1) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0227 specify to
inform all flightcrews of airplane flight manual (AFM) revisions and
dispatch limitations, and thereafter to operate the airplane
accordingly, this AD does not require those actions, as those
actions are already required by existing FAA regulations (see 14 CFR
91.9, 91.505, and 121.137).
(4) This AD does not adopt the reporting requirements of
paragraph (17) of EASA AD 2022-0227.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0227.
(i) 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 (j) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-19-05 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0227 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, 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(s) (i)(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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229;
email [email protected].
(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 2022-0227,
dated November 24, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0227, 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: ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(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 June 2, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-12441 Filed 6-12-23; 8:45 am]
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