[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 233-235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28847]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 233]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1711; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00093-T;
Amendment 39-22639; AD 2023-25-12]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318-112 airplanes; Model A319-115, -132, -133, -151N,
-153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-
112 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the fatigue life
limit of the motoreductor installed on the on-board entrance stairs is
not demonstrated for the complete airplane design service goal (DSG).
This AD requires repetitive replacement of the motoreductor for onboard
entrance stairs, and it limits 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 February 7, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 7,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1711; 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 material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1711.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-
231-3667; 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
A318-112 airplanes; Model A319-115, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N,
-271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-112 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2023 (88 FR
55953). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-0014, dated January 18, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2023-0014) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that computations conducted on the Model A320 family
program showed that the fatigue life limit of the motoreductor,
installed on the on-board entrance stairs and acting as one of the two
(stair) immobilization systems, is not demonstrated for the complete
airplane design service goal (DSG). Therefore, a motoreductor failure
could remain undetected during the period between the demonstrated life
limit of the motoreductor and the airplane DSG (and subsequent extended
service goal). A failed motoreductor, if not corrected, could lead to
an airstairs deployment in flight, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive replacement of
the motoreductor for onboard entrance stairs, and limit the
installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified
in EASA AD 2023-0014. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1711.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from a commenter, American Airlines
(AAL). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the
FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Revision of the Applicability Paragraph
AAL requested revising paragraph (c) of the proposed AD to narrow
the scope of affected airplanes to only those that have had certain
modifications accomplished for installing airstairs on the affected
Airbus SAS model airplanes (identified as Group 1 airplanes in EASA AD
2023-0014). AAL acknowledged that the FAA carried over EASA AD 2023-
0014's applicability statement on all serial numbers of the affected
Airbus SAS models. AAL also noted that the replacement action is only
necessary if the airplane is equipped with the airstairs.
The FAA agrees that the replacement actions are only required for
airplanes equipped with the affected airstairs (Group 1 airplanes).
However, the FAA has determined it is necessary to retain the proposed
applicability that is based on EASA's determination of the effectivity
of EASA AD 2023-0014. Airplanes that have airstairs installed after the
effective date would be subject to the requirements of this AD.
Removing airplanes identified as Group 2 airplanes in EASA AD 2023-0014
(airplanes not equipped with the
[[Page 234]]
affected airstairs) would remove this AD from those airplanes' records
and possibly increase the risk that the affected airstair part could be
installed during a later modification of the Group 2 airplane into a
Group 1 airplane without the operator's awareness that the requirements
of this AD would then apply to that airplane. A Group 2 airplane with
on-board entrance stairs becomes a Group 1 airplane. Operators can
check the airplane's maintenance records to monitor the Group status
and determine the applicable requirements for that airplane. The FAA
has not changed this AD as a result of this comment.
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
comment 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,
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 2023-0014 specifies procedures for repetitive replacement
of the motoreductor for Airbus on-board entrance stairs, including a
detailed inspection to determine the threshold for replacement. 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 will affect 954 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
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Up to 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $49,590 per replacement Up to $50,270 per Up to $47,957,580 per
$680 per replacement cycle. cycle. replacement cycle. replacement cycle.
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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
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:
2023-25-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22639; Docket No. FAA-2023-1711;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00093-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318-112 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-115, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N,
-271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-112 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the fatigue life limit of
the motoreductor, installed on the on-board entrance stairs, is not
demonstrated for the complete airplane design service goal (DSG).
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a motoreductor failure, which
could be undetected until DSG is reached. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in an airstairs deployment in flight,
possibly resulting in 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 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
2023-0014, dated January 18, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0014). Thereafter,
before the accumulation of 39,400 total flight cycles on
[[Page 235]]
any motoreductor, part number 4255417, 4394656, or 4339747, replace
it with a serviceable part as defined in EASA AD 2023-0014.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0014
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0014 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0014.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0014
specifies 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 responsible 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 Tim Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email
[email protected].
(l) 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 2023-0014,
dated January 18, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0014).
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0014, 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 service information 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html, or email [email protected].
Issued on December 14, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28847 Filed 1-2-24; 8:45 am]
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