[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8891-8893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02145]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2141; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00421-T;
Amendment 39-22931; AD 2025-01-07]
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) 2022-11-
01, which applied to certain 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). AD 2022-11-01 required a detailed inspection (DET)
of the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, a
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) around the spot facing of
certain fastener holes if necessary, and applicable corrective actions.
This AD was prompted by the determination that additional airplanes are
affected by the unsafe condition. This AD continues to require the
actions in AD 2022-11-01 and adds airplanes to the applicability, 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 March 11, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 11,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2141; 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 EASA material identified 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 at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2141.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-
231-3225; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR
32292, May 31, 2022) (AD 2022-11-01). AD 2022-11-01 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2022-11-01
required a one-time DET of the MLG support rib 5 lower flange, inboard
and outboard of rib 5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides (i.e.,
affected area); a one-time FPI around the spot facing of certain
fastener holes if necessary; and applicable corrective actions. The FAA
issued AD 2022-11-01 to address cracking in the affected area that, if
not detected and corrected, could affect the structural integrity of
the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2024
(89 FR 75507). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0145, dated July 23,
2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0145) (also referred to as
the MCAI). The MCAI states certain airplanes were excluded from the
applicability of EASA AD 2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 (corresponds
to AD 2022-11-01)
[[Page 8892]]
on the assumption they were withdrawn from service. At least one of
those airplanes later returned to service and there is no evidence the
other airplanes were scrapped or dismantled so the possibility exists
they could also return to service. For these reasons, the applicability
was expanded to include those airplanes.
Also, since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-01, FAA Type Certificate
A35EU was updated to remove Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C,
and B2-203 airplanes. The FAA therefore has removed those airplanes
from the applicability of this AD.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2022-11-01 and add airplanes to the applicability, as specified in
EASA AD 2024-0145. 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-2024-2141.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, The Air Line Pilots
Association, International (ALPA) and FedEx Express, who supported the
NPRM without change.
Change Made to This AD
The unsafe condition in paragraph (e) of this AD has been revised
to include the action that prompted this AD.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0145 specifies procedures for a one-time DET of the
affected area, a one-time FPI around the spot facing of certain
fastener holes in the affected area if no crack is detected during the
DET, and obtaining and following approved repair instructions if any
crack is found during the DET or FPI. EASA AD 2024-0145 also updated
the applicability of affected airplanes.
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 affects 124 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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23 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,955........................ $0 $1,955 $242,420
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The FAA estimates the following costs to replace any cracked rib
that are required, based on the results of any required actions and
repair status. 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 1,500 work-hours x $85 per $620,000 Up to $747,500.
hour = $127,500.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the repair 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,
[[Page 8893]]
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 (AD) 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051
(87 FR 32292, May 31, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-01-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22931; Docket No. FAA-2024-2141;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00421-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 11, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR 32292,
May 31, 2022).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0145, dated July 23, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0145).
(1) Model A300 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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing
gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, inboard and outboard of rib
5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides, and the determination that
additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracking of the MLG support rib 5
lower flange. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could
affect the structural integrity 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, EASA AD 2024-0145.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0145
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0145 refers to August 31, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0190), this AD requires using July 5,
2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR
32292, May 31, 2022)).
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0145 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0145 specifies to
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if any crack is
detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack must be
repaired before further flight 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.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0145.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 manager of
the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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) Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC)
80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021; and ASAC
80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD for the airplanes
identified in those ASACs only.
(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, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD
2024-0145 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: 206-231-3225; email: [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0145,
dated July 23, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified 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.
(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 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/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on January 6, 2025.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02145 Filed 2-3-25; 8:45 am]
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