[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24317-24319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10485]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00562-T;
Amendment 39-23058; AD 2025-11-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-03-
14, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
AD 2020-03-14 required an inspection of affected crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies for any discrepancy and replacement of discrepant crew
oxygen cylinder assemblies with serviceable parts, and allowed
installation of affected parts under certain conditions. Since the FAA
issued AD 2020-03-14, the supplier introduced an improved crew oxygen
cylinder assembly, that will ensure the correct function of the system.
This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-03-14, requires
replacement of all affected parts with redesigned parts, and also
prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 15, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 15,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected].
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-2025-0343.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Tsang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3959; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839 (85 FR
11282, February 27, 2020) (AD 2020-03-14). AD 2020-03-14 applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-03-14 required
an inspection of crew oxygen cylinder assemblies having part number (P/
N) 4441227-058-000 or P/N 4441227-058-001 (affected crew oxygen
cylinder assemblies) (also referred to as affected parts) for any
discrepancy and replacement of discrepant crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies with serviceable parts, and AD 2020-03-14 allowed
installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA issued
AD 2020-03-14 to address loss of retention of the regulator inlet
filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. This
condition could lead to particle ingestion into the regulator during
ground handling, possibly resulting in ignition/fire during system
ground operational testing.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 18, 2025
(90 FR 12501). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0186, dated September
24, 2024, issued by EASA (EASA AD 2024-0186) (also referred to as the
MCAI),
[[Page 24318]]
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. The MCAI states that the supplier introduced an improved crew
oxygen cylinder assembly having P/N 4441227-058-002, to ensure the
correct function of the system.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2020-03-14, to require replacement of all affected parts with
redesigned parts, and to also prohibit the installation of affected
parts, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0186. 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-2025-0343.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any 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 these products. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0186, which specifies procedures for
an inspection of each crew oxygen cylinder assembly for any discrepancy
(a loose part making a sound during agitation of the cylinder),
replacement of any affected crew oxygen cylinder with a serviceable
part, and eventual replacement of each affected crew oxygen cylinder
with a redesigned part. EASA AD 2024-0186 also prohibits the
installation of affected parts. 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 33 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2020- 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85.................... $2,805.
03-14. per hour = $85.
New actions................... Up to 15 work- 12,800 Up to $14,075.......... Up to $464,475.
hours x $85 per
hour = $1,275.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850.. $6,940 $7,790
------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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:
[[Page 24319]]
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) 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839
(85 FR 11282, February 27, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-11-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23058; Docket No. FAA-2025-0343;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00562-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 15, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839 (85 FR 11282,
February 27, 2020) (AD 2020-03-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by loss of retention of the regulator inlet
filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address loss of retention of the regulator
inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in particle
ingestion into the regulator during ground handling, possibly
resulting in ignition/fire during system ground operational testing.
(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
2024-0186, dated September 24, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0186).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0186
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0186 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0186 refers to July 30, 2019 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0168), this AD requires using April
2, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-03-14).
(3) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0186 state
``the instructions of the AOT'', this AD requires replacing that
text with ``paragraph 4.2.2., Inspection Requirements, of the AOT.''
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies to
``inspect each affected part'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``do a one-time inspection of any affected part that is
installed on-wing''.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies if ``any
discrepancy is detected, as defined in the AOT,'' this AD requires
replacing those words with ``any loose part making a sound during
agitation of the cylinder is detected''.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0186.
(i) No Reporting and No Return of Parts Requirements
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies
to submit certain information and send removed parts to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include those requirements.
(j) 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 (k) of this AD and email 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, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety 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
paragraphs (i) and (j)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in
EASA AD 2024-0186 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those
paragraphs, 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nicole Tsang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3959; email [email protected].
(l) 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 2024-0186,
dated September 24, 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]. 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 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/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on June 4, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10485 Filed 6-9-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P