[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 162 (Monday, August 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41288-41290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16212]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0200; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00627-T;
Amendment 39-23114; AD 2025-17-04]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-
800, and A330-900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an
incorrect shot peening application being implemented in production
starting from 2008. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections
(DET) of certain splice fittings and, depending on findings, repair.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
29, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0200; 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-2025-0200.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3964; 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 certain Airbus SAS
Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, and A330-900
series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
February 13, 2025 (90 FR 9520). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0200,
dated October 21, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0200) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that an
[[Page 41289]]
incorrect shot peening application has been implemented in production
starting from 2008. Fatigue life of affected parts (certain splice
fittings) can consequently be lower than the certified value. This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive DET of certain
splice fittings and, depending on findings, repair, as specified in
EASA AD 2024-0200. 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-2025-0200.
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.
The FAA received additional comments from two individual
commenters. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Allow Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Two individual commenters requested that the proposed AD be revised
to allow NDT techniques, such as ultrasonic or eddy current
inspections, rather than rely solely on detailed visual inspections.
The commenters noted that NDT methods are widely used in aviation and
can detect internal cracks that may not be visible, which reduces the
risk of undetected structural failures and minimizes aircraft downtime.
The FAA disagrees with the commenters' requests. EASA, as the state
of design authority for these airplanes, analyzed the data, considered
the recommendations of the manufacturer, and determined that detailed
inspections are adequate to address the unsafe condition. The FAA
concurs with EASA's determination. The FAA has not changed this AD in
response to this comment.
Request To Allow a Risk-Based Inspection Schedule
Two individual commenters suggested that a risk-based inspection
schedule could optimize resources by allowing airplanes with fewer
operational hours to undergo inspections at longer intervals. The
commenters stated that this strategy is used in other airworthiness
directives and would enhance the proposed rule's effectiveness without
imposing an excessive burden on operators.
The FAA disagrees with the commenters' requests. EASA, as the state
of design authority for these airplanes, performed a risk assessment
and determined the compliance time was appropriate based on the safety
implications of the identified unsafe condition, as well as the
practical aspect of completing the required actions during regular
maintenance periods. However, the FAA will consider requests for an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) as specified in paragraph
(i)(1) of this AD if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that
a risk-based inspection schedule would provide an acceptable level of
safety. The FAA has not changed this AD in response to this comment.
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 2024-0200, which specifies procedures for
repetitive DET of affected parts (splice fittings at the front
windshield side post, on left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides,
having part number (P/N) F531-23024-200 and P/N F531-23024-201,
respectively) for cracking, and depending on findings, repairing
cracking. 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 58 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425........................... $0 $425 $24,650
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
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 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
[[Page 41290]]
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:
2025-17-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23114; Docket No. FAA-2025-0200;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00627-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 29,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Airplanes identified in paragraph
(c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0200, dated October 21, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0200).
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
(5) Model A330-941 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an incorrect shot peening application
being implemented in production starting in 2008. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address this condition, which if not detected and
corrected, could adversely 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 2024-0200.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0200
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0200 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0200 specifies ``if any
crack is found on an affected part, before next flight, contact
Airbus for repair instructions and, within the compliance time
specified in those instructions, accomplish those instructions
accordingly'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``if any
cracking is detected, the cracking must be repaired before further
flight 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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0200.
(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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention
of the person identified in paragraph (j) 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
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material 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 Stefanie Roesli,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3964; 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 2024-0200,
dated October 21, 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 August 19, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16212 Filed 8-22-25; 8:45 am]
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