88 FR 71 pgs. 22367-22370 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Type: RULEVolume: 88Number: 71Pages: 22367 - 22370
Pages: 22367, 22368, 22369, 22370Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01030-T; Amendment 39-22398; AD 2023-06-12]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2023-07740 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01030-T; Amendment 39-22398; AD 2023-06-12]
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) 2021-08-08, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2021-08-08 required replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. This AD was prompted by a report of a welding quality issue in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct at each wing-to-pylon interface and the consequent deformation of the gimbal inner ring, and by new findings that affected bleed gimbals were found on certain airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of affected part replacement. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2021-08-08 and, for certain airplanes, requires inspection of the bleed gimbals to determine the part number, and replacement if necessary, 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 May 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; 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 ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 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-2023-0023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[top] Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86 FR 20453, April 20, 2021) (AD 2021-08-08). AD 2021-08-08 applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2021-08-08 required replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface with serviceable parts, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. The FAA issued AD 2021-08-08 to address a welding quality issue in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to an oval shape, which could cause cracking by direct contact between metal parts, and could lead to hot bleed air leakage in the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system and exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 24, 2023 (88 FR 4114). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0156, dated August 2, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0156) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that a welding quality issue has been identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to an oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused by direct contact between metal parts. The MCAI adds that affected bleed gimbals were found on certain airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of affected part replacement. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in hot bleed air leakage in the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system and exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0023.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2021-08-08 and, for certain airplanes, requires inspection of the bleed gimbals to determine the part number and replacement if necessary, as specified in the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
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, 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 2022-0156 specifies procedures, for certain airplanes, for replacing affected bleed duct assemblies and bleed gimbals at the wing-to-pylon interface with serviceable parts, and, for certain other airplanes, inspecting each bleed gimbal at the wing-to-pylon interface to determine if it is an affected part and replacing affected parts. EASA AD 2022-0156 also prohibits the installation of an affected part on any airplane.
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 31 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retained actions (Group 1 airplanes in the MCAI) | Up to 25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 | Up to $48,800 | Up to $50,925 | * $0 |
| New actions (Group 2 airplanes in the MCAI) | 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 | $0 | $170 | 5,270 |
| *?The retained replacement from AD 2021-08-08 applies to Group 1 airplanes specified in the MCAI. There are no affected U.S. registered airplanes in Group 1. | ||||
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action 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 this on-condition action:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 | Up to $48,800 | Up to $50,925. |
[top] 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 individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
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
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86 FR 20453, April 20, 2021); and
b. Adding the following new Airworthiness Directive:
2023-06-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22398; Docket No. FAA-2023-0023; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01030-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-08-08, Amendment 39-21502 (86 FR 20453, April 20, 2021) (AD 2021-08-08).
(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: 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a welding quality issue has been identified in the gimbal joint of the air bleed duct located at each wing-to-pylon interface; the inner ring of a gimbal had deformed to an oval shape, which could lead to cracking caused by direct contact between metal parts, and by new findings that affected bleed gimbals were found on certain airplanes that did not have any maintenance record of affected part replacement. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in hot bleed air leakage in the pylon area, and possibly result in loss of the pneumatic system and exposure of the wing structure to high temperatures, and lead to reduced 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 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 2022-0156, dated August 2, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0156).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0156
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0156 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0156 refers to August 26, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0169R1), this AD requires using May 25, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-08-08).
(3) Where the definition of "Groups" in EASA AD 2022-0156 specifies Group 1 airplanes are those manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) listed in certain service information, replace the text "Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A350-36-P021 and SB A350-36-P022" with "Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P021, dated January 17, 2020; and Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P022, dated January 17, 2020."
(4) Where the definition of "Groups" in EASA AD 2022-0156 specifies Group 2 airplanes are those MSN listed in certain service information, replace the text "Airbus SB A350-36-P029" with "Airbus Service Bulletin A350-36-P029, Revision 01, dated February 3, 2022."
(5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0156.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0156 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional FAA 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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. 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
[top] For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; email dat.v.le@faa.gov.
(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 2022-0156, dated August 2, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0156, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD 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 that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 21, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07740 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
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