89 FR 206 pgs. 84806-84808 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S Airplanes
Type: RULEVolume: 89Number: 206Pages: 84806 - 84808
Pages: 84806, 84807, 84808Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T; Amendment 39-22846; AD 2024-19-04]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2024-24466 Filed 10-23-24; 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-2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T; Amendment 39-22846; AD 2024-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus S.A.S Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that engine nacelle anti-icing (NAI) forward bulkheads have been found with elongated locating holes. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes for elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, and prohibits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective November 29, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of November 29, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; 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 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 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-2024-1881.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7317; email dat.v.le@faa.gov.
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 A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2024 (89 FR 55120). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0060R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that certain engine NAI forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes. These holes are used in the manufacturing process and closed with fasteners before delivery. It has been determined that these fasteners, if loose, may vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the undetected loss of NAI protection on both engines, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead locating holes for elongation and loose fasteners and applicable corrective actions, and prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0060R1. 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-2024-1881.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
[top] 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
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed inspection of the engine NAI forward bulkhead location holes for discrepancies, including elongation and loose fasteners. Depending on the inspection results, EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also specifies corrective action, including obtaining and following instructions if any discrepancy is identified. EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also requires reporting of the inspection results to Collins Aerospace. EASA AD 2024-0060R1 also prohibits the installation of an affected part on any airplane unless it is a serviceable part and is inspected before installation. 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:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $638 | $10 | $648 | $20,088 |
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 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2024-19-04 Airbus SAS Airplanes: Amendment 39-22846; Docket No. FAA-2024-1881; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00160-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 54, Nacelles/pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that engine nacelle anti-icing (NAI) forward bulkheads may have elongated locating holes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address elongated locating holes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the fasteners, if loose, to vibrate and cause further elongation of the locating holes, which, eventually, can reduce the NAI performance. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the undetected loss of NAI protection on both engines, 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 2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0060R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0060R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0060R1 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
[top] (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0060R1 specifies if "any discrepancy is detected, before next flight, contact Collins Aerospace for approved corrective action instructions and, within the compliance time specified therein accomplish those instructions accordingly," this AD requires replacing that text with if "any discrepancy is detected, the discrepancy must be repaired
(3) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0060R1.
(i) No Reporting Required
Although EASA AD 2024-0060R1 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address 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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (h)(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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 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 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 2024-0060R1, dated April 16, 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 ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on September 13, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-24466 Filed 10-23-24; 8:45 am]
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