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 Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2025; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00120-T; Amendment 39-22888; AD 2024-23-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
 ACTION: Final rule.
 SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality review performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator (material “Dykem”) had been applied on the orifice fitting on certain slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. This AD requires an inspection for discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibits installing affected parts, 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 January 13, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13, 2025.
 ADDRESSES:  *AD Docket:*
                         You may examine the AD docket at 
                        *regulations.gov*
                         under Docket No. FAA-2024-2025; 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-2024-2025.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email 
                        *timothy.p.dowling@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 A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
                    **Federal Register**
                     on August 21, 2024 (89 FR 67575). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0057, dated February 28, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0057) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that during a quality review performed during manufacturing, a quality escape was identified on the Model A321NX door 3 slide and offwing slide inflation reservoirs' venting holes, where a torque strip indicator (material “Dykem”) had been applied on the orifice fitting (clogging the vent hole). This condition, in combination with a slide reservoir pressure loss, if not detected and corrected, could lead to deployment in flight of a non-inflated slide, possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control of, the airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for discrepancies of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibit installing affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0057. 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-2024-2025. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), and United Airlines, 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, 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, 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 2024-0057 specifies a general visual inspection of affected parts (certain reservoirs having certain orifices) for discrepancies (the presence of “Dykem” material on the orifice fitting) and replacement of discrepant affected parts, and prohibits installing 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 227 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
                    ( print page 97481) Estimated Costs for Required Actions
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
                             product
Cost on U.S.
                             operators1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
$0
$85
$19,295
 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: Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
Negligible
$85
 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
 2.The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: **2024-23-09 Airbus SAS:**
                             Amendment 39-22888; Docket No. FAA-2024-2025; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00120-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the discovery during a quality review performed during manufacturing, that a torque strip indicator (material “Dykem”) had been applied on the orifice fitting on certain slides' inflation reservoirs' venting holes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address blocked venting holes on the orifice fitting on an escape slide's inflation reservoir. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in combination with a slide reservoir pressure loss, result in deployment in flight of a non-inflated slide, possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0057, dated February 28, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0057). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0057 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0057 refers to March 13, 2024, or its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0057. (i) 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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 
                            *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 
                            ( print page 97482)
                            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 service information referenced in EASA AD 2024-0057 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 Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email 
                            *timothy.p.dowling@faa.gov*. (k) 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 2024-0057, dated February 28, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2024-0057 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 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 
                            *fr.inspection@nara.gov*. Issued on November 18, 2024. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.


[FR Doc. 2024-28779 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P