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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8891-8893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02145]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2141; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00421-T; 
Amendment 39-22931; AD 2025-01-07]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-
01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model 
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 
series airplanes). AD 2022-11-01 required a detailed inspection (DET) 
of the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, a 
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) around the spot facing of 
certain fastener holes if necessary, and applicable corrective actions. 
This AD was prompted by the determination that additional airplanes are 
affected by the unsafe condition. This AD continues to require the 
actions in AD 2022-11-01 and adds airplanes to the applicability, 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 March 11, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 11, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2141; 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 [email protected]; 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-2024-2141.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-
231-3225; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR 
32292, May 31, 2022) (AD 2022-11-01). AD 2022-11-01 applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2022-11-01 
required a one-time DET of the MLG support rib 5 lower flange, inboard 
and outboard of rib 5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides (i.e., 
affected area); a one-time FPI around the spot facing of certain 
fastener holes if necessary; and applicable corrective actions. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-11-01 to address cracking in the affected area that, if 
not detected and corrected, could affect the structural integrity of 
the airplane.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2024 
(89 FR 75507). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0145, dated July 23, 
2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0145) (also referred to as 
the MCAI). The MCAI states certain airplanes were excluded from the 
applicability of EASA AD 2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 (corresponds 
to AD 2022-11-01)

[[Page 8892]]

on the assumption they were withdrawn from service. At least one of 
those airplanes later returned to service and there is no evidence the 
other airplanes were scrapped or dismantled so the possibility exists 
they could also return to service. For these reasons, the applicability 
was expanded to include those airplanes.
    Also, since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-01, FAA Type Certificate 
A35EU was updated to remove Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
and B2-203 airplanes. The FAA therefore has removed those airplanes 
from the applicability of this AD.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in 
AD 2022-11-01 and add airplanes to the applicability, as specified in 
EASA AD 2024-0145. 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-2024-2141.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two commenters, The Air Line Pilots 
Association, International (ALPA) and FedEx Express, who supported the 
NPRM without change.

Change Made to This AD

    The unsafe condition in paragraph (e) of this AD has been revised 
to include the action that prompted this AD.

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, and any other changes described previously, 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 2024-0145 specifies procedures for a one-time DET of the 
affected area, a one-time FPI around the spot facing of certain 
fastener holes in the affected area if no crack is detected during the 
DET, and obtaining and following approved repair instructions if any 
crack is found during the DET or FPI. EASA AD 2024-0145 also updated 
the applicability of affected airplanes.
    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 124 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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23 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,955........................              $0           $1,955         $242,420
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to replace any cracked rib 
that are required, based on the results of any required actions and 
repair status. 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 product
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Up to 1,500 work-hours x $85 per          $620,000  Up to $747,500.
 hour = $127,500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the repair specified in this AD.

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,

[[Page 8893]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 
(87 FR 32292, May 31, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2025-01-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22931; Docket No. FAA-2024-2141; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00421-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 11, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR 32292, 
May 31, 2022).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0145, dated July 23, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0145).
    (1) Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing 
gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange, inboard and outboard of rib 
5, on the right-hand and left-hand sides, and the determination that 
additional airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address cracking of the MLG support rib 5 
lower flange. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could 
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 2024-0145.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0145

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0145 refers to August 31, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0190), this AD requires using July 5, 
2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-11-01, Amendment 39-22051 (87 FR 
32292, May 31, 2022)).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0145 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0145 specifies to 
``accomplish those instructions accordingly'' if any crack is 
detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack must be 
repaired before further flight 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.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0145.

(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 of 
the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: 
[email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (ii) Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC) 
80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021; and ASAC 
80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD for the airplanes 
identified in those ASACs only.
    (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 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 referenced in EASA AD 
2024-0145 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 Dan Rodina, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; phone: 206-231-3225; 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 2024-0145, 
dated July 23, 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]; website easa.europa.eu. 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 
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 [email protected].

    Issued on January 6, 2025.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02145 Filed 2-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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