Document ID: FAA-2022-1296-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2023-03-23T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 56 (Thursday, March 23, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17429-17434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05330]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00628-T]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to 
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16, 
which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series; A319-111, -112, 
-113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N; A320 series; and 
A321 series airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by adding new and 
revised tasks and limitations that must be incorporated into the 
existing maintenance or inspection program. The FAA is proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these 
actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, the 
FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to 
comment on these changes.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 8, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 
contact European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1296.
     You may view this service information 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00628-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important

[[Page 17430]]

that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark 
each page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will 
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they 
will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197, 
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05), and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-
22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022) (AD 2022-09-16) for certain Model 
A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320-
211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -
272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model -111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, -232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -
271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes. AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 
require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. The FAA issued AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 to address 
fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal 
structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane.
    The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to 
supersede AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 that would apply to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, 
A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, 
A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-
215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, 
A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-111, A321-112, A321-
131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-
251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-
271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on October 20, 2022 (87 FR 63712) (the NPRM). The NPRM 
was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2022-
0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0085), to correct an unsafe 
condition. The NPRM proposed to require the actions in AD 2022-09-16 in 
addition to revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued the NPRM, EASA issued 2023-0008, dated January 
16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0008), which affects EASA AD 2022-0085, dated 
May 12, 2022. EASA AD 2023-0008 states that new and/or more restrictive 
maintenance tasks have been published. EASA AD 2023-0008 applies to all 
Airbus A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, 
A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, 
A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, 
A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-
271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, 
A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-
252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-
272N and A321-272NX airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not 
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type 
certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include 
those airplanes in the applicability. Airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued after November 10, 2022, must comply with the 
airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design 
and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD 
therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1296.

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 commenters, including 
American Airlines and United Airlines. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Retain Provisions of AD 2020-20-05

    American Airlines supported the NPRM, but also asserted that the 
proposed AD should have retained certain provisions of AD 2020-20-05.
    American Airlines noted that the NPRM proposed to supersede both AD 
2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16, but restated only the requirements of AD 
2022-09-16. American noted that the Reason section of EASA AD 2022-0085 
states that it retains the requirements of both EASA AD 2020-0036R1, 
dated June 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0036R1) (which corresponds to FAA AD 
2020-20-05) and EASA AD 2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-
0140) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2022-09-16). American Airlines 
stated that AD 2022-09-16 does not supersede but ``is an extension to'' 
AD 2020-20-05. American Airlines therefore requested that the proposed 
AD be revised to retain the requirements of AD 2020-20-05, until the 
new maintenance program revision required by paragraph (j) of the 
proposed AD is implemented.
    Also, since the NPRM would have approved previous AMOCs for AD 
2022-09-16 only, American Airlines recommended that the proposed AD 
state that AMOCs previously approved for AD 2020-20-05 also continue to 
be approved for this AD.
    The FAA agrees with the requests. AD 2022-09-16 stated, in 
paragraph (j), that it terminates Task 531135-01-2, which is required, 
in part, by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05. Therefore, not all 
requirements of AD 2020-20-05 were terminated by AD 2022-09-16. The FAA 
has determined that it is necessary to retain the requirements of 
paragraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of AD 2020-20-05, until the 
maintenance program revision required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05 
is terminated by accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (j) of 
this AD.
    Therefore, the FAA has revised the proposed AD by restating the 
requirements of paragraphs (i), (j), (k), and (l) of AD 2020-20-05 in 
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, and redesignating 
subsequent paragraphs accordingly. The FAA has also added paragraph 
(r)(1)(iii) in this proposed AD to extend previous AMOC approval for 
the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2020-20-05 that are retained in 
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.

[[Page 17431]]

Requests To Allow Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    United Airlines requested that the proposed AD allow production 
concession, repair design approval sheet (RDAS), repair and design 
approval form (RDAF), and Airbus statement of Airworthiness Compliance 
(ASAC) as AMOCs if they include instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICAs) for repairs to airworthiness limitation (ALI) 
areas as stated in Section 1, ``Introduction,'' of Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 ALS Part 2, Revision 09, dated February 7, 2022 (which is 
referenced in EASA AD 2022-0085). The FAA does not agree that a change 
to this proposed AD is necessary. The provision in paragraph (r)(2) of 
this proposed AD addresses where service information specified in EASA 
AD 2022-0085 and EASA 2023-0008 refers to obtaining instructions from a 
manufacturer.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008. This 
service information specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. These 
documents are distinct since one includes all damage tolerant 
airworthiness limitations items and the other revises certain damage 
tolerant airworthiness limitation items.
    This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2021-0140, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of June 30, 2022 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022).
    This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2020-0036R1, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020).
    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 ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    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 the State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide 
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-20-05 and 
AD 2022-09-16. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability and 
require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 2022-0085 and 
EASA AD 2023-0008 described previously, as proposed for incorporation 
by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-
0008 are identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to 
paragraph (r)(1) of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to retain the IBR of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 and EASA AD 2021-
0140 and incorporate EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 by 
reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, 
require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0140, EASA AD 2020-0036R1, EASA AD 
2022-0085, and EASA AD 2023-0008 in their entirety through that 
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are 
the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2020-0036R1, 
EASA AD 2021-0140, EASA AD 2022-0085, or EASA AD 2023-0008 does not 
mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, 
where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and 
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited 
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in 
EASA AD 2020-0036R1, EASA AD 2021-0140, EASA AD 2022-0085, or EASA AD 
2023-0008. Service information required by EASA AD 2020-0036R1, EASA AD 
2021-0140, EASA AD 2022-0085, and EASA AD 2023-0008 for compliance will 
be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2022-1296 after the FAA final rule is published.

Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process

    The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the 
primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs 
has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service 
bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the 
actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the 
process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness 
limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.
    For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes 
airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged. 
Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new 
airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must 
be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).
    The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a 
paragraph that specified that no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals 
are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in 
the AMOCs paragraph under ``Additional FAA Provisions.'' This new 
format includes a ``New Provisions for Alternative Actions and 
Intervals'' paragraph that does not specifically refer to AMOCs, but 
operators may still request an AMOC to use an alternative action or 
interval.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,864 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the

[[Page 17432]]

following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2020-20-05 and AD 2022-09-16 to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour).
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate.
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed 
actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 
2020); and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 
2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1296; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00628-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 8, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-20-05, Amendment 39-21261 (85 FR 65197, 
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-20-05); and AD 2022-09-16, Amendment 39-
22036 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022) (AD 2022-09-16).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2022.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, 
and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or 
corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With No Changes From AD 2020-20-05

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-20-05, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before October 11, 2019: 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 2020-0036R1, dated 
June 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0036R1). Accomplishing the maintenance 
or inspection program revision required by paragraph (o) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0036R1, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2020-20-05, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 specifies revising 
``the AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the ``tasks and associated thresholds and 
intervals'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 within 
90 days after November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-20-
05).
    (3) The initial compliance times for doing the tasks specified 
in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 are at the applicable 
``associated thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 
2020-0036R1, or within 90 days after November 19, 2020 (the 
effective date of AD 2020-20-05), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of 
EASA AD 2020-0036R1 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 does not 
apply to this AD.

(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD 
2020-20-05, With New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2020-20-05, with new exception. Except as required by paragraphs (k) 
and (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection 
program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no 
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2020-0036R1.

[[Page 17433]]

(j) Retained Credit for Original EASA AD, With No changes

    This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (l) of 
AD 2020-20-05, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before November 19, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-
20-05) using EASA AD 2020-0036, dated February 26, 2020.

(k) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With No Changes From AD 2022-09-16

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2022-09-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 10, 2020: Except as 
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, comply with all required 
actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, 
EASA AD 2021-0140, dated June 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0140). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(l) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0140

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2022-09-16, with no changes.
    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0140 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-
16).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0140 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 specifies revising ``the 
approved [aircraft maintenance program] AMP'' within 12 months after 
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days 
after June 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-09-16).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0140 is at the applicable 
``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2021-0140, or within 90 days after June 30, 2022 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-09-16), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-
0140 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0140 does not apply 
to this AD.

(m) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD 
2022-09-16, With New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2022-09-16, with new exception. Except as required by paragraph (o) 
of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has 
been revised as required by paragraph (k) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are 
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0140.

(n) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Requirements in AD 2020-20-
05, With Revised References

    This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in 
paragraph (i) of AD 2022-09-16, with revised references. 
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD, 
including incorporating Task 531135-03-1 as required by EASA AD 
2021-0140, terminates Task 531135-01-2, as required by EASA AD 2020-
0036R1 by the requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(o) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0085, dated May 12, 2022 (EASA AD 
2022-0085) and EASA AD 2023-0008, dated January 16, 2023 (EASA AD 
2023-0008). Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same airworthiness 
limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the airworthiness 
limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail. Accomplishing 
the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program 
required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs 
(g) and (i) of this AD.

(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 
specifies revising ``the approved AMP'' within 12 months after its 
effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 is at the 
applicable ``thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008, 
respectively, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later. Where EASA AD 2023-0008 affects the same 
airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2022-0085, the 
airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0008 prevail.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0085 and EASA AD 2023-0008.

(q) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0085 or EASA AD 2023-0008, as 
applicable.

(r) Additional FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (s) of this 
AD. Information may be emailed 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-09-16 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2021-0140 that are 
required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-20-05 are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0036R1 
that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (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, Large Aircraft 
Section, 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.

(s) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(t) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 27, 2023.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0085, 
dated May 12, 2022.
    (ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0008, 
dated January 16, 2023.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 30, 2022 (87 FR 31943, May 26, 2022).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0140, 
dated June 14, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65197, October 15, 2020).

[[Page 17434]]

    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0036R1, 
dated June 24, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) For the EASA ADs 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 these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (7) You may view this service information 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.
    (8) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 9, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05330 Filed 3-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P