Document ID: FAA-2022-0601-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-09-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54355-54358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19098]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0601; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01286-T; 
Amendment 39-22152; AD 2022-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-10-
24, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series 
airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-
300 series airplanes; AD 2018-23-14, which applied to certain Airbus 
SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series 
airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes; and AD 2021-05-12, 
which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series 
airplanes. AD 2017-10-24, AD 2018-23-14, and AD 2021-05-12 require 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This 
AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD revises the 
applicability by adding airplanes. This AD continues to require the 
actions in AD 2018-23-14 and AD 2021-05-12, and requires revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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 October 11, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 11, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of January 
2, 2019 (83 FR 60754, November 27, 2018).
    The Director of the Federal Register also approved the 
incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in 
this AD as of April 26, 2021 (86 FR 15092, March 22, 2021).

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus service information identified 
in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 
Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France, France; 
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email 
[email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com. 
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 in the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0601.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0601; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0246) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
and -243 airplanes; Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes; Model A330-
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; 
Model A330-841 airplanes; and Model A330-941 airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 
24035, May 25, 2017) (AD 2017-10-24); AD 2018-23-14, Amendment 39-19501 
(83 FR 60754, November 27, 2018) (AD 2018-23-14); and AD 2021-05-12, 
Amendment 39-21455 (86 FR 15092, March 22, 2021) (AD 2021-05-12). AD 
2017-10-24 applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series 
airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-
300 series airplanes; AD 2018-23-14 applied to certain Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, 
and Model A330-300 series airplanes; and AD 2021-05-12 applied to 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2022 (87 FR 35118). The 
NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to revise 
the applicability by adding

[[Page 54356]]

airplanes. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require the actions in 
AD 2018-23-14 and AD 2021-05-12, and proposed to require revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as 
specified in EASA AD 2021-0246.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental 
damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible 
failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

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

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. 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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0246 specifies procedures for new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
    This AD also requires the following service information.
     Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation by reference as of January 2, 2019 (83 FR 
60754, November 27, 2018).
     Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register approved 
for incorporation by reference as of January 2, 2019 (83 FR 60754, 
November 27, 2018).
     Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register approved 
for incorporation by reference as of January 2, 2019 (83 FR 60754, 
November 27, 2018).
     EASA AD 2020-0190, dated August 27, 2020, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of April 26, 2021 (86 FR 15092, March 22, 2021).
    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 138 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2018-23-14 and AD 2021-05-12 to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour) per AD.
    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 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

    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

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) 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 
(82 FR 24035, May 25, 2017); AD 2018-23-14, Amendment 39-19501 (83 FR 
60754, November 27, 2018); and AD 2021-05-12, Amendment 39-21455 (86 FR 
15092, March 22, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-18-01 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22152; Docket No. FAA-2022-0601; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01286-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 11, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 24035, May 25, 
2017) (AD 2017-10-24).
    (2) AD 2018-23-14, Amendment 39-19501 (83 FR 60754, November 27, 
2018) (AD 2018-23-14).
    (3) AD 2021-05-12, Amendment 39-21455 (86 FR 15092, March 22, 
2021) (AD 2021-05-12).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before July 1, 
2021.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.

[[Page 54357]]

    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
    (5) Model A330-941 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, and possible failure of 
certain life limited parts, 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 
for AD 2018-23-14, With a New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2018-23-14, with a new terminating action. For Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series 
airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 29, 2017: Within 90 days 
after January 2, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2018-23-14), revise 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in the service information 
identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. The initial 
compliance times for accomplishing the tasks are at the applicable 
times specified in the service information identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (3) of this AD, or within 90 days after January 2, 
2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the 
existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (l) 
of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1, 
Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017.
    (2) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017.
    (3) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017.

(h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals for AD 
2018-23-14, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2018-23-14, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraphs 
(i) and (l) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, has been revised as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or 
intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved 
as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (p)(1) of this AD.

(i) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
for AD 2021-05-12, With a New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-05-12, with a new terminating action. For Airbus SAS Model 
A330-223F and -243F airplanes with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or before June 29, 2020, except as specified in paragraph (j) of 
this AD, comply with all required actions and compliance times 
specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0190, dated 
August 27, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0190). Accomplishing the revision of 
the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph 
(l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(j) For AD 2021-05-12: Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0190 With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2021-05-12, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-
0190 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0190 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, to incorporate the ``limitations'' specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0190 within 90 days after April 26, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-05-12).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0190 is on or before the applicable 
``limitations'' specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0190, or 
within 90 days after April 26, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-
05-12), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provision specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-
0190 does not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0190 does not apply 
to this AD.

(k) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals for AD 
2021-05-12, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2021-05-12, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(l) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program 
has been revised as required by paragraph (i) 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 2020-0190.

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

    Except as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0246). 
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.

(m) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0246

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0246 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-
0246 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0246 specifies revising ``the 
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.
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA 2021-0246 is at the applicable ``limitations'' 
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 
2021-0246, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA 
AD 2021-0246 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0246 does not apply 
to this AD.

(n) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (l) 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 2021-0246.

(o) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of Paragraph (g) of 
This AD

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminates the limitation for the nose landing gear lower torque 
link having part number D64001, as required by paragraph (g) of AD 
2018-23-14, for Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes only.

(p) 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 (q) of this 
AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
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

[[Page 54358]]

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.

(q) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax: 206-231-3229; email [email protected].

(r) 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 
October 11, 2022.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0246, 
dated November 17, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 2, 2019 (83 FR 60754, November 27, 2018).
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1, 
Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017.
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 26, 2021 (86 FR 15092, March 22, 2021).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0190, 
dated August 27, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) For EASA AD 2020-0190 and EASA AD 2021-0246, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus service information identified in this 
AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France, France; telephone +33 
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com.
    (7) 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.
    (8) 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 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 16, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19098 Filed 9-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P