Document ID: FAA-2022-0689-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-09-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56576-56578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19810]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0689; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00215-T; 
Amendment 39-22160; AD 2022-18-09]
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) 2019-26-
11, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A319-112, -115, and -132; 
A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and A321-211, -231, -232, 
-251N, and -253N airplanes; and AD 2021-23-15, which applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -
133; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233; and A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2019-26-11 
required replacing the affected bumpers with serviceable bumpers. AD 
2021-23-15 required modifying the waste compartment door of each 
affected galley. This AD was prompted by reports that the waste 
compartment door opened prematurely during a test, that container/
galley end stop bumpers were damaged in service, and that additional 
airplanes are subject to the unsafe conditions described in those ADs. 
This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2019-26-11 and AD 2021-
23-15, 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 October 20, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 20, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For 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. 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0689.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0689; 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 206-231-3223; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0026, dated February 16, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0026) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, A319-112, A319-
113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-
212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-

[[Page 56577]]

232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, 
A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N and A321-
253N airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the 
FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this 
AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-26-11, Amendment 39-21022 (85 FR 6755, 
February 6, 2020) (AD 2019-26-11), which applied to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A319-112, A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-216, A320-232, A320-
233, A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-211, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, and 
A321-253N airplanes; and AD 2021-23-15, Amendment 39-21813 (86 FR 
68894, December 6, 2021) (AD 2021-23-15), which applied to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and 
-232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 21, 
2022 (87 FR 36778). The NPRM was prompted by a report that during re-
engineering of galley G5, a 9G forward full scale qualification test 
was performed, and the door of the waste compartment opened before the 
required load was reached, and by reports of finding container/galley 
end stop bumpers damaged in service. The NPRM was also prompted by the 
determination that additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe 
condition. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 
2019-26-11 and AD 2021-23-15, and to add airplanes to the 
applicability, as specified in EASA AD 2022-0026.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential failure of the 
galley door and release of waste bins during a rejected take-off or an 
emergency landing, and potential container detachment from the galley 
under certain forward loading conditions, possibly resulting in damage 
to the airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment 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 2022-0026 specifies procedures for modifying the affected 
galleys by replacing the affected bumpers with serviceable bumpers; for 
modifying the waste compartment door of each affected galley by 
installing a door catch bracket and a new striker, and for re-
identifying the affected galleys. 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 1,507 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
            Action                    Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per  product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2019-  Up to 54 work-hours x               $0  Up to $4,590..........  Up to
 26-11 (274 airplanes).          $85 per hour = Up to                                            $1,257,660.
                                 $4,590.
Retained actions from AD 2021-  5 work-hours x $85 per               0  $425..................  $59,925.
 23-15 (141 airplanes).          hour = $425.
New actions (Up to 1,092        Up to 59 work-hours x                0  Up to $5,105..........  Up to
 airplanes).                     $85 per hour = Up to                                            $5,476,380.
                                 $5,105.
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

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.

[[Page 56578]]

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) 2019-26-11, Amendment 39-21022 
(85 FR 6755, February 6, 2020); and AD 2021-23-15, Amendment 39-21813 
(86 FR 68894, December 6, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-18-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22160; Docket No. FAA-2022-0689; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00215-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-26-11, Amendment 39-21022 (85 FR 6755, 
February 6, 2020) (AD 2019-26-11); and AD 2021-23-15, Amendment 39-
21813 (86 FR 68894, December 6, 2021) (AD 2021-23-15).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2022-0026, dated February 16, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0026).
    (1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (3) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, and -253N airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that during re-engineering of 
galley G5, a 9G forward full scale qualification test was performed, 
and the door of the waste compartment opened before the required 
load was reached, and by reports of finding container/galley end 
stop bumpers damaged in service. This AD was also prompted by the 
determination that additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe 
condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential failure 
of the galley door and release of waste bins during a rejected take-
off or an emergency landing, and potential container detachment from 
the galley under certain forward loading conditions, possibly 
resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(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 2022-0026.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0026

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0026 refers to December 11, 2018 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2018-0255), this AD requires using January 
10, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2021-23-15).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0026 refers to May 29, 2019 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0106), this AD requires using March 
12, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2019-26-11).
    (3) Where EASA AD 2022-0026 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0026 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Additional 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 (j) 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 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains 
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and 
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests 
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and 
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using 
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided 
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(j) 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 206-231-3223; email [email protected].

(k) 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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0026, 
dated February 16, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0026, 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.
    (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 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 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19810 Filed 9-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P