Document ID: FAA-2020-0674-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2021-02-23T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10767-10770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03566]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0674; Product Identifier 2020-NM-070-AD; Amendment 
39-21382; AD 2021-01-06]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes, and 
all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by reports of hydraulic system failure due to fatigue failure of the 
screws attaching the manual valve to the ground service manifold (GSM). 
This AD requires, for certain GSMs, repetitive replacement of the 
hydraulic system GSM manual valve attachment screws having certain part 
numbers; and, for certain other GSMs with certain screws installed, 
replacement of those screws, 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 30, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 30, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus material incorporated by 
reference in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 
Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; 
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email 
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. You 
may view this IBR 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 on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0674.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0674; 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, 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, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229; 
email vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0093, dated April 24, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0093) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 and A330-300 series 
airplanes, and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes, and all Model A340-200 
and A340-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 31, 2020 (85 FR 46012). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of hydraulic system failure due to fatigue failure of the 
screws attaching the manual valve to the GSM. The NPRM proposed to 
require, for certain GSMs, repetitive replacement of the hydraulic 
system GSM manual valve attachment screws having certain part numbers; 
and, for certain other GSMs with certain screws installed, replacement 
of those screws, as specified in an EASA AD.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM

[[Page 10768]]

and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated its 
support for the NPRM.

Request To Include Applicability Exception

    Delta Air Lines (Delta) asked that the FAA include an exception 
statement in paragraph (c) of the proposed AD related to Airbus 
modification 58345. Delta stated that EASA AD 2020-0093 includes the 
statement ``except those on which Airbus modification (mod) 58345 has 
been embodied in production.'' Delta added that this would remove the 
need for operators of post mod 58345 airplanes to demonstrate 
compliance with an AD for which compliance is impossible.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. Paragraph (c) 
of this AD identifies the affected airplane models and specifies that 
this AD is applicable to the airplanes identified in EASA AD 2020-0093. 
Because the applicability identified in EASA AD 2020-0093 excludes 
airplanes on which Airbus modification 58345 is embodied in production, 
it is not necessary to restate that exclusion in this AD. EASA AD 2020-
0093 is incorporated by reference in its entirety, which includes the 
applicability therein. Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Change AOT Reference

    Delta asked that the ``in accordance with'' statement in paragraph 
(g) of the proposed AD be replaced by ``refer to'' Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L010-19, Revision 01, dated February 
18, 2020, paragraphs 4.4.2.1.(8), 4.4.2.1.(10), 4.4.2.2.(9) and 
4.4.2.2.(11). Delta stated that the EASA AD mandates accomplishment of 
the referenced AOT, and the AOT includes the following note: ``NOTE 2: 
The accomplishment instructions of this AOT include procedures given in 
other documents or in other sections of the AOT. When the words 'refer 
to' are used and the operator has a procedure accepted by the local 
authority he belongs to, the accepted alternative procedure can be 
used. When the words `in accordance with' are used then the given 
procedure must be followed.'' Delta added that paragraphs 4.4.2.1.(8) 
and 4.4.2.2.(9) of the AOT use both ``refer to'' and ``in accordance 
with,'' and paragraphs 4.4.2.1.(10) and 4.4.2.2.(11) of the AOT use 
``in accordance with'' when referencing the Airplane Maintenance Manual 
(AMM) wirelocking procedures. Delta further noted that in all cases, 
the AOT refers to standard AMM procedures, testing and wirelocking. As 
standard procedures, Delta recommended that the ``in accordance with'' 
statement be replaced by ``refer to'' for paragraphs 4.4.2.1.(8), 
4.4.2.1.(10), 4.4.2.2.(9) and 4.4.2.2.(11) of the AOT.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request for further 
clarification. It should be clear to operators whether specific 
procedures are mandatory. Paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD specified 
compliance with ``paragraph 4.4.2., Accomplishment Instructions, of the 
AOT'' only. This means that these actions must be completed in 
accordance with certain procedures specified in the Airbus AMM tasks 
defined in Airbus AOT A29L010-19, Revision 01, dated February 18, 2020. 
The FAA has clarified paragraph (h)(3) of this AD as follows: ``Where 
EASA AD 2020-0093 specifies to comply with ``the instructions of the 
AOT,'' and ``the AOT'' specifies that ``the accomplishment instructions 
marked as Required for Compliance (RC) must be done'' this AD requires 
compliance with ``paragraph 4.4.2., Accomplishment Instructions, of the 
AOT [Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L010-19, Revision 01, dated 
February 18, 2020] only; except paragraphs 4.4.2.1(1) and 4.4.2.2(1) 
which specify gaining access to the ground service manifold and 
preparation for update and may be accomplished in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program.''

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this AD with the change described previously, and 
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that this change will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for replacement of the 
hydraulic system GSM manual valve attachment screws. For GSMs with part 
number (P/N) 70902-3 or P/N 70902-4 installed with screws having P/N 
NAS1101-3H8, EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for repetitive 
replacement of those screws with new screws having P/N NAS1101-3H8. For 
GSMs with P/N 70902-5 installed with screws having P/N NAS1101-3H8, 
EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for replacement of those screws 
with new bolts having P/N EWB0420D-3H-3 or four new screws having P/N 
NAS1101-3H8; if new screws are installed, EASA AD 2020-0093 describes 
procedures for replacing them with new bolts having P/N EWB0420D-3H-3 
before the screws exceed 10,000 flight cycles since installation on an 
airplane. EASA AD 2020-0093 also describes an optional terminating 
modification (replacement of all affected GSMs), which would terminate 
the repetitive replacements of the attachment screws.
    Airbus AOT A29L010-19, Revision 01, dated February 18, 2020, 
describes procedures for initial and repetitive replacement of certain 
GSM manual-valve screws and a one-time visual inspection to determine 
if certain GSM manual-valve screws are installed instead of the correct 
bolts.
    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 107 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 10769]]

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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            Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product           Cost on U.S.  operators
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7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595            * $0  $595 per cycle...............  $63,665 per cycle.
 per cycle.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the
  required actions specified in this AD.

                  Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850...            * $0             $850
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency
  to provide parts cost estimates for the optional actions specified in
  this AD.

    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.

Adoption of 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-01-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21382; Docket No. FAA-2020-0674; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-070-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0093, dated April 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0093).
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (3) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (4) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic system failure due 
to fatigue failure of the screws attaching the manual valve to the 
ground service manifold (GSM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the failure of hydraulic system manual valve attachment screws. This 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to the loss of one or more 
hydraulic systems and damage to surrounding structure and 
components, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane, 
or injury to maintenance staff working in the main landing gear bay.

(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 2020-0093.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0093

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0093 refers to its effective date or to 
``the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0314,'' this AD requires using 
the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0093 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2020-0093 specifies to comply with ``the 
instructions of the AOT [Alert Operators Transmission],'' and ``the 
AOT'' specifies that ``the accomplishment instructions marked as 
Required for Compliance (RC) must be done,'' this AD requires 
compliance with ``paragraph 4.4.2., Accomplishment Instructions, of 
the AOT [Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L010-19, Revision 
01, dated February 18, 2020]'' only; except paragraphs 4.4.2.1(1) 
and 4.4.2.2(1), which specify gaining access to the ground service 
manifold and preparation for update, may be accomplished in 
accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program.

[[Page 10770]]

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0093 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Other 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 local Flight 
Standards District 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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district 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): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0093 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (j)(2) of this 
AD, RC 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.

(k) Related Information

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

(l) 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 2020-0093, 
dated April 24, 2020.
    (ii) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L010-19, Revision 
01, dated February 18, 2020.
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0093, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) For Airbus service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (5) 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. This material may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0674.
    (6) 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 
fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03566 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P