Document ID: FAA-2022-0682-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-06-23T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 120 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37454-37459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13306]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 120 / Thursday, June 23, 2022 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 37454]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0682; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01271-T]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-10-08, AD 2017-05-10, and AD 2019-01-05, which apply to certain 
Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; 
and AD 2019-20-13, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, 
A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-
600 series airplanes. AD 2016-10-08 requires determining the flight 
cycles accumulated on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators 
(THSAs), and replacing the THSA if necessary. AD 2017-05-10, AD 2019-
01-05, and AD 2019-20-13 require revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable. Since the FAA issued those ADs, the 
FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 8, 
2022.

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 https://www.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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For EASA material that will be 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 material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus SAS service information 
identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness 
Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, 
France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0682.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0682; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; 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-2022-0682; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-01271-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 
https://www.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 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 
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, 
International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives

[[Page 37455]]

which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2016-10-08, Amendment 39-18519 (81 FR 31844, May 
20, 2016) (AD 2016-10-08), which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, 
and A340-600 series airplanes. Airbus SAS Model A340-200, A340-300, 
A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes were included in AD 2016-10-08, 
but are not included in this proposed AD. Airbus SAS Model A340-200, 
A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes are not included in 
this proposed AD because EASA included these airplanes in EASA AD 2021-
0250, dated November 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0250), and the FAA has 
added the MCAI to the required airworthiness actions list (RAAL) for 
Model A340 airplanes. AD 2016-10-08 requires inspecting certain THSAs 
to determine the number of total flight cycles the THSA has 
accumulated, and replacing the THSA if necessary. The FAA issued AD 
2016-10-08 to detect and correct premature wear of the carbon friction 
disks on the no-back brake of the THSA. Such a condition could lead to 
reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions and, in 
conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball 
screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded 
movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of 
the airplane.
    The FAA issued AD 2017-05-10, Amendment 39-18821 (82 FR 13379, 
March 13, 2017) (AD 2017-05-10), which applies to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. AD 
2017-05-10 requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to 
incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. 
The FAA issued AD 2017-05-10 to prevent reduced structural integrity 
and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure of system 
components.
    The FAA issued AD 2019-01-05, Amendment 39-19544 (84 FR 4310, 
February 15, 2019) (AD 2019-01-05), which applies to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. AD 
2019-01-05 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection 
program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations. The FAA issued AD 2019-01-05 to prevent reduced airplane 
control due to the failure of system components. AD 2019-01-05 
specifies that accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of 
that AD terminates all requirements of AD 2017-05-10.
    The FAA issued AD 2019-20-13, Amendment 39-19766 (84 FR 56378, 
October 22, 2019) (AD 2019-20-13), which applies to certain Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes. AD 
2019-20-13 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2019-20-13 to address the 
failure of system components, which could reduce the controllability of 
the airplane. AD 2019-20-13 specifies that accomplishing the actions 
required by that AD terminates all requirements of AD 2019-01-05. 
Additionally, AD 2019-20-13 specifies that accomplishing the action 
required by task number 274400-00004-1-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance 
Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, within the 
compliance time specified for that task in Airbus A330 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance 
Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, terminates 
all requirements of AD 2017-25-13, Amendment 39-19127 (82 FR 59960, 
December 18, 2017) (AD 2017-25-13), for Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 
Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only. Lastly, AD 2019-20-13 
specifies that accomplishing the action required by task number 213100-
00001-1-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated 
October 15, 2018, within the compliance time specified for that task in 
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 
15, 2018, terminates all requirements of AD 2014-16-22, Amendment 39-
17946 (79 FR 49442, August 21, 2014) (AD 2014-16-22) for Airbus SAS 
Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only.

Actions Since AD 2016-10-08, AD 2017-05-10, AD 2019-01-05, and AD 2019-
20-13 Were Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2016-10-08, AD 2017-05-10, AD 2019-01-05, 
and AD 2019-20-13, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The required actions mandated 
in AD 2016-10-08 are incorporated into Airbus A330 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance 
Requirements (SEMR), Revision 08, dated July 1, 2021 (which is referred 
to in EASA AD 2021-0250, dated November 17, 2021) (EASA AD 2021-0250) 
(also referred to as the MCAI).
    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0250 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.
    Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued after July 1, 2021, must 
comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the 
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; 
this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the 
applicability.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the failure of system components, which 
could reduce the controllability of the airplane. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0250 describes airworthiness limitations for system 
equipment maintenance requirements.
    This proposed AD would require Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3199, dated July 15, 2014, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation by reference as of June 24, 2016 (81 FR 
31844, May 20, 2016).
    This proposed AD would also require A330 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), 
Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of November 26, 
2019 (84 FR 56378, October 22, 2019).
    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.

[[Page 37456]]

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 
referenced 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-10-08 and 
AD 2019-20-13. This proposed AD would require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA 
AD 2021-0250 described previously, as proposed for incorporation by 
reference. Accomplishing the actions required by this proposed AD would 
terminate all requirements of AD 2014-16-22 for Airbus SAS Model A330-
200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only, and would 
terminate all requirements of AD 2017-25-13 for Airbus SAS Model A330-
200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only. Any differences 
with EASA AD 2021-0250 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 (s)(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 incorporate EASA AD 2021-0250 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2021-0250 in its 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 2021-0250 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 2021-
0250. Service information required by EASA AD 2021-0250 for compliance 
will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0682 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 138 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2016-10-08 to be $255 per product (3 work-hours x $85 
per work-hour) for inspecting the THSA for a total cost for U.S. 
operators of $35,190. The retained on-condition cost for AD 2016-10-08 
is $724,511 per product (23 work-hours x $85 per work-hour). The FAA 
estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 
2019-20-13 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

[[Page 37457]]

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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2016-10-08, Amendment 39-
18519 (81 FR 31844, May 20, 2016); AD 2017-05-10, Amendment 39-18821 
(82 FR 13379, March 13, 2017); AD 2019-01-05, Amendment 39-19544 (84 FR 
4310, February 15, 2019); and AD 2019-20-13, Amendment 39-19766 (84 FR 
56378, October 22, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-0682; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
01271-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by August 8, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) 
through (iv) of this AD.
    (i) AD 2016-10-08, Amendment 39-18519 (81 FR 31844, May 20, 
2016) (AD 2016-10-08).
    (ii) AD 2017-05-10, Amendment 39-18821 (82 FR 13379, March 13, 
2017) (AD 2017-05-10).
    (iii) AD 2019-01-05, Amendment 39-19544 (84 FR 4310, February 
15, 2019) (AD 2019-01-05).
    (iv) AD 2019-20-13, Amendment 39-19766 (84 FR 56378, October 22, 
2019) (AD 2019-20-13).
    (2) This AD affects AD 2014-16-22, Amendment 39-17946 (79 FR 
49442, August 21, 2014) (AD 2014-16-22); and AD 2017-25-13, 
Amendment 39-19127 (82 FR 59960, December 18, 2017) (AD 2017-25-13).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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.
    (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 the failure of system components, which 
could reduce the controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection To Determine Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer 
Actuator (THSA) Part Number and Accumulated Total Flight Cycles, With 
Removed References to Certain Models

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models. For Model 
A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes: Within 
90 days after June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08), 
inspect the THSA to determine if it has part number 47147-500, 
47147-700, 47172-300, 47172-500, 47172-510, or 47172-520, and to 
determine the total number of flight cycles accumulated since the 
THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent 
no-back brake (NBB) replacement. A review of airplane delivery or 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that 
review. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or 
inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates 
the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained THSA Replacement for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, 
A330-300, With Removed References to Certain Models and Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models and service 
information. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 
series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, replace each affected THSA 
with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 
2014. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or 
inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates 
the requirements of this paragraph.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (h) and (i):  The THSA life limits 
specified in Part 4--Aging System Maintenance of the Airbus A330 
Airworthiness Limitations Sections are still relevant, as applicable 
to airplane model and THSA part number.

    (1) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 20,000 total 
flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or 
since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of 
June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): Within 6 months 
after June 24, 2016.
    (2) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 16,000 total 
flight cycles, but less than 20,000 total flight cycles since the 
THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent 
NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the 
effective date of AD 2016-10-08): Within 12 months after June 24, 
2016, but without exceeding 20,000 total flight cycles.
    (3) For a THSA that has accumulated less than 16,000 total 
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the 
most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 
(the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Retained Replacement Times for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, 
and A330-300 Series Airplanes With THSAs Having Less Than 16,000 Total 
Flight Cycles as of the Effective Date of This AD, With Removed 
References to Certain Models and Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models and service 
information. The requirements of this paragraph apply to Model A330-
200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes having a THSA 
with a part number specified in paragraph (g) of this AD that has 
accumulated less than 16,000 total flight cycles since first 
installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB 
replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the effective 
date of AD 2016-10-08). Not later than the date specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD, as applicable: For any 
THSA having reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding 
number of total flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (i)(1), 
(2), and (3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the THSA with a 
serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014. 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) As of 12 months after June 24, 2016 (the effective date of 
AD 2016-10-08): The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first 
installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,

[[Page 37458]]

whichever occurs later) is 16,000 total flight cycles.
    (2) As of July 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since 
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, 
whichever occurs later) is 14,000 total flight cycles.
    (3) As of July 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since 
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, 
whichever occurs later) is 12,000 total flight cycles.

(j) Retained THSA Replacement Intervals for Model A330-200 Freighter, 
A330-200, and A330-300 Series Airplanes, With Removed Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2016-10-08, with removed service information. For Model A330-200 
Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes with any part 
installed, as required by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, having a 
part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: From the dates 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, as applicable, and prior to 
exceeding the accumulated number of total flight cycles 
corresponding to each time, replace each affected THSA with a 
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014. 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(k) Retained Definition of Serviceable THSA, With Updated Paragraph 
References

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2016-10-08, with updated paragraph references. For the purposes of 
paragraphs (g) through (j) and (l) of this AD, a serviceable THSA is 
a THSA:
    (1) Having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD 
that has not exceeded any of the total accumulated flight cycles 
identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this AD; or
    (2) Having a part number that is not identified in paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

(l) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With Updated Paragraph 
References

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (m) of AD 
2016-10-08, with updated paragraph references. For Model A330-200 
Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes: From each date 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD, a THSA 
having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be 
installed on any airplane, provided the THSA has not exceeded the 
corresponding number of accumulated total flight cycles. 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(m) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2019-20-13, with no changes. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, 
and A330-300 series airplanes with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or before October 15, 2018: Within 90 days after November 26, 
2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-20-13), revise the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements 
(SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018. The component life 
limits and the initial compliance time for doing the tasks are at 
the times specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), 
Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, or within 90 days after 
November 26, 2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the 
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required 
by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this 
paragraph.

(n) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a 
New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2019-20-13, with a 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 (m) of this AD, no 
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used 
unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (s)(1) 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 2021-0250, dated November 17, 2021 (EASA AD 
2021-0250). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance 
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (g), through (j), (l), and (m) of this 
AD.

(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0250

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0250 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0250 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0250 specifies to ``revise 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 (3) of EASA 2021-0250 is at the applicable ``limitations 
and associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0250, or within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2021-0250 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0250 does not apply 
to this AD.

(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 2021-0250.

(r) Terminating Action for AD 2014-16-22 and AD 2017-25-13

    (1) Accomplishing the action required by task number 213100-
00001-1-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 
07, dated October 15, 2018, or using ``The ALS'' specified in EASA 
AD 2021-0250, within the compliance time specified for that task 
terminates all requirements of AD 2014-16-22 for Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only.
    (2) Accomplishing the action required by task number 274400-
000041-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, 
dated October 15, 2018, or using ``The ALS'' specified in EASA AD 
2021-0250, within the compliance time specified for that task 
terminates all requirements of AD 2017-25-13 for Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only.

(s) 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 (t)(2) 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.

(t) Related Information

    (1) For EASA AD 2021-0250, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet

[[Page 37459]]

www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD 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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0682.
    (2) 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 206-231-3229; email [email protected].
    (3) For Airbus SAS service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
internet https://www.airbus.com. 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.

    Issued on June 16, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-13306 Filed 6-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P