Document ID: FAA-2022-0680-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-09-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 173 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54865-54868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19280]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0680; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01415-T; 
Amendment 39-22146; AD 2022-17-08]
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) 2020-22-
03, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and

[[Page 54866]]

-300 series airplanes. AD 2020-22-03 required revising the existing 
airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate procedures to be applied if 
an engine bleed over-temperature occurs when the associated engine 
bleed valve is jammed open, and provided for the optional embodiment of 
updated flight warning computer (FWC) software, which terminated the 
AFM revision. This AD was prompted by the development of new 
maintenance actions and software related to over-temperature failure 
conditions. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 
2020-22-03, requires accomplishing the new maintenance tasks and 
corrective actions, and mandates embodiment of the updated FWC software 
for certain airplanes, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also 
prohibits the installation of affected FWC software. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
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 www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0680.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0680; 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, International Validation Branch, FAA, 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 2021-0281, dated December 17, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0281) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition for Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
223F, -243, and -243F airplanes, Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, -343, and -743L airplanes. Model A330-743L 
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 2020-22-03, Amendment 39-21299 (85 FR 
66873, October 21, 2020) (AD 2020-22-03). AD 2020-22-03 applied to all 
Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2022 (87 FR 
36266). The NPRM was prompted by the development of new maintenance 
actions and software related to over-temperature failure conditions. 
The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions specified in AD 
2020-22-03, to require accomplishing the new maintenance tasks and 
corrective actions, and to mandate embodiment of the updated FWC 
software for certain airplanes, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0281. The 
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of affected FWC 
software.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of a jammed 
engine bleed valve, which could lead to damage of the bleed manifold 
and the ducts downstream of the engine bleed system, exposure of the 
surrounding structure to heat stress, and possible reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comment

    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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on this product. 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0281 specifies procedures for amending the applicable 
AFM to incorporate procedures to be applied if an engine bleed over-
temperature occurs when the associated engine bleed valve is jammed 
open. EASA AD 2020-0281 also specifies that embodiment of updated FWC 
software standard T9 eliminates the need for the AFM amendment. EASA AD 
2021-0281 also describes maintenance tasks for failures related to 
over-temperature conditions and corrective actions (repair). EASA AD 
2021-0281 also specifies procedures for the embodiment of updated FWC 
software standard T9-3, and, for certain airplanes concurrent 
embodiment of system data acquisition concentrator (SDAC) software 
standard C13 or FWC software standard K3-2 and SDAC software standard 
C3-0A. Finally, EASA AD 2021-0281 prohibits the installation of 
affected FWC software (FWC software standard T9-2 or earlier). 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 115 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 54867]]

                                      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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AFM Revision: 1 work-hour x $85                 $0  $85..........................  $9,775.
 per hour = $85.
Software Update: 3 work-hours x 85               0  $255.........................  Up to $29,325.
 per hour = $255.
Maintenance Tasks: 7 work-hours x              720  $595.........................  $151,225.
 $85 per hour = $595.
Concurrent Actions: Up to 4 work-                0  Up to $340...................  Up to $39,100.
 hours x $85 per hour = Up to $340.
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                  Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170....              $0             $170
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    The FAA has received no definitive data that enables the agency to 
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 
AD.

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) 2020-22-03, Amendment 39-21299 
(85 FR 66873, October 21, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-17-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22146; Docket No. FAA-2022-0680; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01415-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-22-03, Amendment 39-21299 (85 FR 66873, 
October 21, 2020) (AD 2020-22-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model airplanes, certificated 
in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) though (3) of 
this AD.
    (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.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 75, Air; Code 
36, Pnuematic.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that during a certification 
exercise, it was identified that there was a risk of an engine bleed 
system over-temperature, without the engine bleed valve closing; the 
associated engine bleed valve should automatically close. This AD 
was also prompted by the development of new maintenance actions and 
software related to over-temperature failure conditions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the possibility of a jammed engine bleed 
valve, which could lead to damage of the bleed manifold and the 
ducts downstream of the engine bleed system, exposure of the 
surrounding structure to heat stress, and possible reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0281, dated December 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0281).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0281

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0281 refers to October 1, 2020 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0205), this AD requires using 
November 5, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-03).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0281 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0281 specifies to 
``inform all flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane 
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those 
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations.
    (4) Where paragraphs (6) and (7) of EASA AD 2021-0281 specifies 
actions if ``any discrepancies are detected,'' for this AD 
discrepancies include failures related to an over-temperature 
situation, hidden failures in equipment for a ``not isolated over-
temperature'' failure condition, cracking on the exchanger outlet 
temperature sensor, or dual drift in the exchanger outlet 
temperature sensor.

[[Page 54868]]

    (5) Where paragraph (11) of EASA AD 2021-0281 specifies that an 
airplane with certain modifications is compliant with ``the 
requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0077,'' for this AD 
use ``for the corresponding requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 
2020-0077 that are required by paragraph (g) of AD 2020-17-16, 
Amendment 39-21221 (85 FR 54900, September 3, 2020).''
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0281 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirements

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0281 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) 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/manager 
of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed 
to: [email protected].
    (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 (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced 
in EASA AD 2021-0281 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the 
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC 
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can 
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. 
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Additional 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: [email protected].

(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 2021-0281, 
dated December 17, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0281, 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 10, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19280 Filed 9-7-22; 8:45 am]
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