[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 11 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2627-2629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00609]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0609; Product Identifier 2019-NM-054-AD; Amendment
39-21018; AD 2019-25-19]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report
of dislodged passenger door girt bars. This AD requires modification of
the girt bar retention mechanism of the affected doors, 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 February 20, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 20,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; 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 IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards 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-2019-0609.
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-2019-
0609; 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 regulatory evaluation, 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0076, dated March 29, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0076'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 26, 2019 (84 FR 44563). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
dislodged passenger door girt bars. The NPRM proposed to require
modification of the girt bar retention mechanism of the affected door.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address dislodged girt bars, which
could result in functional loss of the affected door slide and possibly
prevent safe evacuation during an emergency. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Supportive Comments
One anonymous commenter stated support for the NPRM. Delta Airlines
also agreed with the intent of the NPRM and submitted a request as
described below.
Request for Correction of Certain Serial Numbers
Delta Airlines requested that the FAA include a correction to
certain serial numbers listed in the appendixes of Airbus service
information referenced by EASA AD 2019-0076. Delta Airlines stated that
certain door serial numbers were duplicated for certain airplanes
across the different appendixes and after sending a request for
clarification, Airbus confirmed to Delta Airlines that those repeated
numbers were typographical errors.
The FAA agrees to revise this AD to include the correct serial
numbers. For airplanes having manufacturer serial numbers 0062 and
0119, the appendixes of Airbus service information referenced by EASA
AD 2019-0076 identify the correct part numbers for the doors, but not
the correct associated serial numbers. Those two airplanes, with
manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0062 and 0119, are not on the U.S.
registry. The FAA has added paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) to this AD to
specify the correct serial numbers.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes 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 these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0076 describes procedures for modification of the girt
bar retention mechanism of the affected doors. 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 12 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 2628]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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52 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,420........................ $90,000 $94,420 $1,133,040
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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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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 (AD):
2019-25-19 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21018; Docket No. FAA-2019-0609;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-054-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 20, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of dislodged passenger door
girt bars. The FAA is issuing this AD to address dislodged girt
bars, which could result in functional loss of the affected door
slide and possibly prevent safe evacuation during an emergency.
(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
2019-0076, dated March 29, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0076'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0076
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0076 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0076 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) For an airplane having manufacturer serial number (MSN)
0062: Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0076
specifies door serial numbers (S/Ns) for that MSN, this AD requires
using the applicable door S/Ns specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i)
through (viii) of this AD instead.
(i) For left-hand (LH) door 1: S/N UH10082 for part number (P/N)
WF101BGBBAAH.
(ii) For RH door 1: S/N UH10080 for P/N WF100BHBBAAH.
(iii) For LH door 2: S/N UH10080 for P/N WG101BKAYAAB.
(iv) For RH door 2: S/N UH10075 for P/N WG100BJAYAAB.
(v) For LH door 3: S/N UH10075 for P/N WD101BFAUAAB.
(vi) For RH door 3: S/N UH10084 for P/N WD100BFAUAAB.
(vii) For LH door 4: S/N UH10070 for P/N WH101BRAXAAB.
(viii) For RH door 4: S/N UH10070 for P/N WH100BQAXAAB.
(4) For an airplane having MSN 0119: Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0076 specifies door serial
numbers for that MSN, this AD requires using the applicable door
serial numbers specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (viii) of
this AD instead.
(i) LH door 1: S/N UH10128 for P/N WF101BJBBAAH.
(ii) RH door 1: S/N UH10122 for P/N WF100BKBBAAH.
(iii) LH door 2: S/N UH10122 for P/N WG101BNAYAAB.
(iv) RH door 2: S/N UH10120 for P/N WG100BKAYAAB.
(v) LH door 3: S/N UH10126 for P/N WD101BMAUAAB.
(vi) RH door 3: S/N UH10126 for P/N WD100BMAUAAB.
(vii) LH door 4: S/N UH10126 for P/N WH101BWAXAAB.
(viii) RH door 4: S/N UH10124 for P/N WH100BVAXAAB.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards 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 International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in
[[Page 2629]]
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 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, International
Section, Transport Standards 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 2019-0076 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (4), and (i)(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3218.
(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 2019-0076,
dated March 29, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0076, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 6017; 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, Transport Standards
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-
2019-0609.
(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 December 31, 2019.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-00609 Filed 1-15-20; 8:45 am]
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