2022-05617. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-25-11, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2013-25-11 required repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings, upper fittings, and shelves for damage, repetitive inspections of the 80VU rack lower central support for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2013-25-11 also specified optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-25-11, new damage occurrences have been reported, and a different compliance time has been determined for certain inspections, depending on airplane configuration. This AD expands the applicability, removes the optional terminating action, and requires new repetitive inspections; 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 April 26, 2022.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 26, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; 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-2021-0506.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0506; 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:

Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0172, dated July 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0172) (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to supersede AD 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707 (78 FR 78705, December 27, 2013) (AD 2013-25-11) that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111 and -112, airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2021 (86 FR 32653) (the NPRM). The NPRM was prompted by reports of damaged lower lateral fittings of the 80VU rack, and reports of new damage on airplanes on which certain optional service information had been accomplished. The NPRM proposed to expand the applicability, remove the optional terminating action, and require new repetitive inspections.

The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-25-11. AD 2013-25-11 applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2021 (86 FR 64092). The SNPRM proposed to establish a different compliance time for the initial inspection on certain airplane configurations. The SNPRM also proposed to expand the applicability, remove the optional terminating action, and require new repetitive inspections, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0172.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage or cracking of the 80VU fittings and supports, which could lead to possible disconnection of the cable harnesses to one or more computers, and if occurring during a critical phase of flight, could result in reduced control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and United Airlines, who supported the SNPRM without change.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the SNPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2021-0172 specifies procedures for repetitive special detailed inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings, lower central support, upper fittings, central post, and shelves attachments for discrepancies (including broken fittings, missing bolts, an electronics rack FIN 80VU that is in contact with structure, any bush that has migrated, burred material, and cracks), and corrective action if necessary. Corrective actions include modification, repair, and replacement. EASA AD 2021-0172 also describes procedures for reporting inspection results to Airbus.

The FAA has also reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020, describes inspections of the 80VU rack lower lateral fittings, lower central support, upper fittings, central post, and shelves attachments for discrepancies and corrective action.

The FAA has also reviewed Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/2020, Issue 1, dated September 18, 2020, which addresses discrepancies found in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020.

This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,528 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions *

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
New actions	Up to 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $680	$0	Up to $680	Up to $1,039,040.
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.

The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be $129,880, or $85 per product.

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
Repair	122 work-hours × $85 per hour = $10,370	$4,150	$14,520.
Replacement	Up to 189 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $16,065	Up to $6,928	Up to $22,993.
Modification	189 work-hours × $85 per hour = $16,065	$7,407	$23,472.

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 operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs in the cost estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707 ( 78 FR 78705, December 27, 2013); and

b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-06-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21968; Docket No. FAA-2021-0506; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00200-T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 26, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2013-25-11, Amendment 39-17707 (78 FR 78705, December 27, 2013) (AD 2013-25-11).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.

(1) Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes.

(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes.

(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.

(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of damaged lower lateral fittings of the 80VU rack, and reports of new damage on airplanes on which certain optional service information had been accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage or cracking of the 80VU fittings and supports, which could lead to possible disconnection of the cable harnesses to one or more computers, and if occurring during a critical phase of flight, could result in reduced control 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 2021-0172, dated July 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0172).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0172

(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0172 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) The remarks section of EASA AD 2021-0172 does not apply to this AD.

(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0172 specifies “any discrepancy,” for this AD “any discrepancy” includes broken fittings, missing bolts, an electronics rack FIN 80VU that is in contact with structure, any bush that has migrated, burred material, and cracks.

(i) Method of Compliance for Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA AD 2021-0172

Accomplishing inspections and correctives actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instruction of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020, with corrections referenced in the Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/2020, Issue 1, dated September 18, 2020, is an acceptable method of compliance for the inspections and corrective actions specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA AD 2021-0172.

(j) Additional AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

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

(k) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

(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) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1BKJ, Revision 02, dated April 9, 2020.

(ii) Airbus Technical Adaptation 80827186/024/2020, Issue 1, dated September 18, 2020.

(iii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0172, dated July 20, 2021.

(3) For EASA AD 2021-0172, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet https://www.airbus.com.

(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 [e-mail], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on March 8, 2022.

Ross Landes,

Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.