The eRulemaking Program
11/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/26/2024 07:32
Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1888; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00190-T; Amendment 39-22879; AD 2024-22-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the lower attachment studs on the aft galley complex may be installed incorrectly due to a missing instruction in the maintenance procedure task. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the lower attachment studs on the aft galley complex, and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, 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 December 31, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 31, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1888; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected] ; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1888.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2024 (89 FR 58081). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0073, dated March 18, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0073) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the maintenance procedure task of the galley lower attachment stud installation did not provide the required maximum distance between the top of the threaded sleeve and the top of the threaded stud, which could lead to a wrong installation of the lower attachment stud having part number (P/N) XP14-070-007800, P/N XP14-070-019100, P/N XP14-070-005400, P/N XP14-070-008400, and P/N XP14-070-001100 on the aft galley complex. The MCAI also states that the affected parts are the lower attachment stud having P/N XP14-070-007800, P/N XP14-070-019100, P/N XP14-070-005400, P/N XP14-070-008400, and P/N XP14-070-001100, for which the incomplete maintenance procedure task has been accomplished after the airplane date of manufacture and before January 2024; and the lower attachment stud having P/N XP14-070-019100, which has been installed after the airplane date of manufacture and before January 2024, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A25P023-22, Revision 01, dated September 27, 2022.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of the affected lower attachment studs on the aft galley complex, and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0073. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible wrong installation for the lower attachment stud having P/N XP14-070-007800, P/N XP14-070-019100, P/N XP14-070-005400, P/N XP14-070-008400, and P/N XP14-070-001100 on the aft galley complex. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to galley module detachment, with possible consequent injury to cabin crew and passengers, and reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane in case of an emergency.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1888.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from an individual who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
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 this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0073 specifies procedures for a one-time installation inspection of the lower attachment stud having P/N XP14-070-007800, P/N XP14-070-019100, P/N XP14-070-005400, P/N XP14-070-008400, and P/N XP14-070-001100 on the aft galley complex; and depending on findings (the distance between the top of the threaded sleeves and the top of the threaded studs exceeds specified limits), accomplishment of applicable corrective actions (tightening the applicable threaded stud(s)). 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 32 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
| Up to 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 | $0 | Up to $255 | Up to $8,160. |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
| 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per stud adjustment | $10 | $95 |
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
Regulatory Text
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
Regulatory Text
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2024-22-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22879; Docket No. FAA-2024-1888; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00190-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 31, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0073, dated March 18, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0073).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the lower attachment studs on aft galley complex may be installed incorrectly due to a missing instruction in the maintenance procedure task. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a possible wrong installation for the lower attachment stud having part number (P/N) XP14-070-007800, P/N XP14-070-019100, P/N XP14-070-005400, P/N XP14-070-008400, and P/N XP14-070-001100 on the aft galley complex. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to galley module detachment, with possible consequent injury to cabin crew and passengers, and reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane in case of 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, EASA AD 2024-0073.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0073
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0073 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0073.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email 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, 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 (i)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0073 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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0073, dated March 18, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected] ; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 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 at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on October 29, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-27589 Filed 11-25-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P