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) 2021-14-08, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-273N, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX airplanes. AD 2021-14-08 requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a procedure to reinforce the airspeed check during the take-off phase and provide instructions to abort take-off in certain cases. This AD was prompted by the development of a software update to the elevator aileron computer (ELAC) to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2021-14-08 and would require replacing each affected ELAC and removing the AFM revision required by AD 2021-14-08, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. 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 October 7, 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 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: Hand deliver to Mail address above 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 ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet 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 in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1060.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1060; 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:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.

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-2022-1060; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00251-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 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 Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

The FAA issued AD 2021-14-08, Amendment 39-21635 (86 FR 34933, July 1, 2021) (AD 2021-14-08), for all Airbus SAS Model A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321- 272NX airplanes. AD 2021-14-08 requires revising the existing AFM to include a procedure to reinforce the airspeed check during the take-off phase and provide instructions to abort take-off in certain cases. The FAA issued AD 2021-14-08 to address airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to an unstable flight path after take-off, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2021-14-08 Was Issued

The preamble to AD 2021-14-08 explains that the FAA considers that AD to be interim action and that further action might follow. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-14-08, the manufacturer developed a software update to the ELAC to address the unsafe condition, and the FAA has determined that further rulemaking is necessary. Installation of this software update would eliminate the need for the AFM revision required by AD 2021-14-08.

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0028, dated February 22, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0028) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A319-151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.

This proposed AD was prompted by the development of a software update to the ELAC to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is proposing this AD to address airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to an unstable flight path after take-off, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 2021-14-08, this proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2021-14-08. Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2022-0028, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2022-0028 specifies procedures for, among other actions, revising the AFM to include a procedure to reinforce the airspeed check during the take-off phase and provide instructions to abort take-off in certain cases ( e.g., and unreliable airspeed situation or certain airspeed differences); replacing each affected ELAC with a serviceable ELAC (one with the updated ELAC software standard); and removing the AFM revision required by AD 2021-14-08. EASA AD 2022-0028 also prohibits installation of affected ELACs. 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.

FAA's Determination

These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are 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 designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2021-14-08. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022-0028 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD, and except as discussed under “Differences Between this AD and the MCAI.”

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0028 requires revising the minimum equipment list (MEL) to incorporate an EASA master minimum equipment list (MMEL) change to mandate that the integrated standby instrument system (ISIS) airspeed indication must be operative. However the FAA MMEL does not provide relief for an inoperative ISIS airspeed indication function. Therefore, paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0028 is unnecessary for this AD.

EASA AD 2022-0028 requires operators to “inform all flight crews” of revisions to the AFM, and thereafter to “operate the aeroplane accordingly.” However, this proposed AD would not specifically require those actions as those actions are already required by FAA regulations. FAA regulations require operators furnish to pilots any changes to the AFM (for example, 14 CFR 121.137), and to ensure the pilots are familiar with the AFM (for example, 14 CFR 91.505). As with any other flightcrew training requirement, training on the updated AFM content is tracked by the operators and recorded in each pilot's training record, which is available for the FAA to review. FAA regulations also require pilots to follow the procedures in the existing AFM including all updates. 14 CFR 91.9 requires that any person operating a civil aircraft must comply with the operating limitations specified in the AFM. Therefore, including a requirement in this proposed AD to operate the airplane according to the revised AFM would be redundant and unnecessary.

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 2022-0028 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2022-0028 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 2022-0028 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 2022-0028. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0028 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1060 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 204 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 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

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 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

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

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-14-08, Amendment 39-21635 ( 86 FR 34933, July 1, 2021); and

b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1060; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00251-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by October 7, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2021-14-08, Amendment 39-21635 (86 FR 34933, July 1, 2021) (AD 2021-14-08).

(c) Applicability

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

(1) Model A319-151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.

(2) Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.

(3) Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Control System; 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of an increasing number of operational disruptions due to airspeed discrepancies, and the development of a software update to the elevator aileron computer (ELAC) to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to an unstable flight path after take-off, possibly resulting 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 2022-0028, dated February 22, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0028).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0028

(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0028 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0028 refers to June 28, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0150, dated June 21, 2021; corrected June 25, 2021), this AD requires using July 1, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-14-08).

(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0028 does not apply to this AD.

(4) Where paragraphs (1) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0028 specify 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.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0028 does not apply to this AD.

(i) 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 (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.

(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-14-08 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0028 that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(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 (i)(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.

(j) Related Information

(1) For EASA AD 2022-0028, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD 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. This material may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1060.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.