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) 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, which apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A320 and A321 series airplanes; and Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes. AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, and would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 January 20, 2023.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1573; 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For the EASA ADs identified in this NPRM, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1573 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Hyeyoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 817-222-5584; email hye.yoon.jang@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-2022-1573; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00671-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 Hyeyoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 817-222-5584; email hye.yoon.jang@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 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020) (AD 2020-22-16) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-22-16 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0067) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2020-22-16) to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2020-22-16 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2020-22-16 to address a safety-significant latent failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition.

The FAA issued AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021) (AD 2021-16-01), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. AD 2021-16-01 was prompted by EASA AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0219) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2021-16-01) to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2021-16-01 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2021-16-01 to address safety-significant latent failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition. AD 2021-16-01 specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2020-22-16, for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020, only.

The FAA issued AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022) (AD 2022-04-03), for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, and -153N airplanes; and Model A320 and A321 series airplanes. AD 2022-04-03 was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0108) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2022-04-03). AD 2022-04-03 requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2022-04-03 to address a safety-significant latent failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition. AD 2022-04-03 specifies that accomplishing the revision required by that AD terminates the limitations of Task 262300-00001-1-C, as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-22-16, for airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020 only.

Actions Since AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 Were Issued

Since the FAA issued AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03, EASA superseded ADs 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108; and issued EASA AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0091) (also referred to as the MCAI), for certain Model A318 series, A319 series, A321 series, and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after February 18, 2022 must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

The FAA is proposing this AD to address a safety-significant latent failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1573.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2022-0091 specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for certification maintenance requirements.

This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020; which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).

This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).

This proposed AD would also require EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).

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 described 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 these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03. This proposed AD would also require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, which are specified in EASA AD 2022-0091 described previously, as proposed for incorporation by reference. Any differences with EASA AD 2022-0091 are identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.

This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions ( e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (s)(1) of this proposed AD.

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 retain the IBR of EASA ADs 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108, and incorporate EASA AD 2022-0091 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108 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 ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, or 2021-0108 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 ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, or 2021-0108. Service information required by EASA ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1573 after the FAA final rule is published.

Airworthiness Limitation ADs Using the New Process

The FAA's process of incorporating by reference MCAI ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with corresponding FAA ADs has been limited to certain MCAI ADs (primarily those with service bulletins as the primary source of information for accomplishing the actions required by the FAA AD). However, the FAA is now expanding the process to include MCAI ADs that require a change to airworthiness limitation documents, such as airworthiness limitation sections.

For these ADs that incorporate by reference an MCAI AD that changes airworthiness limitations, the FAA requirements are unchanged. Operators must revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in the new airworthiness limitation document. The airworthiness limitations must be followed according to 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 91.409(e).

The previous format of the airworthiness limitation ADs included a paragraph that specified that no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in the AMOCs paragraph under “Additional AD Provisions.” This new format includes a “New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals” paragraph that does not specifically refer to AMOCs, but operators may still request an AMOC to use an alternative action or interval.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,680 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2020-22-16, AD 2021-16-01, and AD 2022-04-03 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour) per AD.

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate.

The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

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 Directives (AD) 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 ( 85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020); AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021); and AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).

b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1573; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00671-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 20, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD.

(1) AD 2020-22-16, Amendment 39-21312 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020) (AD 2020-22-16).

(2) AD 2021-16-01, Amendment 39-21662 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021) (AD 2021-16-01).

(3) AD 2022-04-03, Amendment 39-21944 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022) (AD 2022-04-03).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before February 18, 2022.

(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.

(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.

(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.

(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address to address a safety significant latent failure (that is not annunciated), which, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2020-22-16, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2020-22-16, with no changes. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020, except for Model A319-171N airplanes: 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 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0067). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0067 With No Changes

This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2020-22-16, with no changes.

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 specifies revising “the AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the “tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 within 90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-16).

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0067, or within 90 days after December 10, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-16), whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2020-0067 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0067 does not apply to this AD.

(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2020-22-16, With a New Exception

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 2020-22-16, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2020-0067.

(j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2021-16-01 With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2021-16-01, with no changes. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before June 10, 2020, except for Model A319-171N airplanes: Revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating task(s) and associated thresholds and intervals specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0219), except you are required to incorporate task(s) and associated thresholds and intervals within 90 days after September 28, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-16-01). Record a compliance time for the initial tasks of either the applicable “thresholds” incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0219 or 90 days after September 28, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-16-01), whichever would occur later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(k) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2021-16-01, With a New Exception

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2021-16-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2020-0219.

(l) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program From AD 2022-04-03, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2022-04-03, with no changes. For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 9, 2020, except for Model A319-171N airplanes: Except as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0108). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(m) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0108, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2022-04-03, with no changes.

(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0108 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using March 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-04-03).

(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0108 do not apply to this AD.

(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108 specifies revising “the approved AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after March 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-04-03).

(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2021-0108 is at the applicable “thresholds” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0108, or within 90 days after March 30, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-04-03), whichever occurs later.

(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-0108 do not apply to this AD.

(6) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0108 does not apply to this AD.

(n) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 2022-04-03, With a New Exception

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2022-04-03, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (l) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2021-0108.

(o) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with EASA AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0091). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) (j), and (l) of this AD.

(p) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0091

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 specifies revising “the approved AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0091, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0091 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0091 does not apply to this AD.

(q) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2022-0091.

(r) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2020-22-16

(1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2020-22-16, for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-0219 only.

(2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the limitations of Task 262300-00001-1-C, as required by paragraph (i) of AD 2020-22-16, for airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before January 17, 2020 only.

(s) 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (t) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. 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.

(t) Additional Information

For more information about this AD, contact Hyeyoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 817-222-5584; email hye.yoon.jang@faa.gov.

(u) 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.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0091, dated May 20, 2022.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on December 10, 2020 (85 FR 70439, November 5, 2020).

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0067, dated March 23, 2020.

(ii) [Reserved]

(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on September 28, 2021 (86 FR 47212, August 24, 2021).

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0219, dated October 12, 2020.

(ii) [Reserved]

(6) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 30, 2022 (87 FR 10064, February 23, 2022).

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0108, dated April 20, 2021.

(ii) [Reserved]

(7) For EASA ADs 2022-0091, 2020-0067, 2020-0219, and 2021-0108, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.

(8) You may view this service information 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.

(9) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.