[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77535-77540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-27297]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1645; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00734-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2020-21-10, which applies 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; and AD 2022-07-08, which 
applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320 and A321 series 
airplanes. AD 2020-21-10 and AD 2022-07-08 require revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since 
the FAA issued AD 2020-21-10 and AD 2022-07-08, the FAA has determined 
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. 
This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2020-21-10 
and AD 2022-07-08 and 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.

[[Page 77536]]


DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 2, 
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-2022-1645; 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 material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 
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. It is 
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1645.
     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.

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 
[email protected].

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-2022-1645; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00734-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 [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as 
CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-21283 (85 FR 65190, 
October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-21-10), for 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 2020-21-10 was 
prompted by EASA AD 2020-0034, dated February 25, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-
0034).
    AD 2020-21-10 requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2020-21-10 to 
address the risks associated with the effects of aging on airplane 
systems. Such effects could change system characteristics, leading to 
an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited parts, and 
reduced structural integrity or controllability of the airplane.
    The FAA also issued AD 2022-07-08, Amendment 39-21996 (87 FR 22117, 
April 14, 2022) (AD 2022-07-08), for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2022-07-08 was prompted by EASA AD 
2020-0270, dated December 7, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0270).
    AD 2022-07-08 requires inspections of certain trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer actuators (THSAs) and replacement if necessary, and revising 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-07-08 to address premature wear of the carbon friction 
disks on the no-back brake (NBB) of the THSA, which could lead to 
reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions, and, in 
conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball 
screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded 
movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of 
the airplane. AD 2022-07-08 specifies that accomplishing the revision 
required by that AD terminates certain requirements of AD 2020-21-10. 
This proposed AD would continue to allow that termination.

Actions Since AD 2020-21-10 and AD 2022-07-08 Were Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2020-21-10 and AD 2022-07-08, EASA issued 
AD 2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0102) (referred to after 
this as the MCAI), for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -
133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -
215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -
273N airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
232, -251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, 
and -272NX airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certified 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. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations have been developed. EASA AD 2022-0102 
superseded EASA AD 2020-0034, dated February 25, 2020, and EASA AD 
2020-0270, dated December 7, 2020 (which

[[Page 77537]]

correspond to FAA AD 2020-21-10 and AD 2022-07-08, respectively).
    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 proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the 
applicability.
    EASA AD 2022-0102 specifies that the revised airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) document contains new tasks 274000-00002-1-E 
and 274000-00003-1-E, which cover the inspections, corrective actions, 
and reporting previously required by EASA AD 2017-0237, dated December 
4, 2017 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-23-02, Amendment 39-19488 (83 
FR 59278, November 23, 2018) (AD 2018-23-02)). Accomplishing the 
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by 
paragraph (n) of this proposed AD would therefore terminate the 
requirements of paragraphs (g) through (k) of AD 2018-23-02 for Airbus 
SAS Model A318 series 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 only.
    AD 2022-07-08 requires that task 274000-00004-1-E (NBB carbon disk 
replacement) be accomplished using only certain Airbus service 
information (``SB A320-27-1242''), and does not allow using certain 
other vendor [UTC] service information (``VSB 47145-27-17''). The FAA 
has determined that this restriction is no longer necessary, as both 
service bulletins provide adequate instructions for accomplishing the 
replacement.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address the risks associated with 
the effects of aging on airplane systems. Such effects could change 
system characteristics. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited 
parts, and reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1645.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022. This 
service information specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.
    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 ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    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 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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2020-
21-10 and AD 2022-07-08. 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 2022-0102 already 
described, as proposed for IBR. Any differences with EASA AD 2022-0102 
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 (r)(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 AD 2020-0034 and EASA AD 2020-
0270 and incorporate EASA AD 2022-0102 by reference in the FAA final 
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA 
ADs 2020-0034, 2020-0270, and 2022-0102 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 2020-0034, 2020-0270, or 
2022-0102 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 2020-0034, 2020-0270, or 2022-0102. Service 
information required by EASA ADs 2020-0034, 2020-0270, and 2022-0102 
for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1645 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) or intervals 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 actions or intervals.

[[Page 77538]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,864 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 2020-21-10 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2022-07-08 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    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 x $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

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-
21283 (85 FR 65190, October 15, 2020); and AD 2022-07-08, Amendment 39-
21996 (87 FR 22117, April 14, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2022-1645; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00734-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by February 2, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-21283 (85 FR 
65190, October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-21-10).
    (2) This AD replaces AD 2022-07-08, Amendment 39-21996 (87 FR 
22117, April 14, 2022) (AD 2022-07-08).
    (3) This AD affects AD 2018-23-02, Amendment 39-19488 (83 FR 
59278, November 23, 2018) (AD 2018-23-02).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified 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, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, 
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 additional new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the risks associated with the effects of 
aging on airplane systems. Such effects could change system 
characteristics. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited 
parts, and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(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 2020-21-10, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-21-10, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 7, 2019, 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 2020-0034, dated February 25, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0034). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0034, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(j) of AD 2020-21-20, with no changes.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0034 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA 2020-0034 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 2020-0034 within 90 
days after November 19, 2020 (the effective date AD 2020-21-10).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA 2020-0034 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0034, or 
within 90 days after November 19, 2020 (the effective date AD 2020-
21-10), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2020-0034 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0034 does not apply 
to this AD.

[[Page 77539]]

(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals From AD 
2020-21-10, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2020-21-10, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(n) 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) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2020-0034.

(j) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 
From AD 2022-07-08, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2022-07-08, with no changes. Accomplishing the revision of the 
existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (n) 
of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
October 5, 2020, except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: 
Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, 
and in accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0270, dated December 7, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0270).
    (2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after October 5, 
2020, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the provision specified in paragraph 
(k)(7) of this AD.

(k) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0270, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(m) of AD 2022-07-08, with no changes.
    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0270 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using May 19, 2022 (the effective date AD 2022-07-08).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2020-0270 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0270 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 May 19, 2022 (the effective date 
AD 2022-07-08).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0270 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) 
of EASA AD 2020-0270, or within 90 days after May 19, 2022 (the 
effective date AD 2022-07-08), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-
0270 do not apply to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0270 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (7) For all airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD: 
Where the Note for Item 274000-00004-1-E of Section 4-1 in the 
service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0270 specifies ``NBB 
carbon disc replacement'' instructions, for this AD, replace the 
text ``NBB carbon disc replacement can be accomplished in accordance 
with SB A320-27-1242 or VSB 47145-27-17,'' with ``NBB carbon disk 
replacement must be accomplished in accordance with SB A320-27-
1242.''

(l) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals AD 2022-
07-08, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2022-07-08, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(n) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (j) 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 2020-0270.

(m) Retained Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of Paragraph 
(g) of This AD

    This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in 
paragraph (o) of AD 2022-07-08. Accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the airworthiness limitations 
section (ALS) limitation task 274000-00004-1-E for the trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), as required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

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

    Except as specified in paragraph (o) of this AD, comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0102, dated June 8, 2022 (EASA AD 
2022-0102). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance 
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD.

(o) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0102

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2022-0102 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0102 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 2022-0102 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0102, 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 2022-0102 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0102 does not apply 
to this AD.

(p) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (n) 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 2022-0102.

(q) New Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2018-23-02.

    Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or 
inspection program required by paragraph (n) of this AD terminates 
the requirements of paragraphs (g) through (k) of AD 2018-23-02 for 
Airbus SAS Model A318 series 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 only.

(r) 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 (s) of this AD.
    (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 2020-21-10 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0102 that are 
required by paragraph (n) of this AD.
    (iii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-07-08 are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0102 that 
are required by paragraph (n) 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, 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.

(s) 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 [email protected].

(t) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this

[[Page 77540]]

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 2022-0102, 
dated June 8, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 19, 2022 (87 FR 22117, April 14, 2022).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0270, 
dated December 7, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 19, 2020 (85 FR 65190, October 15, 2020).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0034, 
dated February 25, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) For EASA ADs 2022-0102, 2020-0270, and 2020-0034, contact 
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 
221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You 
may find these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (7) 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.
    (8) 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 12, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-27297 Filed 12-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


