AD 2019-19-14
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A350-1041 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A350-941 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
cracking of SGRA ring gears, which could, in combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the same slat surface, lead to detachment of the slat surface, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
replace affected parts with serviceable parts, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks within the ring gears of a slat geared rotary actuator (SGRA) resulting from a change in the raw material manufacturing process. This AD requires replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 197 (Thursday, October 10, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54490-54492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2019-22131]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0194; Product Identifier 2019-NM-009-AD; Amendment
39-19750; AD 2019-19-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks within the ring gears of a slat geared rotary
actuator (SGRA) resulting from a change in the raw material
manufacturing process. This AD requires replacement of affected parts
with serviceable parts, as specified in a European 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 November 14, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 14,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bdfcf9cefdd8dccedc93d8c8cfd2cddc93d8c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7e7b4c7f5a5e4c5e115a4a4d504f5e115a4a">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0194.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0194; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0020, dated January 31, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0020'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 9, 2019 (84 FR 14038). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of cracks within the ring gears of an SGRA resulting from a
change in the raw material manufacturing process. The NPRM proposed to
require replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of SGRA ring gears.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination
with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the same slat
surface, lead to detachment of the slat surface, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.
See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association, International; Stephanie Lok; and
an anonymous commenter indicated their support for the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Requirements for Group 1 Airplanes
Delta Air Lines (Delta) requested that a statement be added to
paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify that the installation of affected
parts was prohibited for Group 1 airplanes before 15,000 flight hours.
Delta asserted that the AD could be interpreted as allowing the
installation of affected parts on those airplanes during that time
period.
The FAA does not agree that an additional statement to paragraph
(g) of this AD is necessary. The FAA has confirmed with EASA that since
the safety assessment was performed on the life of the airplane and not
the life of the affected part, a restriction to limit the affected
parts prior to 15,000 flight hours is not necessary. Therefore, the
commenter's interpretation that installation of affected parts could be
allowed prior to 15,000 flight hours is correct. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Request To Modify Serial Number Table
Delta requested that the serial numbers of final assembly line
units be removed from Table 1 of certain Liebherr service information
instead of noting that they are to be excluded.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. Although the
proposal may provide a more straightforward presentation of the serial
numbers, obtaining new service information with revised serial number
tables from the manufacturer would delay publication of this AD. This
delay would be inappropriate since the FAA has determined that an
unsafe condition exists and that the required actions must be
accomplished to ensure continued safety. The FAA also has determined
that the serial number table in the Liebherr service information
provides the information necessary to comply with this AD. Therefore,
this AD has not been changed in this regard.
[[Page 54491]]
Request To Clarify Location of Identification Mark
Delta requested that certain Airbus service information be updated
to clarify the location of a certain marking on the identification
plate. Delta noted that the Liebherr service information refers to the
specified marking, but does not show the marking's location, while the
Airbus service information does not refer to the marking at all.
The FAA disagrees with obtaining revised service information
because it would delay publication of this AD, which would be
inappropriate for the reasons stated previously. However, the FAA
agrees to clarify the location of the specified marking on the
identification plate. The FAA has confirmed with EASA that the marking
will be on both ``A'' faces of the identification plate, as depicted in
Figure 1 of the Liebherr service information. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0020 describes procedures for replacing the affected
SGRAs. 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 12 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,125........................ (*) $ * $2,125 * $25,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the parts
specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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.
Adoption of 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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-19-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19750; Docket No. FAA-2019-0194;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-009-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 14, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks within the ring gears
of a slat geared rotary actuator (SGRA), resulting from a change in
the raw material manufacturing process. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address cracking of SGRA ring gears. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could, in combination with an independent
failure on the second SGRA of the same slat surface, lead to
detachment of the slat surface, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.
[[Page 54492]]
(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 Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0020, dated January 31, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0020'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0020
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0020 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0020 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a33274b4447273b3b3c274b47454927584f5b5f4f595e594a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="10293d515e5d3d2121263d515d5f533d4255414555434443507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district 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
Section, Transport Standards 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): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0020 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC
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
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3218.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0020, dated
January 31, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019-0020, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 6017; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#09484d7a496c687a68276c7c7b667968276c7c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c68782b586a3a7b5a7e8a3b3b4a9b6a7e8a3b3">[email protected]</span></a>; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Transport Standards
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. EASA AD
2019-0020 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0194.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#96f0f3f2e4f3f1b8faf3f1f7fad6f8f7e4f7b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="335556574156541d5f5654525f735d5241521d545c45">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 23, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-22131 Filed 10-9-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
Related Airworthiness Directives
2026-02-07
final ruleAirworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Unsafe Condition: Omission of bright shot peening on certain lower torque links of the nose landing gear (NLG) could result in reduced fatigue life of the parts, potentially leading to NLG failure.
2026-03-01
final ruleAirworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Unsafe Condition: Occurrences of electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) messages requiring flight control remote module (FCRM) replacement have been reported, and further investigation identified an issue li...
2025-25-12
final ruleAirworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Unsafe Condition: An occurrence of loss of control of an outboard aileron surface was reported. Subsequent investigations determined that the electronic card of the FCRM of that aileron had been contaminated by hydr...
2025-22-01 Recurring
final ruleAirworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Unsafe Condition: Higher than expected friction between the lower bearing carrier (LBC) and the main fitting of the sliding tube in the nose landing gear (NLG) shock absorber, leading to deformation of the LBC's ant...