AD 2020-18-15
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
When the number 2 engine thrust reverser (T/R) was opened, the right-hand T/R hinge nut located at position 4 was found detached; investigation revealed that certain nuts could have been installed with noncompliant locking features, or with locking features that could degrade quicker than anticipated.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Replacing any existing nut on the T/R hinge with a new nut, installing a new nut and washer if necessary, and applying a torque stripe at each T/R hinge location, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0028.
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
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 certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that when the number 2 engine thrust reverser (T/R) was opened, the right-hand T/R hinge nut located at position 4 was found detached; investigation revealed that certain nuts could have been installed with noncompliant locking features, or with locking features that could degrade quicker than anticipated. This AD requires replacing any existing nut on the T/R hinge with a new nut, installing a new nut and washer if necessary, and applying a torque stripe at each T/R hinge location, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0028, dated February 14,
2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0028'').
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 183 (Monday, September 21, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59178-59180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20675]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0330; Product Identifier 2020-NM-031-AD; Amendment
39-21236; AD 2020-18-15]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating that when the number 2 engine thrust
reverser (T/R) was opened, the right-hand T/R hinge nut located at
position 4 was found detached; investigation revealed that certain nuts
could have been installed with noncompliant locking features, or with
locking features that could degrade quicker than anticipated. This AD
requires replacing any existing nut on the T/R hinge with a new nut,
installing a new nut and washer if necessary, and applying a torque
stripe at each T/R hinge location, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 26,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#afeeebdcefcacedcce81cadaddc0dfce81cada"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff">[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">https://ad.easa.europa</a>. You may view this IBR 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 on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0330.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0330; 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, 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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cba0aabfa3a7aeaea5e5aab9b9a2aca4bfbfa28badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8de6ecf9e5e1e8e8e3a3ecffffe4eae2f9f9e4cdebececa3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0028, dated February 14, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0028'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain 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 certain Airbus SAS
Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 16, 2020 (85 FR 21115). The NPRM was prompted by a
report indicating that when the number 2 engine T/R was opened, the
right-hand T/R hinge nut located at position 4 was found detached;
investigation revealed that certain nuts could have been installed with
noncompliant locking features, or with locking features that could
degrade quicker than anticipated. The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting each T/R hinge for the presence of a nut and washer,
installing a new nut and washer if necessary, and applying a torque
stripe at each T/R hinge location, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if
occurring on multiple hinge attachments, could lead to in-flight loss
of a T/R, consequent structural damage to the airplane, and possible
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 (ALPA), Manikandan
Raja, and an anonymous commenter stated support for the NPRM.
Request To Exempt Operators From Torque Stripe Requirement
Delta Airlines (DAL) asked that operators be exempt from applying
the torque stripe required by EASA AD 2020-0028 (referenced in the
proposed AD as the appropriate source of service information for
accomplishing the required actions). DAL stated that there are no
mandated requirements in EASA AD 2020-0028 or the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0028 for repetitive inspections of the nut
or verification for the presence of an intact torque stripe to ensure
the nut has not rotated over time. DAL added that the current aircraft
maintenance manual (AMM) instructs operators to apply a torque stripe
at the
[[Page 59179]]
intended locations during routine maintenance. DAL noted that the
torque stripe has the potential to degrade over time, which could
create a potential noncompliance risk to operators, despite having
previously accomplished the requirements in the proposed AD.
The FAA acknowledges that adding the torque stripe is a one-time
task with no repeated check; however, the FAA agrees with the state of
design that adding it is done to bring the aircraft back to type
design. DAL's approved maintenance program should not affect the
requirements of this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Explanation of Change to AD
The Reason section of EASA AD 2020-0028 stated that ``this AD
requires a one-time inspection of the T/R hinge nuts'' as one of the
proposed requirements. In the FAA NPRM, the FAA added an inspection of
the T/R hinge for the presence of nut and washer, in order to more
closely correspond to the instructions in the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0028. EASA has since advised the FAA that
the inspection is unnecessary. The FAA has therefore revised this AD to
remove that inspection and to instead require compliance ``with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance
with, EASA AD 2020-0028.'' The FAA further revised the Summary section
to remove the inspection and expand upon the required actions,
including possible replacement.
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 2020-0028 describes procedures for replacing any existing
nut on the T/R hinge with a new nut, installing a new nut and washer if
neither is installed, and applying a torque stripe at each location.
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 13 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up $984 Up to $1,324.............. Up to $17,212.
to $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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):
2020-18-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21236; Docket No. FAA-2020-0330;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-031-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 26, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0028, dated February 14,
2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0028'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Exhaust.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that when the number
2 engine thrust reverser (T/R) was opened, the right-
[[Page 59180]]
hand T/R hinge nut located at position 4 was found detached;
investigation revealed that certain nuts could have been installed
with noncompliant locking features, or with locking features that
could degrade quicker than anticipated. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address this condition, which, if occurring on multiple hinge
attachments, could lead to in-flight loss of a T/R, consequent
structural damage to the airplane, and possible injury to persons on
the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0028.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0028
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0028 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0028 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0028
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Other 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 local Flight
Standards District 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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80b9adc1d6d3adc1c9d2adb7b3b0adc1cdcfc3c0e6e1e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a23375b4c49375b5348372d292a375b5755595a7c7b7b347d756c">[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 2020-0028 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3218; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1dad0c5d9ddd4d4df9fd0c3c3d8d6dec5c5d8f1d7d0d09fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2b9b3a6babeb7b7bcfcb3a0a0bbb5bda6a6bb92b4b3b3fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0028,
dated February 14, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA 2020-0028, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99d8ddead9fcf8eaf8b7fcecebf6e9f8b7fcec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d3c390e3d181c0e1c5318080f120d1c531808">[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">https://ad.easa.europa</a>.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0330.
(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#016764657364662f6d6466606d416f6073602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36505352445351185a5351575a765857445718515940">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 26, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20675 Filed 9-18-20; 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.
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