AD 2020-21-07
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus | Various | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
| aircraft | Aviat | Various | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
sticking effects have been observed affecting the breathing bag on certain passenger oxygen masks, which could prevent the breathing bag from fully inflating, and possibly injure cabin occupants following a depressurization event.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
replacement of affected passenger oxygen masks, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0031.
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 all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that sticking effects have been observed affecting the breathing bag on certain passenger oxygen masks. This AD requires replacement of affected passenger oxygen masks, 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 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 85, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64949-64952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22628]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0336; Product Identifier 2020-NM-032-AD; Amendment
39-21280; AD 2020-21-07]
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
a report that sticking effects have been observed affecting the
breathing bag on certain passenger oxygen masks. This AD requires
replacement of affected passenger oxygen masks, 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 November 18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 18,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9e8eddae9ccc8dac887ccdcdbc6d9c887ccdc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d7c794e7d585c4e5c1358484f524d5c135848">[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, 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.
[[Page 64950]]
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-
0336; 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; phone and fax: 206-231-
3218; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6cdc7d2cecac3c3c888c7d4d4cfc1c9d2d2cfe6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b000a1f03070e0e05450a1919020c041f1f022b0d0a0a450c041d">[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 2020-0031, dated February 18, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0031'') (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 27, 2020 (85 FR 23257). The NPRM was prompted by a
report that sticking effects have been observed affecting the breathing
bag on certain passenger oxygen masks. The NPRM proposed to require
replacement of affected passenger oxygen masks, as specified in an EASA
AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address sticking of the breathing bag
on certain passenger oxygen masks, which could prevent the breathing
bag from fully inflating, and possibly injure cabin occupants following
a depressurization event. 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.
Request To Allow Records Review or Visual Inspection
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) requested that the FAA include a
provision in the NPRM to allow a records review or visual inspection in
lieu of a detailed inspection of the affected parts. DAL pointed out
that the Airbus service information associated with EASA AD 2020-0031
specifies doing a detailed inspection of the affected parts for the
affected serial numbers. DAL mentioned that previous Airbus service
information for similar unsafe conditions have allowed alternative
means to determine whether parts were affected by the unsafe condition.
The FAA agrees that clarification is necessary. The FAA has
determined that a review of airplane maintenance records or visual
inspection is acceptable in lieu of a detailed inspection if the part
number, amendment number, and serial number of the passenger oxygen
mask can be conclusively determined from that review. EASA AD 2020-
0031, does not specify any inspection, but instead specifies
replacement of affected parts with affected serial numbers. Because
EASA AD 2020-0031 does not specify doing an inspection, it is not
necessary to specify alternative inspection methods in this AD.
However, to be clear, paragraph (h) of this AD has been revised to
include an exception to EASA AD 2020-0031, stating that this AD only
requires the replacement and does not require the inspection for the
part number and serial number.
Request for Exception To Limit Service Information
DAL requested that the FAA add an exception in paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to specify doing the assembly/installation and re-
identification of parts using paragraphs 3.C. and 3.D. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of the B/E Aerospace Systems service
information where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0031 specifies doing
the actions ``. . . in accordance with the instructions of the SB.''
DAL pointed out that the Airbus service information specified by EASA
AD 2020-0031 refers to B/E Aerospace Systems service information, which
specifies non-explicit instructions for removal/disassembly and appears
to conflict with the Airbus service information that specifies
``modification.'' DAL expressed its opinion that the modification
specified in the Airbus service information should actually be the
replacement of the E75000-00 series mask assemblies in affected
container assemblies with re-identification of the container
assemblies.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. The FAA has
considered the potential for conflicts introduced from other referenced
service information. However, this AD requires using EASA AD 2020-0031
as the appropriate source of service information, which overrides any
conflicting information specified in other referenced service
information. Further, while the terminology in the Airbus service
information differs from that in the B/E Aerospace Systems service
information, it is clear that the Airbus service information specifies
accomplishing the B/E Aerospace Systems service information, so
restating that information in this AD is unnecessary. This AD has not
been revised in this regard.
Request To Add an Exception To Clarify That Checking for Date of
Manufacture Is Not Required
DAL requested that the FAA add an exception in paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to clarify that checking for the date of manufacture is not
required. DAL mentioned that the Accomplishment Instructions of the B/E
Aerospace Systems service information include an additional inspection
for the date of manufacture of the affected part that neither EASA AD
2020-0031 nor the Airbus service information specify. DAL expressed
concern that inspection for the date of manufacture was not considered
as part of the NPRM. Delta contended that the date of manufacture
inspection specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the B/E
Aerospace Systems service information is not required by EASA AD 2020-
0031.
The FAA infers that the commenter requests an exception in the
proposed AD to specify that the date of manufacture inspection
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the B/E Aerospace
Systems service information is not required. The FAA agrees for the
reasons provided and has added an exception in paragraph (h)(4) of this
AD to specify that the date of manufacture inspection specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of the B/E Aerospace Systems service
information is not required.
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 with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes.
[[Page 64951]]
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.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0031 describes procedures for replacement of affected
passenger oxygen masks. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510........................... $0 * $510 $6,630
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide cost estimates of the parts cost
for the replacement 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 our 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):
2020-21-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21280; Docket No. FAA-2020-0336;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-032-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 18, 2020.
(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 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that sticking effects have been
observed affecting the breathing bag on certain passenger oxygen
masks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address sticking of the
breathing bag on certain passenger oxygen masks, which could prevent
the breathing bag from fully inflating, and possibly injure cabin
occupants following a depressurization event.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0031, dated February 18, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0031'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0031
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0031 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0031 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0031 specifies to do the replacement
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-35-P013, Revision 00,
dated July 2, 2019, which specifies to inspect for the part number
and serial number and then do a replacement; this AD only requires
the replacement.
(4) Where paragraphs 3.B. and 3.C. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of B/E Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin E75000-35-
001, Revision 00, dated November 25, 2016, state to do an inspection
for the date of manufacture of the affected part, this AD does not
require that inspection.
(i) 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
[[Page 64952]]
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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8d1c5a9bebbc5a9a1bac5dfdbd8c5a9a5a7aba88e8989c68f879e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a33274b5c59274b4358273d393a274b4745494a6c6b6b246d657c">[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, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0031 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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206-231-3218; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4922283d21252c2c2767283b3b202e263d3d20092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85eee4f1ede9e0e0ebabe4f7f7ece2eaf1f1ecc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0031,
dated February 18, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0031, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c9888dba89aca8baa8e7acbcbba6b9a8e7acbc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="08494c7b486d697b69266d7d7a677869266d7d">[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, 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-2020-0336.
(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#8debe8e9ffe8eaa3e1e8eaece1cde3ecffeca3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dabcbfbea8bfbdf4b6bfbdbbb69ab4bba8bbf4bdb5ac">[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 October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22628 Filed 10-13-20; 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.