AD 2021-04-14
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
A potential structural deficiency at certain seat track locations, providing insufficient resistance to environmental damage, which could lead to seat or monument detachment during an emergency landing, possibly resulting in injury to occupants and preventing safe evacuation from the airplane.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
A one-time detailed inspection of the seat tracks between certain frames for suitable corrosion protection or presence of corrosion, and on-condition actions if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0166.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 50 flight hours
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0166.
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 A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that suitable corrosion protection treatment had not been applied to certain areas of the seat track. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the seat tracks between certain frames for suitable corrosion protection or presence of corrosion, and on- condition actions if necessary, 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 A350-1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0166, dated July 27,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0166).
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12804-12807]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04350]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1106; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01065-T;
Amendment 39-21435; AD 2021-04-14]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports that suitable corrosion protection treatment had
not been applied to certain areas of the seat track. This AD requires a
one-time detailed inspection of the seat tracks between certain frames
for suitable corrosion protection or presence of corrosion, and on-
condition actions if necessary, 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 April 9, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For 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#57161324173236243679322225382736793222"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c2d281f2c090d1f0d4209191e031c0d420919">[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. 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
[[Page 12805]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1106.
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-
1106; 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#c2a9a3b6aaaea7a7aceca3b0b0aba5adb6b6ab82a4a3a3eca5adb4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e252f3a26222b2b20602f3c3c2729213a3a270e282f2f60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0166, dated July 27, 2020 (EASA
AD 2020-0166) (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 A350-1041 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 A350-1041 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 4, 2020 (85 FR 78279). The NPRM was
prompted by reports that suitable corrosion protection treatment had
not been applied to certain areas of the seat track. The NPRM proposed
to require a one-time detailed inspection of the seat tracks between
certain frames for suitable corrosion protection or presence of
corrosion, and on-condition actions if necessary, as specified in EASA
AD 2020-0166.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a potential structural
deficiency at certain seat track locations, providing insufficient
resistance to environmental damage. This condition, if not addressed,
could lead to seat or monument detachment during an emergency landing,
possibly resulting in injury to occupants and preventing safe
evacuation from the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Clarification of Terminology
The FAA has added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD to clarify the
definition of ``deficiencies,'' which is used in EASA AD 2020-0166 but
is not referred to in the service information referenced in EASA AD
2020-0166.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the
change described previously and 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.
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 Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0166 describes procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the seat tracks between certain frames for suitable
corrosion protection or presence of corrosion, and on-condition actions
if necessary. On-condition actions include applying protection,
removing corrosion, measuring the dimensions of the seat rails, and
performing a splice repair.
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 5 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,190........................ $0 $1,190 $5,950
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510.... $0 $510
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. 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
[[Page 12806]]
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:
2021-04-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-21435; Docket No. FAA-2020-1106;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01065-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0166, dated July 27,
2020 (EASA AD 2020-0166).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that suitable corrosion
protection treatment had not been applied to certain areas of the
seat track. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a potential
structural deficiency at certain seat track locations, providing
insufficient resistance to environmental damage. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to seat or monument detachment during an
emergency landing, possibly resulting in injury to occupants and
preventing safe evacuation from the airplane.
(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 2020-0166.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0166
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0166 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0166 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0166 refers to
``deficiencies,'' for this AD deficiencies include unsuitable
corrosion protection or presence of corrosion.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0166
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 responsible Flight
Standards 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#92abbfd3c4c1bfd3dbc0bfa5a1a2bfd3dfddd1d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="10293d5146433d5159423d2723203d515d5f53507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, 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): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 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#2843495c40444d4d4606495a5a414f475c5c41684e4949064f475e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5beb4a1bdb9b0b0bbfbb4a7a7bcb2baa1a1bc95b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[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 2020-0166,
dated July 27, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0166).
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0166, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a0b0e390a2f2b392b642f3f38253a2b642f3f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="febfba8dbe9b9f8d9fd09b8b8c918e9fd09b8b">[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-2020-1106.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration
[[Page 12807]]
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cbadaeafb9aeace5a7aeacaaa78ba5aab9aae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0c6c5c4d2c5c78eccc5c7c1cce0cec1d2c18ec7cfd6">[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 February 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04350 Filed 3-4-21; 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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