2024-16-02: Time Limits/Maintenance Checks

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2018-01-07, Amendment 39-19148 (83 FR 2042, January 16, 2018); AD 2018-19-33, Amendment 39-19434 (83 FR 48932, September 28, 2018); AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935, October 24, 2019); AD 2020-23-11, Amendment 39-21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27, 2020); AD 2021-26-20, Amendment 39-21879 (87 FR 17939, March 29, 2022); AD 2022-13-09, Amendment 39-22095 (87 FR 39743, July 5, 2022); AD 2022-14-06, Amendment 39-22111 (87 FR 42318, July 15, 2022); AD 2023-09-05, Amendment 39-22428 (88 FR 36926, June 6, 2023); and AD 2023-26-06, Amendment 39-22649 (89 FR 6411, February 1, 2024); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2024-16-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22808; Docket No. FAA-2024-0992; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00030-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 21, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (9) of this AD. (1) AD 2018-01-07, Amendment 39-19148 (83 FR 2042, January 16, 2018). (2) AD 2018-19-33, Amendment 39-19434 (83 FR 48932, September 28, 2018). (3) AD 2019-21-01, Amendment 39-19767 (84 FR 56935, October 24, 2019) (AD 2019-21-01). (4) AD 2020-23-11, Amendment 39-21327 (85 FR 75838, November 27, 2020) (AD 2020-23-11). (5) AD 2021-26-20, Amendment 39-21879 (87 FR 17939, March 29, 2022) (AD 2021-26-20). (6) AD 2022-13-09, Amendment 39-22095 (87 FR 39743, July 5, 2022) (AD 2022-13-09). (7) AD 2022-14-06, Amendment 39-22111 (87 FR 42318, July 15, 2022) (AD 2022-14-06). (8) AD 2023-09-05, Amendment 39-22428 (88 FR 36926, June 6, 2023) (AD 2023-09-05). (9) AD 2023-26-06, Amendment 39-22649 (89 FR 6411, February 1, 2024) (AD 2023-26-06). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes. (2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes. (3) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R 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 new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 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 2019-21-01, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2019-21-01, with no changes. Within 90 days after November 29, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-21-01), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Airbus A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, "Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI)," Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in Airbus A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, "Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI)," Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018, or within 90 days after November 29, 2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions or Intervals From AD 2019-21-01, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2019-21-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraphs (k), (o), (s), (v), (z), and (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (gg)(1) of this AD. (i) Retained Requirements From AD 2020-23-11, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g)(2) of AD 2020-23-11, with a new exception. Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, and except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD, comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0111R2, dated June 16, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0111R2). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (j) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0111R2, With Revised References This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of AD 2020-23-11, with revised references. (1) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0111R2 refers to June 3, 2020 ("the effective date of this [EASA] AD at original issue"), this AD requires using January 4, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-11). (2) The "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2020-0111R2 does not apply to this AD. (k) Retained Requirements From AD 2021-26-20, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2021-26-20, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (l) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0093, dated March 30, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0093). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (l) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0093, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2021-26-20, with no changes. (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0093 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using May 3, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2021-26-20). (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0093 do not apply to this AD. (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0093 specifies revising "the approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]" 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 3, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2021-26-20). (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2021-0093 is at the applicable "thresholds" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0093, or within 90 days after May 3, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2021-26-20), whichever occurs later. (5) The provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0093 do not apply to this AD. (6) The "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0093 does not apply to this AD. (m) Retained Provisions From AD 2021-26-20, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph (i) of AD 2021-26-20, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (k) 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 2021-0093. (n) Retained Terminating Action From AD 2021-26-20, With No Changes This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2021-26-20, with no changes. (1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0093 only. (2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD, for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0093 only. (o) Retained Requirements From AD 2022-13-09, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2022-13-09, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0204, dated September 14, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0204). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (p) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0204, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2022-23-09, with no changes. (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0204 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using August 9, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-13-09). (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0204 do not apply to this AD. (3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0204 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 August 9, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-13-09). (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2021-0204 is at the applicable "associated thresholds" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0204, or within 90 days after August 9, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-13-09), whichever occurs later. (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) of EASA AD 2021-0204 do not apply to this AD. (6) The "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0204 does not apply to this AD. (q) Retained Provisions From AD 2022-13-09, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph (i) of AD 2022-13-09, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (o) 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 2021-0204. (r) Retained Terminating Action From AD 2022-13-09 With No Changes This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2021-26-20, with no changes. Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0204 only. (s) Retained Requirements From AD 2022-14-06, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2022-14-06, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (t) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0258, dated November 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0258). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (t) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0258, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2022-14-06, with no changes. (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0258 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using August 19, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-14-06). (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0258 specifies "This AD invalidates the LOV [limit of validity] as specified in Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 2 Revision 03 [EASA AD 2019-0090]," this AD replaces the LOVs specified in paragraph 3.1 of Airbus A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, "Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI)," Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0258 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 August 19, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-14-06). (4) The "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0258 does not apply to this AD. (u) Retained Provisions From AD 2022-14-06, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph (i) of AD 2022-14-06, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (s) 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 2021-0258. (v) Retained Requirements From AD 2023-09-05, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2023-09-05, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (w) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0192, dated September 23, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0192). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (w) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0192, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2023-09-05, with no changes. (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022-0192. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0192 specifies revising "the 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 July 11, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-05). (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2022-0192 is at the applicable "associated thresholds" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0192, or within 90 days after July 11, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-09-05), whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0192. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0192. (x) Retained Provisions From AD 2023-09-05, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph (i) of AD 2023-09-05, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (v) 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 2022-0192. (y) Retained Terminating Action From AD 2023-09-05, With No Changes This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2023-09-05, with no changes. Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (v) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD for the tasks identified in the service information referred to in EASA AD 2022-0192 only. (z) Retained Requirements From AD 2023-26-06, With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2023-26-06, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (aa) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0091, dated May 5, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0091). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (dd) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (aa) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0091, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2023-26-06, with no changes. (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0091. (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0091 specifies "Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the AMP," this AD requires replacing those words with "Within 90 days after March 7, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2023-26-06), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable." (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2023-0091 is at the applicable "associated thresholds" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0091, or within 90 days after March 7, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2023-26-06), whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0091. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0091. (bb) Retained Provisions From AD 2023-26-06, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph (i) of AD 2023-26-06, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (dd) of this AD: After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (z) 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 2023-0091. (cc) Retained Terminating Action From AD 2023-26-06, With a Revised Reference This paragraph restates the terminating action specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2023-26-06, with a revised reference. Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (z) of this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0091 only. (dd) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Except as specified in paragraph (ee) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0009, dated January 9, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0009). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (i), (k), (o), (s), (v), and (z) of this AD. (ee) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0009 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0009. (2) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0009 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 (4) of EASA AD 2024-0009 is at the applicable "limitations" and "associated thresholds" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0009, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of EASA AD 2024-0009. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0009. (6) Where EASA AD 2024-0009 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (ff) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (dd) 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 2024-0009. (gg) 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (hh) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. 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, 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 (gg)(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. (hh) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3225; email: dan.rodina@faa.gov. (ii) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE]. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0009, dated January 9, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on March 7, 2024 (89 FR 6411, February 1, 2024). (i) EASA AD 2023-0091, dated May 5, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (5) The following material was approved for IBR on July 11, 2023 (88 FR 36926, June 6, 2023). (i) EASA AD 2022-0192, dated September 23, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (6) The following material was approved for IBR on August 19, 2022 (87 FR 42318, July 15, 2022). (i) EASA AD 2021-0258, dated November 17, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (7) The following material was approved for IBR on August 9, 2022 (87 FR 39743, July 5, 2022). (i) EASA AD 2021-0204, dated September 14, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (8) The following material was approved for IBR on May 3, 2022 (87 FR 17939, March 29, 2022). (i) EASA AD 2021-0093, dated March 30, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (9) The following material was approved for IBR on January 4, 2021 (85 FR 75838, November 27, 2020). (i) EASA AD 2020-0111R2, dated June 16, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (10) The following material was approved for IBR on November 29, 2019 (84 FR 56935, October 24, 2019). (i) Airbus A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, "Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI)," Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (11) For EASA ADs 2020-0111R2, 2021-0093, 2021-0204, 2021-0258, 2022-0192, 2023-0091, and 2024-0009, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find these EASA ADs on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (12) For Airbus SAS material identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office-EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; website airbus.com. (13) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 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. (14) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on July 30, 2024. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-20835 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P