Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22277 · Fuselage
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-53-P073, dated June 9, 2022.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a loud noise and vibration in the belly fairing (BF) access panel above the wings. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the BF access panels and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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 2022-0183, dated August 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0183).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0183 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0183 specifies to do certain actions “in accordance with the IPD,” for this AD replace the text “in accordance with” with “refer to.”
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0183 refers to a “defect,” for purposes of this AD, a defect includes a loose or missing fastener, and a bolt whose length does not fully extend through the nut.
(4) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0183 does not apply to this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0183 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) 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 (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.
For more information about this AD, contact Dat Le, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 516-228-7317; email Dat.V.Le@faa.gov.
