Discussion \n\n\n\tThe EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0153, dated July 10, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0153) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215 -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, - 231, and -232 airplanes. EASA AD 2020-0153 superseded EASA AD 2014- 0177, dated July 25, 2014 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-07-14, 39- 18459 (81 FR 21244, April 11, 2016) (AD 2016-07-14)). Model A320-215 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. \n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39to supersede AD 2016-07-14. AD 2016-07-14 applied to certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2020 (85 FR 61892). The NPRM was prompted by fatigue testing that determined that fatigue damage could appear on clips, shear webs, and angles at certain rear fuselage sections and certain frames. The NPRM proposed to retain the actions of AD 2016-07-14, and require modifying (replacing) the clips, shear webs, and angles at a certain rear fuselage area with new parts, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0153. The NPRM also proposed to apply to additional airplanes subject to the unsafe condition. \n\tThe FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue damage on the clips, shear webs, and angles, which could affect the structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI foradditional background information. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments received. United Airlines and an anonymous commenter indicated their support for the NPRM. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThe 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: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tEASA AD 2020-0153 describes procedures for replacement of affected parts (as required by FAA AD 2016-07-14). EASA AD 2020-0153 also describes procedures for a modification by replacing the clips, shear webs, and angles at the rear fuselage area of section 19 at frame 72 and frame 74 with new parts without pilot holes, and installing oversized Hi-Loks, nominal aluminum rivets, and nominal Hi-Loks in certain positions. 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. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 219 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Required Actions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tParts \n\tAction Labor cost cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained actions from AD 2016-07-14 Up to 110 work-hours x $85 per hour = $10,000 Up to $19,350................ Up to $851,400. \n\t(for 44 airplanes affected). Up to $9,350. New actions............................ 126 work-hours x $85 per hour = $10,710 51,750 62,460....................... 13,678,740. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tThe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n((Page 85506)) \n\n\n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.