Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 49442-49445 [2014-19555]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 162 / Thursday, August 21, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
(i) Embraer S.A. Phenom Alert Service
Bulletin No. 500–55–A004, Revision 02,
dated July 25, 2014
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Embraer S.A. service information
identified in this AD, contact: EMBRAER
S.A., Phenom Maintenance Support, Avenida
Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170, Putim, CEP:
12227–901, Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo,
Brasil; phone: (+55 12) 3927–1000; Fax: (+55
12) 3927–6600, Ext. 1448; email:
phenom.reliability@embraer.com.br: Internet:
https://www.embraerexecutivejets.com/enUS/customer-support/Pages/Service-CenterNetwork.aspxt.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August
11, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–19365 Filed 8–20–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0251; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–179–AD; Amendment
39–17946; AD 2014–16–22]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter,
A330–200, A330–300, and A340–200,
A340–300, A340–500, and A340–600
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a determination that the service life
limits of the cabin pressure control
system (CPCS) safety valves installed on
the aft pressure bulkhead were being
exceeded. This AD requires repetitive
replacement of the CPCS safety valves
with serviceable valves. We are issuing
this AD to prevent exceeding the service
life limits of the CPCS safety valves,
which, in the event of a failure, could
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SUMMARY:
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result in excessive positive or negative
differential pressure in the fuselage and
consequent incapacitation or injuries to
airplane occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
September 25, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of September 25, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Model A330–200
Freighter, A330–200, A330–300, and
A340–200, A340–300, A340–500, and
A340–600 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
May 15, 2014 (79 FR 27814).
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0201,
dated September 4, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information to correct an
unsafe condition on all Airbus Model
A330–200 Freighter, A330–200, A330–
300, and A340–200, –300, –500, and
–600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Investigation results on the Cabin Pressure
Control System (CPCS) safety valve
demonstrate that this part is subject to
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repetitive restoration every 50,000 flight
hours (FH) or 12 years, but this airworthiness
instruction is not yet reflected in the
instructions for continuing airworthiness.
Moreover, this safety valve, part of the CPCS,
is not failure monitored.
In order to maintain the required safety
objectives, the CPCS safety valves must be
replaced by a serviceable part no later than
the above values.
For the reasons describe above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive replacement of
CPCS safety valves.
Exceeding the service life limits of the
CPCS safety valve, in the event of a
failure, could result in excessive
positive or negative differential pressure
in the fuselage, and consequent
incapacitation or injuries to airplane
occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-02510002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM (79
FR 27814, May 15, 2014) or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
‘‘Contacting the Manufacturer’’
Paragraph in This AD
Since late 2006, we have included a
standard paragraph titled ‘‘Airworthy
Product’’ in all MCAI ADs in which the
FAA develops an AD based on a foreign
authority’s AD.
The MCAI or referenced service
information in an FAA AD often directs
the owner/operator to contact the
manufacturer for corrective actions,
such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy
Product paragraph allowed owners/
operators to use corrective actions
provided by the manufacturer if those
actions were FAA-approved. In
addition, the paragraph stated that any
actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are
considered to be FAA-approved.
In the NPRM (79 FR 11016, February
27, 2014), we proposed to prevent the
use of repairs that were not specifically
developed to correct the unsafe
condition, by requiring that the repair
approval provided by the State of
Design Authority or its delegated agent
specifically refer to this FAA AD. This
change was intended to clarify the
method of compliance and to provide
operators with better visibility of repairs
that are specifically developed and
approved to correct the unsafe
condition. In addition, we proposed to
change the phrase ‘‘its delegated agent’’
to include a design approval holder
(DAH) with State of Design Authority
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 162 / Thursday, August 21, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
design organization approval (DOA), as
applicable, to refer to a DAH authorized
to approve required repairs for the
proposed AD.
No comments were provided to the
NPRM (79 FR 11016, February 27, 2014)
about these proposed changes. However,
a comment was provided for an NPRM
having Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–
101–AD (78 FR 78285, December 26,
2013). The commenter stated the
following: ‘‘The proposed wording,
being specific to repairs, eliminates the
interpretation that Airbus messages are
acceptable for approving minor
deviations (corrective actions) needed
during accomplishment of an AD
mandated Airbus service bulletin.’’
This comment has made the FAA
aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the
Airworthy Product paragraph to allow
the owner/operator to use messages
provided by the manufacturer as
approval of deviations during the
accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product
paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the
manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated
actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the
requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified
unsafe condition and does not cover
deviations from other AD requirements.
However, deviations to AD-required
actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17,
and anyone may request the approval
for an alternative method of compliance
to the AD-required actions using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and
misinterpretation of the Airworthy
Product paragraph, we have changed the
paragraph and retitled it ‘‘Contacting the
Manufacturer.’’ This paragraph now
clarifies that for any requirement in this
AD to obtain corrective actions from a
manufacturer, the actions must be
accomplished using a method approved
by the FAA, the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), or Airbus’s
EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA).
The Contacting the Manufacturer
paragraph also clarifies that, if approved
by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature. The DOA
signature indicates that the data and
information contained in the document
are EASA-approved, which is also FAAapproved. Messages and other
information provided by the
manufacturer that do not contain the
DOA-authorized signature approval are
not EASA-approved, unless EASA
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directly approves the manufacturer’s
message or other information.
This clarification does not remove
flexibility previously afforded by the
Airworthy Product paragraph.
Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never
intended for required actions. This is
also consistent with the
recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by
identifying those actions in
manufacturers’ service instructions that
are ‘‘Required for Compliance’’ with
ADs. We continue to work with
manufacturers to implement this
recommendation. But once we
determine that an action is required, any
deviation from the requirement must be
approved as an alternative method of
compliance.
Other commenters to the NPRM
having Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–
101–AD (78 FR 78285, December 26,
2013) pointed out that in many cases the
foreign manufacturer’s service bulletin
and the foreign authority’s MCAI might
have been issued some time before the
FAA AD. Therefore, the DOA might
have provided U.S. operators with an
approved repair, developed with full
awareness of the unsafe condition,
before the FAA AD is issued. Under
these circumstances, to comply with the
FAA AD, the operator would be
required to go back to the
manufacturer’s DOA and obtain a new
approval document, adding time and
expense to the compliance process with
no safety benefit.
Based on these comments, we
removed the requirement that the DAHprovided repair specifically refer to this
AD. Before adopting such a
requirement, the FAA will coordinate
with affected DAHs and verify they are
prepared to implement means to ensure
that their repair approvals consider the
unsafe condition addressed in this AD.
Any such requirements will be adopted
through the normal AD rulemaking
process, including notice-and-comment
procedures, when appropriate.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR
27814, May 15, 2014) for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
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49443
proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 27814,
May 15, 2014).
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 77
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it takes about 25
work-hours per product to comply with
the basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $9,784
per product. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $916,993, or $11,909 per
product, per replacement cycle.
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.
We are 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
We determined that 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 162 / Thursday, August 21, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2014–16–22 Airbus: Amendment 39–17946.
Docket No. FAA–2014–0251; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–179–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 25,
2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F,
–301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
–342, and –343 airplanes; Model A340–211,
–212, –213, –311, –312, and –313 airplanes;
and Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all manufacturer
serial numbers.
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 21, Air Conditioning.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that the service life limits of the cabin
pressure control system (CPCS) safety valves
installed on the aft pressure bulkhead were
being exceeded. We are issuing this AD to
prevent exceeding the service life limits of
the CPCS safety valve, which, in the event of
a failure, could result in excessive positive or
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negative differential pressure in the fuselage,
and consequent incapacitation or injuries to
airplane occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Replacement of CPCS Safety Valves
(1) For airplanes on which the total
number of flight hours accumulated on the
CPCS safety valves are known: Replace the
CPCS safety valve with a serviceable valve at
the later of the times specified in paragraph
(g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. Replace the
valve in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of
this AD. Repeat the replacement at intervals
not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12 years
accumulated on the CPCS safety valve,
whichever occurs first.
(i) Before the safety valve accumulates
50,000 total flight hours or 12 years since
first installation or since the last restoration,
as applicable, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Within 26 months after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the total
number of flight hours accumulated on the
CPCS safety valve are unknown: Replace the
CPCS safety valve with a serviceable valve
within 26 months after the effective date of
this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of
this AD. Repeat the replacement at intervals
not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12 years
accumulated on the CPCS safety valve,
whichever occurs first.
(3) Use the applicable service information
identified in paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or
(g)(3)(iii) of this AD to accomplish the
specified actions in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–21–3154,
Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013 (for Model
A330–200 Freighter, A330–200 and A330–
300 series airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–4150,
Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013 (for Model
A340–200 and A340–300 series airplanes).
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–
5044, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013 (for
Model A340–500 and A340–600 series
airplanes).
(h) Definition of Serviceable Valves
For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable
CPCS safety valve is a safety valve which has
not exceeded the following service life limits,
as applicable: 12 years since its
manufacturing date, or 50,000 total flight
hours since first installation on an airplane,
whichever occurs first; or 12 years since its
last restoration, or 50,000 total flight hours
since its last restoration, whichever occurs
first.
(i) Optional Method of Compliance
Accomplishment of Task 21.31.00/09,
Remove Safety Valve for Restoration, of
Section C–21, Air Conditioning, of Section C,
Systems and Power-plant Section, of the
Airbus A330 Maintenance Review Board
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Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; or
Airbus A340 Maintenance Review Board
Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; as
applicable; constitutes compliance with any
replacement required by paragraph (g) of this
AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the
service information identified in paragraphs
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–21–3154,
dated November 17, 2011.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–4150,
dated November 17, 2011.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–5044,
dated November 17, 2011.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2013–0201, dated September 4,
2013, for related information. This MCAI
may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#
!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251-0002.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 162 / Thursday, August 21, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(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) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–21–3154,
Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–4150,
Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–21–
5044, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2013.
(iv) Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve
for Restoration, of Section C–21, Air
Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and
Power-plant Section, of the Airbus A330
Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision
14, dated June 2013.
(v) Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve
for Restoration, of Section C–21, Air
Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and
Power-plant Section, Airbus A340
Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision
14, dated June 2013.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
7, 2014.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–19555 Filed 8–20–14; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0034; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–006–AD; Amendment
39–17948; AD 2014–16–24]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland
GbmH) (Airbus Helicopters)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–10–
53 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
(ECD) (now Airbus Helicopters) Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+
helicopters. AD 2012–10–53 required,
before further flight and at specified
intervals, checking and inspecting the
upper and lower main rotor hub (MRH)
shaft flanges for a crack, and inspecting
the lower hub-shaft flange bolt
attachment areas for a crack. Since we
issued AD 2012–10–53, it has been
determined that it is safe to increase the
visual inspection intervals of the MRH
shaft flanges from 10 hours time-inservice (TIS) to 50 hours TIS and
remove the inspection of the lower MRH
shaft flange bolt attachment areas. This
new AD continues to require checking
and inspecting the upper and lower
MRH shaft flanges for a crack. These
actions are intended to detect a crack on
the MRH shaft flange, which if not
corrected, could result in failure of the
MRH and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective September
25, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 25, 2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus
Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
(972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
SUMMARY:
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49445
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0034; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference information,
the economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
address for the Docket Office (phone:
800–647–5527) is Document
Management Facility, 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: Gary
Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 18, 2012, we issued
Emergency AD 2012–10–53, which
superseded Emergency AD 2012–10–51.
Emergency AD 2012–10–53 was
published in the Federal Register as a
Final rule; request for comments on
November 20, 2012, at 77 FR 69558. AD
2012–10–53 required a repetitive pilot
check of the lower MRH shaft flange for
a crack, a repetitive inspection of the
upper and lower MRH shaft flanges and
bolt attachment areas for a crack, and
replacing the MRH shaft if there is a
crack. AD 2012–10–53 was prompted by
three reported incidents of cracking on
the lower hub-shaft flanges of EC135
model helicopters.
After we issued AD 2012–10–53,
Eurocopter revised Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC135–62A–029,
now at Revision 7, dated October 22,
2012, which contains the procedures for
the repetitive pilot checks and
inspections. The inspection interval for
the visual inspection of the MRH shaft
flanges was increased to 50 flight hours
based on results from full scale
component testing. The note regarding
the preflight check states that the time
between two preflight checks must not
exceed 6 flight hours, and clarifies that
one flight may comprise of multiple
take-offs and landings and a flight starts
when the helicopter takes off and ends
when the helicopter is on the ground
with the engines shut off. Eurocopter
also removed the visual inspection of
E:\FR\FM\21AUR1.SGM
21AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49442-49445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19555]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0251; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-179-AD;
Amendment 39-17946; AD 2014-16-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, and A340-200,
A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a determination that the service life limits of the cabin pressure
control system (CPCS) safety valves installed on the aft pressure
bulkhead were being exceeded. This AD requires repetitive replacement
of the CPCS safety valves with serviceable valves. We are issuing this
AD to prevent exceeding the service life limits of the CPCS safety
valves, which, in the event of a failure, could result in excessive
positive or negative differential pressure in the fuselage and
consequent incapacitation or injuries to airplane occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 25,
2014.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80;
email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A330-200
Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, and A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and
A340-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on May 15, 2014 (79 FR 27814).
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0201, dated September 4, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information to
correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter,
A330-200, A330-300, and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Investigation results on the Cabin Pressure Control System
(CPCS) safety valve demonstrate that this part is subject to
repetitive restoration every 50,000 flight hours (FH) or 12 years,
but this airworthiness instruction is not yet reflected in the
instructions for continuing airworthiness. Moreover, this safety
valve, part of the CPCS, is not failure monitored.
In order to maintain the required safety objectives, the CPCS
safety valves must be replaced by a serviceable part no later than
the above values.
For the reasons describe above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive replacement of CPCS safety valves.
Exceeding the service life limits of the CPCS safety valve, in the
event of a failure, could result in excessive positive or negative
differential pressure in the fuselage, and consequent incapacitation or
injuries to airplane occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 27814, May 15,
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This AD
Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD
based on a foreign authority's AD.
The MCAI or referenced service information in an FAA AD often
directs the owner/operator to contact the manufacturer for corrective
actions, such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy Product paragraph
allowed owners/operators to use corrective actions provided by the
manufacturer if those actions were FAA-approved. In addition, the
paragraph stated that any actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are considered to be FAA-approved.
In the NPRM (79 FR 11016, February 27, 2014), we proposed to
prevent the use of repairs that were not specifically developed to
correct the unsafe condition, by requiring that the repair approval
provided by the State of Design Authority or its delegated agent
specifically refer to this FAA AD. This change was intended to clarify
the method of compliance and to provide operators with better
visibility of repairs that are specifically developed and approved to
correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we proposed to change the
phrase ``its delegated agent'' to include a design approval holder
(DAH) with State of Design Authority
[[Page 49443]]
design organization approval (DOA), as applicable, to refer to a DAH
authorized to approve required repairs for the proposed AD.
No comments were provided to the NPRM (79 FR 11016, February 27,
2014) about these proposed changes. However, a comment was provided for
an NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-101-AD (78 FR 78285,
December 26, 2013). The commenter stated the following: ``The proposed
wording, being specific to repairs, eliminates the interpretation that
Airbus messages are acceptable for approving minor deviations
(corrective actions) needed during accomplishment of an AD mandated
Airbus service bulletin.''
This comment has made the FAA aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to
allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer
as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that
for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a
manufacturer, the actions must be accomplished using a method approved
by the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or Airbus's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature. The DOA signature indicates that the data and information
contained in the document are EASA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer
that do not contain the DOA-authorized signature approval are not EASA-
approved, unless EASA directly approves the manufacturer's message or
other information.
This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for
Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to
implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is
required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an
alternative method of compliance.
Other commenters to the NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013) pointed out that in many cases
the foreign manufacturer's service bulletin and the foreign authority's
MCAI might have been issued some time before the FAA AD. Therefore, the
DOA might have provided U.S. operators with an approved repair,
developed with full awareness of the unsafe condition, before the FAA
AD is issued. Under these circumstances, to comply with the FAA AD, the
operator would be required to go back to the manufacturer's DOA and
obtain a new approval document, adding time and expense to the
compliance process with no safety benefit.
Based on these comments, we removed the requirement that the DAH-
provided repair specifically refer to this AD. Before adopting such a
requirement, the FAA will coordinate with affected DAHs and verify they
are prepared to implement means to ensure that their repair approvals
consider the unsafe condition addressed in this AD. Any such
requirements will be adopted through the normal AD rulemaking process,
including notice-and-comment procedures, when appropriate.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described
previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 27814, May 15, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 27814, May 15, 2014).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 77 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it takes about 25 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $9,784 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $916,993, or $11,909 per product, per replacement
cycle.
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.
We are 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
We determined that 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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.
[[Page 49444]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
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):
2014-16-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-17946. Docket No. FAA-2014-0251;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-179-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 25, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in
any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air
Conditioning.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that the service life
limits of the cabin pressure control system (CPCS) safety valves
installed on the aft pressure bulkhead were being exceeded. We are
issuing this AD to prevent exceeding the service life limits of the
CPCS safety valve, which, in the event of a failure, could result in
excessive positive or negative differential pressure in the
fuselage, and consequent incapacitation or injuries to airplane
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement of CPCS Safety Valves
(1) For airplanes on which the total number of flight hours
accumulated on the CPCS safety valves are known: Replace the CPCS
safety valve with a serviceable valve at the later of the times
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. Replace
the valve in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(3)(i),
(g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD. Repeat the replacement at
intervals not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12 years accumulated
on the CPCS safety valve, whichever occurs first.
(i) Before the safety valve accumulates 50,000 total flight
hours or 12 years since first installation or since the last
restoration, as applicable, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the total number of flight hours
accumulated on the CPCS safety valve are unknown: Replace the CPCS
safety valve with a serviceable valve within 26 months after the
effective date of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD. Repeat
the replacement at intervals not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12
years accumulated on the CPCS safety valve, whichever occurs first.
(3) Use the applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD to
accomplish the specified actions in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013 (for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200 and A330-300
series airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes).
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes).
(h) Definition of Serviceable Valves
For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable CPCS safety valve is
a safety valve which has not exceeded the following service life
limits, as applicable: 12 years since its manufacturing date, or
50,000 total flight hours since first installation on an airplane,
whichever occurs first; or 12 years since its last restoration, or
50,000 total flight hours since its last restoration, whichever
occurs first.
(i) Optional Method of Compliance
Accomplishment of Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for
Restoration, of Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C,
Systems and Power-plant Section, of the Airbus A330 Maintenance
Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; or Airbus A340
Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; as
applicable; constitutes compliance with any replacement required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service
information identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of
this AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, dated November 17,
2011.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, dated November 17,
2011.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, dated November 17,
2011.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-
0201, dated September 4, 2013, for related information. This MCAI
may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0251-0002.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.
[[Page 49445]]
(m) 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, Revision 01, dated
April 10, 2013.
(iv) Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for Restoration, of
Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and Power-
plant Section, of the Airbus A330 Maintenance Review Board Report,
Revision 14, dated June 2013.
(v) Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for Restoration, of
Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and Power-
plant Section, Airbus A340 Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision
14, dated June 2013.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 7, 2014.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19555 Filed 8-20-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
