Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 17372-17374 [2016-06524]
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17372
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–
81205–SB540004–00, Issue 002, dated
December 3, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at 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 March
14, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–06401 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–5815; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–039–AD; Amendment
39–18443; AD 2016–06–12]
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 certain
Airbus Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes; and all Model A340–200,
–300, –500, and –600 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports that
the potable water service panel access
door was lost during flight. This AD
requires modifying affected potable
water service panel access doors. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:41 Mar 28, 2016
Jkt 238001
latching mechanism of the potable water
service panel access door, which could
result in the loss of the potable water
service panel access door during flight,
and resultant damage to the airplane
(e.g., damage to the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer) that could cause
loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
3, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 3, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2015–5815.
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–2015–
5815; 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 Office (telephone 800–647–
5527) is 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 20590.
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 certain Airbus Model A330–
200 and –300 series airplanes; and all
Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on November 27,
2015 (80 FR 74042) (‘‘the NPRM’’).
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2015–0028R1, dated May 29,
2015, dated (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes; and all Model A340–200,
–300, –500, and –600 series airplanes.
The MCAI states:
Several cases have been reported in which
the potable water service panel access door
was lost during flight, causing damage to the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer. The results
of subsequent investigations showed that
these events were due to failure of the
latching mechanism of the potable water
service panel access door.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to further cases of in-flight loss of the potable
water service panel access door, possibly
resulting in injury to persons on ground and/
or damage to the aeroplane [(e.g., damage to
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer)].
To address this condition, Airbus
developed a modification and published
Service Bulletin (SB) A330–52–3086, SB
A340–52–4094 and SB A340–52–5019, to
provide instructions for in-service
accomplishment of that modification.
Consequently, EASA issued [an] AD * * *
to require modification of the potable water
service panel access door 164AR for A330/
A340–200/-300 aeroplanes or 154BR for
A340–500/-600 aeroplanes, which includes
installation of reinforced hinge screws and
more robust latches.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was
determined that aeroplanes that have
embodied Airbus Mod 201938 (Improvement
of latching mechanism of potable water
service panel) are also not affected by the
requirements of this [EASA] AD.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD is revised to exclude post-mod
201938 aeroplanes from the Applicability.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
5815.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following
service information.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–
3086, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–
4094, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–
5019, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
The service information describes
procedures for modifying the affected
potable water service panel access door.
This service information 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
We estimate that this AD affects 63
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take
about 21 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 $15,280 per product. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be
$1,075,095, or $17,065 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We
do not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, we
have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Authority for This Rulemaking
16:41 Mar 28, 2016
Jkt 238001
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.
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):
■
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
2016–06–12 Airbus: Amendment 39–18443.
Docket No. FAA–2015–5815; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–039–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD,
certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
–223, –243, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322,
–323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on
which Airbus modification 201715, or Airbus
modification 201796, or Airbus modification
201938 has been embodied in production.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
17373
(2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213,
–311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes,
all manufacturing serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that the
potable water service panel access door was
lost during flight. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the latching mechanism of
the potable water service panel access door,
which could result in the loss of the potable
water service panel access door during flight,
and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g.,
damage to the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Modification
(1) Except as required by paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD, within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD, modify the affected
potable water service panel access door, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service information
identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane
type and model.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3086,
Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4094,
Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–
5019, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(2) For airplanes that have already been
modified before the effective date of this AD,
as specified in the service information
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or
(g)(2)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane
type and model: Within 16 months after the
effective date of this AD, modify the potable
water service panel access door by
accomplishing the actions identified as
‘‘additional work,’’ as specified in and in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service information
identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane
type and model.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3086,
dated April 27, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4094,
dated April 27, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–
5019, dated May 29, 2012.
(h) 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
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17374
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): 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.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(i) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015–0028R1, dated
May 29, 2015, for related information. This
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA2015–5815.
(j) 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 A330–52–3086,
Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4094,
Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–
5019, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014.
(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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:41 Mar 28, 2016
Jkt 238001
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 March
16, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–06524 Filed 3–28–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3772; Airspace
Docket No. 15–ANM–21]
Amendment of Class E Airspace;
Butte, MT
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies Class E
surface area airspace and Class E
airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface at Bert Mooney
Airport, Butte, MT. After a review, the
FAA found it necessary to amend the
standard instrument approach
procedures for the safety and
management of Instrument Flight Rules
(IFR) operations at the airport.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, May 26,
2016. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.9 and publication of conforming
amendments.
SUMMARY:
FAA Order 7400.9Z,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/
air_traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.9Z at NARA, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
federal_register/code_of_federalregulations/ibr_locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Turan Wright, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Western Service Center, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057;
telephone (425) 203–4553.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it amends
controlled airspace at Bert Mooney
Airport, Butte, MT.
History
On December 18, 2015, the FAA
published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to modify Class E surface area airspace
and Class E airspace extending upward
from 700 feet above the surface at Bert
Mooney Airport, Butte, MT (80 FR
78986) FAA–2015–3772. Interested
parties were invited to participate in
this rulemaking effort by submitting
written comments on the proposal to the
FAA. No comments were received.
Class E airspace designations are
published in paragraph 6002 and 6005,
respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9Z,
dated August 6, 2015, and effective
September 15, 2015, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
part 71.1. The Class E airspace
designation listed in this document will
be published subsequently in the Order.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document amends FAA Order
7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015,
and effective September 15, 2015. FAA
Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.9Z lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17372-17374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06524]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD;
Amendment 39-18443; AD 2016-06-12]
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 certain
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports that the potable water service panel access door was lost
during flight. This AD requires modifying affected potable water
service panel access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access
door, which could result in the loss of the potable water service panel
access door during flight, and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g.,
damage to the trimmable horizontal stabilizer) that could cause loss of
control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 3, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5815.
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-2015-
5815; 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 Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is 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 20590.
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 certain Airbus Model A330-
200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and
-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 27, 2015 (80 FR 74042) (``the NPRM'').
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015, dated
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Several cases have been reported in which the potable water
service panel access door was lost during flight, causing damage to
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer. The results of subsequent
investigations showed that these events were due to failure of the
latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of
in-flight loss of the potable water service panel access door,
possibly resulting in injury to persons on ground and/or damage to
the aeroplane [(e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer)].
To address this condition, Airbus developed a modification and
published Service Bulletin (SB) A330-52-3086, SB A340-52-4094 and SB
A340-52-5019, to provide instructions for in-service accomplishment
of that modification.
Consequently, EASA issued [an] AD * * * to require modification
of the potable water service panel access door 164AR for A330/A340-
200/-300 aeroplanes or 154BR for A340-500/-600 aeroplanes, which
includes installation of reinforced hinge screws and more robust
latches.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that
aeroplanes that have embodied Airbus Mod 201938 (Improvement of
latching mechanism of potable water service panel) are also not
affected by the requirements of this [EASA] AD.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to
exclude post-mod 201938 aeroplanes from the Applicability.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5815.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
[[Page 17373]]
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following service information.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
The service information describes procedures for modifying the
affected potable water service panel access door. This service
information 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
We estimate that this AD affects 63 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 21 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 $15,280 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $1,075,095, or $17,065 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our 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 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.
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):
2016-06-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-18443. Docket No. FAA-2015-5815;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus
modification 201715, or Airbus modification 201796, or Airbus
modification 201938 has been embodied in production.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541,
and -642 airplanes, all manufacturing serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service
panel access door was lost during flight. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water
service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the
potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant
damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
(1) Except as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 36
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the affected
potable water service panel access door, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as
applicable to airplane type and model.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(2) For airplanes that have already been modified before the
effective date of this AD, as specified in the service information
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of
this AD, as applicable to airplane type and model: Within 16 months
after the effective date of this AD, modify the potable water
service panel access door by accomplishing the actions identified as
``additional work,'' as specified in and in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as
applicable to airplane type and model.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, dated April 27, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, dated April 27, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, dated May 29, 2012.
(h) 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
[[Page 17374]]
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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): 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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015, for
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2015-5815.
(j) 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 A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated
April 25, 2014.
(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 March 16, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06524 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P