Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 21730-21732 [2016-08366]
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21730
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–8136; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–189–AD; Amendment
39–18480; AD 2016–08–04]
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 A330–223F and –243F
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of missing fasteners in certain
locations of the fuselage during
production. This AD would require
inspecting for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners; and
corrective actions if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the fuselage due to missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed
fasteners, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
DATES: This AD is effective May 18,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 18, 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–2015–8136.
SUMMARY:
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
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–
8136; 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
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14:03 Apr 12, 2016
Jkt 238001
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–
223F and –243F airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2016 (81 FR 22) (‘‘the
NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by
a report of missing fasteners in certain
locations of the fuselage during
production. The NPRM proposed to
require inspecting for missing, damaged,
or incorrectly installed fasteners; and
corrective actions if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the fuselage due to missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed
fasteners, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2014–0197, dated September
4, 2014 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A330–223F and –243F airplanes.
The MCAI states:
During inspection of various fuselage areas
on some A330–200F aeroplanes on the
production line, prior to delivery, some
fasteners were found missing.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to crack initiation and
propagation, possibly resulting in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
To address this condition, Airbus issued
several Service Bulletins (SB), providing
inspection and modification instructions, as
applicable.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires detailed inspections of
the affected areas and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of the applicable
corrective actions.
Corrective actions include replacing
any missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed fasteners, and repair of any
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Fmt 4700
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discrepancy (deformation or cracking of
the fastener rows) of the affected
fuselage frame areas. 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–2015–8136.
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:
• 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
We reviewed the following Airbus
service information, which describes
procedures for inspecting for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed
fasteners; and corrective actions.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3202, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3212, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3213, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3214, dated May 6, 2014.
We also reviewed the following
Airbus service information, which
describes procedures for modification of
certain sections of the fuselage.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3216, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3217, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3218, dated May 6, 2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3219, dated May 6, 2014.
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 3
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take
about 10 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic inspection
requirements of this AD, and 1 work-
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
hour per product to report inspection
findings. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $2,805, or $935 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary modification will take about
40 work-hours and require parts costing
$210, for a cost of $3,610 per product.
We have no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need this
action.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide a cost
estimate for the on-condition repairs
specified in this AD.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD
has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at 800
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
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.
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14:03 Apr 12, 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):
■
2016–08–04 Airbus: Amendment 39–18480;
Docket No. FAA–2015–8136; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–189–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
223F and –243F airplanes, certificated in any
category; manufacturer serial numbers 1004,
1032, 1051, 1062, 1070, 1092, 1115, 1136,
1148, 1164, 1175, 1180, 1320, 1332, 1344,
1350, 1368, 1380, 1386, 1406, 1414, 1418,
and 1428.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
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21731
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
missing fasteners in certain locations of the
fuselage during production. We are issuing
this AD to prevent cracking of the fuselage
due to missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed fasteners, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Detailed Inspection
Within 72 months since first flight of the
airplane: Do a detailed inspection of all
applicable fuselage zones for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service
information specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3202,
dated May 6, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3212,
dated May 6, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3213,
dated May 6, 2014.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3214,
dated May 6, 2014.
(h) Corrective Actions
If any missing, damaged, or incorrectly
installed fastener is found during the detailed
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, before further flight, do a detailed
inspection for discrepancies (deformation or
cracking) of the adjacent fastener rows of the
applicable fuselage zones, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) If no discrepancy is found, before
further flight, modify the affected fuselage
zone, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs
(h)(1)(i) through (h)(1)(iv) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3216,
dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3217,
dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3219, dated May 6, 2014.
(2) If any discrepancy is found, before
further flight, repair 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).
(i) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report (including both positive
and negative findings) to Airbus, Customer
Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn:
SDC32 Technical Data and Documentation
Services; fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email:
sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable
time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of
this AD. The report must include the
information specified in the inspection report
of the applicable service information
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4)
of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD is
accomplished on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days
after performing the inspection.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD is
accomplished before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after
the effective date of this AD.
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.
(j) 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 EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
(4) 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
(k) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0197, dated
September 4, 2014, 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–2015–8136.
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14:03 Apr 12, 2016
Jkt 238001
(l) 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 A330–53–3202,
dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3212,
dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3213, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3214, dated May 6, 2014.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3216,
dated May 6, 2014.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3217, dated May 6, 2014.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3219, dated May 6, 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/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March
31, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–08366 Filed 4–12–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–4204; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–001–AD; Amendment
39–18482; AD 2016–08–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Final rule.
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R,
and F4–600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model
A300–600 series airplanes), modified by
a particular supplemental type
certificate (STC). This AD was prompted
by a report of chafing found on the
overflow sensor harness of the surge
tank, and subsequent contact between
the electrical wiring and fuel tank
structure. This AD requires a one-time
inspection for damage of the outer tank
overflow sensor harness, and repair if
necessary. This AD also requires
modification of the sensor harness. We
are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of
the harness and subsequent contact
between the electrical wiring and fuel
tank structure, which could result in
electrical arcing and a fuel tank
explosion.
SUMMARY:
This AD becomes effective May
18, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 18, 2016.
DATES:
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., A
UTC Aerospace Company, 100 Panton
Road, Vergennes, VT 05491; phone 802–
877–2911; fax 802–877–4444; Internet
https://www.utcaerospacesystems.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–
4204.
ADDRESSES:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21730-21732]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08366]
[[Page 21730]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-8136; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-189-AD;
Amendment 39-18480; AD 2016-08-04]
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 A330-223F and -243F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of missing fasteners in certain locations of the fuselage during
production. This AD would require inspecting for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the fuselage
due to missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
DATES: This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 18, 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-
8136.
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-
8136; 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-
223F and -243F airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2016 (81 FR 22) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of missing fasteners in certain locations of the fuselage during
production. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the
fuselage due to missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0197, dated September 4, 2014 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A330-223F and -243F airplanes. The MCAI states:
During inspection of various fuselage areas on some A330-200F
aeroplanes on the production line, prior to delivery, some fasteners
were found missing.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
crack initiation and propagation, possibly resulting in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
To address this condition, Airbus issued several Service
Bulletins (SB), providing inspection and modification instructions,
as applicable.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
detailed inspections of the affected areas and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions.
Corrective actions include replacing any missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, and repair of any discrepancy
(deformation or cracking of the fastener rows) of the affected fuselage
frame areas. 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-2015-8136.
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:
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
We reviewed the following Airbus service information, which
describes procedures for inspecting for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
We also reviewed the following Airbus service information, which
describes procedures for modification of certain sections of the
fuselage.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 2014.
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 3 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic inspection requirements of this AD, and 1
work-
[[Page 21731]]
hour per product to report inspection findings. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,805, or $935 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary modification will take
about 40 work-hours and require parts costing $210, for a cost of
$3,610 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this action.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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):
2016-08-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-18480; Docket No. FAA-2015-8136;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-189-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes,
certificated in any category; manufacturer serial numbers 1004,
1032, 1051, 1062, 1070, 1092, 1115, 1136, 1148, 1164, 1175, 1180,
1320, 1332, 1344, 1350, 1368, 1380, 1386, 1406, 1414, 1418, and
1428.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of missing fasteners in certain
locations of the fuselage during production. We are issuing this AD
to prevent cracking of the fuselage due to missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection
Within 72 months since first flight of the airplane: Do a
detailed inspection of all applicable fuselage zones for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
(h) Corrective Actions
If any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fastener is
found during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, before further flight, do a detailed inspection for
discrepancies (deformation or cracking) of the adjacent fastener
rows of the applicable fuselage zones, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) If no discrepancy is found, before further flight, modify
the affected fuselage zone, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through
(h)(1)(iv) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 2014.
(2) If any discrepancy is found, before further flight, repair
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).
(i) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report (including both positive and negative findings)
to Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SDC32 Technical Data and
Documentation Services; fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email:
sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the
information specified in the inspection report of the applicable
service information
[[Page 21732]]
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in paragraph
(g) of this AD is accomplished on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after performing the
inspection.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in paragraph
(g) of this AD is accomplished before the effective date of this AD:
Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) 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 EASA;
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(4) 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.
(k) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0197, dated September 4, 2014, 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-2015-8136.
(l) 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 A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 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 31, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-08366 Filed 4-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P