Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 39541-39543 [2016-13105]
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39541
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 117
Friday, June 17, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
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–2016–3988.
Examining the AD Docket
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–3988; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–130–AD; Amendment
39–18546; AD 2016–11–19]
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, –200
Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and
all Airbus Model A340–200, –300, –500,
and –600 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of chafing of the
feeder cable at the pylon-wing junction
due to vibration; one report revealed
that the cable loom plastic support
bracket of the G-route was broken due
to vibration; and another report revealed
wire chafing due to clamp damage. This
AD requires modifying the cable loom
support bracket of the G-route of the
inboard pylons at the pylon-wing
junction. We are issuing this AD to
prevent chafing of the wiring in the
pylon-wing area, which could result in
an electrical short circuit near a
flammable fluid vapor zone, and
consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.
DATES: This AD is effective July 22,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of July 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:07 Jun 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3988; 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, –200 Freighter, and –300 series
airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340–
200, –300, –500, and –600 series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 1, 2016 (81
FR 10549) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of chafing of
the feeder cable at the pylon-wing
junction due to vibration; one report
revealed that the cable loom plastic
support bracket of the G-route was
broken due to vibration; and another
report revealed wire chafing due to
clamp damage. The NPRM proposed to
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require modifying the cable loom
support bracket of the G-route of the
inboard pylons at the pylon-wing
junction. We are issuing this AD to
prevent chafing of the wiring in the
pylon-wing area, which could result in
an electrical short circuit near a
flammable fluid vapor zone, and
consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2015–0142, dated July 17,
2015 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A330–200, –200 Freighter, and
–300 series airplanes; and all Airbus
Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Two events have been reported of feeder
cable chafing at the pylon-wing junction on
A330 aeroplanes. Inspection of the affected
area for the first event revealed that the
bracket supporting the cables G-route, made
in plastic, was broken. The second event was
due to clamp damage. Failure of support
bracket and/or damage of clamp led to the
feeder cables gradually chafing away at the
cut-out edge by vibration. Due to design
similarity, A340 aeroplanes are also affected
by this issue.
This condition, if not corrected, could
create a short circuit, in combination with
fuel vapour on [the] ground, possibly
resulting in a fire or explosion.
To address this unsafe condition, Airbus
developed modifications to be embodied in
service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB)
A330–92–3132, SB A340–92–4100 or SB
A340–92–5066, as applicable to aeroplane
type and model.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the embodiment of these
modifications [of the cable loom support
bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons]
at the pylon/wing junction in [left-hand] LH
and [right-hand] RH wings.
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–2016–
3988.
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.
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39542
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 117 / Friday, June 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD,
certificated in any category, all manufacturer
serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
–223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303,
–321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes; except airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 203672 has been embodied in
production.
(2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213,
–311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes.
Regulatory Findings
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following Airbus
service information:
• Service Bulletin A330–92–3132,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
• Service Bulletin A340–92–4100,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
• Service Bulletin A340–92–5066,
dated June 25, 2014.
This service information describes
procedures for modifying the cable loom
support bracket of the G-route of the
inboard pylons at the pylon-wing
junction. 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.
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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 90
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it takes about 8
work-hours per product to comply with
the modification requirements of this
AD. Required parts will cost about $900
per product. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost for the
inspection specified in this AD on U.S.
operators to be $142,200, or $1,580 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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:07 Jun 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
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):
■
2016–11–19 Airbus: Amendment 39–18546;
Docket No. FAA–2016–3988; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–130–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 22, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
chafing of the feeder cable at the pylon-wing
junction due to vibration; one report revealed
that the cable loom plastic support bracket of
the G-route was broken due to vibration; and
another report revealed wire chafing due to
clamp damage. We are issuing this AD to
prevent chafing of the wiring in the pylonwing area, which could result in an electrical
short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor
zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank
explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Modification of the Feeder Cable
Within 18 months after the effective date
of this AD: Modify the cable loom support
bracket of the G-route 7701VB in the lefthand side of the inboard pylon, and the Groute 7702VB in the right-hand side of the
inboard pylon, located at the pylon-wing
junction, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–92–3132,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–92–4100,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–92–5066,
dated June 25, 2014.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
modification required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, if the modification was performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–92–3132, dated June
19, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–
92–4100, dated June 19, 2014; as applicable.
This service information is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(i) 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 117 / Friday, June 17, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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.
(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.
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015–0142, dated
July 17, 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–
2016–3988.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(4) and (k)(5) of this AD.
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on July 22, 2016.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–92–3132,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–92–4100,
Revision 01, dated May 21, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–92–
5066, dated June 25, 2014.
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:07 Jun 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 May 26,
2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–13105 Filed 6–16–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
39543
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of July 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Fokker Services B.V., Technical
Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL
Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone
+31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31 (0)88–
6280–111; email
technicalservices@fokker.com; Internet
https://www.myfokkerfleet.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–
8467.
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–8467; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–107–AD; Amendment
39–18541; AD 2016–11–14]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
Services B.V. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark
1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a design
review that revealed no controlled
bonding provisions are present on a
number of critical locations inside the
fuel tanks or connected to the walls of
the fuel tanks. This AD requires
installing additional and improved
bonding provisions in the fuel tanks and
revising the airplane maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating fuel airworthiness
limitation items and critical design
configuration control limitations
(CDCCLs). We are issuing this AD to
prevent an ignition source in the fuel
tank vapor space, which could result in
a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective July 22,
2016.
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4700
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You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
8467; 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: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1137;
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 Fokker Services B.V. Model
F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on January 20, 2016
(81 FR 3051) (‘‘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 2014–0108, dated May 8, 2014
(referred to after this the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
E:\FR\FM\17JNR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 117 (Friday, June 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39541-39543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13105]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 117 / Friday, June 17, 2016 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 39541]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-3988; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-130-AD;
Amendment 39-18546; AD 2016-11-19]
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, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and
all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable at the pylon-
wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed that the cable loom
plastic support bracket of the G-route was broken due to vibration; and
another report revealed wire chafing due to clamp damage. This AD
requires modifying the cable loom support bracket of the G-route of the
inboard pylons at the pylon-wing junction. We are issuing this AD to
prevent chafing of the wiring in the pylon-wing area, which could
result in an electrical short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor
zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.
DATES: This AD is effective July 22, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 22,
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-2016-
3988.
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-2016-
3988; 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, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on March 1, 2016 (81 FR 10549) (``the NPRM''). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable at the
pylon-wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed that the
cable loom plastic support bracket of the G-route was broken due to
vibration; and another report revealed wire chafing due to clamp
damage. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the cable loom support
bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons at the pylon-wing
junction. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the wiring in
the pylon-wing area, which could result in an electrical short circuit
near a flammable fluid vapor zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank
explosion.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0142, dated July 17, 2015 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Two events have been reported of feeder cable chafing at the
pylon-wing junction on A330 aeroplanes. Inspection of the affected
area for the first event revealed that the bracket supporting the
cables G-route, made in plastic, was broken. The second event was
due to clamp damage. Failure of support bracket and/or damage of
clamp led to the feeder cables gradually chafing away at the cut-out
edge by vibration. Due to design similarity, A340 aeroplanes are
also affected by this issue.
This condition, if not corrected, could create a short circuit,
in combination with fuel vapour on [the] ground, possibly resulting
in a fire or explosion.
To address this unsafe condition, Airbus developed modifications
to be embodied in service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-
92-3132, SB A340-92-4100 or SB A340-92-5066, as applicable to
aeroplane type and model.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
embodiment of these modifications [of the cable loom support bracket
of the G-route of the inboard pylons] at the pylon/wing junction in
[left-hand] LH and [right-hand] RH wings.
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-2016-
3988.
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.
[[Page 39542]]
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:
Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May 21,
2015.
Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated May 21,
2015.
Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.
This service information describes procedures for modifying the
cable loom support bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons at the
pylon-wing junction. 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 90 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it takes about 8 work-hours per product to
comply with the modification requirements of this AD. Required parts
will cost about $900 per product. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost for the
inspection specified in this AD on U.S. operators to be $142,200, or
$1,580 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):
2016-11-19 Airbus: Amendment 39-18546; Docket No. FAA-2016-3988;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-130-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 22, 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, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F,
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes;
except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 203672 has been
embodied in production.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541,
and -642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable
at the pylon-wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed
that the cable loom plastic support bracket of the G-route was
broken due to vibration; and another report revealed wire chafing
due to clamp damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of
the wiring in the pylon-wing area, which could result in an
electrical short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor zone, and
consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification of the Feeder Cable
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the
cable loom support bracket of the G-route 7701VB in the left-hand
side of the inboard pylon, and the G-route 7702VB in the right-hand
side of the inboard pylon, located at the pylon-wing junction, in
accordance with the applicable service information specified in
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May
21, 2015.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated May
21, 2015.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if the modification was performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-
3132, dated June 19, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100,
dated June 19, 2014; as applicable. This service information is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) 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
[[Page 39543]]
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.
(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0142, dated July 17, 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-2016-3988.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(4) and (k)(5) of this AD.
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
July 22, 2016.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May
21, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated
May 21, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 May 26, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-13105 Filed 6-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P