Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 62672-62676 [2016-21163]

Download as PDF 62672 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Proposed Rules paragraph (i) of this AD, after accomplishing the revisions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used other than those specified in Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, of the EMBRAER 170 MRBR MRB–1621, Revision 7, dated November 11, 2010; and EMBRAER Temporary Revision 7–1, dated February 11, 2011, to Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, of the EMBRAER 170 MRBR MRB–1621, Revision 7, unless the actions, intervals, and/ or CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (i) New Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the airworthiness limitations specified in Part 1—‘‘Certification Maintenance Requirements;’’ Part 2— ‘‘Airworthiness Limitation Inspections (ALI)—Structures;’’ Part 3—‘‘Fuel System Limitation Items;’’ and Part 4—‘‘Life Limited Items;’’ of Appendix A—‘‘Airworthiness Limitations;’’ of the EMBRAER 170/175 MRBR, MRB–1621, Revision 10, dated February 23, 2015. The initial compliance times and repetitive intervals are specified in the applicable part of the EMBRAER 170/175 MRBR, MRB–1621, Revision 10, dated February 23, 2015. Accomplishing the revision to the maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (j) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, CDCCLs After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1622; fax 425–227–1320. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:07 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 ˆ the Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil ¸˜ (ANAC); or ANAC’s authorized Designee. If approved by the ANAC Designee, the approval must include the Designee’s authorized signature. (l) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2015–06–01, effective June 2, 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–2014–0059. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Embraer S.A., Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro ˜ Faria Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sao Jose dos Campos—SP—BRASIL; telephone +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax +55 12 3927–7546; email distrib@ embraer.com.br; Internet https:// www.flyembraer.com. You may review copies of the 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2016. John P. Piccola, Jr., Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–21145 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9069; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–012–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–16– 02, for all Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. AD 2015–16–02 currently requires revising the maintenance program or inspection program to incorporate certain maintenance SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requirements and airworthiness limitations. Since we issued AD 2015– 16–02, we received a revision of an airworthiness limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and systems. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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. 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– 9069; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. E:\FR\FM\12SEP1.SGM 12SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Proposed Rules 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: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2016–9069; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–012–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion On July 28, 2015, we issued AD 2015– 16–02, Amendment 39–18227 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–16– 02’’). AD 2015–16–02 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. Since we issued AD 2015–16– 02, Airbus issued Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, which introduce new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0011, dated January 13, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. The MCAI states: The airworthiness limitations are currently defined and published in the Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The airworthiness limitations applicable to the System Equipment Maintenance Requirements, which are approved by EASA, are specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. EASA issued AD 2013–0268 (for A330 aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:07 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 2015–16–02] and AD 2013–0269 (for A340 aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2014–23–17, Amendment 39–18033 (79 FR 71304, December 2, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–23– 17’’)] to require the actions as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4 at Revision 04 and Revision 03, respectively. Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, Airbus issued Revision 05 and Revision 04, respectively, of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4, which introduce new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013–0268 and AD 2013–0269, which are superseded, and require accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 Revision 05, or A340 ALS Part 4 Revision 04, as applicable (hereafter collectively referred to as ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD). 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– 9069. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4— System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015. This service information describes preventative maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations applicable to aircraft systems susceptible to aging effects. 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. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information EASA AD 2016–0012, dated January 13, 2016, specifies that if there are findings from the ALS inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 62673 AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD. In addition, the FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the applicability of FAA ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into an operator’s maintenance or inspection program. Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes. In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been approved by the FAA. When a TC is issued for a type design, the specific ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design referenced in the manufacturer’s conformity statement. This obligation may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part of their type design. To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most recent ALS revision into their maintenance/ inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type design. However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly delivered airplanes containing a E:\FR\FM\12SEP1.SGM 12SEP1 62674 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Proposed Rules later revision than that specified in an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier AD. This proposed AD therefore would apply to Airbus airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the TC data sheet. This proposed AD does not include Model A340 series airplanes in the applicability. AD 2014–23–17 currently address the identified unsafe condition for the Model A340 series airplanes. We have also added EASA AD 2016–0012, dated January 13, 2016, to the required airworthiness action list (RAAL) for the Model A340 series airplanes. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Maintenance or inspection program revision [retained actions from AD 2015-16-02]. Maintenance or inspection program revision [new proposed action]. 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. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:07 Sep 09, 2016 $0 $170 $17,680 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 0 170 17,680 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 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); Jkt 238001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–16–02, Amendment 39–18227 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015), and adding the following new AD: ■ Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–9069; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–012–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 27, 2016. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2015–16–02, Amendment 39–18227 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–16–02’’). PO 00000 Cost on U.S. operators 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 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. Regulatory Findings Cost per product Parts cost Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus A330–201, A330–202, A330–203, A330–223, A330–243, A330–223F, A330–243F, A330–301, A330– 302, A330–303, A330–321, A330–322, A330– 323, A330–341, A330–342, and A330–343 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 19, 2015. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision and Actions With No Changes This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2015–16–02, with no changes. Within 6 months after September 15, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015–16– 02), revise the maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, and Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. The initial compliance times for the actions are within the applicable compliance times specified in the Record of Revisions pages of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4— E:\FR\FM\12SEP1.SGM 12SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Proposed Rules asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014, or within 6 months after September 15, 2015, whichever is later, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. (h) Retained Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times With References to New Service Information This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2015–16–02, with references to new service information. (1) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4— System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for elevator servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800–2, SC4800–3, SC4800–4, SC4800–6, SC4800–7, or SC4800–8 as ’’August 31, 2004,’’ the calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months after August 13, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004–13–25, Amendment 39–13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004))). (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4— System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) having P/N 1386A0000–01, P/N 1386B0000–01, P/N 1387A0000–01 or P/N 1387B0000–01 as ’’December 31, 2003,’’ the calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months after October 19, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004–18–14, Amendment 39–13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004))). (3) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4— System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800–73, SC4800–93, SC4800– 103 and SC4800–113 as ’’June 30, 2008,’’ the calendar compliance time is September 16, 2009 (17 months after April 16, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008–06–07, Amendment 39–15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)))). (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the retraction brackets of the main landing gear (MLG) having a part number specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (h)(4)(xvi) of this AD is before the accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the affected retraction brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours after April 9, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012–04–07, Amendment 39–16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012)), whichever occurs later. (i) 201478303. (ii) 201478304. (iii) 201478305. (iv) 201478306. (v) 201478307. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:07 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 (vi) 201478308. (vii) 201428380. (viii) 201428381. (ix) 201428382. (x) 201428383. (xi) 201428384. (xii) 201428385. (xiii) 201428378. (xiv) 201428379. (xv) 201428351. (xvi) 201428352. (5) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4— System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for the modification of SSCs on three hydraulic circuits having part numbers MZ4339390–01X, MZ4306000–01X, MZ4339390–02X, MZ4306000–02X, MZ4339390–10X, or MZ4306000–10X as ‘‘March 5, 2010,’’ the calendar compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009–18–20, Amendment 39–16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009))). (6) Where Note (6) of ‘‘ATA 27–64–00 Flight Control—Spoiler Hydraulic Actuation,’’ of Sub-part 4–2–1, ‘‘Life Limits,’’ of Sub-part 4–2, ‘‘Systems Life Limited Components,’’ of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4— Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or Note (17) of SubPart 1 ‘‘Life Limits’’ of Section 3 ‘‘System Life-Limited Components’’ of A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar date of ‘‘September 5, 2008,’’ as a date for the determination of accumulated flight cycles since the aircraft initial entry into service, the date is October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009–18–20, Amendment 39–16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009)). (7) Where Note (6) of ‘‘ATA 27–64–00 Flight Control—Spoiler Hydraulic Actuation,’’ of Sub-part 4–2–1, ‘‘Life Limits,’’ of Sub-part 4–2, ‘‘Systems Life Limited Components,’’ of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4— Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or Note (17) of SubPart 1 ‘‘Life Limits’’ of Section 3 ‘‘System Life-Limited Components’’ of A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time as ‘‘March 5, 2010,’’ for the modification of affected servo controls, the calendar compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009–18–20, Amendment 39–16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009))). (i) Retained No Alternative Actions or Intervals With Revised Compliance Language This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2015–16–02, with revised compliance language. Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 62675 method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. (j) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance Program Revision and Actions Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015. The initial compliance times for the actions specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, are within the applicable compliance times specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Accomplishing the revision of the maintenance program or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) New Requirement of This AD: No Alternative Actions or Intervals After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. (l) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) 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: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. (i) 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. (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015–16–02 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of 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 E:\FR\FM\12SEP1.SGM 12SEP1 62676 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Proposed Rules 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. [Docket No. FAA–2016–9057; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–055–AD] also remove certain airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent safety-significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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@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. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9057; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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: (m) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2016–0011, dated January 13, 2016, 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–2016–9069. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet: https://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2016. John P. Piccola, Jr., Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–21163 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–26– 08, for all Airbus Model A330–200, –200F, and –300 series airplanes. AD 2014–26–08 currently requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. Since we issued AD 2014– 26–08, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised airworthiness limitation requirements. This proposed AD would asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:07 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2016–9057; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–055–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion On December 19, 2014, we issued AD 2014–26–08, Amendment 39–18059 (80 FR 3866, January 26, 2015) (‘‘AD 2014– 26–08’’). AD 2014–26–08 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330– 200, –200F, and –300 series airplanes. Since we issued AD 2014–26–08, we have determined that more restrictive instructions and airworthiness limitations are necessary. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016–0066, dated April 6, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Model A330– 200, –200F, and –300 series airplanes. The MCAI states: The airworthiness limitations are currently defined and published in the Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations applicable to the Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), which are approved by EASA, are specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 3. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. EASA issued AD 2013–0245 (A330 aeroplanes) and AD 2013–0021 (A340 aeroplanes) to require the actions as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 3 at Revision 04 and Revision 02, respectively. Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, Airbus issued Revision 05 and Revision 03, respectively, of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 3, to introduce more restrictive maintenance requirements. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013–0245 and [EASA] AD 2013–0021, E:\FR\FM\12SEP1.SGM 12SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62672-62676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21163]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9069; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-012-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-16-
02, for all Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. AD 2015-16-02 currently 
requires revising the maintenance program or inspection program to 
incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations. Since we issued AD 2015-16-02, we received a revision of 
an airworthiness limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new 
and more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations for airplane structures and systems. This proposed AD would 
require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate 
new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced 
control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.

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-
9069; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

[[Page 62673]]


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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9069; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-012-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On July 28, 2015, we issued AD 2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 
FR 48019, August 11, 2015) (``AD 2015-16-02''). AD 2015-16-02 requires 
actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model 
A330 series airplanes. Since we issued AD 2015-16-02, Airbus issued 
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 
19, 2015, which introduce new and more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and/or airworthiness limitations.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0011, dated January 13, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations are currently defined and 
published in the Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) documents. The airworthiness limitations applicable to 
the System Equipment Maintenance Requirements, which are approved by 
EASA, are specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4. Failure to 
comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
    EASA issued AD 2013-0268 (for A330 aeroplanes) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2015-16-02] and AD 2013-0269 (for A340 
aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-23-17, Amendment 39-
18033 (79 FR 71304, December 2, 2014) (``AD 2014-23-17'')] to 
require the actions as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4 
at Revision 04 and Revision 03, respectively.
    Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, Airbus issued Revision 05 
and Revision 04, respectively, of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4, 
which introduce new and more restrictive maintenance requirements 
and/or airworthiness limitations.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0268 and AD 2013-0269, which are 
superseded, and require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 Revision 05, or A340 ALS Part 4 Revision 04, 
as applicable (hereafter collectively referred to as `the ALS' in 
this [EASA] AD).

    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-
9069.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--
System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015. This service information describes preventative 
maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations 
applicable to aircraft systems susceptible to aging effects. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    EASA AD 2016-0012, dated January 13, 2016, specifies that if there 
are findings from the ALS inspection tasks, corrective actions must be 
accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. 
However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators 
of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and 
operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are 
acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to 
address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS 
inspections required by this proposed AD.
    In addition, the FAA recently became aware of an issue related to 
the applicability of FAA ADs that require incorporation of an ALS 
revision into an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
    Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation 
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered 
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD 
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
    In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an 
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in 
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or 
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as 
specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been 
approved by the FAA.
    When a TC is issued for a type design, the specific ALS, including 
revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified in 14 CFR 
21.31(c).
    The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is 
an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design 
referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation 
may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS 
revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part 
of their type design.
    To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods 
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most 
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu 
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict 
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type 
design.
    However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we 
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection 
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS 
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure 
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly 
delivered airplanes containing a

[[Page 62674]]

later revision than that specified in an AD, we plan to limit the 
applicability of ADs that mandate ALS revisions to those airplanes that 
are subject to an earlier revision of the ALS, either as part of the 
type design or as mandated by an earlier AD.
    This proposed AD therefore would apply to Airbus airplanes 
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD with an original certificate of 
airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness that was 
issued on or before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified 
in this proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued after that date must comply with the airworthiness 
limitations specified as part of the approved type design and 
referenced on the TC data sheet.
    This proposed AD does not include Model A340 series airplanes in 
the applicability. AD 2014-23-17 currently address the identified 
unsafe condition for the Model A340 series airplanes. We have also 
added EASA AD 2016-0012, dated January 13, 2016, to the required 
airworthiness action list (RAAL) for the Model A340 series airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                             Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                   Action                                             Labor cost                            Parts cost        product        operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance or inspection program revision   2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170.........................              $0            $170         $17,680
 [retained actions from AD
 2015[dash]16[dash]02].
Maintenance or inspection program revision   2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170.........................               0             170          17,680
 [new proposed action].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-9069; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
012-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 27, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 FR 48019, 
August 11, 2015) (``AD 2015-16-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-
223, A330-243, A330-223F, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, 
A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before October 19, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness 
limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new and more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations 
for airplane structures and systems. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these 
airplanes due to the failure of system components.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision and Actions With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-16-02, with no changes. Within 6 months after September 15, 
2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-16-02), revise the maintenance 
program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--Aging 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, and Airbus 
A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and 
Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. The initial compliance 
times for the actions are within the applicable compliance times 
specified in the Record of Revisions pages of Airbus A330 ALS Part 
4--

[[Page 62675]]

Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 
4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014, or within 6 months 
after September 15, 2015, whichever is later, except as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Retained Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times With References to 
New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-16-02, with references to new service information.
    (1) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for elevator 
servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, SC4800-3, SC4800-
4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as ''August 31, 2004,'' the 
calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months after August 
13, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 
(69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004))).
    (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for spoiler 
servo-controls (SSCs) having P/N 1386A0000-01, P/N 1386B0000-01, P/N 
1387A0000-01 or P/N 1387B0000-01 as ''December 31, 2003,'' the 
calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months after 
October 19, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-
13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004))).
    (3) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for elevator 
servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, SC4800-103 and 
SC4800-113 as ''June 30, 2008,'' the calendar compliance time is 
September 16, 2009 (17 months after April 16, 2008 (the effective 
date of AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)))).
    (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the 
retraction brackets of the main landing gear (MLG) having a part 
number specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (h)(4)(xvi) of this 
AD is before the accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the 
affected retraction brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours 
after April 9, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 
39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012)), whichever occurs later.
    (i) 201478303.
    (ii) 201478304.
    (iii) 201478305.
    (iv) 201478306.
    (v) 201478307.
    (vi) 201478308.
    (vii) 201428380.
    (viii) 201428381.
    (ix) 201428382.
    (x) 201428383.
    (xi) 201428384.
    (xii) 201428385.
    (xiii) 201428378.
    (xiv) 201428379.
    (xv) 201428351.
    (xvi) 201428352.
    (5) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, or A330 ALS Part 4-- System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time for the 
modification of SSCs on three hydraulic circuits having part numbers 
MZ4339390-01X, MZ4306000-01X, MZ4339390-02X, MZ4306000-02X, 
MZ4339390-10X, or MZ4306000-10X as ``March 5, 2010,'' the calendar 
compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009))).
    (6) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, or Note (17) of Sub-Part 1 ``Life Limits'' of Section 3 
``System Life-Limited Components'' of A330 ALS Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar date of ``September 5, 2008,'' 
as a date for the determination of accumulated flight cycles since 
the aircraft initial entry into service, the date is October 14, 
2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)).
    (7) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, or Note (17) of Sub-Part 1 ``Life Limits'' of Section 3 
``System Life-Limited Components'' of A330 ALS Part 4--System 
Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015, define a calendar compliance time as ``March 5, 
2010,'' for the modification of affected servo controls, the 
calendar compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 
14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 
(74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009))).

(i) Retained No Alternative Actions or Intervals With Revised 
Compliance Language

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-16-02, with revised compliance language. Except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of 
this AD.

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance Program Revision and 
Actions

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 
05, dated October 19, 2015. The initial compliance times for the 
actions specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 4--System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, are within the applicable 
compliance times specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 4--System Equipment Maintenance Requirements 
(SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, or within 60 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, except as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Accomplishing the revision of 
the maintenance program or inspection program required by this 
paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) New Requirement of This AD: No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) 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.
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-16-02 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of 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

[[Page 62676]]

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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0011, dated January 13, 2016, 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-2016-9069.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
Internet: https://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21163 Filed 9-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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