Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 63691-63694 [2016-22178]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201–440–6700; Internet https:// www.dassaultfalcon.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 September 7, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–22177 Filed 9–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9108; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–133–AD; Amendment 39–18655; AD 2016–19–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330–200, Model A330– 300, Model A340–200, and Model A340–300 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of certain escape slides on the left and right sides of the airplane, and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator on certain escape slides might have been damaged because of incorrect packing during overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged aspirators on escape slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate an escape slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and consequent injury to occupants. DATES: This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:04 Sep 15, 2016 Jkt 238001 of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3, 2016. We must receive comments on this AD by October 31, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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 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– 9108. 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– 9108; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 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: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 63691 Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016–0137R1, dated July 21, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter, Model A330–200, Model A330–300, Model A340–200, and Model A340–300 series airplanes. The MCAI states: It has been reported that some door 3, Type 1, escape slides Part Number (P/N) 7A1509series may have sustained damage to the slide aspirator, due to an incorrect packing during last overhaul. This damage affects the air inlet end of the slide aspirator by either permanently deforming the inlet, or leading to cracks in the supply line to the aspirator nozzle. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the slide aspirator to perform its intended function to inflate the evacuation slide, preventing slide deployment during an emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the aeroplane and consequent injury to occupants. Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A25L009–16 to provide instructions to identify and replace the affected slides. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016– 0137, requiring identification of the door 3, Type 1, slide installed on the aeroplane, and, depending on findings, the replacement of the slide with a serviceable part. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was identified that affected slides cannot be installed on aeroplanes embodying optional Airbus mod 40161. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to reduce the Applicability, by excluding aeroplanes that have embodied Airbus mod 40161 in production. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9108. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A25L009–16, dated July 7, 2016. The service information describes procedures for the identifying the part number and serial number of door 3, Type 1, escape slides and replacing the escape slides. 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. E:\FR\FM\16SER1.SGM 16SER1 63692 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and consequent injury to occupants. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2016–9108; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–133– AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspection ........................................................ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $8,840 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this replacement: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement ................................................................. 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................... $45,000 $45,170 Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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. 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. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:04 Sep 15, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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): ■ 2016–19–06 Airbus: Amendment 39–18655; Docket No. FAA–2016–9108; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–133–AD. E:\FR\FM\16SER1.SGM 16SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those that have embodied Airbus Modification 40161 in production. (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and –243 airplanes. (2) Airbus Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes. (3) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, and –213 airplanes. (4) Airbus Model A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator on certain door 3, Type 1, escape slides might have been damaged because of incorrect packing during overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged aspirators on door 3, Type 1, escape slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and consequent injury to occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection To Determine Part Number and Serial Number Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the door 3, Type 1, escape slides on the left and right 63693 sides of the airplane, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A25L009–16, dated July 7, 2016. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the door 3, Type 1, escape slides can be conclusively determined from that review. Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Airbus AOT A25L009–16, dated July 7, 2016, lists the corresponding airplane manufacturer serial numbers on which the affected slides (specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD) were re-installed after the last maintenance. That list of airplane manufacturer serial numbers is for information only because a potentially affected slide might have been removed from an airplane and later re-installed on another airplane. TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPHS (g), (i), AND (j) OF THIS AD—AFFECTED SLIDES Slide part No. 7A1509–027 7A1509–037 7A1509–123 7A1509–125 Slide serial No. .................................... .................................... .................................... .................................... AD0918, AD0975, AD0979, AD1111, and AD1155. AD0488, AD0759, AD0942, AD0960, AD1025, AD1033, AD1034, AD1080, and AD1184. AD1231, AD1232, AD1450, AD1565, AD1730, AD1737, AD1805, AD1822, and AD1860. AD1769, AD1780, AD1781, AD1816, AD1834, AD1841, AD1862, AD1869, AD2066, AD2103, AD2104, AD2178, AD2223, AD2263, AD2279, AD2301, AD2407, AD2409, and AD2497. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES (h) Corrective Action If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any door 3, Type 1, escape slide having a part number and a serial number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD is found: At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, replace each affected door 3, Type 1, escape slide with a serviceable escape slide, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A25L009–16, dated July 7, 2016. (1) For affected slides on both the left and right sides of the airplane: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, after identification as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace at least one slide; and, within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace the second slide. (2) For one affected slide on either the left or right side of the airplane: Within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace the slide. (i) Serviceable Escape Slide For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable escape slide is a brand new escape slide or one that has a part number and serial number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i) and (j) of this AD and was overhauled after May 1, 2016. (j) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, an affected slide having a part number and serial VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:04 Sep 15, 2016 Jkt 238001 number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD may be installed on any airplane at the door 3, Type 1, position, provided it can be positively determined that the slide was overhauled after May 1, 2016. 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. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (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 (l) Related Information PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016–0137R1, dated July 21, 2016, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9108. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A25L009–16, dated July 7, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For E:\FR\FM\16SER1.SGM 16SER1 63694 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–22178 Filed 9–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 42 [Public Notice: 9700] Why is the Department promulgating this rule? RIN 1400–AD98 Visas: Diversity Immigrants State Department. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule is promulgated to clarify that photographs submitted as part of a diversity visa lottery entry package must have been taken no more than six months before the date the entry is made and prohibit applicants from wearing eyeglasses in photographs. DATES: This rule is effective on October 17, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Lage, Legislation and Regulations Division, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State, 600 19th St. NW., Washington, DC 20006, (202) 485–7585. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES What changes are in the amended rule? The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered annually by the Department of State (‘‘Department’’). Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1153(c), provides for a class of immigrants known as ‘‘diversity immigrants’’ from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. From millions of applicants, certain individuals are selected through a randomized computer drawing (‘‘selectees’’) for consideration for one of the 50,000 available diversity visa numbers. These selectees are then given the opportunity to apply for a diversity immigrant visa or if present in the United States to apply for adjustment of status. To qualify for a visa, these ‘‘selectees’’ must meet certain VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:04 Sep 15, 2016 requirements provided for at INA 203(c), 8 U.S.C. 1153(c), and 22 CFR 42.33. Previously, 22 CFR 42.33(b)(2) required that photographs submitted with the diversity visa petition to be ‘‘recent.’’ 22 CFR 42.33(b)(2)(vii) only prohibited the wearing of sunglasses and other paraphernalia in photographs. The Department is amending the rule by adding a new subparagraph at § 42.33(b)(2)(iv) to require that the photograph be taken no more than six months prior to the date of the submission, and amending the photograph requirement to prohibit eyeglasses. The Department is also making a minor change by replacing ‘‘electronic entry form’’ with ‘‘petition’’ in the opening sentence of § 42.33(b)(2) to be consistent with the other parts of § 42.33(b). Jkt 238001 The Department receives unauthorized entries for the diversity visa lottery each year, including entries submitted by criminal enterprises. Requiring a new photograph be submitted each year reduces the ability for a third party to submit entries without an applicant’s knowledge. The added specificity also will support the Department’s practice of automatically disqualifying any applications for which a duplicate photograph was submitted, which also reduces the possibility of fraud, including fraud committed by criminal enterprises. Regulatory Findings Administrative Procedure Act This regulation is exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) as it involves a foreign affairs function of the United States and, therefore, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1), is exempt from the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553. Since this rulemaking is exempt from section 553, the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553(d) do not apply, and this rulemaking is effective immediately. Regulatory Flexibility Act/Executive Order 13272: Small Business Because this final rule is exempt from notice-and-comment rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 553, it is exempt from the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604). Nonetheless, consistent with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the Department certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1532) generally requires agencies to prepare a statement before proposing any rule that may result in an annual expenditure of $100 million or more by State, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector. This rule will not result in any such expenditure, nor will it significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 This rule is not a major rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804. The Department is aware of no monetary effect on the U.S. economy that will result from this rulemaking. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 The Department has reviewed this rule to ensure its consistency with the regulatory philosophy and principles set forth in Executive Order 12866, and has determined that the benefits of this regulation outweigh any cost. The Department has considered this rule in light of Executive Order 13563 and affirms that this regulation is consistent with the guidance therein. The Department does not consider this rule to be a significant rulemaking action. Executive Orders 12372 and 13132: Federalism This regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. The rule will not have federalism implications warranting the application of Executive Orders 12372 and 13132. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform The Department has reviewed the regulation in light of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988 to eliminate ambiguity, minimize litigation, establish clear legal standards, and reduce burden. Executive Order 13175—Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments The Department has determined that this rulemaking will not have tribal implications, will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal governments, and will not pre-empt tribal law. Accordingly, the requirements of Section 5 of Executive Order 13175 do not apply to this rulemaking. E:\FR\FM\16SER1.SGM 16SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 180 (Friday, September 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63691-63694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22178]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9108; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-133-AD; 
Amendment 39-18655; AD 2016-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, Model A330-300, Model A340-200, and Model A340-
300 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the 
part number and serial number of certain escape slides on the left and 
right sides of the airplane, and replacement if necessary. This AD was 
prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator on certain escape 
slides might have been damaged because of incorrect packing during 
overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged 
aspirators on escape slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate an 
escape slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an 
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the 
airplane and consequent injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3, 
2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 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-
9108.

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-
9108; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 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: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0137R1, dated July 21, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200 Freighter, Model A330-200, Model A330-300, Model A340-200, and 
Model A340-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    It has been reported that some door 3, Type 1, escape slides 
Part Number (P/N) 7A1509-series may have sustained damage to the 
slide aspirator, due to an incorrect packing during last overhaul. 
This damage affects the air inlet end of the slide aspirator by 
either permanently deforming the inlet, or leading to cracks in the 
supply line to the aspirator nozzle.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the slide aspirator to perform its intended function to 
inflate the evacuation slide, preventing slide deployment during an 
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from 
the aeroplane and consequent injury to occupants.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A25L009-16 to provide instructions to identify 
and replace the affected slides.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0137, requiring identification 
of the door 3, Type 1, slide installed on the aeroplane, and, 
depending on findings, the replacement of the slide with a 
serviceable part.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was identified that affected 
slides cannot be installed on aeroplanes embodying optional Airbus 
mod 40161.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
reduce the Applicability, by excluding aeroplanes that have embodied 
Airbus mod 40161 in production.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9108.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A25L009-16, dated 
July 7, 2016. The service information describes procedures for the 
identifying the part number and serial number of door 3, Type 1, escape 
slides and replacing the escape slides. 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.

[[Page 63692]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape slide could 
prevent deployment of the escape slide during an emergency, possibly 
resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and 
consequent injury to occupants. Therefore, we determined that notice 
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9108; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-NM-133-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85           $8,840
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement 
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement..................................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $45,000          $45,170
                                                $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2016-19-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18655; Docket No. FAA-2016-9108; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-133-AD.

[[Page 63693]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, 
all manufacturer serial numbers, except those that have embodied 
Airbus Modification 40161 in production.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator 
on certain door 3, Type 1, escape slides might have been damaged 
because of incorrect packing during overhaul. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct damaged aspirators on door 3, Type 1, escape 
slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape 
slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an 
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from 
the airplane and consequent injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Part Number and Serial Number

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do an 
inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the 
door 3, Type 1, escape slides on the left and right sides of the 
airplane, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A25L009-16, dated July 7, 2016. A 
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the door 3, Type 
1, escape slides can be conclusively determined from that review.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Airbus AOT A25L009-16, 
dated July 7, 2016, lists the corresponding airplane manufacturer 
serial numbers on which the affected slides (specified in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD) were re-installed after the 
last maintenance. That list of airplane manufacturer serial numbers 
is for information only because a potentially affected slide might 
have been removed from an airplane and later re-installed on another 
airplane.


   Table 1 to Paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of This AD--Affected Slides
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Slide part No.                      Slide serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7A1509-027........................  AD0918, AD0975, AD0979, AD1111, and
                                     AD1155.
7A1509-037........................  AD0488, AD0759, AD0942, AD0960,
                                     AD1025, AD1033, AD1034, AD1080, and
                                     AD1184.
7A1509-123........................  AD1231, AD1232, AD1450, AD1565,
                                     AD1730, AD1737, AD1805, AD1822, and
                                     AD1860.
7A1509-125........................  AD1769, AD1780, AD1781, AD1816,
                                     AD1834, AD1841, AD1862, AD1869,
                                     AD2066, AD2103, AD2104, AD2178,
                                     AD2223, AD2263, AD2279, AD2301,
                                     AD2407, AD2409, and AD2497.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any door 3, Type 1, escape slide having a part number and a serial 
number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this 
AD is found: At the applicable compliance time specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, replace each 
affected door 3, Type 1, escape slide with a serviceable escape 
slide, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission A25L009-16, dated July 7, 2016.
    (1) For affected slides on both the left and right sides of the 
airplane: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, after 
identification as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace at 
least one slide; and, within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the second slide.
    (2) For one affected slide on either the left or right side of 
the airplane: Within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace the slide.

(i) Serviceable Escape Slide

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable escape slide is a 
brand new escape slide or one that has a part number and serial 
number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i) and (j) of this 
AD and was overhauled after May 1, 2016.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, an affected slide having a 
part number and serial number identified in table 1 to paragraphs 
(g), (i), and (j) of this AD may be installed on any airplane at the 
door 3, Type 1, position, provided it can be positively determined 
that the slide was overhauled after May 1, 2016.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0137R1, dated July 21, 2016, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9108.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A25L009-16, dated July 
7, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For

[[Page 63694]]

information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22178 Filed 9-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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