Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 10968-10971 [2017-03019]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 32 / Friday, February 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9574; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–063–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes;
Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–
600R series airplanes, and Model A300
C4–605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300–600
series airplanes); and Model A310 series
airplanes. This proposed AD is intended
to complete certain mandated programs
intended to support the airplane
reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of
the engineering data that support the
established structural maintenance
program. This proposed AD would
require inspecting the forward
passenger doors to identify the part
number, and for affected doors,
inspecting to identify existing repairs
and corrective actions if necessary. We
are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 3, 2017.
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: Deliver to Mail
address above 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—EAW, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93
36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email:
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet: https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
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SUMMARY:
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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–
9574; 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–2125;
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–2016–9574; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–063–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
As described in FAA Advisory
Circular 120–104 (https://www.faa.gov/
documentLibrary/media/Advisory_
Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs
have been developed to support
initiatives that will ensure the
continued airworthiness of aging
airplane structure. The last element of
those initiatives is the requirement to
establish an LOV of the engineering data
that support the structural maintenance
program under 14 CFR 26.21. This
proposed AD is the result of an
assessment of the previously established
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programs by the DAH during the
process of establishing the LOV for the
affected airplanes. The actions specified
in this proposed AD are necessary to
complete certain programs to ensure the
continued airworthiness of aging
airplane structure and to support an
airplane reaching its LOV.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0079,
dated April 21, 2016 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Model A300 series
airplanes; Model A300 B4–600, B4–
600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model
A300–600 series airplanes); and Model
A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
In the frame of the ‘‘Ageing Aeroplane
Safety Rule Project’’, a review of the A300,
A300–600 and A310 Structural Repair
Manuals (SRMs) was performed against
Fatigue and Damage Tolerance criteria to
satisfy the ageing aeroplane regulation.
As a result of this review, some repairs
concerning the forward passenger door
flanges were identified as no longer
applicable and had to be de-activated. Those
repairs may however have been
accomplished on some aeroplanes passenger
door flanges prior to de-activation of the
repair.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural
integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A300–
52–0180, SB A300–52–6084 and SB A310–
52–2076 to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires identification of the
forward passenger door part number (P/N)
and a one-time Detailed Inspection (DET) of
the forward passenger door frame segments
inner flanges for SRM repair embodied and,
depending on the results from the
identification and inspection,
accomplishment of corrective action(s) [e.g.,
repair].
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–
9574.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following Airbus
service information:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–
0180, Revision 01, dated October 14,
2014.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A310–52–
2076, Revision 01, dated October 14,
2014.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 32 / Friday, February 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules
• Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–
6084, Revision 01, dated October 14,
2014.
The service information describes
procedures for inspecting the forward
passenger doors on the left- and righthand sides to identify the part number,
and for affected doors, inspecting to
identify existing repairs and corrective
actions if necessary. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models. 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 these same
type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 128 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Part number inspection .......................................................
Reporting for forward passenger door having P/N A521–
71851–000 or P/N A521–71851–001.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ........
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ........
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary corrective actions that
would be required based on the results
of the part number inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of
Parts cost
Cost per
product
$0
0
$85
85
Cost on U.S.
operators
$10,880.
Up to 10,880.
airplanes that might need these
corrective actions:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Detailed inspection .......................................................
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 ...........................
$0
$595
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for other on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this proposed AD is 2120–
0056. The paperwork cost associated
with this proposed AD has been
detailed in the Costs of Compliance
section of this document and includes
time for reviewing instructions, as well
as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all
reporting associated with this proposed
AD is mandatory. Comments concerning
the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at 800
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
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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
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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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 32 / Friday, February 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–9574;
Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–063–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 3,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C,
B2–203, B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203
airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
airplanes.
(4) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
airplanes.
(5) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes.
(6) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222,
–304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD is intended to complete certain
mandated programs intended to support the
airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV)
of the engineering data that support the
established structural maintenance program.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
widespread fatigue damage of the forward
passenger doors, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Parts Identification
Within 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, or before exceeding the applicable
airplane design service goal specified in table
1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Identify the part number on the
forward passenger doors on the left-hand and
right-hand sides, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–0180,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6084,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–52–2076,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g) OF THIS AD—DESIGN SERVICE GOAL
Airplane model/series
A300
A300
A300
A300
Design service goal flight cycles or flight hours
B2–100, B2–200, B2–320 ............................
B4–100 .........................................................
B4–200 .........................................................
B4–600, B4–600R, F4–600R, C4–600R ......
A310–200 ...............................................................
A310–300 ...............................................................
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(h) Corrective Actions
(1) For airplanes on which no forward
passenger door having part number (P/N)
A521–71851–000 or P/N A521–71851–001 is
found to be installed, after identifying the
part number as specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD: No further action is required for
these airplanes.
(2) For airplanes on which any forward
passenger door having P/N A521–71851–000
or P/N A521–71851–001 is found to be
installed, after identifying the part number as
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Before
further flight, do a detailed inspection of all
frame segment inner flanges of the forward
passenger doors with the affected part
numbers for installed repairs, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(i) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes:
Before further flight, do applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–52–0180, Revision 01,
dated October 14, 2014. Where Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–52–0180, Revision 01,
dated October 14, 2014, specifies to contact
Airbus for appropriate action, and specifies
that action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for
Compliance): Before further flight,
accomplish corrective actions in accordance
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Before the accumulation of 48,000 total flight cycles.
Before the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles.
Before the accumulation of 34,000 total flight cycles.
Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles or 67,500 total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
Before the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles or 60,000 total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
Before the accumulation of 35,000 total flight cycles or 60,000 total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
with the procedures specified in paragraph
(l)(2) of this AD.
(ii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300–600
series airplanes on which the repair principle
A310 Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 52–
10–00, page block (PB) 201, Figure 209, or
A300–600 SRM 52–10–00, PB 201, Figure
206, as applicable, is not embodied on any
inner flange, no further action is required for
these airplanes.
(iii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300–600
series airplanes on which the repair principle
A310 SRM 52–10–00, PB 201, Figure 209, or
A300–600 SRM 52–10–00, PB 201, Figure
206, as applicable, is embodied on at least
one inner flange: Before further flight, do
applicable corrective actions, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6084,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A310–52–2076,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014, as
applicable. Where Airbus Service Bulletins
A300–52–6084, Revision 01, dated October
14, 2014; and A310–52–2076, Revision 01,
dated October 14, 2014, specify to contact
Airbus for appropriate action, and specify
that action as ‘‘RC’’: Before further flight,
accomplish corrective actions in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph
(l)(2) of this AD.
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(i) Reporting Requirement
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, report the
results of the inspection required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to Airbus Service
Bulletin Reporting Online Application on
Airbus World (https://w3.airbus.com/).
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) Parts Installation Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may replace a forward passenger door
on any airplane, unless the replacement door
has been inspected in accordance with the
requirements of this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the
applicable service information identified in
paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–0180,
dated September 23, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6084,
dated September 23, 2014.
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(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–52–2076,
dated September 23, 2014.
(l) 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:
Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone: 425–227–2125; fax: 425–227–
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference
this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
(4) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
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the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0079, dated
April 21, 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–
2016–9574.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61
93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@
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 January
20, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–03019 Filed 2–16–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0068; Directorate
Identifier 2014–SW–076–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Romtex
Anjou Aeronautique (Romtex) Torso
Restraint Systems
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Romtex
torso restraint systems (restraint
systems) installed on but not limited to
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2,
AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and
AS355NP helicopters. This proposed
AD would require replacing certain
restraint system buckles. This proposed
AD is prompted by a report of several
restraint system buckle knobs breaking.
The proposed actions are intended to
correct an unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 18, 2017.
DATES:
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10971
You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
ADDRESSES:
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–2017–
0068; 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 proposed AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, the economic 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 service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Romtex
Anjou Aeronautique, Strada Livezii nr.
98, 550042, Sibiu, Romania; telephone
+40 269 243 918; email seatbelts@
anjouaero.com. You may review the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5116; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 32 (Friday, February 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10968-10971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03019]
[[Page 10968]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9574; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-063-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310
series airplanes. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain
mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit
of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established
structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would require
inspecting the forward passenger doors to identify the part number, and
for affected doors, inspecting to identify existing repairs and
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 3, 2017.
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: Deliver to Mail address above 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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93
44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@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-
9574; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125;
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-2016-9574;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-063-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
As described in FAA Advisory Circular 120-104 (https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs
have been developed to support initiatives that will ensure the
continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure. The last element
of those initiatives is the requirement to establish an LOV of the
engineering data that support the structural maintenance program under
14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the result of an assessment of the
previously established programs by the DAH during the process of
establishing the LOV for the affected airplanes. The actions specified
in this proposed AD are necessary to complete certain programs to
ensure the continued airworthiness of aging airplane structure and to
support an airplane reaching its LOV.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2016-0079, dated April 21, 2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes;
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600
series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
In the frame of the ``Ageing Aeroplane Safety Rule Project'', a
review of the A300, A300-600 and A310 Structural Repair Manuals
(SRMs) was performed against Fatigue and Damage Tolerance criteria
to satisfy the ageing aeroplane regulation.
As a result of this review, some repairs concerning the forward
passenger door flanges were identified as no longer applicable and
had to be de-activated. Those repairs may however have been
accomplished on some aeroplanes passenger door flanges prior to de-
activation of the repair.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the
structural integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued
Service Bulletin (SB) A300-52-0180, SB A300-52-6084 and SB A310-52-
2076 to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
identification of the forward passenger door part number (P/N) and a
one-time Detailed Inspection (DET) of the forward passenger door
frame segments inner flanges for SRM repair embodied and, depending
on the results from the identification and inspection,
accomplishment of corrective action(s) [e.g., repair].
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-
9574.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following Airbus service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
[[Page 10969]]
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
The service information describes procedures for inspecting the
forward passenger doors on the left- and right-hand sides to identify
the part number, and for affected doors, inspecting to identify
existing repairs and corrective actions if necessary. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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 these
same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Part number inspection.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $10,880.
hour = $85.
Reporting for forward passenger door 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 Up to 10,880.
having P/N A521-71851-000 or P/N hour = $85.
A521-71851-001.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary corrective
actions that would be required based on the results of the part number
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that
might need these corrective actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Detailed inspection.......................... 7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $595
$595.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for other on-condition actions specified in this
proposed AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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:
[[Page 10970]]
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):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-9574; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
063-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and
B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs
intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct widespread fatigue damage of the forward passenger doors,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Parts Identification
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, or before
exceeding the applicable airplane design service goal specified in
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever occurs later:
Identify the part number on the forward passenger doors on the left-
hand and right-hand sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated
October 14, 2014.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Design Service Goal
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Design service goal flight cycles
Airplane model/series or flight hours
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A300 B2-100, B2-200, B2-320......... Before the accumulation of 48,000
total flight cycles.
A300 B4-100......................... Before the accumulation of 40,000
total flight cycles.
A300 B4-200......................... Before the accumulation of 34,000
total flight cycles.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R, C4- Before the accumulation of 30,000
600R. total flight cycles or 67,500
total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
A310-200............................ Before the accumulation of 40,000
total flight cycles or 60,000
total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
A310-300............................ Before the accumulation of 35,000
total flight cycles or 60,000
total flight hours, whichever
occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Corrective Actions
(1) For airplanes on which no forward passenger door having part
number (P/N) A521-71851-000 or P/N A521-71851-001 is found to be
installed, after identifying the part number as specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD: No further action is required for these
airplanes.
(2) For airplanes on which any forward passenger door having P/N
A521-71851-000 or P/N A521-71851-001 is found to be installed, after
identifying the part number as specified in paragraph (g) of this
AD: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of all frame
segment inner flanges of the forward passenger doors with the
affected part numbers for installed repairs, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(i) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes: Before further flight, do
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, Revision 01,
dated October 14, 2014. Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014, specifies to contact Airbus for
appropriate action, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required
for Compliance): Before further flight, accomplish corrective
actions in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(l)(2) of this AD.
(ii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on
which the repair principle A310 Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 52-
10-00, page block (PB) 201, Figure 209, or A300-600 SRM 52-10-00, PB
201, Figure 206, as applicable, is not embodied on any inner flange,
no further action is required for these airplanes.
(iii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on
which the repair principle A310 SRM 52-10-00, PB 201, Figure 209, or
A300-600 SRM 52-10-00, PB 201, Figure 206, as applicable, is
embodied on at least one inner flange: Before further flight, do
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01,
dated October 14, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076,
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014, as applicable. Where Airbus
Service Bulletins A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014;
and A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014, specify to
contact Airbus for appropriate action, and specify that action as
``RC'': Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this
AD.
(i) Reporting Requirement
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2)
of this AD, report the results of the inspection required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting
Online Application on Airbus World (https://w3.airbus.com/).
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(j) Parts Installation Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may replace a
forward passenger door on any airplane, unless the replacement door
has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service
information identified in paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of
this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, dated September 23,
2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, dated September 23,
2014.
[[Page 10971]]
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, dated September 23,
2014.
(l) 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: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; fax: 425-227-1149. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(4) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0079, dated April 21, 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-2016-9574.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@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 January 20, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03019 Filed 2-16-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
