Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 22907-22910 [2017-10035]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 96 / Friday, May 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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–2017–0472.
(2) For more information about this AD,
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.
(3) 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 May 10,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–10032 Filed 5–18–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–7264; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–185–AD]
We must receive comments on this
SNPRM by July 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: 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 SNPRM, 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.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
7264; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket 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:
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
for certain Airbus Model A330–200,
–200 Freighter, and –300 series
airplanes; and Model A340–500 and
–600 series airplanes. This action
revises the NPRM by including new
inspection locations for certain
airplanes, and removing incorrect part
numbers. We are proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
Since these actions impose an
additional burden over those proposed
in the NPRM, we are reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these proposed
changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 21, 2016 (81 FR 40201),
is reopened.
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SUMMARY:
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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.
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FAA–2016–7264; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–185–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this SNPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
SNPRM 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 SNPRM.
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus Model A330–
200, –200 Freighter, and –300 series
airplanes; and Model A340–500 and
–600 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 21, 2016 (81 FR 40201) (‘‘the
NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by
a quality control review on the final
assembly line, which determined that
the wrong aluminum alloy was used to
manufacture several structural parts.
The NPRM proposed to require a onetime eddy current conductivity
measurement of certain cabin and cargo
compartment structural parts to
determine if an incorrect aluminum
alloy was used, and replacement of any
affected part with a serviceable part.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2017–0021, dated February 8,
2017 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A330–200, –200 Freighter, and
–300 series airplanes; and Model A340–
500 and –600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
Following an Airbus quality control review
on the final assembly line, it was discovered
that wrong aluminum alloy was used to
manufacture several structural parts.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural
integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus published [Service Bulletin] (SB)
A330–53–3261, SB A330–53–3262, and SB
A340–53–5072, as applicable to aeroplane
type/model, to provide instructions to
identify the affected parts. Consequently,
EASA issued AD 2015–0206 to require a onetime special detailed inspection (SDI) [eddy
current conductivity measurements] of
certain cabin and/or cargo compartment parts
for material identification and, depending on
findings, replacement with serviceable parts.
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Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus
identified that the list of affected structural
parts in SB A330–53–3261 was incorrect.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued
SB A330–53–3261 Revision 01 to introduce
the new locations to be inspected and remove
other parts not affected.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2015–0206, which is superseded, and
expands the locations to be inspected.
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–
7264.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service
information:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3261, Revision 01, including
Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated
November 10, 2016.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
3262, including Appendixes 01 and 02,
dated June 23, 2015.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–53–
5072, including Appendixes 01 and 02,
dated June 23, 2015.
The service information describes
procedures for a one-time eddy current
conductivity measurement of certain
cabin and cargo compartment structural
parts to determine if an incorrect
aluminum alloy was used, and
replacement of any affected part with a
serviceable part. This service
information is distinct since it applies to
different parts on different airplanes.
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.
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Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing the NPRM. We
considered the comments received.
Request To Change Compliance Time
American Airlines (AA) asked that we
change the compliance time for the oncondition replacement specified in
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD (in the
NPRM) from ‘‘before further flight’’ to
‘‘within 6 years after the effective date
of the AD, or within 12 years from the
aeroplane date of manufacture,
whichever occurs first’’ to correspond
with the compliance time in the EASA
AD. AA stated that this would provide
more flexibility to operators in order to
have a better plan to procure the parts
and accomplish the replacement
without extended downtime if the
replacement parts are not immediately
available after doing the inspection.
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We agree with the commenter for the
reasons provided. We have changed the
compliance time specified in paragraph
(h) of this proposed AD accordingly.
Request To Correct Typographical
Error
AA asked that we correct a
typographical error specified in the
second box of Figure A–GFAAA, Sheet
02, ‘‘Inspection Flowchart,’’ of the
service information identified in
paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of the
proposed AD (in the NPRM). AA stated
that the conductivity measurement
should specify Sigma 60 instead of
Sigma 480.
We agree that the conductivity
measurement specified in the second
box of the specified inspection
flowchart is incorrect. We have added
paragraph (i) to this proposed AD to
specify this exception to the inspection
flowchart in the service information. We
have redesignated subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Additional Changes to This Proposed
AD
As stated previously, we have revised
this proposed AD to include new
inspection locations for certain
airplanes, and to remove incorrect part
numbers from table 1 to paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this proposed AD.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This SNPRM
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Certain changes described above
expand the scope of the NPRM. As a
result, we have determined that it is
necessary to reopen the comment period
to provide additional opportunity for
the public to comment on this SNPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 37 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 17 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
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this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $53,465, or $1,445 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any oncondition repairs would take about 45
work-hours and would require parts
costing $0, for a cost of $3,825 per
product. We have no way of
determining the number of aircraft that
might need these repairs.
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a
result, we have included all available
costs in our cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 96 / Friday, May 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–7264;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–185–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
–223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303,
–321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers
identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
53–3261, Revision 01, dated November 10,
2016; and/or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
53–3262, dated June 23, 2015.
(2) Airbus Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 1030,
1040, 1079, 1091, 1102, and 1122.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a quality control
review on the final assembly line, which
determined that the wrong aluminum alloy
was used to manufacture several structural
parts. We are issuing this AD to detect and
replace structural parts made of incorrect
aluminum alloy. This condition could result
in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) One-time Measurement
Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this
AD: Within 6 years after the effective date of
this AD, but not exceeding 12 years since the
date of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness;
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do a one-time eddy current conductivity
measurement of the cabin and cargo
compartment structural parts identified in
the ‘‘Affected Part Number’’ column of table
1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD to
determine if an incorrect aluminum alloy
was used, 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) For cargo compartment structural parts
for Model A330 airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–53–3261, Revision 01,
including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated
November 10, 2016.
(2) For cabin structural parts for Model
A330 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–53–3262, including Appendixes 01
and 02, dated June 23, 2015; except part
number F5377004320300, which is located in
the ‘‘cabin’’ area, but must be inspected in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–53–3261, Revision 01, including
Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November
10, 2016.
(3) For cargo compartment structural parts
for Model A340 airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–53–5072, including
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated June 23, 2015.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPHS (g) AND (h)
OF THIS AD—PARTS TO BE INSPECTED/INSTALLED
Acceptable
replacement
part number
Affected
part number
F5347126620600
F5347126621000
F5377004320300
F5347170420400
F5347170420600
G5367131300000
G5367173700000
G5367173800000
Area
F5347126620000
F5347126620400
F5377004320351
F5347170420400
F5347170420600
G5367131300000
G5367173700000
G5367173800000
Cabin.
Cabin.
Cabin.
Cargo.
Cargo.
Cargo.
Cargo.
Cargo.
(h) Replacement
If during the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, any affected part
having a part number specified in table 1 to
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD is found to
have a measured value greater than that
specified in Figure A–GFAAA, Sheet 02,
‘‘Inspection Flowchart,’’ of the applicable
service information identified in paragraphs
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, except as
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within
6 years after the effective date of this AD, but
not exceeding 12 years since the date of
issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness,
replace the affected part with an acceptable
replacement part having a part number
specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h)
of this AD, 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) Exception to Certain Service Information
Where Figure A–GFAAA, Sheet 02,
‘‘Inspection Flowchart,’’ of the service
information identified in paragraphs (g)(2)
and (g)(3) of this AD specifies to ‘‘do the
conductivity (s) measurement with 60kHz
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22909
(refer to Appendix 01) s480 = ll MS/m,’’
the correct conductivity measurement is
‘‘s60 = ll MS/m.’’
(j) Additional Inspection for Certain
Airplanes
For Model A330 airplanes on which the
inspection and replacement, as applicable,
specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD
were done before the effective date of this
AD, in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–53–3261, dated June 23, 2015:
Within 6 years after the effective date of this
AD, but not exceeding 12 years since the date
of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness,
do a one-time eddy current conductivity
measurement of structural parts having part
number (P/N) G5367131300000, P/N
G5367173700000, and P/N G5367173800000,
located in fuselage section 15, in accordance
with the ‘‘Additional Work’’ section of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–53–3261, Revision 01,
including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated
November 10, 2016.
(k) Replacement
If during the inspection required by
paragraph (j) of this AD, any affected part
having a part number specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD is found to have a measured
value greater than that specified in Figure A–
GFAAA, Sheet 02, ‘‘Inspection Flowchart,’’
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3261,
Revision 01, including Appendixes 01, 02,
and 03, dated November 10, 2016: Within 6
years after the effective date of this AD, but
not exceeding 12 years since the date of
issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness,
replace the affected part with an acceptable
replacement part having a part number
specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h)
of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–53–3261, Revision 01,
including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated
November 10, 2016.
(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 the
person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM116-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
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be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0021, dated
February 8, 2017, 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–2016–7264.
(2) For more information about this AD,
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.
(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. 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 May 8,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–10035 Filed 5–18–17; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6429; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–117–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to supersede Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2015–05–02, which applies to all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320–211,
–212, –214, –231, –232, and –233, and
A321 series airplanes. This action
revises the NPRM by proposing to
require revising the maintenance or
inspection program to incorporate new
or revised structural inspection
requirements and adding airplanes to
the applicability. We are proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products. Since these actions
impose an additional burden over that
proposed in the NPRM, we are
reopening the comment period to allow
the public the chance to comment on
these proposed changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 11, 2016 (81 FR 29198),
is reopened.
We must receive comments on this
SNPRM by July 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 SNPRM, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 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;
SUMMARY:
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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–
6429; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
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–2016–6429; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–117–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this SNPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
SNPRM because of 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 SNPRM.
Discussion
On February 25, 2015, we issued AD
2015–05–02, Amendment 39–18112 (80
FR 15152, March 23, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–
05–02’’). AD 2015–05–02 requires
actions intended to address an unsafe
condition on all Airbus Model A318,
A319, A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233, and A321 series
airplanes.
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD to supersede
AD 2015–05–02 that would apply to
E:\FR\FM\19MYP1.SGM
19MYP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 96 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22907-22910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10035]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-7264; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-185-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300
series airplanes; and Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. This
action revises the NPRM by including new inspection locations for
certain airplanes, and removing incorrect part numbers. We are
proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Since these actions impose an additional
burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment
period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed
changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 21, 2016 (81 FR 40201), is reopened.
We must receive comments on this SNPRM by July 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: 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 SNPRM, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45
80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7264; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket 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:
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-2016-7264;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-185-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
SNPRM 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 SNPRM.
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300
series airplanes; and Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2016 (81 FR 40201)
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a quality control review on
the final assembly line, which determined that the wrong aluminum alloy
was used to manufacture several structural parts. The NPRM proposed to
require a one-time eddy current conductivity measurement of certain
cabin and cargo compartment structural parts to determine if an
incorrect aluminum alloy was used, and replacement of any affected part
with a serviceable part.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0021, dated February 8, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-500
and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Following an Airbus quality control review on the final assembly
line, it was discovered that wrong aluminum alloy was used to
manufacture several structural parts.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the
structural integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published
[Service Bulletin] (SB) A330-53-3261, SB A330-53-3262, and SB A340-
53-5072, as applicable to aeroplane type/model, to provide
instructions to identify the affected parts. Consequently, EASA
issued AD 2015-0206 to require a one-time special detailed
inspection (SDI) [eddy current conductivity measurements] of certain
cabin and/or cargo compartment parts for material identification
and, depending on findings, replacement with serviceable parts.
[[Page 22908]]
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus identified that the list
of affected structural parts in SB A330-53-3261 was incorrect.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued SB A330-53-3261 Revision
01 to introduce the new locations to be inspected and remove other
parts not affected.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0206, which is superseded, and expands
the locations to be inspected.
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-
7264.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261, Revision 01,
including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November 10, 2016.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3262, including Appendixes
01 and 02, dated June 23, 2015.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-5072, including Appendixes
01 and 02, dated June 23, 2015.
The service information describes procedures for a one-time eddy
current conductivity measurement of certain cabin and cargo compartment
structural parts to determine if an incorrect aluminum alloy was used,
and replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part. This
service information is distinct since it applies to different parts on
different airplanes. 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing the
NPRM. We considered the comments received.
Request To Change Compliance Time
American Airlines (AA) asked that we change the compliance time for
the on-condition replacement specified in paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD (in the NPRM) from ``before further flight'' to ``within 6 years
after the effective date of the AD, or within 12 years from the
aeroplane date of manufacture, whichever occurs first'' to correspond
with the compliance time in the EASA AD. AA stated that this would
provide more flexibility to operators in order to have a better plan to
procure the parts and accomplish the replacement without extended
downtime if the replacement parts are not immediately available after
doing the inspection.
We agree with the commenter for the reasons provided. We have
changed the compliance time specified in paragraph (h) of this proposed
AD accordingly.
Request To Correct Typographical Error
AA asked that we correct a typographical error specified in the
second box of Figure A-GFAAA, Sheet 02, ``Inspection Flowchart,'' of
the service information identified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of
the proposed AD (in the NPRM). AA stated that the conductivity
measurement should specify Sigma 60 instead of Sigma 480.
We agree that the conductivity measurement specified in the second
box of the specified inspection flowchart is incorrect. We have added
paragraph (i) to this proposed AD to specify this exception to the
inspection flowchart in the service information. We have redesignated
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Additional Changes to This Proposed AD
As stated previously, we have revised this proposed AD to include
new inspection locations for certain airplanes, and to remove incorrect
part numbers from table 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this proposed
AD.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on
this SNPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 37 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 17 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $53,465, or $1,445
per product.
In addition, we estimate that any on-condition repairs would take
about 45 work-hours and would require parts costing $0, for a cost of
$3,825 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these repairs.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our
cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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.
[[Page 22909]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-7264; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
185-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F,
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes,
manufacturer serial numbers identified in Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-53-3261, Revision 01, dated November 10, 2016; and/or Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-53-3262, dated June 23, 2015.
(2) Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, manufacturer
serial numbers 1030, 1040, 1079, 1091, 1102, and 1122.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a quality control review on the final
assembly line, which determined that the wrong aluminum alloy was
used to manufacture several structural parts. We are issuing this AD
to detect and replace structural parts made of incorrect aluminum
alloy. This condition could result in reduced structural integrity
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) One-time Measurement
Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 6 years
after the effective date of this AD, but not exceeding 12 years
since the date of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the original export
certificate of airworthiness; do a one-time eddy current
conductivity measurement of the cabin and cargo compartment
structural parts identified in the ``Affected Part Number'' column
of table 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD to determine if an
incorrect aluminum alloy was used, 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) For cargo compartment structural parts for Model A330
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261, Revision 01,
including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November 10, 2016.
(2) For cabin structural parts for Model A330 airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-53-3262, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated
June 23, 2015; except part number F5377004320300, which is located
in the ``cabin'' area, but must be inspected in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261, Revision 01, including
Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November 10, 2016.
(3) For cargo compartment structural parts for Model A340
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-5072, including
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated June 23, 2015.
Table 1 to Paragraphs (g) and (h) of This AD--Parts To Be Inspected/
Installed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable replacement
Affected part number part number Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
F5347126620600 F5347126620000 Cabin.
F5347126621000 F5347126620400 Cabin.
F5377004320300 F5377004320351 Cabin.
F5347170420400 F5347170420400 Cargo.
F5347170420600 F5347170420600 Cargo.
G5367131300000 G5367131300000 Cargo.
G5367173700000 G5367173700000 Cargo.
G5367173800000 G5367173800000 Cargo.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Replacement
If during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any affected part having a part number specified in table 1 to
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD is found to have a measured value
greater than that specified in Figure A-GFAAA, Sheet 02,
``Inspection Flowchart,'' of the applicable service information
identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD,
except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 6 years after
the effective date of this AD, but not exceeding 12 years since the
date of issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the
date of issuance of the original export certificate of
airworthiness, replace the affected part with an acceptable
replacement part having a part number specified in table 1 to
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, 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) Exception to Certain Service Information
Where Figure A-GFAAA, Sheet 02, ``Inspection Flowchart,'' of the
service information identified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of
this AD specifies to ``do the conductivity ([sigma]) measurement
with 60kHz (refer to Appendix 01) [sigma]480 = __ MS/m,'' the
correct conductivity measurement is ``[sigma]60 = __ MS/m.''
(j) Additional Inspection for Certain Airplanes
For Model A330 airplanes on which the inspection and
replacement, as applicable, specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD were done before the effective date of this AD, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261, dated June 23,
2015: Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD, but not
exceeding 12 years since the date of issuance of the original
certificate of airworthiness or the date of issuance of the original
export certificate of airworthiness, do a one-time eddy current
conductivity measurement of structural parts having part number (P/
N) G5367131300000, P/N G5367173700000, and P/N G5367173800000,
located in fuselage section 15, in accordance with the ``Additional
Work'' section of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-53-3261, Revision 01, including Appendixes 01, 02, and
03, dated November 10, 2016.
(k) Replacement
If during the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD,
any affected part having a part number specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD is found to have a measured value greater than that
specified in Figure A-GFAAA, Sheet 02, ``Inspection Flowchart,'' of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261, Revision 01, including
Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November 10, 2016: Within 6 years
after the effective date of this AD, but not exceeding 12 years
since the date of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the date of issuance of the original export
certificate of airworthiness, replace the affected part with an
acceptable replacement part having a part number specified in table
1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3261,
Revision 01, including Appendixes 01, 02, and 03, dated November 10,
2016.
(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 the person
identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 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
[[Page 22910]]
be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0021, dated February 8,
2017, 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-2016-7264.
(2) For more information about this AD, 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.
(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. 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 May 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10035 Filed 5-18-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P