Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 24017-24020 [2017-10281]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6,
Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1),
dated November 16, 2016.
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) and (2) of this
AD: This service information contains
German to English translation. The EASA
used the English translation in referencing
the document. For enforceability purposes,
we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren
service information as it appears on the
document.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816)
329–4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC on any
glider to which the AMOC applies, notify
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in
the FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2016–0254, dated
December 15, 2016, correction dated January
4, 2017, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0158.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische
Mitteilung (English translation: Service
Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6, Ausgabe 1 (English
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16,
2016.
(ii) Reserved.
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD:
This service information contains German to
English translation. The EASA used the
English translation in referencing the
document. For enforceability purposes, we
will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service
information as it appears on the document.
(3) For Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH service
information identified in this AD, contact
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152,
71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; telephone:
+49 703 1301–0; fax: +49 703 1301–136;
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email: aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet:
https://aircraft.solo-online.com.
(4) You may review this referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329–4148. The MCAI can be found in
the AD docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA2017-0158-0002.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
15, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–10392 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
24017
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of June 29, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of September 25, 2014 (79 FR
49449, August 21, 2014).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33
5 61 93 45 80; email:
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet: https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9524.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9524; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone: 800–647–
5527) is Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–1138;
fax: 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9524; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–049–AD; Amendment
39–18891; AD 2017–10–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–16–
19 for all Airbus Model A330–200
Freighter, –200, and –300 series
airplanes. AD 2014–16–19 required
revision of the maintenance or
inspection program to include certain
fuel airworthiness limitations. This new
AD requires revision of the maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to
include new fuel airworthiness
limitations. This new AD also removes
certain airplanes from the applicability
of AD 2014–16–19. This AD was
prompted by the issuance of more
restrictive fuel airworthiness
limitations. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective June 29,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
DATES:
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Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2014–16–19,
Amendment 39–17943 (79 FR 49449,
August 21, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–16–19’’).
AD 2014–16–19 applied to all Airbus
Model A330–200 Freighter, –200, and
–300 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2017 (82 FR 734). The NPRM
was prompted by the issuance of more
restrictive fuel airworthiness
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limitations. The NPRM proposed to
require revision of the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
include new fuel airworthiness
limitations. The NPRM also proposed to
remove certain airplanes from the
applicability of AD 2014–16–19. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the potential
of ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0065,
dated April 5, 2016 (referred to after this
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Model A330–200
Freighter series airplanes, Model A330–
200 series airplanes, Model A330–300
series airplanes; and Model A340–200
series airplanes, Model A340–300 series
airplanes, Model A340–500 series
airplanes, and Model A340–600 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Prompted by an accident * * *, the
Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) published
Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)
88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. A
design review was conducted by Airbus to
develop Fuel Airworthiness Limitations
(FAL) for Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes
in response to these regulations.
The FAL, which are approved by EASA,
are defined and published in Airbus A330
and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) documents known as Part 5. Failure to
comply with these instructions could result
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss
of the aeroplane.
EASA issued AD 2012–0168 [which
corresponds with FAA AD 2014–16–19 for
Model A330 airplanes, and FAA AD 2013–
26–03, Amendment 39–17712 (78 FR 79292,
December 30, 2013) for Model A340
airplanes] to require compliance with the
FAL as specified in the A330 and A340 ALS
Part 5 Revision 00.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus
issued Revision 01 of both ALS Parts 5 for
Airbus A330 and A340 to introduce more
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or
airworthiness limitations.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2012–0168, which is superseded, and
requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5 Revision
01, A340 ALS Part 5 Revision 01, as
applicable (hereafter collectively referred to
as ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD).
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9524.
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Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comment received. The
Air Line Pilots Association,
International expressed support for the
NPRM.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data,
including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Airbus A330
Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated
October 28, 2015. These airworthiness
limitations introduce more restrictive
fuel airworthiness limitations. This
service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 104
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2014–16–
19, and retained in this AD, take about
1 work-hour per product, at an average
labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the actions that are required by AD
2014–16–19 is $85 per product.
We also estimate that it will take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $8,840, or $85 per
product.
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:
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General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014–16–19, Amendment 39–17943 (79
FR 49449, August 21, 2014), and adding
the following new AD:
■
2017–10–17 Airbus: Amendment 39–18891;
Docket No. FAA–2016–9524; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–049–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
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(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014–16–19,
Amendment 39–17943 (79 FR 49449, August
21, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–16–19’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3)
of this AD, certificated in any category, with
an original certificate of airworthiness or
original export certificate of airworthiness
issued on or before October 28, 2015.
(1) Airbus Model A330–223F and –243F
airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
–223, and –243 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A330–301, –302, –303,
–321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the issuance of
more restrictive fuel airworthiness
limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent
the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision
and Airworthiness Limitations Compliance,
With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2014–16–19, with no
changes.
(1) Within 3 months after September 25,
2014 (the effective date of AD 2014–16–19),
revise the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations (FAL), dated November 16, 2011.
(2) Comply with all applicable instructions
and airworthiness limitations included in
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL, dated
November 16, 2011. The initial compliance
times for the actions specified in Airbus
A330 ALS Part 5—FAL, dated November 16,
2011, are at the later of the times specified
in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this
AD, except as required by paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD.
(i) Within the applicable compliance times
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL,
dated November 16, 2011.
(ii) Within 3 months after accomplishing
the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
(h) Retained Exceptions to Compliance
Times for Design Changes, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions
specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2014–16–19,
with no changes.
(1) For type design changes specified in
‘‘Sub-part 5–2 Changes to Type Design,’’ of
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Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL, dated
November 16, 2011, the compliance times are
defined as ‘‘Embodiment Limits,’’ except as
defined in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL,
dated November 16, 2011, specifies a
compliance time based on a calendar date for
modifying the control circuit for the fuel
pump of the center fuel tank (installing
ground fault interrupters to the center tank
fuel pump control circuit), the compliance
date is September 18, 2016 (48 months after
the effective date of AD 2012–16–05,
Amendment 39–17152 (77 FR 48425, August
14, 2012)).
(i) Retained No Alternative Actions,
Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With Added
Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (i) of AD 2014–16–19, with an
added exception. Except as required by
paragraph (j) of this AD: After accomplishing
the revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be
used; except as specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD; or unless the actions, intervals, or
CDCCLs are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(j) New Requirement of This AD: Revise the
Maintenance or Inspection Program
Within 3 months after the effective date of
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus
A330 ALS Part 5—FAL, Revision 01, dated
October 28, 2015. The compliance times for
accomplishing the initial tasks specified in
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL, Revision 01,
dated October 28, 2015, are at the times
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5—FAL,
Revision 01, dated October 28, 2015, or
within 3 months after revising the
maintenance or inspection program as
required by paragraph (j) of this AD,
whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the
revision required by this paragraph
terminates the actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(k) New Requirement of This AD: No
Alternative Actions, Intervals, or CDCCLs
After accomplishing the revision required
by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions,
intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an
AMOC in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) 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
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24019
to the International Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@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: As of the
effective date of this AD, for any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2016–0065, dated April 5, 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–2016–9524.
(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.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on June 29, 2017.
(i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated
October 28, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on September 25, 2014 (79
FR 49449, August 21, 2014).
(i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations (FAL), dated November 16, 2011.
The cover page of this document is undated
and identified as Revision 00.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
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(7) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–10281 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9075; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–082–AD; Amendment
39–18890; AD 2017–10–16]
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 787–8 and
787–9 airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report indicating that a portion of
the sealant above the engine pylon
between the wing skin and the vapor
barrier might have been omitted. This
AD requires an inspection for missing
sealant in the seam on the outside and
inside of the engine struts, and
corrective actions if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 29,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of June 29, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
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Support for the NPRM
Examining the AD Docket
Request To Refer to Revised Service
Information
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9075; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
RIN 2120–AA64
SUMMARY:
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9075.
David Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6501;
fax: 425–917–6590; email: david.a.lee@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 15, 2016 (81 FR
63433). The NPRM was prompted by a
report indicating that a portion of the
sealant above the engine pylon between
the wing skin and the vapor barrier
might have been omitted. The NPRM
proposed to require an inspection for
missing sealant in the seam on the
outside and inside of the engine struts,
and corrective actions if necessary. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct
missing sealant above the engine pylon
between the wing skin and the vapor
barrier, which can create an unintended
leak path for fuel, potentially draining
onto the aft fairing heat shield above the
engine and onto hot engine parts or
brakes, which could lead to a major
ground fire.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Boeing and United Airlines (UAL)
expressed support for the NPRM.
UAL requested that we revise the
proposed AD to refer to Issue 002 of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–
81205–SB570029–00. UAL stated that it
disagrees with the finish requirement
being an RC task. UAL pointed out that
there is already an airworthiness
limitation (AWL)/Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations
(CDCCL) task, 51–AWL–01, for a paint
requirement on the wing, resulting in a
redundant AD requirement. UAL
explained that Boeing plans to revise
the service information to remove the
requirement for applying finish over the
newly applied sealant as a required for
compliance (RC) task.
We do not agree with UAL’s request
to revise this AD. When we incorporate
service information by reference, we
refer to approved or published service
information. At the time of this action,
Issue 002 of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin B78781205–SB570029–00 is
not approved or published. We do not
consider that delaying this action until
after the release of a service bulletin
revision is warranted. Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin B787–81205–
SB570029–00, Issue 001, dated February
23, 2016, provides instructions that
adequately address the missing sealant
above the engine pylon between the
wing skin and the vapor barrier, and
provides the necessary steps to restore
the finish disturbed by the required
work.
In addition, although UAL stated that
Boeing plans to eliminate the RC
designation for the finish restoration
steps, Boeing has not received
agreement from the FAA that such a
proposal would be approved. The
proper restoration of the finish, and
particularly the thickness of the entire
set of finish layers, is safety critical for
the reasons stated in the related AWL.
We do not view the AD requirement for
finish restoration to be redundant
relative to the AWL. The AWL requires
that, following maintenance, alteration,
and repair activity, the finish must be
restored to the specifications contained
in the AWL. We, therefore, expect the
data used for any maintenance,
alteration, or repair activity that disturbs
that finish (in this case Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin B787–81205–
SB570029–00, Issue 001, dated February
23, 2016) to contain instructions that
result in restoration of the finish to the
standard contained in the AWL. For
E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM
25MYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24017-24020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10281]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9524; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-049-AD;
Amendment 39-18891; AD 2017-10-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16-19 for
all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes.
AD 2014-16-19 required revision of the maintenance or inspection
program to include certain fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD
requires revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to include new fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD
also removes certain airplanes from the applicability of AD 2014-16-19.
This AD was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
September 25, 2014 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet: https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2016-9524.
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-
9524; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1138;
fax: 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449,
August 21, 2014) (``AD 2014-16-19''). AD 2014-16-19 applied to all
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2017 (82 FR 734).
The NPRM was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel
airworthiness
[[Page 24018]]
limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revision of the maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to include new fuel airworthiness
limitations. The NPRM also proposed to remove certain airplanes from
the applicability of AD 2014-16-19. We are issuing this AD to prevent
the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2016-0065, dated April 5, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series
airplanes, Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200 series airplanes, Model A340-300 series
airplanes, Model A340-500 series airplanes, and Model A340-600 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Prompted by an accident * * *, the Federal Aviation Authority
(FAA) published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and
the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/
POL/25/12. A design review was conducted by Airbus to develop Fuel
Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) for Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes
in response to these regulations.
The FAL, which are approved by EASA, are defined and published
in Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
documents known as Part 5. Failure to comply with these instructions
could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the
aeroplane.
EASA issued AD 2012-0168 [which corresponds with FAA AD 2014-16-
19 for Model A330 airplanes, and FAA AD 2013-26-03, Amendment 39-
17712 (78 FR 79292, December 30, 2013) for Model A340 airplanes] to
require compliance with the FAL as specified in the A330 and A340
ALS Part 5 Revision 00.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus issued Revision 01 of
both ALS Parts 5 for Airbus A330 and A340 to introduce more
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness
limitations.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0168, which is superseded, and requires
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5
Revision 01, A340 ALS Part 5 Revision 01, as applicable (hereafter
collectively referred to as `the ALS' in this [EASA] AD).
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9524.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Air Line Pilots
Association, International expressed support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 5--Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated
October 28, 2015. These airworthiness limitations introduce more
restrictive fuel airworthiness limitations. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2014-16-19, and retained in this AD,
take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions
that are required by AD 2014-16-19 is $85 per product.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be $8,840, or $85 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014), and
adding the following new AD:
2017-10-17 Airbus: Amendment 39-18891; Docket No. FAA-2016-9524;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-049-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
[[Page 24019]]
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449,
August 21, 2014) (``AD 2014-16-19'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, with
an original certificate of airworthiness or original export
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 28, 2015.
(1) Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision and Airworthiness Limitations
Compliance, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2014-16-19, with no changes.
(1) Within 3 months after September 25, 2014 (the effective date
of AD 2014-16-19), revise the maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 5--Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), dated
November 16, 2011.
(2) Comply with all applicable instructions and airworthiness
limitations included in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November
16, 2011. The initial compliance times for the actions specified in
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011, are at the
later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii)
of this AD, except as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
(i) Within the applicable compliance times specified in Airbus
A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011.
(ii) Within 3 months after accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Retained Exceptions to Compliance Times for Design Changes, With No
Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph
(h) of AD 2014-16-19, with no changes.
(1) For type design changes specified in ``Sub-part 5-2 Changes
to Type Design,'' of Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16,
2011, the compliance times are defined as ``Embodiment Limits,''
except as defined in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011,
specifies a compliance time based on a calendar date for modifying
the control circuit for the fuel pump of the center fuel tank
(installing ground fault interrupters to the center tank fuel pump
control circuit), the compliance date is September 18, 2016 (48
months after the effective date of AD 2012-16-05, Amendment 39-17152
(77 FR 48425, August 14, 2012)).
(i) Retained No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With Added Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2014-16-19, with an added exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used; except as specified
in paragraph (h) of this AD; or unless the actions, intervals, or
CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this
AD.
(j) New Requirement of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection
Program
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision 01, dated October 28, 2015.
The compliance times for accomplishing the initial tasks specified
in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision 01, dated October 28, 2015,
are at the times specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision
01, dated October 28, 2015, or within 3 months after revising the
maintenance or inspection program as required by paragraph (j) of
this AD, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision required
by this paragraph terminates the actions required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
(k) New Requirement of This AD: No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or
CDCCLs
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (j) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) 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 attention of
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: As of the effective date of
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0065, dated April 5, 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-2016-9524.
(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.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 29, 2017.
(i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5--
Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated October 28,
2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
September 25, 2014 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014).
(i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5--
Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), dated November 16, 2011. The
cover page of this document is undated and identified as Revision
00.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
[[Page 24020]]
(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10281 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
