Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 16245-16247 [2018-07647]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules
5224; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
david.truong@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, 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 Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206–231–3195.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017,
uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, dated December
11, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD
requires repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017:
Except as required by paragraph (i) of this
AD, at the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB,
dated December 11, 2017, do all applicable
actions identified in, and in accordance with,
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377
RB, dated December 11, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:
Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1377, dated
December 11, 2017, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
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 manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–07648 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0270; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–133–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter,
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, A340–
300, A340–500, and A340–600 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that a
functional test to ensure that there is no
blockage of vent pipes was not done on
the trim tank of certain airplanes during
production. This proposed AD would
require doing a trim tank functional test,
and corrective actions if necessary. We
are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.
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.
(k) Related Information
• Mail: U.S. Department of
(1) For more information about this AD,
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
contact David Truong, Aerospace Engineer,
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– Washington, DC 20590.
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Jkt 244001
SUMMARY:
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16245
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—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 Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
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–2018–
0270; 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 NPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–0270; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–133–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2017–0152, dated August 17,
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 Freighter, A330–200,
A330–300, A340–200, A340–300, A340–
500, and A340–600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
It was discovered that the production
functional test to verify the ‘‘Tank Pressures
during Refuel Overflow’’ was not performed
on the Trim Tank (TT) of A330 and A340
aeroplanes up to MSN [manufacturer serial
number] 1711. This test ensures that there is
no blockage of the vent pipes.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead,
in combination with a high level sensor
failure, to an over-pressurisation of the TT
during refueling or during aft fuel transfer,
possibly resulting in a TT rupture and
consequent reduced control of the aeroplane
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus published Service Bulletin (SB)
A330–28–3130, SB A340–28–4140 and SB
A340–28–5061, to provide functional test
instructions.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time functional
test of the TT overflow and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s).
Corrective actions include a general
visual inspection of the aperture leading
to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a
detailed inspection of the flame arrestor,
and blockage removal or repair of any
discrepant NACA duct.
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–2018–
0270.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following
service information:
• Service Bulletin A330–28–3130,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–28–4140,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–28–5061,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
The service information describes
procedures for doing a trim tank
overflow functional test, a general visual
inspection of the aperture leading to the
flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed
inspection of the flame arrestor, and
blockage removal or repair of discrepant
NACA ducts. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different
airplane models. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same
type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 97 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Functional test ........................
16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ................................
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary inspections that would be
Cost per
product
Parts cost
required based on the results of the
proposed test. We have no way of
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$1,360
$131,920
determining the number of aircraft that
might need these inspections:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspections .......................................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................................................
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We have received no definitive data
that would allow us to provide cost
estimates for the blockage removal or
repair of a discrepant NACA duct
specified in this AD.
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
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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.
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$170
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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–2018–0270; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–133–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 31,
2018.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD,
certificated in any category, manufacturer
serial numbers 1 through 1711 inclusive.
(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.
(4) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213
airplanes.
(5) Airbus Model A340–311, –312, and
–313 airplanes.
(6) Airbus Model A340–541 airplanes.
(7) Airbus Model A340–642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that a functional test to ensure that there is
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Jkt 244001
no blockage of vent pipes was not done on
the trim tank of certain airplanes during
production. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct blocked vent pipes, which, in
combination with a high level sensor failure,
could lead to over-pressurization of the trim
tank during refueling or aft fuel transfer. This
could lead to trim tank rupture and
consequent reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Functional Test
Within 42 months after the effective date
of this AD, do a trim tank overflow functional
test in accordance with the instructions of
the service information specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3), as
applicable.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3130,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–4140,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–5061,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017.
(h) Corrective Actions
(1) If, during the functional test required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the trim tank
maximum allowable pressure is exceeded:
Before further flight, contact the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s Design
Organization Approval (DOA) to obtain
instructions for corrective actions, and
within the compliance time indicated in
those instructions accomplish the corrective
actions accordingly.
(2) If, during the functional test required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the trim surge tank
maximum allowable pressure is exceeded:
Before further flight, do a general visual
inspection of the aperture leading to the
flame arrestors (NACA duct) and do a
detailed inspection of the flame arrestor in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
28–3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017;
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–4140,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A340–28–5061, Revision 00,
dated May 18, 2017; as applicable.
(3) If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, any discrepancy
(blockage or damage of the NACA duct) is
found: Before further flight, accomplish the
applicable corrective actions in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3130,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; Airbus
Service Bulletin A340–28–4140, Revision 00,
dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–28–5061, Revision 00, dated
May 18, 2017; as applicable.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
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16247
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 Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(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: 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 Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0152, dated
August 17, 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–2018–0270.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3229.
(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 Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–07647 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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16APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16245-16247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07647]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200,
A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that a functional test to ensure that there
is no blockage of vent pipes was not done on the trim tank of certain
airplanes during production. This proposed AD would require doing a
trim tank functional test, and corrective actions if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office--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 [email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.
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-2018-
0270; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0270;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European
[[Page 16246]]
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0152, dated August
17, 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 Freighter, A330-200, A330-
300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
It was discovered that the production functional test to verify
the ``Tank Pressures during Refuel Overflow'' was not performed on
the Trim Tank (TT) of A330 and A340 aeroplanes up to MSN
[manufacturer serial number] 1711. This test ensures that there is
no blockage of the vent pipes.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead, in combination
with a high level sensor failure, to an over-pressurisation of the
TT during refueling or during aft fuel transfer, possibly resulting
in a TT rupture and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published
Service Bulletin (SB) A330-28-3130, SB A340-28-4140 and SB A340-28-
5061, to provide functional test instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time functional test of the TT overflow and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
Corrective actions include a general visual inspection of the
aperture leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed
inspection of the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of any
discrepant NACA duct.
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-2018-
0270.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following service information:
Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 18,
2017.
Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 18,
2017.
Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 18,
2017.
The service information describes procedures for doing a trim tank
overflow functional test, a general visual inspection of the aperture
leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed inspection of
the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of discrepant NACA
ducts. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 97 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Functional test.................... 16 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,360 $131,920
hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary inspections
that would be required based on the results of the proposed test. We
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
inspections:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections................................ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170. $0 $170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would allow us to provide
cost estimates for the blockage removal or repair of a discrepant NACA
duct specified in this AD.
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.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
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.
[[Page 16247]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 31, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (c)(7) of this AD, certificated in any category,
manufacturer serial numbers 1 through 1711 inclusive.
(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.
(4) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213 airplanes.
(5) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Airbus Model A340-541 airplanes.
(7) Airbus Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that a functional test
to ensure that there is no blockage of vent pipes was not done on
the trim tank of certain airplanes during production. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct blocked vent pipes, which, in
combination with a high level sensor failure, could lead to over-
pressurization of the trim tank during refueling or aft fuel
transfer. This could lead to trim tank rupture and consequent
reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Functional Test
Within 42 months after the effective date of this AD, do a trim
tank overflow functional test in accordance with the instructions of
the service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through
(g)(3), as applicable.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May
18, 2017.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May
18, 2017.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May
18, 2017.
(h) Corrective Actions
(1) If, during the functional test required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, the trim tank maximum allowable pressure is exceeded:
Before further flight, contact the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA); or Airbus's Design Organization Approval (DOA) to
obtain instructions for corrective actions, and within the
compliance time indicated in those instructions accomplish the
corrective actions accordingly.
(2) If, during the functional test required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, the trim surge tank maximum allowable pressure is exceeded:
Before further flight, do a general visual inspection of the
aperture leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct) and do a
detailed inspection of the flame arrestor in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3130,
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-
4140, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; as applicable.
(3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of
this AD, any discrepancy (blockage or damage of the NACA duct) is
found: Before further flight, accomplish the applicable corrective
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017;
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 18,
2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated
May 18, 2017; as applicable.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0152, dated August 17,
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-2018-0270.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
(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 [email protected];
internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07647 Filed 4-13-18; 8:45 am]
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