Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 25412-25415 [2018-11680]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO 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 ECO Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. You may email
your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Barbara Caufield, Aerospace
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7146; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
barbara.caufield@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety
Agency AD 2017–0103, dated June 14, 2017,
for more information. You may examine the
EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 May 31, 2018
Jkt 244001
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
1138.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Austro Engine GmbH,
Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A–2700 Weiner
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000;
fax: +43 2622 23000–2711; internet:
www.austroengine.at. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 23, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11378 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0491; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–158–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more
restrictive maintenance requirements
and airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This proposed AD would
require revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
incorporate new or more restrictive
maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 16, 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—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 Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
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–
0491; 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3225.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 May 31, 2018
Jkt 244001
FAA–2018–0491; Product Identifier
2017–NM–158–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
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2017–0206, dated October 12,
2017 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI
states:
The airworthiness limitations for the
Airbus A310 aeroplanes, which are approved
by EASA, are currently defined and
published in the Airbus A310 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The
Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation
Items are specified in the A310 ALS Part 2.
These instructions have been identified as
mandatory for continuing airworthiness.
Failure to accomplish these instructions
could result in an unsafe condition.
EASA previously issued AD 2016–0217
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2017–21–08,
Amendment 39–19079 (82 FR 48904, October
23, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–21–08’’)] to require
compliance with the maintenance
requirements and associated airworthiness
limitations defined in Airbus A310 ALS Part
2 Revision 01, Variation 1.1 and Variation
1.2.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or
more restrictive maintenance requirements
and associated airworthiness limitations
were approved by the EASA. Consequently,
Airbus published Revision 02 of the A310
ALS Part 2, compiling all ALS Part 2 changes
approved since previous Revision 01.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2016–0217, which is superseded, and
requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 2 Revision
02.
The unsafe condition is fatigue
cracking, damage, or corrosion in
principal structural elements, which
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. 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–
0491.
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25413
Relationship Between Proposed AD and
AD 2017–21–08
This NPRM would not supersede AD
2017–21–08. Rather, we have
determined that a stand-alone AD
would be more appropriate to address
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM
would require revising the maintenance
or inspection program to incorporate the
new maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations.
Accomplishment of the proposed
actions would then terminate all
requirements of AD 2017–21–08.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued A310
Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS), Part 2, ‘‘Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–
ALI),’’ Revision 02, dated August 28,
2017. This service information describes
airworthiness limitations applicable to
the DT–ALIs. 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 the same
type design.
This proposed AD would require
revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
with these actions is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by this proposed
AD, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the actions described in the
revisions. In this situation, to comply
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator
must request approval for an alternative
method of compliance according to
paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD.
The request should include a
description of changes to the required
actions that will ensure the continued
operational safety of the airplane.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 6 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
We have determined that revising the
maintenance or inspection program
takes an average of 90 work-hours per
operator, although we recognize that
this number may vary from operator to
operator. In the past, we have estimated
that this action takes 1 work-hour per
airplane. Since operators incorporate
maintenance or inspection program
changes for their affected fleet(s), we
have determined that a per-operator
estimate is more accurate than a perairplane estimate. Therefore, we
estimate the total cost per operator to be
$7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per workhour).
Authority for This Rulemaking
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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
16:09 May 31, 2018
Jkt 244001
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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.
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–2018–0491; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–158–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 16,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2017–21–08,
Amendment 39–19079 (82 FR 48904, October
23, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–21–08’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310–
203, –204, –221, –222, –304, –322, –324, and
–325 airplanes, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time limits/maintenance
checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations
are necessary. We are issuing this AD to
prevent fatigue cracking, damage, or
corrosion in principal structural elements,
which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program
Revision
Within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate the
information specified in Airbus A310
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS),
Part 2, ‘‘Damage Tolerant Airworthiness
Limitation Items (DT–ALI),’’ Revision 02,
dated August 28, 2017. The initial
compliance time for doing the tasks is at the
time specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, ‘‘Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items
(DT–ALI),’’ Revision 02, dated August 28,
2017, or within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be
used unless the actions or intervals are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Terminating Action for AD 2017–21–08
Accomplishing the actions required by this
AD terminates all requirements of AD 2017–
21–08.
(j) 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 (k)(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 the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0206, dated
October 12, 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–2018–0491.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3225.
(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 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 May
21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11680 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0555; Product
Identifier 2010–SW–047–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to revise
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–05–
06 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
Model EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters. AD 2014–05–06 requires
repetitive inspections of the flightcontrol bearings, replacing any loose
bearings with airworthy flight-control
bearings, and installing bushings and
washers. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2014–05–
06 but would remove the repetitive
inspections. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to correct an
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 31, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 May 31, 2018
Jkt 244001
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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–2013–
0555; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this proposed
AD, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
(972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
may review service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
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25415
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all
comments that we receive, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, issued EASA AD No. 2010–0058,
dated March 30, 2010, for Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model
EC135, EC635, and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters. EASA advises that during
an inspection of an MBB–BK117 C–2,
‘‘bearings were detected which had not
been correctly fixed.’’ EASA advises
that this condition, if not detected and
corrected, may cause the affected
control lever to shift in the axial
direction and contact the helicopter
structure, possibly resulting in reduced
helicopter control. As some bearings on
the EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopter are installed with the same
procedure, they are equally affected by
the possibility of the unsafe condition,
EASA advises.
As a result, we published AD 2014–
05–06 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014),
which requires repetitively inspecting
the flight-control bearings, replacing any
loose bearings with an airworthy flightcontrol bearing, and installing bushings
and washers.
Actions Since AD 2014–05–06 Was
Issued
Since we published AD 2014–05–06,
EASA issued AD No. 2010–0058R1,
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the
repetitive inspections required by EASA
AD No. 2010–0058. EASA advises that
a review of data and feedback from inservice helicopters determined the
Airbus Helicopters modification
removes the need for repetitive
inspections. We have made a similar
determination and are issuing this
proposed AD to remove the repetitive
inspections required by AD 2014–05–
06.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25412-25415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11680]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0491; Product Identifier 2017-NM-158-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 all
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require
revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
[[Page 25413]]
incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 16, 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--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 [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-
0491; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0491;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-158-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 Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0206, dated October 12, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A310
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
The airworthiness limitations for the Airbus A310 aeroplanes,
which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in
the Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents.
The Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items are specified in
the A310 ALS Part 2. These instructions have been identified as
mandatory for continuing airworthiness.
Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an
unsafe condition.
EASA previously issued AD 2016-0217 [which corresponds to FAA AD
2017-21-08, Amendment 39-19079 (82 FR 48904, October 23, 2017) (``AD
2017-21-08'')] to require compliance with the maintenance
requirements and associated airworthiness limitations defined in
Airbus A310 ALS Part 2 Revision 01, Variation 1.1 and Variation 1.2.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or more restrictive
maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations
were approved by the EASA. Consequently, Airbus published Revision
02 of the A310 ALS Part 2, compiling all ALS Part 2 changes approved
since previous Revision 01.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0217, which is superseded, and requires
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 2
Revision 02.
The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. 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-2018-0491.
Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2017-21-08
This NPRM would not supersede AD 2017-21-08. Rather, we have
determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require revising the
maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the new maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the
proposed actions would then terminate all requirements of AD 2017-21-
08.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS),
Part 2, ``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),''
Revision 02, dated August 28, 2017. This service information describes
airworthiness limitations applicable to the DT-ALIs. 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 the same
type design.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections).
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph
(j)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of
changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued
operational safety of the airplane.
[[Page 25414]]
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate.
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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.
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-2018-0491; Product Identifier 2017-NM-158-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 16, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2017-21-08, Amendment 39-19079 (82 FR 48904,
October 23, 2017) (``AD 2017-21-08'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time limits/
maintenance checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations
are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking,
damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
information specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS), Part 2, ``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation
Items (DT-ALI),'' Revision 02, dated August 28, 2017. The initial
compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in
Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2,
``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),''
Revision 02, dated August 28, 2017, or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Terminating Action for AD 2017-21-08
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2017-21-08.
(j) 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 (k)(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 the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA
[[Page 25415]]
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0206, dated October 12, 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-2018-0491.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3225.
(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 [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 May 21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11680 Filed 5-31-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
