Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 25898-25901 [2018-11688]

Download as PDF 25898 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-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, Seattle 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. (4) Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (l)(4)(ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled 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 RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (m) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Allen Rauschendorfer, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231– 3528; email: allen.rauschendorfer@faa.gov. (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB570030–00, Issue 001, dated March 17, 2017. (ii) Boeing Airworthiness Limitation 57– AWL–13, ‘‘Inspection Requirements for InTank Fasteners and Edge Seal near Disbond Arrestment (DBA) Fastener Installations in Lightning Zone 2,’’ of Boeing 787 Special Compliance Items/Airworthiness Limitations, D011Z009–03–04, dated February 2017. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 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. (4) 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. (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 Des Moines, Washington, on May 21, 2018. James Cashdollar, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–11816 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0490; Product Identifier 2018–NM–018–AD; Amendment 39–19299; AD 2018–11–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A350–941 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the four retaining pins in the main landing gear support structure (MLGSS) trunnion block, left- and right-hand sides, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that short retaining pins may have been installed at the incorrect location of the MLGSS forward pintle. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective June 20, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 20, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by July 20, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this 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 continued-airworthiness.a350@ airbus.com; internet https:// www.airbus.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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0490. 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– 0490; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 2018–0008, dated January 10, 2018 (referred to after this as the E:\FR\FM\05JNR1.SGM 05JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 25899 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A350–941 airplanes. The MCAI states: by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0490. and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Comments Invited Following an Airbus quality control review on the final assembly line, it was identified that short retaining pins may have inadvertently been installed at the incorrect location of the main landing gear support structure (MLGSS) forward pintle. On the A350, two short retaining pins are installed through the fuse pin carrier and four long retaining pins are installed through the trunnion block. These six retaining pins are to prevent rotation and migration of the fuse pins. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to premature failure of the retaining pin, subsequent fuse pin migration and disconnection, with consequent main landing gear collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A350– 57–P011 to provide inspection instructions. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of the four retaining pins installed in the MLGSS trunnion block, both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides [for nonconforming (incorrect) pins, i.e., those having a gap between the retaining pin and the forward surface of the trunnion block], and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable [related investigative actions, i.e., a detailed inspection for damage or deformation of nonconforming pins and] corrective action(s) [including repairing or replacing damaged (cracked), deformed, or nonconforming retaining pins]. Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A350–57–P011, dated May 17, 2017. This service information describes procedures for a detailed inspection of the four retaining pins installed in the MLGSS trunnion block, left- and righthand sides, and related investigative and corrective actions. 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 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 issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date Since none of the affected aircraft are currently on the U.S. Register, notice You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2018–0490; Product Identifier 2018–NM–018–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. Costs of Compliance Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered airplanes. If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ...................................................................................................................... $0 $510 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition replacements that would be required based on the results of any required actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition replacements: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Cost per product Parts cost Up to 16 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $1,360 ............ amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Labor cost Up to $16,000 ........................................................................ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD. According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Up to $17,360 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, E:\FR\FM\05JNR1.SGM 05JNR1 25900 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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 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 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 amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2018–11–11 Airbus: Amendment 39–19299; Docket No. FAA–2018–0490; Product Identifier 2018–NM–018–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective June 20, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A350– 941 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0006 to 0040 inclusive, except MSN 0025, 0032, 0033, 0036, 0038, and 0039. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination that short retaining pins may have been installed at the incorrect location of the main landing gear support structure (MLGSS) forward pintle. We are issuing this AD to address incorrect retaining pin installations, which could lead to premature failure of the retaining pin and subsequent fuse pin migration and disconnection, and could ultimately lead to main landing gear collapse and possible damage to the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Detailed Inspection Before exceeding 1,880 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, accomplish a detailed inspection for nonconformance (incorrect retaining pins, i.e., those having a gap between the retaining pin and the forward surface of the trunnion block) of the four retaining pins installed in the MLGSS trunnion block, left- and right-hand sides and related investigative actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A350–57–P011, dated May 17, 2017. (h) Corrective Actions (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any nonconforming retaining pin is found and that pin has damage (including cracks) or deformation: Before further flight, repair 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. (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any nonconforming but undamaged and undeformed retaining pin is found: Before exceeding 1,880 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, replace the nonconforming pin(s) with new PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 conforming pins in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A350–57–P011, dated May 17, 2017. (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: 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 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 2018–0008, dated January 10, 2018, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0490. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. (k) 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. E:\FR\FM\05JNR1.SGM 05JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A350–57–P011, dated May 17, 2017. (ii) Reserved. (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 continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) 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. (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 Des Moines, Washington, on May 21, 2018. James Cashdollar, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–11688 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Authority for This Rulemaking 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0100; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASW–3] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class E Airspace; Duncan, OK Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Halliburton Field, Duncan, OK. This action is a result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Duncan VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program and the cancellation of the associated instrument procedures. The geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA’s aeronautical database, as well as an editorial change removing the city associated with the airport name in the airspace legal designation. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, September 13, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Jun 04, 2018 the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/ air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5711. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Jkt 244001 The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Halliburton Field, Duncan, OK, to support instrument flight rules operations at this airport. History The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (83 FR 10644; March 12, 2018) for Docket No. FAA–2018–0100 to amend the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Halliburton Field, Duncan, OK. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 25901 proposal to the FAA. No comments were received. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraphs 6005 of FAA Order 7400.11B, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document amends FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. The Rule This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 modifies the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface to within a 6.6-mile radius (decreased from a 6.7-mile radius) at Halliburton Field, Duncan, OK, and removes the extension to the north of the airport associated with the Halliburton Field Localizer. This action also adds an extension within 4 miles each side of the 359° bearing from the airport from the 6.6-mile radius to 11.6 miles north of the airport. The geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA’s aeronautical database, and the name of the city associated with the airport in the airspace legal description is being removed to comply with a change to FAA Order 7400.2L, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters. This action is necessary due to an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Duncan VOR as part of the VOR MON Program and cancellation of the associated instrument procedures. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current, is non-controversial and unlikely to result in adverse or negative comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 E:\FR\FM\05JNR1.SGM 05JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25898-25901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11688]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0490; Product Identifier 2018-NM-018-AD; Amendment 
39-19299; AD 2018-11-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection 
of the four retaining pins in the main landing gear support structure 
(MLGSS) trunnion block, left- and right-hand sides, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by a determination that short retaining pins may have been installed at 
the incorrect location of the MLGSS forward pintle. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 20, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 20, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 20, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this 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 [email protected]; internet 
https://www.airbus.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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0490.

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-
0490; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 2018-0008, dated January 10, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the

[[Page 25899]]

Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A350-941 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Following an Airbus quality control review on the final assembly 
line, it was identified that short retaining pins may have 
inadvertently been installed at the incorrect location of the main 
landing gear support structure (MLGSS) forward pintle. On the A350, 
two short retaining pins are installed through the fuse pin carrier 
and four long retaining pins are installed through the trunnion 
block. These six retaining pins are to prevent rotation and 
migration of the fuse pins.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
premature failure of the retaining pin, subsequent fuse pin 
migration and disconnection, with consequent main landing gear 
collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) A350-57-P011 to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed inspection (DET) of the four retaining pins installed 
in the MLGSS trunnion block, both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) 
sides [for nonconforming (incorrect) pins, i.e., those having a gap 
between the retaining pin and the forward surface of the trunnion 
block], and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
[related investigative actions, i.e., a detailed inspection for 
damage or deformation of nonconforming pins and] corrective 
action(s) [including repairing or replacing damaged (cracked), 
deformed, or nonconforming retaining pins].

    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0490.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A350-57-P011, dated May 17, 
2017. This service information describes procedures for a detailed 
inspection of the four retaining pins installed in the MLGSS trunnion 
block, left- and right-hand sides, and related investigative and 
corrective actions. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since none of the affected aircraft are currently on the U.S. 
Register, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this 
AD are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0490; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-018-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

                  Estimated Costs for Required Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510....              $0             $510
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
replacements that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these on-condition replacements:


                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 16 work-hours x $85 per  Up to $16,000..  Up to $17,360
 hour = Up to $1,360.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII,

[[Page 25900]]

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 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-11-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-19299; Docket No. FAA-2018-0490; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-018-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0006 to 0040 
inclusive, except MSN 0025, 0032, 0033, 0036, 0038, and 0039.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that short retaining 
pins may have been installed at the incorrect location of the main 
landing gear support structure (MLGSS) forward pintle. We are 
issuing this AD to address incorrect retaining pin installations, 
which could lead to premature failure of the retaining pin and 
subsequent fuse pin migration and disconnection, and could 
ultimately lead to main landing gear collapse and possible damage to 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Detailed Inspection

    Before exceeding 1,880 flight cycles since first flight of the 
airplane, accomplish a detailed inspection for nonconformance 
(incorrect retaining pins, i.e., those having a gap between the 
retaining pin and the forward surface of the trunnion block) of the 
four retaining pins installed in the MLGSS trunnion block, left- and 
right-hand sides and related investigative actions, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A350-57-P011, dated May 17, 2017.

(h) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any nonconforming retaining pin is found and that pin has damage 
(including cracks) or deformation: Before further flight, repair 
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.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any nonconforming but undamaged and undeformed retaining pin is 
found: Before exceeding 1,880 flight cycles since first flight of 
the airplane, replace the nonconforming pin(s) with new conforming 
pins in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A350-57-P011, dated May 17, 2017.

(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 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 2018-0008, dated January 10, 
2018, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0490.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 
98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

(k) 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.

[[Page 25901]]

    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A350-57-P011, dated May 17, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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.
    (4) 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.
    (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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11688 Filed 6-4-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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