Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 26884-26887 [2018-12233]

Download as PDF 26884 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0506; Product Identifier 2018–NM–045–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 26, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A350– 941 airplanes certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 106695 (or retrofit Modification 110281) and Modification 107824 (or retrofit Modification 107877 and retrofit Modification 108494) have been embodied in production. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage; 55, Stabilizers. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by the discovery of inadequate corrosion protection in certain areas of the horizontal stabilizer and the rear fuselage cone structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer and the rear fuselage cone structure. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are those with manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) listed in Section 1.A., ‘‘Applicability’’ of Airbus Service Bulletin A350–53–P029, dated November 17, 2017. (2) For the purpose of this AD, Group 2 airplanes are those with MSNs listed in Section 1.A., ‘‘Applicability’’ of Airbus Service Bulletin A350–55–P003, dated November 6, 2017. (h) Modification (1) For Group 1 airplanes: Before exceeding 36 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, apply sealant and protective treatment on the affected areas of the rear fuselage cone structure, as defined in, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A350– 53–P029, dated November 17, 2017. (2) For Group 2 airplanes: Before exceeding 36 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, accomplish concurrently the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Jun 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A350–55–P003, dated November 6, 2017. (i) Apply sealant and protective treatment on the affected areas of the horizontal stabilizer, as defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A350–55–P003, dated November 6, 2017. (ii) Modify the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) torsion box in zone 330 and 340, and re-identify the elevator in zone 335 and 345. (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. 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. (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 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. (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. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 25, 2018. Jeffrey E. Duven, Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (j) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018–0036, dated February 7, 2018, 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–2018–0506. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [FR Doc. 2018–12229 Filed 6–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0508; Product Identifier 2018–NM–012–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 A350–941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 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 26, 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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 continued-airworthiness.a350@ 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– 0508; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. 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– 2018–0508; Product Identifier 2018– NM–012–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 AD 2018–0004, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Jun 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 dated January 9, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A350–941 airplanes. The MCAI states: Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) for the Airbus A350, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the Airbus A350 ALS Part 3 document. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition [which is safety-significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition]. EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2017– 0029 to require the actions as specified in Airbus A350 ALS Part 3 Revision 03. Since this [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published Revision 04 of Airbus A350 ALS Part 3, to introduce new and more restrictive CMRs. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2017–0029, which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS. 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– 0508. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued A350 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated December 15, 2017. The service information describes mandatory maintenance tasks that operators must perform at specified intervals. 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 AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 26885 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 (i) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD. Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into an operator’s maintenance or inspection program. Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes. In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been approved by the FAA. When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is an obligation to comply with the ALS E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1 26886 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS defined in the type design referenced in the manufacturer’s conformity statement. This obligation may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part of their type design. To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most recent ALS revision into their maintenance/ inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type design. However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier AD. This proposed AD therefore applies to all Airbus Model A350–941 airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet. 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 this figure 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Jun 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour). List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Authority for This Rulemaking The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 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. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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–2018–0508; Product Identifier 2018–NM–012–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 26, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A350– 941 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 15, 2017. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to address safety-significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition. (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 Airbus A350 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated December 15, 2017. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is at the applicable times specified in Airbus A350 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated December 15, 2017; or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later. E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules (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 (i)(1) of this AD. (i) Other FAA AD Provisions daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (j) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018–0004, dated January 9, 2018, 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–2018–0508. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. (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. 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. 17:25 Jun 08, 2018 [FR Doc. 2018–12233 Filed 6–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 31, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Jkt 244001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0404; Product Identifier 2018–NE–15–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines (IAE) Turbofan engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all International Aero Engines (IAE) PW1133G–JM, PW1133GA–JM, PW1130G–JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1127GA–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1124G–JM, PW1124G1–JM, and PW1122G–JM turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight engine shutdowns and aborted take-offs as the result of certain parts affecting the durability of the rear high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor hub knife edge seal. This proposed AD would require replacing the diffuser case air seal assembly, the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 2nd-stage vane assembly, and the HPT 2nd-stage borescope stator vane assembly with parts eligible for installation. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 26, 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 International Aero SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 26887 Engines, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800–565–0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; internet: https:// fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238– 7759. 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– 0404; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7088; fax: 781–238–7199; email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov. 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– 2018–0404; Product Identifier 2018– NE–15–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 because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion In-flight engine shutdowns and aborted take-offs have occurred on certain IAE turbofan engines as the result of a failed knife edge seal on engine serial numbers (ESNs) P770450 through P770614. In response to these events, the European Aviation Safety Agency published AD 2018–0041R1, dated March 23, 2018 (corrected on April 4, 2018). Additionally, the FAA published AD 2018–04–01 (83 FR 6791, E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 112 (Monday, June 11, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26884-26887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12233]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0508; Product Identifier 2018-NM-012-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 A350-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require 
revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
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 26, 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

[[Page 26885]]

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-
0508; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

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-2018-0508; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-012-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 AD 
2018-0004, dated January 9, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes. 
The MCAI states:

    Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) for the Airbus 
A350, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and 
published in the Airbus A350 ALS Part 3 document. These instructions 
have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition [which is safety-significant latent failures that 
would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or 
events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition].
    EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2017-0029 to require the 
actions as specified in Airbus A350 ALS Part 3 Revision 03.
    Since this [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published Revision 04 of 
Airbus A350 ALS Part 3, to introduce new and more restrictive CMRs.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0029, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS.

    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-
0508.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued A350 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated 
December 15, 2017. The service information describes mandatory 
maintenance tasks that operators must perform at specified intervals. 
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 AD requires 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 (i) of this proposed AD. 
The request should include a description of changes to the required 
inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the 
airplane.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the 
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) inspection tasks, corrective 
actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance 
documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that 
requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by 
general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform 
maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider 
those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions 
necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this 
proposed AD.

Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design

    The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the 
applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into 
an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
    Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation 
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered 
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD 
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
    In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an 
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in 
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or 
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as 
specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been 
approved by the FAA.
    When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific 
ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified 
in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
    The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is 
an obligation to comply with the ALS

[[Page 26886]]

defined in the type design referenced in the manufacturer's conformity 
statement. This obligation may introduce a conflict with an AD that 
requires a specific ALS revision if new airplanes are delivered with a 
later revision as part of their type design.
    To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods 
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most 
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu 
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict 
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type 
design.
    However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we 
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection 
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS 
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure 
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly 
delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in 
an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS 
revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of 
the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier 
AD.
    This proposed AD therefore applies to all Airbus Model A350-941 
airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original 
export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or before the 
date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this proposed AD. 
Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after that date 
must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the 
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet.

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 this 
figure 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-2018-0508; Product Identifier 2018-NM-012-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 26, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
December 15, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address safety-significant 
latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other 
specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic 
failure condition.

(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 
Airbus A350 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3, 
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated 
December 15, 2017. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the 
actions is at the applicable times specified in Airbus A350 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3, Certification 
Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated December 15, 
2017; or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; 
whichever occurs later.

[[Page 26887]]

(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 (i)(1) of 
this AD.

(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 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0004, dated January 9, 2018, 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-2018-0508.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
    (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 May 31, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12233 Filed 6-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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