Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 38088-38091 [2018-16574]
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38088
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(h) Installation Prohibition
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
After the effective date of this AD, do not
install top main fuel manifolds, P/Ns
2419M11G01, 2561M11G01, or 2546M11G01,
or lower fuel manifolds, P/Ns 2419M12G01,
2561M12G01, or 2546M12G01.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘engine
shop visit’’ is the induction of an engine into
the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine
case flanges, except for the following
situations, which do not constitute an engine
shop visit:
(1) Separation of engine flanges solely for
the purposes of transportation of the engine
without subsequent maintenance.
(2) Separation of engine flanges solely for
the purposes of replacing the fan or
propulsor without subsequent maintenance.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,
if requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: ANE-ADAMOC@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.
(k) Related Information
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(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Ave.,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
herman.mak@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact General Electric Company,
GE Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513–552–3272;
email: geae.aoc@ge.com. You may view this
referenced 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
July 27, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–16515 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0704; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–066–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330–200 Freighter,
–200 and –300 series airplanes; and
Airbus SAS Model A340–200, –300,
–500, and –600 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of depressurization of hydraulic
reservoirs caused by air leakage from the
pressure relief valve (PRV) of the
hydraulic reservoir (HR) due to the
extrusion of the O-ring seal from certain
HR PRVs. This proposed AD would
require identifying the part number of
the HR, and replacing and re-identifying
affected HR PRVs. We are proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 17,
2018.
SUMMARY:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond Point
Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93
36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email:
airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com;
internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
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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–
0704; 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 in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax: 206–231–3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–0704; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–066–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
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2018–0064, dated March 23,
2018 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS
Model A330–200 Freighter, –200 and
–300 series airplanes; and Airbus SAS
Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Some events of depressurisation of
hydraulic reservoirs have been reported, due
to air leakage from the HR PRV [hydraulic
reservoir pressure relief valve]. The results of
the investigations revealed that the air
leakage was due to the extrusion of the
O-ring seal from the HR PRV. This may have
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Proposed Rules
happened during HR maintenance, testing or
during flight, if HR over-filling was
performed, as a result of which hydraulic
fluid could pass through the PRV, causing
[the] PRV seal to migrate from its nominal
position, leading to loss of HR pressurisation.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to the loss of one or
more hydraulic systems, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued the AOT [Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A29L005–16, dated
January 28, 2016] to provide instructions to
inspect the HR fluid level of each hydraulic
circuit and to provide instructions for certain
actions when servicing with hydraulic fluid
is accomplished on an HR. Consequently,
EASA published AD 2016–0107 [related FAA
AD 2017–01–08, Amendment 39–18775 (82
FR 1593, January 6, 2017) (‘‘2017–01–08’’)] to
require accomplishment of these actions for
aeroplanes in service.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was
determined that the detected air leakage was
due to the extrusion of the O-ring seal from
a specific batch of HR PRV. Airbus published
the applicable inspection SB [service
bulletin] to inspect the HR of each hydraulic
circuit and to provide instructions to identify
the affected parts, and the Modification SB to
provide instructions for replacement of each
affected part fitted on an affected HR.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2016–0107, which is superseded, and
requires the [identification and] replacement
[and re-identification] of the affected parts.
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–
0704.
Relationship Between Proposed AD and
AD 2017–01–08
This NPRM does not propose to
supersede AD 2017–01–08. Rather, we
have determined that a stand-alone AD
is more appropriate to address the
changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD
would require identifying, replacing,
and re-identifying affected HR PRVs.
Accomplishing the proposed actions
would then terminate all requirements
of AD 2017–01–08.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus SAS has issued the following
service information, which describes
procedures for identifying HR part
numbers. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different airplane
models.
• Service Bulletin A330–29–3134,
dated August 16, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–29–4102,
dated August 16, 2017.
Airbus SAS has also issued the
following service information, which
describes procedures for replacing and
re-identifying affected PRVs and HRs.
These documents are distinct since they
apply to different airplane models.
• Service Bulletin A330–29–3131,
dated August 11, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A330–29–3132,
dated August 11, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A330–29–3133,
dated August 11, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–29–4099,
dated August 11. 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–29–4100,
dated August 11, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–29–4101,
dated August 11, 2017.
• Service Bulletin A340–29–5026,
dated August 11, 2017.
Safran has issued Vendor Service
Bulletins 42–29–005, Revision 01, dated
September 26, 2017, and 42–29–006,
38089
Revision 01, dated September 27, 2017.
These documents are distinct since they
apply to different airplane models. This
service information describes
procedures for replacing affected HR
PRVs, and including the serial numbers
of those PRVs.
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
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 the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 103 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Labor cost
Parts cost
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Up to 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $510 ......................................................................
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
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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
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$3,390
Cost per
product
Up to $3,900
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to
$401,700
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
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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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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(h) Part Number Inspection
At the applicable time specified in table 1
to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD,
identify the HR part number, in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330–29–3134,
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[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2018–0704;
Product Identifier 2018–NM–066–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September
17, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2017–01–08,
Amendment 39–18775 (82 FR 1593, January
5, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–01–08’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5),
and (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and
–243F airplanes.
(2) Airbus SAS Model A330–201, –202,
–203, –223, and –243 airplanes.
(3) Airbus SAS Model A330–301, –302,
–303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes.
(4) Airbus SAS Model A340–211, –212,
and –213 airplanes.
(5) Airbus SAS Model A340–311, –312,
and –313 airplanes.
(6) Airbus SAS Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
§ 39.13
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 29, Hydraulic power.
dated August 16, 2017; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–29–4102, dated August 16,
2017; as applicable.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
depressurization of hydraulic reservoirs
caused by air leakage from the pressure relief
valve (PRV) of the hydraulic reservoir (HR)
due to the extrusion of the O-ring seal from
certain HR PRVs. We are issuing this AD to
address air leakage from the HR PRV, which
could lead to the loss of one or more
hydraulic systems, with the possible loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Definitions for This AD
(1) Affected HRs are identified in table 1
to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
(2) Affected PRVs are installed on affected
HRs and have part number 42F0026 and a
serial number identified in Safran Vendor
Service Bulletins 42–29–005, Revision 01,
dated September 26, 2017; and 42–29–006,
Revision 01, dated September 27, 2017, as
applicable.
(3) A Group 1 airplane has an affected PRV
installed.
(4) A Group 2 airplane does not have any
affected PRV installed. A Model A330
airplane on which Airbus SAS modifications
206863, 206864, and 206965 have been
embodied in production is a Group 2
airplane, provided the airplane remains in
that configuration.
(5) In table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and
(j) of this AD: Green hydraulic circuit is (G),
blue hydraulic circuit is (B), and yellow
hydraulic circuit is (Y).
(i) Replacement
For Group 1 airplanes: At the applicable
time specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g),
(h), (i), and (j) of this AD, replace each
affected PRV in accordance with the
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applicable service information specified in
paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(7) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–29–3131,
dated August 11, 2017.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–29–3132,
dated August 11, 2017.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–29–3133,
dated August 11, 2017.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–29–4099,
dated August 11. 2017.
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–29–4100,
dated August 11, 2017.
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–29–4101,
dated August 11, 2017.
(7) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–29–5026,
dated August 11, 2017.
(j) Part Re-identification
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: Concurrently
with the PRV replacement required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, re-identify the part
numbers of affected HRs as specified in table
1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD,
in accordance with the applicable service
information specified in paragraphs (i)(1)
through (i)(7) of this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: At the applicable
time specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g),
(h), (i), and (j) of this AD, re-identify the part
numbers of affected PRVs and HRs, in
accordance with the applicable service
information specified in paragraphs (i)(1)
through (i)(7) of this AD.
(k) Terminating Action
Replacement of all affected PRVs on an
airplane, as required by paragraph (i) of this
AD, terminates all requirements of AD 2017–
01–08 for that airplane.
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(l) Parts Installation Prohibition
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: After
replacement of all affected parts as required
by paragraph (i) of this AD, do not install any
affected PRV.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the
effective date of this AD, do not install any
affected PRV.
(m) 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 Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (n)(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,
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Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
Airbus SAS’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.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2018–0064, dated March 23, 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–2018–0704.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax: 206–231–3229.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, Rond Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61
93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@
airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on July
25, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–16574 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0641; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–032–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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38091
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
We propose to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–22–
07, which applies to certain Airbus
Model A319 series airplanes; Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and
–233 airplanes; and Model A321–111,
–112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
–232 airplanes. AD 2017–22–07 requires
repetitive inspections of the frame forks,
and corrective actions if necessary. AD
2017–22–07 also includes optional
modifications that constitute
terminating action. Since we issued AD
2017–22–07, an evaluation was done by
the design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the frame forks and outer
skin on the forward and aft cargo
compartment doors are subject to
widespread fatigue damage (WFD), and
a determination was made that a
modification of the frame forks must be
accomplished. This proposed AD would
require modifying certain forward and
aft cargo compartment doors, and
related investigative and corrective
actions. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 17,
2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 2 Rond
Point Emile Dewoitine, 31700 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93
36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email:
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
internet: https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this 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.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 150 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38088-38091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16574]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0704; Product Identifier 2018-NM-066-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes;
and Airbus SAS Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of depressurization of
hydraulic reservoirs caused by air leakage from the pressure relief
valve (PRV) of the hydraulic reservoir (HR) due to the extrusion of the
O-ring seal from certain HR PRVs. This proposed AD would require
identifying the part number of the HR, and replacing and re-identifying
affected HR PRVs. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17,
2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700
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-
0704; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0704;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-066-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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2018-0064, dated March 23, 2018 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model
A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus SAS
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Some events of depressurisation of hydraulic reservoirs have
been reported, due to air leakage from the HR PRV [hydraulic
reservoir pressure relief valve]. The results of the investigations
revealed that the air leakage was due to the extrusion of the O-ring
seal from the HR PRV. This may have
[[Page 38089]]
happened during HR maintenance, testing or during flight, if HR
over-filling was performed, as a result of which hydraulic fluid
could pass through the PRV, causing [the] PRV seal to migrate from
its nominal position, leading to loss of HR pressurisation.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
loss of one or more hydraulic systems, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the
AOT [Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, dated January
28, 2016] to provide instructions to inspect the HR fluid level of
each hydraulic circuit and to provide instructions for certain
actions when servicing with hydraulic fluid is accomplished on an
HR. Consequently, EASA published AD 2016-0107 [related FAA AD 2017-
01-08, Amendment 39-18775 (82 FR 1593, January 6, 2017) (``2017-01-
08'')] to require accomplishment of these actions for aeroplanes in
service.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that the
detected air leakage was due to the extrusion of the O-ring seal
from a specific batch of HR PRV. Airbus published the applicable
inspection SB [service bulletin] to inspect the HR of each hydraulic
circuit and to provide instructions to identify the affected parts,
and the Modification SB to provide instructions for replacement of
each affected part fitted on an affected HR.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0107, which is superseded, and requires
the [identification and] replacement [and re-identification] of the
affected parts.
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-
0704.
Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2017-01-08
This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2017-01-08. Rather, we
have determined that a stand-alone AD is more appropriate to address
the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require identifying,
replacing, and re-identifying affected HR PRVs. Accomplishing the
proposed actions would then terminate all requirements of AD 2017-01-
08.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus SAS has issued the following service information, which
describes procedures for identifying HR part numbers. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
Service Bulletin A330-29-3134, dated August 16, 2017.
Service Bulletin A340-29-4102, dated August 16, 2017.
Airbus SAS has also issued the following service information, which
describes procedures for replacing and re-identifying affected PRVs and
HRs. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models.
Service Bulletin A330-29-3131, dated August 11, 2017.
Service Bulletin A330-29-3132, dated August 11, 2017.
Service Bulletin A330-29-3133, dated August 11, 2017.
Service Bulletin A340-29-4099, dated August 11. 2017.
Service Bulletin A340-29-4100, dated August 11, 2017.
Service Bulletin A340-29-4101, dated August 11, 2017.
Service Bulletin A340-29-5026, dated August 11, 2017.
Safran has issued Vendor Service Bulletins 42-29-005, Revision 01,
dated September 26, 2017, and 42-29-006, Revision 01, dated September
27, 2017. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models. This service information describes procedures for
replacing affected HR PRVs, and including the serial numbers of those
PRVs.
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
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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 103 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $510.................. $3,390 Up to $3,900 Up to $401,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 38090]]
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 SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0704; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
066-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 17, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2017-01-08, Amendment 39-18775 (82 FR 1593,
January 5, 2017) (``AD 2017-01-08'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), and (c)(6) of this AD,
certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243
airplanes.
(3) Airbus SAS Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(4) Airbus SAS Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Airbus SAS Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Airbus SAS Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic
power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of depressurization of hydraulic
reservoirs caused by air leakage from the pressure relief valve
(PRV) of the hydraulic reservoir (HR) due to the extrusion of the O-
ring seal from certain HR PRVs. We are issuing this AD to address
air leakage from the HR PRV, which could lead to the loss of one or
more hydraulic systems, with the possible loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions for This AD
(1) Affected HRs are identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g),
(h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
(2) Affected PRVs are installed on affected HRs and have part
number 42F0026 and a serial number identified in Safran Vendor
Service Bulletins 42-29-005, Revision 01, dated September 26, 2017;
and 42-29-006, Revision 01, dated September 27, 2017, as applicable.
(3) A Group 1 airplane has an affected PRV installed.
(4) A Group 2 airplane does not have any affected PRV installed.
A Model A330 airplane on which Airbus SAS modifications 206863,
206864, and 206965 have been embodied in production is a Group 2
airplane, provided the airplane remains in that configuration.
(5) In table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD:
Green hydraulic circuit is (G), blue hydraulic circuit is (B), and
yellow hydraulic circuit is (Y).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03AU18.001
(h) Part Number Inspection
At the applicable time specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g),
(h), (i), and (j) of this AD, identify the HR part number, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3134, dated August
16, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4102, dated August 16,
2017; as applicable.
(i) Replacement
For Group 1 airplanes: At the applicable time specified in table
1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, replace each
affected PRV in accordance with the
[[Page 38091]]
applicable service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1)
through (i)(7) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3131, dated August 11, 2017.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3132, dated August 11, 2017.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3133, dated August 11, 2017.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4099, dated August 11. 2017.
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4100, dated August 11, 2017.
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4101, dated August 11, 2017.
(7) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-5026, dated August 11, 2017.
(j) Part Re-identification
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: Concurrently with the PRV replacement
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, re-identify the part numbers
of affected HRs as specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i),
and (j) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable service
information specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(7) of this
AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: At the applicable time specified in
table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, re-identify
the part numbers of affected PRVs and HRs, in accordance with the
applicable service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1)
through (i)(7) of this AD.
(k) Terminating Action
Replacement of all affected PRVs on an airplane, as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD, terminates all requirements of AD 2017-01-
08 for that airplane.
(l) Parts Installation Prohibition
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: After replacement of all affected
parts as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do not install any
affected PRV.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD,
do not install any affected PRV.
(m) 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 Branch, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (n)(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 SAS's EASA Design Organization
Approval (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.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0064, dated March 23, 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-2018-0704.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 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 July 25, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16574 Filed 8-2-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
