Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 44211-44214 [2018-18734]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. (3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N airplanes. (4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. The initial compliance times for new or revised tasks are the minimum intervals or times specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (i) Terminating Action for AD 2016–20–12 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016– 20–12. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2017–0169, dated September 7, 2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0300. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– 231–3223. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 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. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 44211 Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 17, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–18661 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0766; Product Identifier 2018–NM–111–AD; Amendment 39–19383; AD 2018–18–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of protective caps that were not removed from fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines. This AD requires an inspection for the presence of protective caps on fire extinguishing lines, and corrective action. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 14, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by October 15, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1 44212 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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 continued-airworthiness.a350@ airbus.com; internet https:// www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0766. 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– 0766; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0154, dated July 19, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. The MCAI states: During an inspection on the A350 final assembly line, after engine installation, protective caps were found still in place on fire extinguishing lines at engine zone 1 and zone 3. Further investigations indicated that this failure of removing them, as the standard instructions specify, may have occurred on other aeroplanes. Airbus has identified the [manufacturer serial numbers] MSN that may be affected. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in case of an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published the [Alert Operators Transmission A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018] AOT to provide inspection instructions. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected areas and, depending on findings, [corrective action]. Corrective action includes removal of the protective caps and cleaning out any melted protective caps. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0766. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus SAS has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. This service information describes procedures for inspection for the presence of protective caps on fire extinguishing lines, and corrective actions. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Requirements of This AD This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because protective caps still in place on fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines could, in case of an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2018–0766; Product Identifier 2018–NM–111–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................................................................................. $0 $85 $935 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action that VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 would be required based on the results of any required actions. We have no way PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 of determining the number of aircraft E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 44213 that might need this on-condition action: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .......................................................................................................................... $0 $85 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 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. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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): ■ 2018–18–04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 19383; Docket No. FAA–2018–0766; Product Identifier 2018–NM–111–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective September 14, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire Protection. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report of protective caps that were not removed from fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines. We are issuing this AD to address protective caps remaining on fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines, which could, in case of an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane. PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection for Caps Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a detailed inspection of the affected areas in accordance with paragraph 4.2.2, Inspection Requirements, of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. (h) Corrective Action If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any protective cap is found installed, before next flight, do all applicable corrective actions (removing the cap or cleaning out any melted caps) in accordance with paragraph 4.2.3, Findings, of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. (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 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 E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1 44214 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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 August 21, 2018. James Cashdollar, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (j) Related Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018–0154, dated July 19, 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–2018–0766. (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, 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 continuedairworthiness.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. Federal Aviation Administration amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004–18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. (ii) Reserved. (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 continuedairworthiness.a350@airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 [FR Doc. 2018–18734 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0131; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASO–4] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Eastover, SC and Sumter, SC Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class D airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Mc Entire Joint National Guard Base (JNGB), Eastover, SC, to accommodate airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of the Mc Entire nondirectional radio beacon (NDB) and cancellation of the NDB approach. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of the Mc Entire JNGB, and Shaw AFB, and Sumter Airport, Sumter, SC, and updates the names of Mc Entire JNGB and Sumter Airport. In addition, an editorial change is made to the airspace designation in both Class D and E airspace. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, November 8, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed on line at https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends Class D and Class E airspace at Mc Entire JNGB, Shaw AFB, and Sumter Airport, Eastover and Sumter, SC, to support IFR operations at these airports. History The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (83 FR 14610, April 5, 2018) for Docket No. FAA–2018–0131 to amend Class D and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Mc Entire JNGB due to the decommissioning of the Mc Entire NDB, and cancellation of the NDB approach. The NPRM also advised of the proposed amendment to the geographic coordinates of Mc Entire JNGB, and Shaw AFB, and Sumter Airport, Sumter, SC, and the Mc Entire JNGB TACAN geographic coordinates. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. One comment was received from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in support of the proposal. In their comment, AOPA stated that the NPRM did not comply with FAA guidance in Order 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, because a graphic was not included in the docket. Additionally, AOPA encouraged the FAA to follow E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44211-44214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18734]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0766; Product Identifier 2018-NM-111-AD; Amendment 
39-19383; AD 2018-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
a report of protective caps that were not removed from fire 
extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines. This AD requires 
an inspection for the presence of protective caps on fire extinguishing 
lines, and corrective action. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
14, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 15, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Airbus SAS,

[[Page 44212]]

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 referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0766.

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-
0766; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0154, dated July 19, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During an inspection on the A350 final assembly line, after 
engine installation, protective caps were found still in place on 
fire extinguishing lines at engine zone 1 and zone 3. Further 
investigations indicated that this failure of removing them, as the 
standard instructions specify, may have occurred on other 
aeroplanes. Airbus has identified the [manufacturer serial numbers] 
MSN that may be affected.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in case of 
an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine fire, possibly 
resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published the [Alert 
Operators Transmission A26P004-18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018] 
AOT to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected areas and, depending 
on findings, [corrective action].

    Corrective action includes removal of the protective caps and 
cleaning out any melted protective caps. You may examine the MCAI on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0766.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004-
18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018. This service information 
describes procedures for inspection for the presence of protective caps 
on fire extinguishing lines, and corrective actions. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
protective caps still in place on fire extinguishing lines in certain 
areas of the engines could, in case of an engine fire, prevent 
extinguishing that engine fire, possibly resulting in reduced control 
of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity 
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0766; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-111-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85             $935
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 44213]]

that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......              $0              $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-18-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19383; Docket No. FAA-2018-0766; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-111-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 14, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus 
Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004-18, Revision 00, dated 
June 26, 2018.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of protective caps that were 
not removed from fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the 
engines. We are issuing this AD to address protective caps remaining 
on fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines, which 
could, in case of an engine fire, prevent extinguishing that engine 
fire, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Caps

    Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
a detailed inspection of the affected areas in accordance with 
paragraph 4.2.2, Inspection Requirements, of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A26P004-18, Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any protective cap is found installed, before next flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (removing the cap or cleaning out any 
melted caps) in accordance with paragraph 4.2.3, Findings, of Airbus 
Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004-18, Revision 00, dated 
June 26, 2018.

(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 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

[[Page 44214]]

as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with 
the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0154, dated July 19, 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-2018-0766.
    (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, 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.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A26P004-18, 
Revision 00, dated June 26, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18734 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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