Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 48207-48209 [2018-20346]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2018 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0414; Product Identifier 2017–NM–159–AD; Amendment 39–19417; AD 2018–19–17] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a revision of a certain airworthiness limitations item (ALI) document, which specifies new or more restrictive instructions and airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective October 29, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 29, 2018. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0414. DATES: daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES 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– 0414; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Sep 21, 2018 Jkt 244001 48207 comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3225. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and airworthiness limitations were approved by EASA. Consequently, Airbus published Revision 03 of the A300 ALS Part 2, compiling all ALS Part 2 changes approved since previous Revision 02. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2015–0115, which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 Revision 03. Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2018 (83 FR 24240). The NPRM was prompted by a revision of a certain ALI document, which specifies new or more restrictive instructions and airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements. We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements; such fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0207, dated October 12, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. The MCAI states: Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Laney Azevedo stated that he supports the NPRM. The airworthiness limitations for the Airbus A300 aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items are specified in the A300 ALS Part 2. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continuing airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2015– 0115 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017– 04–05, Amendment 39–18800 (82 FR 11134, February 21, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–04–05’’)] to require compliance with the maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations defined in Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 Revision 02. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or more restrictive maintenance requirements PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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– 0414. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus SAS has issued Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2—Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT– ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017. This service information describes airworthiness limitations applicable to the DT–ALI. 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. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 24SER1 48208 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2018 / Rules and Regulations have determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a perairplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per workhour). daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES 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 and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division. Regulatory Findings 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Sep 21, 2018 Jkt 244001 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): ■ 2018–19–17 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 19417; Docket No. FAA–2018–0414; Product Identifier 2017–NM–159–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective October 29, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2017–04–05, Amendment 39–18800 (82 FR 11134, February 21, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–04–05’’). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, B2–203, B4– 2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a revision of a certain airworthiness limitations item (ALI) document, which specifies new or more restrictive instructions and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements; such fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2—Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03, PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 dated August 28, 2017. The initial compliance times for doing the tasks are at the applicable times specified in Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2—Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals, may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. (i) Terminating Action Accomplishing the action in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2017–04–05. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus 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 2017–0207, dated October 12, 2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0414. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– 231–3225. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 24SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (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 A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2—Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017. The first page of this document does not have a date. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 10, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–20346 Filed 9–21–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 93 [Docket No.: FAA–2018–0851; Amdt. Nos. 93–102] RIN 2120–AL22 Removal of Flight Plan Requirements for Commercial Air Tour Operations Within the Special Flight Rules Area at Grand Canyon National Park Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule removes the requirement for certificate holders conducting certain commercial operations within the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area to file a visual flight rules flight plan with an FAA Flight Service Station prior to each flight. The effect of this action is to remove an unnecessary, redundant, and obsolete paperwork burden on affected certificate holders daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Sep 21, 2018 Jkt 244001 without affecting safety, existing quarterly reporting requirements, or efforts to restore the natural quiet of the park environment. This final rule also makes several technical amendments. DATES: This final rule is effective on November 23, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact Monica Buenrostro, Air Transportation Division, 135 Air Carrier Operations Branch, AFS–250, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone 202–267–8166; email: Monica.C.Buenrostro@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Good Cause for Immediate Adoption Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency for ‘‘good cause’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking. The FAA finds good cause to issue this final rule without seeking prior comment for the reasons explained below. FAA regulations limit the number of commercial air tours certain operators may conduct over the Grand Canyon. Existing regulations at 14 CFR 93.323 require certain operators to file visual flight rule (VFR) flight plans with the FAA prior to each commercial Special Flight Rules Area operation (commercial SFRA operation) 1 in the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area (GCNP SFRA), ostensibly so that the FAA can verify the number of commercial tours the operator conducts. The FAA has found VFR flight plans to be an unreliable method for verifying compliance, however, and no longer uses them for this purpose. Instead, the 1 ‘‘Commercial Special Flight Rules Area Operation means any portion of any flight within the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area that is conducted by a certificate holder that has operations specifications authorizing flights within the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area. This term does not include operations conducted under an FAA Form 7711–1, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization. The types of flights covered by this definition are set forth in the ‘‘Las Vegas Flight Standards District Office Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area Procedures Manual’’ which is available from the Las Vegas Flight Standards District Office.’’ 14 CFR 93.303. The relevant manual is now known as the ‘‘Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area Procedures Manual’’ and is available from the Nevada Flight Standards District Office, formerly the Las Vegas Flight Standards District Office. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 48209 FAA relies on documents required by other FAA regulations to provide an accurate count of the number of commercial air tour flights these operators conduct. Continuing to require these flight plans constitutes an unjustified burden on GCNP SFRA commercial tour operators because the FAA does not use them for any other purpose. Accordingly, the FAA has determined that good cause exists to forego notice and comment under Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) because it is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Seeking prior comment is unnecessary because, irrespective of the public response, the VFR flight plans would remain redundant and obsolete. In addition, it would be contrary to the public interest to expend resources seeking comment under these circumstances. Considering that there is no way for FAA to use the required filings for the purpose intended, it would not be a prudent use of resources to ask for comment on whether the requirement should remain in place. Finally, it is unnecessary to seek public comment on the remaining technical amendments in this rule because they merely update references to appropriate FAA offices. Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in title 49 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). Subtitle I, sections 106(f) and (g), describe the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII of title 49, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the general authority described in 49 U.S.C. 106(f) and 44701 and the specific authority found in Section 3 of Public Law 100–91 (August 18, 1987). Section 3 directed the Department of the Interior (DOI) to submit recommendations, and the FAA to implement those recommendations, regarding actions necessary for the protection of resources in the Grand Canyon from adverse impacts associated with aircraft overflights. Congress directed that the recommendations provide for substantial restoration of the natural quiet and experience of the park and protection of public health and safety from adverse effects associated with aircraft overflight. Subsequently, in a 1996 Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies to address the impact of transportation in national parks, the President directed the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations for the GCNP that would E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 24SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 185 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48207-48209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20346]



[[Page 48207]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0414; Product Identifier 2017-NM-159-AD; Amendment 
39-19417; AD 2018-19-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a 
revision of a certain airworthiness limitations item (ALI) document, 
which specifies new or more restrictive instructions and airworthiness 
limitations. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised structural 
inspection requirements. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 29, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 29, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0414.

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-
0414; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300 
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 25, 
2018 (83 FR 24240). The NPRM was prompted by a revision of a certain 
ALI document, which specifies new or more restrictive instructions and 
airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
revised structural inspection requirements.
    We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and 
corrosion in principal structural elements; such fatigue cracking, 
damage, and corrosion could result in reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0207, dated October 12, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for the Airbus A300 aeroplanes, 
which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in 
the Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. 
The Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items are specified in 
the A300 ALS Part 2. These instructions have been identified as 
mandatory for continuing airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2015-0115 [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2017-04-05, Amendment 39-18800 (82 FR 11134, February 21, 
2017) (``AD 2017-04-05'')] to require compliance with the 
maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations 
defined in Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 Revision 02.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations were approved 
by EASA. Consequently, Airbus published Revision 03 of the A300 ALS 
Part 2, compiling all ALS Part 2 changes approved since previous 
Revision 02.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0115, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 
Revision 03.

    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-
0414.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Laney Azevedo 
stated that he supports the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS), Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), 
Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017. This service information describes 
airworthiness limitations applicable to the DT-ALI. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we

[[Page 48208]]

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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-19-17 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19417; Docket No. FAA-2018-0414; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-159-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 29, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2017-04-05, Amendment 39-18800 (82 FR 11134, 
February 21, 2017) (``AD 2017-04-05'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-
3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of a certain airworthiness 
limitations item (ALI) document, which specifies new or more 
restrictive instructions and airworthiness limitations. We are 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion 
in principal structural elements; such fatigue cracking, damage, and 
corrosion could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS), Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation 
Items (DT-ALI), Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017. The initial 
compliance times for doing the tasks are at the applicable times 
specified in Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), 
Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), 
Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, or within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals, 
may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(i) Terminating Action

    Accomplishing the action in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates 
the requirements of AD 2017-04-05.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0207, dated October 12, 2017, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0414.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3225.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 48209]]

(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 A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 
2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 
03, dated August 28, 2017. The first page of this document does not 
have a date.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet 
https://www.airbus.com.
    (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 September 10, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20346 Filed 9-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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