Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 55833-55837 [2018-24390]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(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 the
information specified in Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 3, Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision
06, dated June 13, 2018 (‘‘ALS Part 3, CMR,
R6’’). The initial compliance time for
accomplishing the tasks specified in ALS
Part 3, CMR, R6, is at the applicable time
specified in ALS Part 3, CMR, R6, or within
90 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(h) Terminating Actions for AD 2017–25–04
Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all of the
requirements of AD 2017–25–04.
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(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or
intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(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.
(i) 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.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2017–25–04, or AD 2014–22–08, Amendment
39–18013 (79 FR 67042, November 12, 2014),
that allow incorporation of ALS Part 3, CMR,
R6, are considered approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(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
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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.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2018–0180, dated August 27, 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–2018–0554.
(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.
(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.
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
October 30, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–24393 Filed 11–7–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0957; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–102–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 A318–111, –112,
–121, and –122 airplanes; Model A319–
111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132,
and –133 airplanes; and Model A320–
211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, and
SUMMARY:
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–233 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of cracks that were
found after improperly performed
magnetic particle inspections of the
main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes
were done. This proposed AD would
require instructions for repetitive
general visual inspections of the
affected parts for cracks and
replacement if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 24,
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, RondPoint 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. 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–
0957; 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:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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–
2018–0957; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–102–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 AD 2018–0136,
dated June 26, 2018 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A318–111,
–112, –121, and –122 airplanes; Model
A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115,
–131, –132, and –133 airplanes; and
Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes. The
MCAI states:
During a walk-around inspection, prior to
aeroplane dispatch, an A320 MLG was found
collapsed. Investigation revealed that,
following a magnetic particle inspection of
the MLG sliding tube, performed improperly
during overhaul, cracks were initiated,
eventually leading to fatigue fracture. A
limited number of MLG sliding tubes have
been identified that may have been subject to
the same improper inspection during the last
overhaul.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to MLG sliding tube
fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse,
damage to the aeroplane, and injury to
occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued the SB [Service Bulletin A320–
32–1461], providing instructions for
repetitive general visual inspections (GVI) of
the affected parts until next overhaul.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive GVI of the
affected parts [for cracks] and, depending on
findings, replacement.
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–
0957.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–32–1461, dated April 11, 2018.
This service information describes
procedures for repetitive general visual
inspections of MLG sliding tubes for
cracks and replacement of affected
sliding tubes. 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 817 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS [*]
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..............................................................
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
$0
Up to $170 ..............
Up to $138,890.
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
We estimate that it would take about
1 work-hour per product to comply with
the proposed reporting requirement in
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of reporting
the inspection results on U.S. operators
to be $9,945, or $85 per product.
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary on-condition actions that
would be required based on the results
of any required actions. We have no way
of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these on-condition
actions:
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ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
19 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,615 .................................................................................................................
$185
$1,800
We estimate that it would take about
1 work-hour per product to comply with
the proposed reporting requirement in
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of reporting
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the inspection results on U.S. operators
to be $85 per product.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
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collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this NPRM is 2120–0056.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules
The paperwork cost associated with this
NPRM has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this NPRM is mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at 800
Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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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
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issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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§ 39.13
55835
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2018–0957;
Product Identifier 2018–NM–102–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December
24, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes;
Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115,
–131, –132, and –133 airplanes; and Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, and
–233 airplanes, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
that were found after improperly performed
magnetic particle inspections of the main
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done.
We are issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could result in fracture of
the MLG sliding tube, possibly resulting in
MLG collapse, damage to the airplane, and
injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD apply.
(1) An affected part is any MLG sliding
tube, having a part number (P/N) and serial
number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, that has been last
overhauled between October 27, 2003, and
September 21, 2009, inclusive.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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(2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have
an affected part installed. Group 2 airplanes
are those that do not have an affected part
installed.
(h) Repetitive Inspections
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 500 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, and,
thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 500
flight cycles, accomplish a general visual
inspection for cracks of each affected part, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1461, dated April 11, 2018.
(i) Corrective Action
If any crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before
further flight, replace the affected part, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1461, dated April 11, 2018.
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(j) Terminating Action for Certain Actions
Required by Paragraph (h) of This AD
Accomplishment of an overhaul of an
affected part after September 21, 2009,
constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive general visual inspections required
by paragraph (h) of this AD for that affected
part.
(k) Reporting
Submit a report of findings (both positive
and negative) of the inspections specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–32–1461, dated April 11, 2018, at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1)
or (k)(2) of this AD. If operators have reported
findings as part of obtaining any corrective
actions approved by Airbus SAS’s European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design
Organization Approval (DOA), operators are
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not required to report those findings as
specified in this paragraph.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(l) Exception to Paragraphs (h) and (i) of
This AD
An airplane embodying Airbus
Modification 161202 (Evolution (EV) MLG) is
not affected by the requirements of
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, provided
it is determined that no affected parts are
installed on that airplane. A review of
airplane delivery and/or maintenance records
is acceptable to make this determination,
provided those records can be relied upon for
that purpose and the part number and serial
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules
number of the MLG sliding tube can be
positively identified from that review.
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(m) Parts Installation
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: From the
effective date of this AD, it is allowed to
install on any airplane an affected part, or an
MLG equipped with an affected part,
provided that, within the last 500 flight
cycles before installation, the part passed an
inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD, and that, following installation, the part
is inspected as required by this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the
effective date of this AD, do not install on
any airplane an affected part.
(n) 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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by The Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA 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.
(4) Reporting Requirements: A federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
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be approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES 200.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2018–0136, dated June 26, 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–2018–0957.
(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.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 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.
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
October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–24390 Filed 11–7–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 86
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0755; FRL–9986–20–
OAR]
RIN 2060–AT75
Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Program
Technical Amendments; Reopening of
Comment Period
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of
comment period.
AGENCY:
EPA is announcing a
reopening of the comment period for the
proposed rule ‘‘Light-duty Vehicle GHG
Program Technical Amendments,’’ to
provide an additional 30 days for public
comment. This document reopens the
comment period and establishes a new
comment period end date. This
SUMMARY:
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55837
additional opportunity to submit
comments is provided in response to a
request for such an extension and to
allow the public additional time to
comment on the proposed rule.
DATES: The comment period for the
proposed rule, published on October 1,
2018 (83 FR 49344), is reopened.
Written comments must be received on
or before November 30, 2018, in order
to be considered timely.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2017–0755, at https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or removed from Regulations.gov.
The EPA may publish any comment
received to its public docket. Do not
submit electronically any information
you consider to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Multimedia
submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be
accompanied by a written comment.
The written comment is considered the
official comment and should include
discussion of all points you wish to
make. The EPA will generally not
consider comments or comment
contents located outside of the primary
submission (i.e. on the web, cloud, or
other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full
EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher Lieske, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ),
Assessment and Standards Division
(ASD), Environmental Protection
Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann
Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number:
(734) 214–4584; email address:
lieske.christopher@epa.gov fax number:
734–214–4816.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the EPA
proposal ‘‘Light-duty Vehicle GHG
Program Technical Amendments,’’
published in the Federal Register on
October 1, 2018 (83 FR 49344), EPA
requested comment on all aspects of the
proposal. The initial comment period
ended on October 31, 2018 (30 days
after publication of the proposal in the
Federal Register). EPA received a
request from the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation for a 30-day extension of the
comment period based on its concern
regarding the complexity of calculations
involved in the proposal. The request
can be found in the docket for the
E:\FR\FM\08NOP1.SGM
08NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55833-55837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24390]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after
improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main landing
gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. This proposed AD would require
instructions for repetitive general visual inspections of the affected
parts for cracks and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24,
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, 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 [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-
0957; 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: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
[[Page 55834]]
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-2018-0957;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-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 AD
2018-0136, dated June 26, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and
-133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes. The MCAI states:
During a walk-around inspection, prior to aeroplane dispatch, an
A320 MLG was found collapsed. Investigation revealed that, following
a magnetic particle inspection of the MLG sliding tube, performed
improperly during overhaul, cracks were initiated, eventually
leading to fatigue fracture. A limited number of MLG sliding tubes
have been identified that may have been subject to the same improper
inspection during the last overhaul.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
sliding tube fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to
the aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the SB
[Service Bulletin A320-32-1461], providing instructions for
repetitive general visual inspections (GVI) of the affected parts
until next overhaul.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive GVI of the affected parts [for cracks] and, depending on
findings, replacement.
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-
0957.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11,
2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive
general visual inspections of MLG sliding tubes for cracks and
replacement of affected sliding tubes. 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 817 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions [*]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170 $0 Up to $170................ Up to $138,890.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$9,945, or $85 per product.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on the results of any required
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,615. $185 $1,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$85 per product.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this NPRM is 2120-
0056.
[[Page 55835]]
The paperwork cost associated with this NPRM has been detailed in the
Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this NPRM is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
102-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 24, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after
improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. We are issuing this AD
to address this condition, which could result in fracture of the MLG
sliding tube, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to the
airplane, and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD apply.
(1) An affected part is any MLG sliding tube, having a part
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, that has been last overhauled between October 27,
2003, and September 21, 2009, inclusive.
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[[Page 55836]]
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(2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have an affected part
installed. Group 2 airplanes are those that do not have an affected
part installed.
(h) Repetitive Inspections
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, and, thereafter, at intervals not to
exceed 500 flight cycles, accomplish a general visual inspection for
cracks of each affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April
11, 2018.
(i) Corrective Action
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the
affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Actions Required by Paragraph (h) of
This AD
Accomplishment of an overhaul of an affected part after
September 21, 2009, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive general visual inspections required by paragraph (h) of
this AD for that affected part.
(k) Reporting
Submit a report of findings (both positive and negative) of the
inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April
11, 2018, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or
(k)(2) of this AD. If operators have reported findings as part of
obtaining any corrective actions approved by Airbus SAS's European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design Organization Approval (DOA),
operators are not required to report those findings as specified in
this paragraph.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(l) Exception to Paragraphs (h) and (i) of This AD
An airplane embodying Airbus Modification 161202 (Evolution (EV)
MLG) is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i)
of this AD, provided it is determined that no affected parts are
installed on that airplane. A review of airplane delivery and/or
maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination,
provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose and the
part number and serial
[[Page 55837]]
number of the MLG sliding tube can be positively identified from
that review.
(m) Parts Installation
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD,
it is allowed to install on any airplane an affected part, or an MLG
equipped with an affected part, provided that, within the last 500
flight cycles before installation, the part passed an inspection
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and that, following
installation, the part is inspected as required by this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD,
do not install on any airplane an affected part.
(n) 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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA 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.
(4) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES 200.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0136, dated June 26, 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-2018-0957.
(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.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24390 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
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