Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 31249-31252 [2019-13887]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules (h) Retained No Alternative Actions Intervals, and/or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With New Exception This paragraph restates the action required by paragraph (j) of AD 2017–06–08, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, after accomplishing the revisions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and 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 (k)(1) of this AD. (i) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Part 1—Certification Maintenance Requirements; Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspections (ALI)—Structures; Part 3—Fuel System Limitation Items; and Part 4—Life Limited Items; of Appendix A—Airworthiness Limitations; to the EMBRAER 170/175 Maintenance Review Board Report, MRB– 1621, Revision 14, dated September 27, 2018 (‘‘EMBRAER MRB–1621, Revision 14’’); and EMBRAER Temporary Revision (TR) 14–1, dated November 13, 2018, to EMBRAER MRB–1621, Revision 14. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks are at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. Accomplishing the revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (1) Within the applicable times specified in EMBRAER MRB–1621, Revision 14. For the purposes of this AD, the initial compliance times identified as ’’Threshold’’ or ’’T’’ in EMBRAER MRB–1621, Revision 14 are expressed in ’’total flight cycles.’’ (2) Within 90 days or 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (j) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or CDCCLs After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (i) 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 AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions (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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Jun 28, 2019 Jkt 247001 paragraph (l)(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: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 Ageˆncia Nacional de Aviac¸a˜o Civil (ANAC); or ANAC’s authorized Designee. If approved by the ANAC Designee, the approval must include the Designee’s authorized signature. SUMMARY: (l) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Brazilian AD 2019–05–01, effective May 2, 2019, 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–2019–0499. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Krista Greer, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– 231–3221. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Embraer S.A., Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sa˜o Jose dos Campos—SP—Brasil; telephone +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax +55 12 3927–7546; email distrib@embraer.com.br; internet https://www.flyembraer.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. ADDRESSES: Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 21, 2019. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–13884 Filed 6–28–19; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0500; Product Identifier 2019–NM–078–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2019. DATES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, RondPoint Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 31249 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0500; 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 is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South E:\FR\FM\01JYP1.SGM 01JYP1 31250 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3225. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0500. Comments Invited Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2018–19–31 This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2018–19–31. Rather, we have determined that a stand-alone AD is more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all of the requirements of AD 2018–19–31. The FAA invites 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–2019–0500; Product Identifier 2019–NM–078–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019–0091, dated April 26, 2019 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states: The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A310 aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the A310 [Airworthiness Limitations Section] ALS document(s). The Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALI) are published in ALS Part 2. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. Previously, EASA issued AD 2017–0206 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–19–31, Amendment 39–19432 (83 FR 48930, September 28, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–19–31’’)] to require accomplishment of all DT ALI maintenance tasks as described in the Airbus A310 ALS Part 2 at Revision 02. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published the ALS, including new and/or more restrictive requirements. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2017–0206, which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS. The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Jun 28, 2019 Jkt 247001 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT– ALI), Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018 (‘‘Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT– ALI, Revision 03’’), as supplemented by Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Variation 3.1, Issue 01, dated December 20, 2018 (‘‘Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Variation 3.1, Issue 01’’). Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Revision 03, describes mandatory maintenance tasks that operators must perform at specified intervals. Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Variation 3.1, Issue 01, describes additional mandatory maintenance tasks related to wide-spread fatigue damage that operators must perform at specified intervals. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination 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, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 revising the existing maintenance or PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information The MCAI specifies that, if there are findings from the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. The FAA considers those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 workhours per operator, although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $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 E:\FR\FM\01JYP1.SGM 01JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is 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 and associated appliances 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and (3) 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. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Jun 28, 2019 Jkt 247001 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2019–0500; Product Identifier 2019–NM–078–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by August 15, 2019. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2017–21–08, Amendment 39–19079 (82 FR 48904, October 23, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–21–08’’); and AD 2018– 19–31, Amendment 39–19432 (83 FR 48930, September 28, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–19–31’’). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A310–203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which 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 existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018 (‘‘Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Revision 03’’), as supplemented by Airbus A310 Airworthiness ALS, Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT–ALI), Variation 3.1, Issue 01, dated December 20, 2018 (‘‘Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Variation 3.1, Issue 01’’). The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Revision 03, as supplemented by Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT–ALI, Variation 3.1, Issue 01; or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 31251 (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and 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 for AD 2017–21–08 and AD 2018–19–31 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2017– 21–08 and AD 2018–19–31. (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. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD: 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. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2019–0091, dated April 26, 2019, 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–2019–0500. E:\FR\FM\01JYP1.SGM 01JYP1 31252 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules (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. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 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 June 21, 2019. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–13887 Filed 6–28–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0501; Product Identifier 2019–NM–077–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–600, B4– 600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes). This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2019. DATES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Jun 28, 2019 Jkt 247001 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 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.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. You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0501; 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 is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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: Comments Invited The FAA invites 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–2019–0501; Product Identifier 2019–NM–077–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA 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 2019–0090, dated April 26, 2019; (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300–600 series airplanes. The MCAI states: The airworthiness limitations for the Airbus A300–600 aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the A300–600 [Airworthiness Limitations Section] ALS document(s). The Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALI) are published in ALS Part 2. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. Previously, EASA issued AD 2017–0205 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–19–33, Amendment 39–19434 (83 FR 48932, September 28, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–19–33’’)] to require accomplishment of all DT ALI maintenance tasks as described in the Airbus A300–600 ALS Part 2 at Revision 02. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published the ALS, including new and/or more restrictive requirements. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2017–0205, which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS. The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 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–2019– 0501. Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2018–19–33 This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2018–19–33. Rather, the FAA has determined that a stand-alone AD is more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all of the requirements of AD 2018–19–33. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus SAS has issued A300–600 Airworthiness Limitations Section E:\FR\FM\01JYP1.SGM 01JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31249-31252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13887]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0500; Product Identifier 2019-NM-078-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA 
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 
Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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-2019-
0500; 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 is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South

[[Page 31250]]

216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3225.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0500; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-078-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA 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 
2019-0091, dated April 26, 2019 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A310 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A310 aeroplanes, which 
are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the 
A310 [Airworthiness Limitations Section] ALS document(s). The Damage 
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALI) are published in 
ALS Part 2.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2017-0206 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2018-19-31, Amendment 39-19432 (83 FR 48930, September 28, 2018) 
(``AD 2018-19-31'')] to require accomplishment of all DT ALI 
maintenance tasks as described in the Airbus A310 ALS Part 2 at 
Revision 02.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published the ALS, 
including new and/or more restrictive requirements.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0206, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS.

    The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. 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-2019-0500.

Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2018-19-31

    This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2018-19-31. Rather, we 
have determined that a stand-alone AD is more appropriate to address 
the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all of the 
requirements of AD 2018-19-31.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), 
Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018 (``Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, 
Revision 03''), as supplemented by Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, Damage 
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 3.1, Issue 
01, dated December 20, 2018 (``Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, 
Variation 3.1, Issue 01''). Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Revision 
03, describes mandatory maintenance tasks that operators must perform 
at specified intervals. Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Variation 3.1, 
Issue 01, describes additional mandatory maintenance tasks related to 
wide-spread fatigue damage that operators must perform at specified 
intervals. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    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, the FAA 
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the agency 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 revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph 
(j)(1) of this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to 
operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1 
work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or 
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has 
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates 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

[[Page 31251]]

detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is 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 and associated appliances 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    (3) 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-2019-0500; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
078-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by August 15, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2017-21-08, Amendment 39-19079 (82 FR 48904, 
October 23, 2017) (``AD 2017-21-08''); and AD 2018-19-31, Amendment 
39-19432 (83 FR 48930, September 28, 2018) (``AD 2018-19-31'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, 
-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which 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 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, Damage Tolerant Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 03, dated December 14, 2018 
(``Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Revision 03''), as supplemented 
by Airbus A310 Airworthiness ALS, Part 2, Damage Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 3.1, Issue 01, 
dated December 20, 2018 (``Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Variation 
3.1, Issue 01''). The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is 
at the time specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Revision 
03, as supplemented by Airbus A310 ALS Part 2, DT-ALI, Variation 
3.1, Issue 01; or within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD; whichever occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions and 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 for AD 2017-21-08 and AD 2018-19-31

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2017-21-08 and AD 2018-19-31.

(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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD: 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2019-0091, dated April 26, 2019, 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-2019-0500.

[[Page 31252]]

    (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.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 21, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13887 Filed 6-28-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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