Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 31772-31775 [2019-14046]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / Proposed Rules
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.
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(i) Terminating Actions
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates all requirements of AD
2019–01–05.
(2) Accomplishing the action required by
task number 274400–00004–1–E of Airbus
A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 4, System Equipment
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision
07, dated October 15, 2018, within the
compliance time specified for that task in
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision
07, dated October 15, 2018, terminates all
requirements of AD 2017–25–13 for Airbus
SAS Model A330–200, A330–200 Freighter,
and A330–300 series airplanes only.
(3) Accomplishing the action required by
task number 213100–00001–1–E of Airbus
A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section
(ALS) Part 4, System Equipment
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision
07, dated October 15, 2018, within the
compliance time specified for that task in
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision
07, dated October 15, 2018, terminates all
requirements of AD 2014–16–22 for Airbus
SAS Model A330–200, A330–200 Freighter,
and A330–300 series airplanes only.
(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): 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
2019–0047, dated March 11, 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–2019–0492.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206–231–3229.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@
airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June
25, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–14047 Filed 7–2–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0498; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–073–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
certain Airbus SAS Model A330–202,
–243, –243F, –302, –323, and –343
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that cracks have
been found within the ring gears of the
SUMMARY:
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slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs) due
to a change in the manufacturing
process and inadequate post-production
non-destructive testing for potential
cracking. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine the
part number and serial number of the
SGRAs, and replacement of each
affected SGRA with a serviceable part,
as specified in an European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will
be incorporated by reference. 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 19,
2019.
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 the material identified in this
proposed AD that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR), contact the EASA, at
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 1000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0498.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0498; 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / Proposed Rules
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax: 206–231–3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
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–2019–0498; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–073–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 based on
those comments.
The FAA will post all comments the
agency receives, 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 received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0093, dated April 26, 2019
(‘‘EASA AD 2019–0093’’) (also referred
to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A330–
202, –243, –243F, –302, –323, and –343
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Cracks have been found within the ring
gears of an SGRA. Investigation identified
that this is due to a change in the
manufacturing process of the 300M steel raw
material in conjunction with inadequate
post-production non-destructive testing for
potential cracks. A batch of SGRA has been
identified as having been subject to this
manufacturing process.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could, in combination with an
independent failure on the second SGRA of
the same slat surface, lead to an uncontrolled
movement of the affected slat surface in
flight, or detachment of the slat surface,
possibly resulting in damage to the
stabilizers, or reduced control of the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued the SB [service bulletin] to
provide instructions to replace the affected
parts, referencing the Liebherr SB for in-shop
correction.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires [an inspection to
determine the part number and serial number
of an SGRA and] replacement of each
affected part with a serviceable part [if
necessary].
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2019–0093 describes
procedures for an inspection to
determine the part number and serial
number of the SGRAs, and replacement
of each affected part with a serviceable
part.
This material 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 and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to a
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agencey evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2019–0093 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
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regulatory text of this AD and except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this Proposed AD and the MCAI.’’
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus
and EASA to develop a process to use
certain EASA ADs as the primary source
of information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. As a result, EASA AD 2019–0093
will be incorporated by reference in the
FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance
with the provisions specified in EASA
AD 2019–0093, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Service information specified in EASA
AD 2019–0093 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019–0093
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0498 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Difference Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
EASA AD 2019–0093 requires that
operators report to Airbus when all
affected parts have been replaced. This
AD, however, does not include that
requirement. The FAA has determined
that reporting may be done at the
discretion of the operators, but reporting
is not necessary. Only two U.S.registered airplanes are affected.
Reporting would not provide useful
statistical information to Airbus.
Further, any affected part must be sent
to the parts manufacturer for repair,
which will provide the visibility of a
discrepant part that was initially
installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Cost on
U.S. operators
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Up to 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..........................................................................
$0
Up to $170 .......
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
action that would be required based on
number of aircraft that might need this
on-condition action:
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17:07 Jul 02, 2019
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the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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Up to $340.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 15 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,275 ..............................................................................................
*
Cost per
product
Up to $1,275. *
* According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known costs in our
cost estimate.
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.
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.
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Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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: Is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
Executive Order 12866; Will not affect
intrastate aviation in Alaska; and Will
not have a significant economic impact,
positive or negative, on a substantial
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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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2019–0498;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–073–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 19,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A330–202, –243, –243F, –302, –323, and
–343 airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0093, dated April
26, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0093’’).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight control.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that
cracks have been found within the ring gears
of the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs)
due to a change in the manufacturing process
and inadequate post-production nondestructive testing for potential cracking. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking
of an SGRA, which, in combination with an
independent failure on the second SGRA of
the same slat surface, could lead to an
uncontrolled movement of the affected slat
surface in flight, or detachment of the slat
surface, and could possibly result in damage
to the stabilizers and reduced controllability
of the airplane.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019–0093.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0093
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where EASA AD 2019–0093 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0093 does not apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2019–0093 specifies to
submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(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 instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 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): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0093 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / Proposed Rules
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) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0093, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; Internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this EASA
AD 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.
EASA AD 2019–0093 may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0498.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax: 206–231–3229.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June
25, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–14046 Filed 7–2–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0521; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–047–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)
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
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model
SAAB 2000 airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports of cracks
in the o-ring groove of magnetic fuel
level indicators. This proposed AD
would require a one-time detailed
inspection of the magnetic fuel level
jspears on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
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indicator for cracks and replacement of
cracked magnetic fuel level indicators.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 19, 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 Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics, SE–581 88, Linko¨ping,
Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax
+46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com;
internet https://www.saabgroup.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–
0521; 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
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3220.
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–2019–0521; Product
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31775
Identifier 2019–NM–047–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The
agency specifically invites comments on
the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The agency 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
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2019–0053, dated March 14,
2019 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported where,
during maintenance, magnetic fuel level
indicators were found with cracks in the Oring groove. Investigation results indicate
that these cracks may be due to over-torque
during installation of the unit, although the
applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual
instructs that the proper nut torque is
between 2.8 and 3.4 Nm.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of an
indicator, possibly resulting in a puncture of
the fuel tank bottom, with consequent fuel
leakage and risk of fuel starvation.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
SAAB issued the SB [service bulletin] to
provide inspection instructions.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection of
affected parts and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s).
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–
0521.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)
has issued Service Bulletin 2000–28–
027, dated January 15, 2019. This
service information describes
procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the magnetic fuel level
indicator for cracks and replacement of
cracked magnetic fuel level indicators.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM
03JYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31772-31775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14046]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0498; Product Identifier 2019-NM-073-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -302, -323, and -
343 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that cracks
have been found within the ring gears of the slat geared rotary
actuators (SGRAs) due to a change in the manufacturing process and
inadequate post-production non-destructive testing for potential
cracking. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the
part number and serial number of the SGRAs, and replacement of each
affected SGRA with a serviceable part, as specified in an European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by
reference. 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 19,
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 the material identified in this proposed AD that will be
incorporated by reference (IBR), contact the EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR
material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view
this IBR material at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0498.
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-
0498; 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
[[Page 31773]]
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
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-2019-0498;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-073-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 based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments the agency receives, 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 received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0093, dated April 26, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0093'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -302, -
323, and -343 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Cracks have been found within the ring gears of an SGRA.
Investigation identified that this is due to a change in the
manufacturing process of the 300M steel raw material in conjunction
with inadequate post-production non-destructive testing for
potential cracks. A batch of SGRA has been identified as having been
subject to this manufacturing process.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in
combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, lead to an uncontrolled movement of the affected
slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface, possibly
resulting in damage to the stabilizers, or reduced control of the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the SB
[service bulletin] to provide instructions to replace the affected
parts, referencing the Liebherr SB for in-shop correction.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires [an
inspection to determine the part number and serial number of an SGRA
and] replacement of each affected part with a serviceable part [if
necessary].
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0093 describes procedures for an inspection to
determine the part number and serial number of the SGRAs, and
replacement of each affected part with a serviceable part.
This material 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 and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to a bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the agencey
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2019-0093 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to
use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. As a result,
EASA AD 2019-0093 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the
provisions specified in EASA AD 2019-0093, through that incorporation,
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory
text of this proposed AD. Service information specified in EASA AD
2019-0093 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019-0093 will
be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0498 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Difference Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2019-0093 requires that operators report to Airbus when all
affected parts have been replaced. This AD, however, does not include
that requirement. The FAA has determined that reporting may be done at
the discretion of the operators, but reporting is not necessary. Only
two U.S.-registered airplanes are affected. Reporting would not provide
useful statistical information to Airbus. Further, any affected part
must be sent to the parts manufacturer for repair, which will provide
the visibility of a discrepant part that was initially installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 2 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates 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 = $0 Up to $170.................. Up to $340.
$170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
[[Page 31774]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 15 work-hours x $85 per * Up to $1,275. *
hour = $1,275.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage
for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all known
costs in our cost estimate.
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.
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
The FAA 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: Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866; Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 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-2019-0498; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
073-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 19, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330-202, -243, -243F, -302,
-323, and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0093,
dated April 26, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0093'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
control.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks have been found
within the ring gears of the slat geared rotary actuators (SGRAs)
due to a change in the manufacturing process and inadequate post-
production non-destructive testing for potential cracking. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracking of an SGRA, which, in
combination with an independent failure on the second SGRA of the
same slat surface, could lead to an uncontrolled movement of the
affected slat surface in flight, or detachment of the slat surface,
and could possibly result in damage to the stabilizers and reduced
controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0093.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0093
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0093 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0093 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2019-0093 specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 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): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0093 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, RC
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are
[[Page 31775]]
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) For information about EASA AD 2019-0093, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this EASA AD 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. EASA AD 2019-0093 may be found in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0498.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 25, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14046 Filed 7-2-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
