Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 45694-45697 [2019-18764]

Download as PDF 45694 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 169 / Friday, August 30, 2019 / Proposed Rules 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–2019–0610; Product Identifier 2019–NM–094–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by October 15, 2019. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019– 0106, dated May 15, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019– 0106’’). (1) Model A319–112, –115, and –132 airplanes. (2) Model A320–214, –216, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N airplanes. (3) Model A321–211, –231, –232, 251N, and –253N airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of finding container/galley end stop bumpers damaged in service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address deformed end stops, which could break or lose their function to maintain the container/galley in position on the airplane. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to container/galley detachment under certain forward loading conditions, possibly resulting in injury to airplane occupants. (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 2019–0106. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Aug 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0106 (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019–0106 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2019–0106 does not apply to this AD. The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 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. (j) Related Information (1) For information about EASA AD 2019– 0106, 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 2019–0106 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0610. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– 231–3223. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 22, 2019. Suzanne Masterson, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–18763 Filed 8–29–19; 8:45 am] PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0611; Product Identifier 2019–NM–095–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 (i) Other FAA AD Provisions BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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 A350–941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the results of a structural analysis, which identified that the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward cargo door surrounding structure have a low fatigue life. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the forward cargo door UFF and brackets for discrepancies and, depending on the findings, doing applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union 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 October 15, 2019. SUMMARY: 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 ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 169 / Friday, August 30, 2019 / Proposed Rules 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– 0611. 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– 0611; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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–2019–0611; Product Identifier 2019–NM–095–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 received, 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. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019–0126, dated June 5, 2019 (‘‘EASA 45695 AD 2019–0126’’) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 airplanes. The MCAI states: the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Structural analysis conducted on A350 aeroplanes identified that the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward cargo door surrounding structure have a low fatigue life, as a result of the loading by the cargo door actuator. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of a forward fuselage cargo door UFF, possibly resulting in affecting the structural integrity of the fuselage. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide inspection instructions of the forward cargo door UFF and brackets located at fuselage frames (FR) 23 to FR26. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the forward cargo door UFF and brackets [for discrepancies, including cracking], at fuselage FR23 to FR26, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2019–0126 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2019–0126 describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of the UFF and brackets of the forward cargo door for discrepancies, including cracking, and applicable corrective actions. The corrective actions include a modification to reinforce the affected UFF brackets, and repair of any discrepancy detected in the area surrounding the UFF brackets. 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 agency evaluated all the relevant information and determined Proposed AD Requirements Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA initially 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. The FAA has since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2019–0126 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the provisions specified in EASA AD 2019–0126, through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2019–0126 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019–0126 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0611 after the FAA final rule is published. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost 40 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,400 ..................................................................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Aug 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Cost per product Parts cost Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM $0 30AUP1 $3,400 Cost on U.S. operators $44,200 45696 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 169 / Friday, August 30, 2019 / Proposed Rules The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required or optional actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS * Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Up to 132 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $11,220 ......................... Up to $6,940 .................................. Up to $18,160 * The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repair specified in this proposed AD. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 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: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Aug 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 (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 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–2019–0611; Product Identifier 2019–NM–095–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by October 15, 2019. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350–941 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019– 0126, dated June 5, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019– 0126’’). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by the results of a structural analysis that identified that the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward cargo door surrounding structure have a low fatigue life. The FAA is issuing this AD to address low fatigue life of the UFF of the forward cargo door surrounding structure, which could lead to failure of a forward PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 fuselage cargo door UFF, resulting in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage. (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 2019–0126. (h) Exception to EASA AD 2019–0126 The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2019– 0126 does not apply to this AD. (i) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 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 2019–0126 that contains RC procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(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 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 E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 169 / Friday, August 30, 2019 / Proposed Rules 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. AGENCY: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the fire extinguisher if any damaged discharge tube is found or the weight of the waste bin fire extinguisher is too low. 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 October 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 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– 0666. The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of lavatory waste bin fire extinguishers found depleted. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the installation of the waste bins for interference (the inspection also includes a weight check of the waste bin fire extinguisher and an inspection of the discharge tubes for damage), modification of affected waste bins, and replacement of affected fire extinguishers, as specified in a 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– 0666; 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: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South (j) Related Information (1) For information about EASA AD 2019– 0126, 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 2019–0126 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0611. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3218. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 22, 2019. Suzanne Masterson, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–18764 Filed 8–29–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0666; Product Identifier 2019–NM–086–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Aug 29, 2019 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 45697 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3226. 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–2019–0666; Product Identifier 2019–NM–086–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 received, 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 2019–0095, dated April 30, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0095’’) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states: Occurrences have been reported of lavatory waste bin fire extinguishers found depleted. The subsequent investigation results revealed that this was due to damage to the discharge tubes, which may have occurred during installation or removal of the waste bin, having collided with the fire extinguisher discharge tubes. Except for the affected fire extinguishers, having too long discharge tubes, this interference is fully due to the geometry of the affected waste bins. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of discharging the extinguishing agent in case of lavatory bin fire, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants. To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services published the SB [Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100–25–134, dated February 28, 2019], providing inspection instructions to verify correct clearance between the waste bin and the fire extinguisher discharge tubes and to replace affected fire extinguishers. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection of the installation of each affected waste bin, modification of the affected waste bin(s) and replacement of the affected fire extinguisher(s). This [EASA] AD also prohibits (re) installation of affected waste bins or affected fire extinguishers. E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 169 (Friday, August 30, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45694-45697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18764]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0611; Product Identifier 2019-NM-095-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 certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by the results of a structural analysis, which identified that 
the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward cargo door surrounding 
structure have a low fatigue life. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections of the forward cargo door UFF and brackets for 
discrepancies and, depending on the findings, doing applicable 
corrective actions, as specified in a European Union 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 October 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 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

[[Page 45695]]

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-2019-0611.

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-
0611; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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-2019-0611; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-095-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 received, 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 2019-0126, dated June 5, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0126'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Structural analysis conducted on A350 aeroplanes identified that 
the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward cargo door surrounding 
structure have a low fatigue life, as a result of the loading by the 
cargo door actuator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of a forward fuselage cargo door UFF, possibly resulting in 
affecting the structural integrity of the fuselage.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
[service bulletin] SB to provide inspection instructions of the 
forward cargo door UFF and brackets located at fuselage frames (FR) 
23 to FR26.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the forward cargo door UFF 
and brackets [for discrepancies, including cracking], at fuselage 
FR23 to FR26, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s).

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0126 describes procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections of the UFF and brackets of the forward cargo door for 
discrepancies, including cracking, and applicable corrective actions. 
The corrective actions include a modification to reinforce the affected 
UFF brackets, and repair of any discrepancy detected in the area 
surrounding the UFF brackets.
    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 agency 
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 2019-0126 described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially 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. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2019-0126 
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed 
AD would, therefore, require compliance with the provisions specified 
in EASA AD 2019-0126, through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a 
particular section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need 
comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement 
refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance 
with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled 
``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service 
information specified in EASA AD 2019-0126 that is required for 
compliance with EASA AD 2019-0126 will be available on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0611 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 work-hours x $85 per hour = $3,400...........................              $0          $3,400         $44,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 45696]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required or optional actions. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost                 Parts cost       Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 132 work-hours x $85 per    Up to $6,940......  Up to $18,160
 hour = Up to $11,220.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency
  to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repair specified in
  this proposed AD.

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:
    (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-2019-0611; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
095-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by October 15, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0126, dated June 5, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0126'').

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the results of a structural analysis 
that identified that the upper frame fittings (UFF) of the forward 
cargo door surrounding structure have a low fatigue life. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address low fatigue life of the UFF of the 
forward cargo door surrounding structure, which could lead to 
failure of a forward fuselage cargo door UFF, resulting in reduced 
structural integrity of the fuselage.

(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 2019-0126.

(h) Exception to EASA AD 2019-0126

    The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0126 does not apply to 
this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain 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 2019-0126 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(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 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

[[Page 45697]]

procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane 
can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or 
changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of 
an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For information about EASA AD 2019-0126, 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 2019-0126 may be found in the AD docket on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0611.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 22, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18764 Filed 8-29-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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