Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 61523-61526 [2019-24507]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
(j) Related Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
dorie.resnik@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0264R1,
dated April 4, 2019, for more information.
You may examine the EASA AD in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA–2019–0557.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Aviointeriors Mandatory Service
Bulletin No. 16/18, Rev. 1, dated October 11,
2018, and
(ii) Aviointeriors Optional Service Bulletin
No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated March 11, 2019.
(3) For Aviointeriors service information
identified in this AD, contact Aviointeriors
S.p.A., Customer Support, Via Appia Km.
66,4; 04013 Latina, Italy; phone: +39 0773
6891; fax: +39 0773 631546; email: customersupport@aviointeriors.it; internet: https://
www.aviointeriors.it.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
781–238–7759.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
October 24, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–24512 Filed 11–12–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0439; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–037–AD; Amendment
39–19779; AD 2019–21–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–22–
18, which applied to all Airbus SAS
Model A330–243, –243F, –341, –342,
and –343 airplanes. AD 2012–22–18
required repetitive inspections of the
three inner acoustic panels of both
engine air inlet (intake) cowls to detect
disbonding, and corrective actions, if
necessary. This AD continues to require
all actions required by AD 2012–22–18,
with a reduced initial compliance time
and reduced repetitive inspection
intervals. These actions are specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. This AD was
prompted by additional reports of
engine air inlet cowl collapse. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
18, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 18, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For the material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-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 referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206–231–3195. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0439.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
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61523
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0439; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0042, dated February 27, 2019
(‘‘EASA AD 2019–0042’’) (also referred
to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A330–243,
–243F, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2012–22–18,
Amendment 39–17256 (77 FR 70366,
November 26, 2012) (‘‘AD 2012–22–
18’’). AD 2012–22–18 applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A330–243, –243F,
–341, –342, and –343 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 19, 2019 (84 FR 28431).
The NPRM was prompted by additional
reports of engine air inlet cowl collapse
since AD 2012–22–18 was issued. The
NPRM proposed to continue to require
repetitive inspections of the three inner
acoustic panels of both engine air inlet
cowls to detect disbonding, and
corrective actions if necessary, with a
reduced initial compliance time and
reduced repetitive inspection intervals.
The NPRM also proposed an optional
modification that would be terminating
action for the repetitive inspections. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address
disbonding, which could result in
detachment of the engine air inlet cowl
from the engine, leading to ingestion of
parts, which could cause failure of the
engine, and possible injury to persons
on the ground. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Support for the NPRM
Patrick Imperatrice indicated his
support for the NPRM.
Request To Allow Alternative Tooling
American Airlines (AAL) requested
that operators be allowed to use
aerospace industry standard tap check
tools for the inspection of the engine air
inlet cowl acoustic panels instead of the
tap check tools specified in Bombardier
Service Bulletin RB211–NAC–71–018,
Revision 3, dated December 5, 2018
(‘‘Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211–
NAC–71–018, Revision 3’’). The
commenter stated that the tooling
paragraph in Bombardier Service
Bulletin RB211–NAC–71–018, Revision
3, unnecessarily restricts operators’
choices of tap tools with respect to
industry standard practices, and places
an undue burden on operators with
regards to maintaining compliance
procedures. The commenter noted that
the previous revision level of
Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211–
NAC–71–018 provided a more general
description of the tap tool and did not
prohibit the use of an aluminum tap
tool. The commenter noted that it has
successfully detected disbonding using
a variety of standard industry tap tools
made of corrosion resistant steel (CRES),
mild steel, brass, and aluminum on
similar nacelle component thin-skinned
carbon fiber/honeycomb sandwich
panels, with and without wire mesh on
them, without any negative effects, such
as galvanic corrosion. The commenter
stated that it considers tools similar to
or as described in aviation industry
manuals, made from any of the typical
listed materials, to have an equivalent
level of safety and performance as the
tool specified in Bombardier Service
Bulletin RB211–NAC–71–018, Revision
3. The commenter also advised that,
although not a concern from its
experience, any aluminum tool would
be contacting the stainless steel wire
mesh on the carbon fiber panel surface
except for localized areas of missing
wire mesh.
The FAA acknowledges the
commenter’s observation that
Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211–
NAC–71–018, Revision 3, specifies that
the tap tool can be purchased or
manufactured, should be made of mild
steel or brass rod, and that the use of an
aluminum tap tool is prohibited.
However, the FAA does not agree
with the commenter’s request to revise
this AD to allow operators to use any
aviation industry standard tap check
tool, including those made of
aluminum, for the inspection of the
engine air inlet cowl acoustic panels.
The FAA received additional
information from Bombardier stating
that Bombardier performed numerous
tests on acoustic panels using tap tools
manufactured from various materials.
Bombardier concluded that a better
tonal response was received for both
disbond and non-disbond areas when a
heavier tap tool made from steel or brass
material was used, which resulted in
more reliable detection of panel
disbond.
This AD refers to EASA AD 2019–
0042 for a description of the procedures
for repetitive inspections of the engine
air inlet cowls having a certain part
number, repair or replacement of any
engine air inlet cowl that has disbond,
and an optional modification that
terminated the need for the repetitive
inspections. In turn, EASA AD 2019–
0042 refers to Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–71–3024, Revision 04, dated
December 17, 2018 (‘‘Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–71–3024, Revision 04’’),
for information regarding the inspection
procedures for the engine air inlet cowl.
Paragraphs 3.C. and 3.D. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–71–3024,
Revision 04, are considered ‘‘required
for compliance’’ (RC) and must be done
to comply with the requirements of this
AD.
Paragraph 3.C. of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–71–3024, Revision 04,
states that the tap test must be done
using the procedures in Rolls-Royce
Service Bulletin No. RB.211–71–AG419,
Revision 3, dated December 7, 2018
(‘‘Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No.
RB.211–71–AG419, Revision 3’’). RollsRoyce Service Bulletin No. RB.211–71–
AG419, Revision 3, refers to Bombardier
Service Bulletin RB211–NAC–71–018,
Revision 3, for the inspection
procedures.
Operators may request to use tap tools
other than those identified in
Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211–
NAC–71–018, Revision 3, by utilizing
the alternative methods of compliance
(AMOCs) provision provided in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and
submitting sufficient data to
substantiate that the alternative tools
would provide an acceptable level of
safety. The FAA has not revised this AD
in regard to this issue.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2019–0042 describes
procedures for repetitive inspections of
engine air inlet cowls having certain
part numbers, repair or replacement of
any engine air inlet cowl that has
disbonding, and an optional
modification that terminates the need
for the repetitive inspections. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 47 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Retained actions from AD 2012–22–18 ........
Up to 20 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to
$1,700.
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
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$0
13NOR1
$1,700
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $79,900.
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
61525
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR OPTIONAL ACTIONS
Labor cost
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Up to 154 work hours × $85 per hour = Up to $13,090 ......................................................................................
(*)
Up to $13,090.*
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for the optional actions.
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:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Up to 34 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $2,890 ..........................................................................................
(*)
Up to $2,890.*
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for the on-condition actions.
The new requirements of this AD add
no additional economic burden.
However, the optional modification, if
done, would result in additional costs as
specified in the ‘‘Estimate costs for
optional actions’’ table.
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 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:14 Nov 12, 2019
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Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2012–22–18, Amendment 39–17256 (77
FR 70366, November 26, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:
■
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2019–21–13 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
19779; Docket No. FAA–2019–0439;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–037–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 18, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces 2012–22–18, Amendment
39–17256 (77 FR 70366, November 26, 2012)
(‘‘AD 2012–22–18’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A330–243, –243F, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
extensive damage to engine air inlet (intake)
cowls as a result of acoustic panel collapse
and by additional reports of engine air inlet
cowl collapse since AD 2012–22–18 was
issued. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address disbonding, which could result in
detachment of the engine air inlet cowl from
the engine, leading to ingestion of parts,
which could cause failure of the engine, and
possible injury to persons on the ground.
(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, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0042, dated
February 27, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0042’’).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0042
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0042 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0042 does not apply to this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0042 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) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@
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
2019–0042 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
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
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.
15:58 Nov 12, 2019
Jkt 250001
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
October 28, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–24507 Filed 11–12–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0254; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–011–AD; Amendment
39–19763; AD 2019–20–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A318 and A319
series airplanes, Model A320–211, –212,
–214, –216, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes, and Model A321–111, –112,
–131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and –232
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report that cracks were detected on
frame (FR) 16 and FR 20 web holes and
passenger door intercostal fitting holes
at the door stop fitting locations. This
AD requires repetitive rototest
inspections of the holes at the door stop
fittings for any cracking, and corrective
actions if necessary, as specified in a
SUMMARY:
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 18, 2019.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0042, dated February 27,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0042, 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.
(5) You may view this 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. This material may
be found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0439.
(6) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
PO 00000
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European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
18, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 18, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For the material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-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–
0254.
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–
0254; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus SAS Model
A318 and A319 series airplanes, Model
A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes, and Model
A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
–213, –231, and –232 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 8, 2019 (84 FR 20054).
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61523-61526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24507]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0439; Product Identifier 2019-NM-037-AD; Amendment
39-19779; AD 2019-21-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22-
18, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes. AD 2012-22-18 required repetitive inspections of
the three inner acoustic panels of both engine air inlet (intake) cowls
to detect disbonding, and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD
continues to require all actions required by AD 2012-22-18, with a
reduced initial compliance time and reduced repetitive inspection
intervals. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD
was prompted by additional reports of engine air inlet cowl collapse.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 18, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 18,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, 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 referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0439.
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-
0439; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0042, dated February 27, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0042'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -
343 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR
70366, November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-18''). AD 2012-22-18 applied to
all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 19, 2019 (84 FR
28431). The NPRM was prompted by additional reports of engine air inlet
cowl collapse since AD 2012-22-18 was issued. The NPRM proposed to
continue to require repetitive inspections of the three inner acoustic
panels of both engine air inlet cowls to detect disbonding, and
corrective actions if necessary, with a reduced initial compliance time
and reduced repetitive inspection intervals. The NPRM also proposed an
optional modification that would be terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
disbonding, which could result in detachment of the engine air inlet
cowl from the engine, leading to ingestion of parts, which could cause
failure of the engine, and possible injury to persons on the ground.
See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing
[[Page 61524]]
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
Patrick Imperatrice indicated his support for the NPRM.
Request To Allow Alternative Tooling
American Airlines (AAL) requested that operators be allowed to use
aerospace industry standard tap check tools for the inspection of the
engine air inlet cowl acoustic panels instead of the tap check tools
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018, Revision 3,
dated December 5, 2018 (``Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018,
Revision 3''). The commenter stated that the tooling paragraph in
Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018, Revision 3, unnecessarily
restricts operators' choices of tap tools with respect to industry
standard practices, and places an undue burden on operators with
regards to maintaining compliance procedures. The commenter noted that
the previous revision level of Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-
71-018 provided a more general description of the tap tool and did not
prohibit the use of an aluminum tap tool. The commenter noted that it
has successfully detected disbonding using a variety of standard
industry tap tools made of corrosion resistant steel (CRES), mild
steel, brass, and aluminum on similar nacelle component thin-skinned
carbon fiber/honeycomb sandwich panels, with and without wire mesh on
them, without any negative effects, such as galvanic corrosion. The
commenter stated that it considers tools similar to or as described in
aviation industry manuals, made from any of the typical listed
materials, to have an equivalent level of safety and performance as the
tool specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018,
Revision 3. The commenter also advised that, although not a concern
from its experience, any aluminum tool would be contacting the
stainless steel wire mesh on the carbon fiber panel surface except for
localized areas of missing wire mesh.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's observation that Bombardier
Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018, Revision 3, specifies that the tap
tool can be purchased or manufactured, should be made of mild steel or
brass rod, and that the use of an aluminum tap tool is prohibited.
However, the FAA does not agree with the commenter's request to
revise this AD to allow operators to use any aviation industry standard
tap check tool, including those made of aluminum, for the inspection of
the engine air inlet cowl acoustic panels. The FAA received additional
information from Bombardier stating that Bombardier performed numerous
tests on acoustic panels using tap tools manufactured from various
materials. Bombardier concluded that a better tonal response was
received for both disbond and non-disbond areas when a heavier tap tool
made from steel or brass material was used, which resulted in more
reliable detection of panel disbond.
This AD refers to EASA AD 2019-0042 for a description of the
procedures for repetitive inspections of the engine air inlet cowls
having a certain part number, repair or replacement of any engine air
inlet cowl that has disbond, and an optional modification that
terminated the need for the repetitive inspections. In turn, EASA AD
2019-0042 refers to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3024, Revision 04,
dated December 17, 2018 (``Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3024,
Revision 04''), for information regarding the inspection procedures for
the engine air inlet cowl. Paragraphs 3.C. and 3.D. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3024,
Revision 04, are considered ``required for compliance'' (RC) and must
be done to comply with the requirements of this AD.
Paragraph 3.C. of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3024, Revision
04, states that the tap test must be done using the procedures in
Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No. RB.211-71-AG419, Revision 3, dated
December 7, 2018 (``Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No. RB.211-71-AG419,
Revision 3''). Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No. RB.211-71-AG419,
Revision 3, refers to Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018,
Revision 3, for the inspection procedures.
Operators may request to use tap tools other than those identified
in Bombardier Service Bulletin RB211-NAC-71-018, Revision 3, by
utilizing the alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) provision
provided in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and submitting sufficient data
to substantiate that the alternative tools would provide an acceptable
level of safety. The FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this
issue.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0042 describes procedures for repetitive inspections
of engine air inlet cowls having certain part numbers, repair or
replacement of any engine air inlet cowl that has disbonding, and an
optional modification that terminates the need for the repetitive
inspections. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 47 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2012-22- Up to 20 work-hours $0 $1,700 Up to $79,900.
18. x $85 per hour =
Up to $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 61525]]
Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 154 work hours x $85 per (*) Up to $13,090.*
hour = Up to $13,090.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for the
optional actions.
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:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 34 work-hours x $85 per (*) Up to $2,890.*
hour = Up to $2,890.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for the on-
condition actions.
The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden.
However, the optional modification, if done, would result in additional
costs as specified in the ``Estimate costs for optional actions''
table.
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 AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR 70366, November 26, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-21-13 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19779; Docket No. FAA-2019-0439;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-037-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 18, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces 2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR 70366,
November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-18'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of extensive damage to engine
air inlet (intake) cowls as a result of acoustic panel collapse and
by additional reports of engine air inlet cowl collapse since AD
2012-22-18 was issued. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
disbonding, which could result in detachment of the engine air inlet
cowl from the engine, leading to ingestion of parts, which could
cause failure of the engine, and possible injury to persons on the
ground.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0042, dated February 27, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0042'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0042
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0042 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0042 does not apply
to this AD.
[[Page 61526]]
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0042
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) 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 2019-0042 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 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
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.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 18, 2019.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0042,
dated February 27, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For information about EASA AD 2019-0042, 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.
(5) You may view this 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. This
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0439.
(6) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 28, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24507 Filed 11-12-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
