Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 46012-46015 [2020-16281]
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46012
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 148 / Friday, July 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional:
Docket No. FAA–2020–0676; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–085–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
September 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR—GIE Avions de
Transport Re´gional Model ATR72–101, –102,
–201, –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes,
certificated in any category, all manufacturer
serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of main
landing gear (MLG) hinge pins found cracked
or thermally abused. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address MLG hinge pins subjected to
a non-detected thermal abuse during
production, which could lead to structural
failure and consequent collapse of the MLG,
resulting in damage to the airplane and
injury to the 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, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0101, dated
May 5, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0101’’).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0101
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0101 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0101 does not apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting or Returning Parts
Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0101 specifies
to submit certain information and to return
affected parts to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include those requirements.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation 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
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District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or ATR—GIE Avions de Transport
Re´gional’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0101, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; 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
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety 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–2020–0676.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3220; email
Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.
Issued on July 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–16282 Filed 7–30–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0674; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–070–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
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The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A330–200
and A330–300 series airplanes, and all
Model A340–200 and A340–300 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of hydraulic
system failure due to fatigue failure of
the screws attaching the manual valve to
the ground service manifold (GSM).
This proposed AD would require, for
certain GSMs, repetitive replacement of
the hydraulic system GSM manual valve
attachment screws having certain part
numbers; and, for certain other GSMs
with certain screws installed,
replacement of those screws, 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 September 14,
2020.
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 material incorporated by reference
(IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; 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, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety 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–2020–
0674.
SUMMARY:
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–2020–
0674; or in person at Docket Operations
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 148 / Friday, July 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
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–2020–0674; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–070–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
FAA 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 the FAA receives about this
NPRM.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0093, dated April 24, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0093’’) (also referred
to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A330–200
and A330–300 series airplanes, and all
Model A340–200 and A340–300 series
airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of hydraulic system failure due
to the fatigue failure of the screws
attaching the manual valve to the GSM.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the failure of hydraulic system
manual valve attachment screws. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead
to the loss of one or more hydraulic
systems and damage to surrounding
structure and components, possibly
resulting in reduced control of the
airplane, or injury to maintenance staff
working in the main landing gear bay.
See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2020–0093 describes
procedures for replacement of the
hydraulic system GSM manual valve
attachment screws. For GSMs with part
number (P/N) 70902–3 or P/N 70902–4
installed with screws having P/N
NAS1101–3H8, EASA AD 2020–0093
describes procedures for repetitive
replacement of those screws with new
screws having P/N NAS1101–3H8. For
GSMs with P/N 70902–5 installed with
screws having P/N NAS1101–3H8,
EASA AD 2020–0093 describes
procedures for replacement of those
screws with new bolts having P/N
EWB0420D–3H–3 or four new screws
having P/N NAS1101–3H8; if new
screws are installed, EASA AD 2020–
0093 describes procedures for replacing
them with new bolts having P/N
EWB0420D–3H–3 before the screws
exceed 10,000 flight cycles since
installation on an airplane. EASA AD
2020–0093 also describes an optional
terminating modification (replacement
of all affected GSMs), which would
terminate the repetitive replacements of
the attachment screws.
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 the
FAA’s 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 FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
46013
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 2020–0093 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
2020–0093 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0093
in its entirety, 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
2020–0093 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0093
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0674 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 107 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
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 per cycle ........................
$0*
Cost per product
$595 per cycle ........................
Cost on U.S. operators
$63,665 per cycle.
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the required actions specified in
this proposed AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 148 / Friday, July 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR OPTIONAL ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ....................................................................................................................
$0*
$850
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the optional actions specified in this
proposed AD.
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. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known costs in the 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.
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.
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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–2020–0674;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–070–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
September 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of
this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0093, dated April
24, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0093’’).
(1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and
–243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes.
(3) Model A340–211, –212, and –213
airplanes.
(4) Model A340–311, –312, and –313
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 29, Hydraulic power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
hydraulic system failure due to fatigue failure
of the screws attaching the manual valve to
the ground service manifold (GSM). The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the failure of
hydraulic system manual valve attachment
screws. This condition, if not addressed,
could lead to the loss of one or more
hydraulic systems and damage to
surrounding structure and components,
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possibly resulting in reduced control of the
airplane, or injury to maintenance staff
working in the main landing gear bay.
(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 2020–0093.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0093
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0093 refers to its
effective date or to ‘‘the effective date of
EASA AD 2019–0314,’’ this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0093 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020–0093 specifies
to comply with ‘‘the instructions of the
AOT,’’ and ‘‘the AOT’’ specifies that ‘‘the
accomplishment instructions marked as
Required for Compliance (RC) must be done’’
this AD requires compliance with ‘‘paragraph
4.4.2., Accomplishment Instructions, of the
AOT’’ only.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0093 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, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-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, Large Aircraft Section,
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 148 / Friday, July 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules
International Validation 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
2020–0093 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3)
and (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
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0093, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; 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
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety 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–2020–0674.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
Issued on July 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–16281 Filed 7–30–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0645; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ASO–18]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Class E
Airspace; Toccoa, GA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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This action proposes to
amend Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
in Toccoa, GA, due to the
decommissioning of the Foothills VHF
Omnidirectional Range/Distance
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and
cancellation of the associated
approaches at Toccoa RG Letourneau
Field Airport. This action would also
update the geographic coordinates of the
airport, as well as Habersham County
Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary
for the safety and management of
instrument flight rules (IFR) operations
in the area.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 14, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to: the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001;
Telephone: (800) 647–5527, or (202)
366–9826. You must identify the Docket
No. FAA–2020–0645; Airspace Docket
No. 20–ASO–18, at the beginning of
your comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
on line at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11D at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Fornito, Operations Support Group,
Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337; telephone (770)
883–5664.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
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46015
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend Class E airspace in the Toccoa,
GA area, to support IFR operations in
the area.
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to
comment on this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (Docket No. FAA–
2020–0645 and Airspace Docket No. 20–
ASO–18) and be submitted in triplicate
to DOT Docket Operations (see
ADDRESSES section for the address and
phone number.) You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Persons wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2020–0645; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ASO–18.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received before
the specified closing date for comments
will be considered before taking action
on the proposed rule. The proposal
contained in this document may be
changed in light of the comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 148 (Friday, July 31, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46012-46015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16281]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0674; Product Identifier 2020-NM-070-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 A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes,
and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of hydraulic system failure due to fatigue
failure of the screws attaching the manual valve to the ground service
manifold (GSM). This proposed AD would require, for certain GSMs,
repetitive replacement of the hydraulic system GSM manual valve
attachment screws having certain part numbers; and, for certain other
GSMs with certain screws installed, replacement of those screws, 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 September
14, 2020.
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 material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; 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,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2020-0674.
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-2020-
0674; or in person at Docket Operations
[[Page 46013]]
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229;
email [email protected].
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-2020-0674;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-070-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 FAA 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 the FAA receives about this NPRM.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0093, dated April 24, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0093'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 and A330-300 series
airplanes, and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic system
failure due to the fatigue failure of the screws attaching the manual
valve to the GSM. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the failure
of hydraulic system manual valve attachment screws. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to the loss of one or more hydraulic systems
and damage to surrounding structure and components, possibly resulting
in reduced control of the airplane, or injury to maintenance staff
working in the main landing gear bay. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for replacement of the
hydraulic system GSM manual valve attachment screws. For GSMs with part
number (P/N) 70902-3 or P/N 70902-4 installed with screws having P/N
NAS1101-3H8, EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for repetitive
replacement of those screws with new screws having P/N NAS1101-3H8. For
GSMs with P/N 70902-5 installed with screws having P/N NAS1101-3H8,
EASA AD 2020-0093 describes procedures for replacement of those screws
with new bolts having P/N EWB0420D-3H-3 or four new screws having P/N
NAS1101-3H8; if new screws are installed, EASA AD 2020-0093 describes
procedures for replacing them with new bolts having P/N EWB0420D-3H-3
before the screws exceed 10,000 flight cycles since installation on an
airplane. EASA AD 2020-0093 also describes an optional terminating
modification (replacement of all affected GSMs), which would terminate
the repetitive replacements of the attachment screws.
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 the FAA's 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 FAA
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 2020-0093 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 2020-0093
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0093 in its
entirety, 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 2020-0093 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-
0093 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0674 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 107 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595 per $0* $595 per cycle............ $63,665 per cycle.
cycle.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the
required actions specified in this proposed AD.
[[Page 46014]]
Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850... $0* $850
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency
to provide parts cost estimates for the optional actions specified in
this proposed AD.
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. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included
all known costs in the 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.
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-2020-0674; Product Identifier 2020-
NM-070-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by September 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0093, dated April 24, 2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0093'').
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(3) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic
power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic system failure due
to fatigue failure of the screws attaching the manual valve to the
ground service manifold (GSM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the failure of hydraulic system manual valve attachment screws. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead to the loss of one or more
hydraulic systems and damage to surrounding structure and
components, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane,
or injury to maintenance staff working in the main landing gear bay.
(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 2020-0093.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0093
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0093 refers to its effective date or to
``the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0314,'' this AD requires using
the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0093 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0093 specifies to comply with ``the
instructions of the AOT,'' and ``the AOT'' specifies that ``the
accomplishment instructions marked as Required for Compliance (RC)
must be done'' this AD requires compliance with ``paragraph 4.4.2.,
Accomplishment Instructions, of the AOT'' only.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0093
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,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, 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, Large Aircraft
Section,
[[Page 46015]]
International Validation 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 2020-0093 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (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
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0093, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; 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 material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-
2020-0674.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3229; email [email protected].
Issued on July 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16281 Filed 7-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
