[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8160-8164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03137]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-0465; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-096-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
determination that the compliance times for certain post-repair 
inspections and certain allowable damage limits (ADLs) must be reduced 
in order to address fatigue. This proposed AD would require identifying 
any repairs and ADLs used to assess or control any structural damage on 
certain structural areas, and corrective action if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent fatigue damage on primary structure and 
structural repairs, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 2016.

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 http://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 
45 80; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport

[[Page 8161]]

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0465; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1138; 
fax: 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-0465; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-096-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2015-0101R1, dated June 12, 2015 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    Result of a fleet survey accomplished in 2008 identified that 
the nature of flight missions of A330 and A340-200/300 fleets had 
significantly changed in comparison with assumed usage during the 
type certification. Consequently, it was decided to recalculate the 
Structural Repair Manual (SRM) fatigue values to ensure that the 
given threshold and intervals remain valid.
    The results of this recalculation identified reduced thresholds 
and intervals applicable for repairs and Allowable Damage Limits 
(ADL) affecting the following areas:

--Door cut-out corners of door surrounding panels (forward cargo 
door, forward passenger (PAX) door, mid PAX door, emergency exit 
door/PAX door 3, aft cargo door, bulk cargo door, aft PAX door), on 
both Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) sides,
--Stringer (STGR) 9 junction between Frame (FR) 10 and FR13 on both 
LH and RH sides, and
--Fuselage skin doubler repairs on both LH and RH sides.

    Failing to apply the reduced thresholds and intervals, could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued SRM revision 
dated April 2013 and temporary revision (TR) 53-001 for the STGR9 
junction between FR10 and FR13 area (and subsequent revisions) to 
introduce reduced thresholds and intervals for the affected ADLs and 
repairs and issued a set of Service Bulletins (SB) to identify the 
ADLs used and repairs made, as well as to enable operators to update 
aeroplane repair records.
    Consequently EASA issued AD * * *, to require identification of 
any repairs and/or ADL used to assess or control any structural 
damage on certain structural areas and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of corrective action(s) [including revising the 
maintenance or inspection program as applicable to incorporate 
revised thresholds and intervals and repair].
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, data review confirmed that A330 
freighter versions are not affected by the unsafe condition.
    This [EASA] AD is revised to remove A330-223F and A330-243F from 
the Applicability.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0465.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information. The service 
information describes procedures for updating the airplane repair 
records with revised thresholds and intervals.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3232, dated November 4, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3233, dated September 26, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3234, dated December 8, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3235, Revision 01, dated 
January 14, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4222, dated November 25, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4223, dated September 26, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4224, dated December 15, 
2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4225, Revision 01, dated 
January 14, 2015.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination 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 our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 95 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $16,150, 
or $170 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions 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.
    We are 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

[[Page 8162]]

that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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: Docket No. FAA-2016-0465; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
096-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 4, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD; manufacturer 
serial numbers (MSNs) 1 through 1,600 inclusive.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliance 
times for certain post-repair inspections and certain allowable 
damage limits (ADLs) must be reduced in order to address fatigue. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue damage on primary structure 
and structural repairs, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Records Review

    At the applicable times in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, 
review the airplane maintenance records to identify any structural 
repair manual (SRM) ADLs used to assess or control any structural 
damage or any structural repair accomplished as specified in an SRM, 
as applicable, that have been applied on the areas as specified in 
table 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

                              Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Compliance Times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             Related Service
          Affected airplanes             ADL location/repair        Compliance time              Bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 Pre-mod 49144...............  Mid passenger (PAX)      Within 12 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        door surround panels.    the effective date of    A330-53-3232, dated
                                                                 this AD.                 November 4, 2014.
A330-200 Pre-mod 49144...............  Forward cargo door,      Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        emergency exit door/     the effective date of    A330-53-3232, dated
                                        PAX door 3, aft cargo    this AD.                 November 4, 2014.
                                        door, bulk cargo door,
                                        and aft PAX door
                                        surround panels.
A330-300 Pre-mod 49144 and A340-200/-  Mid PAX door surround    Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
 300 pre-mod 49144.                     panels, forward cargo    the effective date of    A330-53-3232, dated
                                        door, emergency exit     this AD.                 November 4, 2014 or
                                        door/PAX door 3, aft                              Airbus Service
                                        cargo door, bulk cargo                            Bulletin A340-53-4222,
                                        door, and aft PAX door                            dated November 25,
                                        surround panels.                                  2014.
All, Post-mod 40347..................  Forward PAX door         Within 12 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        surround panels with     the effective date of    A330-53-3233, dated
                                        an ADL with a            this AD.                 September 26, 2014 or
                                        Temporary Life Limit.                             Airbus Service
                                                                                          Bulletin A340-53-4223,
                                                                                          dated September 26,
                                                                                          2014.
All, Post-mod 40347..................  Forward PAX door         Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        surround panels with     the effective date of    A330-53-3233, dated
                                        an ADL with a            this AD.                 September 26, 2014 or
                                        Permanent Acceptance.                             Airbus Service
                                                                                          Bulletin A340-53-4223,
                                                                                          dated September 26,
                                                                                          2014.
All..................................  STGR9 junction between   Within 12 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        frame (FR) 10 and FR13.  the effective date of    A330-53-3235, Revision
                                                                 this AD.                 01, dated January 14,
                                                                                          2015 or Airbus Service
                                                                                          Bulletin A340-53-4225,
                                                                                          Revision 01, dated
                                                                                          January 14, 2015.
A340-200/-300 Weight Variant (WV)00s.  Forward and rear         Within 12 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        fuselage.                the effective date of    A340-53-4224, dated
                                                                 this AD.                 December 15, 2014.
A340-200/-300 WV00s..................  Nose forward and center  Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
                                        fuselage.                the effective date of    A340-53-4224, dated
                                                                 this AD.                 December 15, 2014.

[[Page 8163]]

 
A330-200/-300 pre-MOD 49144 and A340-  Forward and rear         Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
 200/-300 WV20s.                        fuselage, nose forward   the effective date of    A330-53-3234, dated
                                        and center fuselage.     this AD.                 December 8, 2014 or
                                                                                          Airbus Service
                                                                                          Bulletin A340-53-4224,
                                                                                          dated December 15,
                                                                                          2014.
A330-200/-300 post-MOD 49144 and A340- Nose forward and center  Within 24 months after   Airbus Service Bulletin
 200/-300 post-MOD 49144.               fuselage.                the effective date of    A330-53-3234, dated
                                                                 this AD.                 December 8, 2014 or
                                                                                          Airbus Service
                                                                                          Bulletin A340-53-4224,
                                                                                          dated December 15,
                                                                                          2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Table 2 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Affected Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  As
                                                               specified
   Affected areas (on both left-hand and right-hand sides)     in Airbus
                                                                Service
                                                              Bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Door cut-out corners of door surrounding panels (forward      A330-53-32
 cargo door, mid PAX door, emergency exit door/PAX door 3,    32, dated
 aft cargo door, bulk cargo door, aft PAX door).............  November
                                                              4, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A330
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                              or A340-53-
                                                              4222,
                                                              dated
                                                              November
                                                              25, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A340
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                                  .
Forward PAX door surround panels............................  A330-53-32
                                                              33, dated
                                                              September
                                                              26, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A330
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                              or A340-53-
                                                              4223,
                                                              dated
                                                              September
                                                              26, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A340
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                                  .
Fuselage skin doubler repairs...............................  A330-53-32
                                                              34, dated
                                                              December
                                                              8, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A330
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                              or A340-53-
                                                              4224,
                                                              dated
                                                              December
                                                              15, 2014
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A340
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                                  .
STGR9 junction between FR10 and FR13........................  A330-53-32
                                                                35,
                                                              Revision
                                                              01, dated
                                                              January
                                                              14, 2015
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A330
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                              or A340-53-
                                                              4225,
                                                              Revision
                                                              01, dated
                                                              January
                                                              14, 2015
                                                              (for Model
                                                               A340
                                                              series
                                                              airplanes)
                                                                  .
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Corrective Actions

    If, during any review required by paragraph (g) of this AD, it 
is determined that an SRM ADL was used on an area specified in table 
2 to paragraph (g) of this AD to assess or control any structural 
damage, or any structural repair of an area specified in table 2 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD was accomplished as specified in the 
instructions of the applicable SRM revision, dated before April 2013 
or SRM temporary revision (TR) dated before November 28, 2014: 
Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) Revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
with the applicable revised thresholds and intervals for the 
identified structural repairs embodied on the airplane, and 
accomplish all updated inspections, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in table 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD, except as 
required by paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Where the applicable Airbus service information identified 
in table 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD specifies to contact Airbus 
for specific assessment, revise the maintenance or inspection 
program and accomplish all updated inspections, as applicable, using 
a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    (ii) Where the Airbus applicable service information identified 
in table 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD specifies ``current SRM,'' no 
SRM revision dated before April 2013 or SRM TR dated before November 
28, 2014, is considered a ``current SRM.''
    (2) For any repair that was previously allowed in any revision 
of the Airbus A330 or A340 SRM, as applicable, dated before April 
2013; or in any SRM TR dated before November 28, 2014, to the 
applicable SRM: Make an assessment using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA and perform 
necessary corrective actions at the applicable times identified 
therein.

(i) Limitation on Repair/Replacement

    As of the effective date of this AD, for any structural damage 
in the areas identified in table 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD that 
has exceeded the ADL, no repair or replacement may be done using an 
Airbus A330 or A340 SRM dated before April 2013, or any SRM TR dated 
before November 28, 2014.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-
1138; fax: 425-227-1149. 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. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or 
Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (h)(1)(ii), and (h)(2) of this AD: If any 
service information contains procedures or tests that are identified 
as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this 
AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are 
recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as 
RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with 
the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD

[[Page 8164]]

2015-0101R1, dated June 12, 2015, for related information. This MCAI 
may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-0465.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03137 Filed 2-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P