[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24027-24030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10285]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-0084; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-181-AD;
Amendment 39-18879; AD 2017-10-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was
prompted by reports indicating that on airplanes that received a
certain repair following crack findings, cracks can re-initiate. This
AD requires repetitive inspections of the center wing frame (FR) 40
lower outboard radius for cracking, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 29,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0084.
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-2015-
0084; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m.
[[Page 24028]]
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Model A300 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). The SNPRM
published in the Federal Register on November 10, 2016 (81 FR 78944)
(``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on February
13, 2015 (80 FR 7992) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the FR 40 forward fittings for
airplanes previously repaired. The NPRM was prompted by reports
indicating that, on airplanes that received a certain repair following
crack findings, cracks can re-initiate. The SNPRM proposed to require
repetitive rototest, ultrasonic, high frequency eddy current, special
detailed, and liquid penetrant inspections, as applicable, of the
center wing FR 40 lower outboard radius for cracking, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The SNPRM also
proposed to add airplanes to the applicability. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct cracking on the FR 40 forward fittings, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0232R1, dated December 16, 2015 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A300 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R
series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). The MCAI states:
Cracks were found on the lower outboard radius of the centre
wing frame 40 forward fitting on in-service aeroplanes.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
reduced structural integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued several
inspection Service Bulletins (SB) and repair instructions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2009-0094, which was later superseded
by EASA AD 2011-0163 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2012-25-06,
Amendment 39-17287 (77 FR 75833, December 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-25-
06'')] and [EASA] AD 2014-0199 [which corresponds to the FAA NPRM],
to require repetitive inspections and corrective actions on the
affected areas.
Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, additional in-service
findings induced Airbus to do a new fatigue analysis, using a
detailed Finite Element Model study, which resulted in defining new
inspection methods. Prompted by these results, Airbus issued SB
A300-57-0261, SB A300-57-6117 and SB A300-57-9034 to introduce these
inspections. These new inspection SBs supersede and render obsolete
inspection SB A300-53-0268 and SB A300-57-6052 and the All Operators
Transmissions (AOT) A300-53A0391, AOT A300-57A6111, AOT A300-53W002-
14 and AOT A300-57W003-14.
For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2015-0232,
superseding [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile]
DGAC France AD 1998-038-010(B) R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 98-
25-07, Amendment 39-10933 (63 FR 68167, December 10, 1998) (``AD 98-
25-07'')] and [DGAC France] AD 2003-189(B), and EASA AD 2011-0163
and [EASA] AD 2014-0199, to require the new inspections of the
affected areas within new thresholds and intervals.
This [EASA] AD is revised to clarify the compliance time(s),
introducing a Note after paragraph (1), and to alleviate the
reporting requirements of paragraph (3).
Required actions include repetitive rototest, ultrasonic, high
frequency eddy current, special detailed, and liquid penetrant
inspections, as applicable, of the center wing FR 40 lower outboard
radius for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary.
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-2015-
0084.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination
of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the SNPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11, 2015.
The service information describes procedures for repetitive
ultrasonic, rototest, high frequency eddy current, special detailed,
and liquid penetrant inspections, and related investigative and
corrective actions. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different airplane models. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspections.......................... Up to 91 work-hours x Up to $7,735 per Up to $224,315 per
$85 per hour = $7,735 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection cycle.
Reporting............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $85.................... $2,465.
hour = $85.
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[[Page 24029]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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. 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.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017-10-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-18879; Docket No. FAA-2015-0084;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-181-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 98-25-07, Amendment 39-10933 (63 FR 68167,
December 10, 1998) (``AD 98-25-07''); and AD 2012-25-06, Amendment
39-17287 (77 FR 75833, December 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-25-06'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD,
except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 10221 has been
embodied in production.
(1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and
B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the lower outboard
radius of the center wing frame (FR) 40 forward fitting. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the FR 40 forward
fittings, 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) Repetitive Inspections
Except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.(2), ``Compliance,'' of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11, 2015; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015; accomplish
rototest, ultrasonic, high frequency eddy current, special detailed,
and liquid penetrant inspections, as applicable, of the center wing
FR 40 lower outboard radius for cracking, and do all applicable
related investigative actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11,
2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015;
as applicable. Do all applicable related investigative actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. (2), ``Compliance,'' of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11, 2015; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015.
(h) Corrective Actions
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any crack is found, before further flight, accomplish the applicable
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11,
2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015;
as applicable; except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
(i) Service Information Exception
(1) Where the service information specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD specifies a compliance time ``from this service bulletin
issuance date,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD specifies to contact Airbus for certain conditions, before
further flight, repair 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).
(j) No Terminating Action for This AD
Accomplishing a corrective action required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, or accomplishing a preventative action specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-57-0260 or A300-57-6116, as applicable, does
not terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
[[Page 24030]]
(k) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of Other ADs
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the actions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of AD
98-25-07.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the actions required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of AD
2012-25-06.
(l) Reporting Requirements
Within 60 days after any inspection required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, report any findings, positive or negative,
to Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting Online Application on Airbus
World (https://w3.airbus.com/).
(m) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 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.
(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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0232R1, dated December 16,
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-2015-0084.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
(o) 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.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0261, dated June 11, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6117, dated May 28, 2015.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) 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.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 2, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10285 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
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