[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27979-27983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12286]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9574; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-063-AD; 
Amendment 39-18921; AD 2017-12-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; 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); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This AD is intended to complete certain mandated 
programs

[[Page 27980]]

intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) 
of the engineering data that support the established structural 
maintenance program. This AD requires inspecting the forward passenger 
doors to identify the part number, and for affected doors, inspecting 
to identify existing repairs and doing corrective actions if necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 25, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 25, 
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-2016-9574.

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-
9574; 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 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 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes; 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); and Model A310 series 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 17, 
2017 (82 FR 10968) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was intended to complete 
certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its 
limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the 
established structural maintenance program. The NPRM proposed to 
require inspecting the forward passenger doors to identify the part 
number, and for affected doors, inspecting to identify existing repairs 
and doing corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct widespread fatigue damage of the forward passenger 
doors, 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 AD 
2016-0079, dated April 21, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; 
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); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In the frame of the ``Ageing Aeroplane Safety Rule Project'', a 
review of the A300, A300-600 and A310 Structural Repair Manuals 
(SRMs) was performed against Fatigue and Damage Tolerance criteria 
to satisfy the ageing aeroplane regulation.
    As a result of this review, some repairs concerning the forward 
passenger door flanges were identified as no longer applicable and 
had to be de-activated. Those repairs may however have been 
accomplished on some aeroplanes passenger door flanges prior to de-
activation of the repair.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the 
structural integrity of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) A300-52-0180, SB A300-52-6084 and SB A310-52-
2076 to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
identification of the forward passenger door part number (P/N) and a 
one-time Detailed Inspection (DET) of the forward passenger door 
frame segments inner flanges for SRM repair embodied and, depending 
on the results from the identification and inspection, 
accomplishment of corrective action(s) [e.g., repair].

    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-
9574.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to that comment.

Support for the NPRM

    FedEx agrees that the inspection is necessary and supports the 
intent of the NPRM.

Request To Change the Reporting Requirement

    FedEx stated that it does not have a process in place to report the 
inspection results specified by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD using 
the on-line Airbus reporting tool. FedEx asked that it be allowed to 
use the older method of reporting identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletins A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014; and A300-
52-6084, Revision 01, dated October 16, 2014. FedEx added that the new 
on-line application would be used when a method and adequate personnel 
are in place to utilize that application.
    We agree with the commenter. We recognize that operators may not 
have a method in place or adequate personnel available to utilize the 
online Airbus reporting tool. Using the reporting sheet provided in 
Airbus Service Bulletins A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated October 14, 
2014; and A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated October 16, 2014; is an 
acceptable method for reporting. We have revised paragraph (i) of this 
AD to include this option for reporting.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that this change will not increase the economic 
burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

[[Page 27981]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated 
October 16, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for inspecting the 
forward passenger doors on the left- and right-hand sides to identify 
the part number, and for affected doors, inspecting to identify 
existing repairs and doing 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 128 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Cost per
            Action                    Labor cost          Parts cost        product      Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part number inspection........  1 work-hour x $85 per               $0             $85  $10,880.
                                 hour = $85.
Reporting for forward           1 work-hour x $85 per                0              85  Up to $10,880.
 passenger door having P/N       hour = $85.
 A521[dash]71851[dash]000 or P/
 N A521[dash]71851[dash]001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary corrective 
actions that will be required based on the results of the part number 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
might need these corrective actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection.......................  7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595              $0             $595
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for other 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.

[[Page 27982]]

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-12-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18921; Docket No. FAA-2016-9574; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-063-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 25, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (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.
    (6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs 
intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity 
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct widespread fatigue damage of the forward passenger doors, 
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) Parts Identification

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, or before 
exceeding the applicable airplane design service goal specified in 
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever occurs later: 
Identify the part number on the forward passenger doors on the left-
hand and right-hand sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014 (for Model A300 airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated 
October 16, 2014 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014.

        Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Design Service Goal
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Design service goal flight
         Airplane model/series                cycles or flight hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2-100, B2-200, B2-320............  Before the accumulation of
                                          48,000 total flight cycles.
A300 B4-100............................  Before the accumulation of
                                          40,000 total flight cycles.
A300 B4-200............................  Before the accumulation of
                                          34,000 total flight cycles.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4[dash]600R,      Before the accumulation of
 C4[dash]600R.                            30,000 total flight cycles or
                                          67,500 total flight hours,
                                          whichever occurs first.
A310-200...............................  Before the accumulation of
                                          40,000 total flight cycles or
                                          60,000 total flight hours,
                                          whichever occurs first.
A310-300...............................  Before the accumulation of
                                          35,000 total flight cycles or
                                          60,000 total flight hours,
                                          whichever occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Corrective Actions

    (1) For airplanes on which no forward passenger door having part 
number (P/N) A521-71851-000 or P/N A521-71851-001 is found to be 
installed, after identifying the part number as specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: No further action is required for these 
airplanes.
    (2) For airplanes on which any forward passenger door having P/N 
A521-71851-000 or P/N A521-71851-001 is found to be installed, after 
identifying the part number as specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of all frame 
segment inner flanges of the forward passenger doors with the 
affected part numbers for installed repairs, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (i) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes: Before further flight, do 
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, 
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014. Where Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014, specifies to 
contact Airbus for appropriate action, and specifies that action as 
``RC'' (Required for Compliance): Before further flight, accomplish 
corrective actions in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
    (ii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on 
which the repair principle A310 Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 52-
10-00, page block (PB) 201, Figure 209, or A300-600 SRM 52-10-00, PB 
201, Figure 206, as applicable, is not embodied on any inner flange, 
no further action is required for these airplanes.
    (iii) For Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on 
which the repair principle A310 SRM 52-10-00, PB 201, Figure 209, or 
A300-600 SRM 52-10-00, PB 201, Figure 206, as applicable, is 
embodied on at least one inner flange: Before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, 
dated October 16, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, 
Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014; as applicable. Where Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated October 16, 2014; 
and A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated October 14, 2014; specify to 
contact Airbus for appropriate action, and specify that action as 
``RC'': Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this 
AD.

(i) Reporting Requirement

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) 
of this AD, report the results of the inspection required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting 
Online Application on Airbus World (https://w3.airbus.com/), or 
submit the results to Airbus using the reporting sheet provided in 
the service information identified in paragraphs (g)(2) or (g)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may replace a 
forward passenger door on any airplane, unless the replacement door 
has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service 
information identified in paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-0180, dated September 23, 
2014.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, dated September 23, 
2014.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, dated September 23, 
2014.

[[Page 27983]]

(l) 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 manager of the International Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(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 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 the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (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.
    (4) Required for Compliance (RC): 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0079, dated April 21, 2016, 
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-2016-9574.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) 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 A300-52-0180, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6084, Revision 01, dated 
October 16, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-52-2076, Revision 01, dated 
October 14, 2014.
    (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 June 2, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12286 Filed 6-19-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P