[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43715-43720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19760]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0812; Product Identifier 2016-NM-198-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series 
airplanes, and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) 
indicating that certain fuselage structures are subject to widespread 
fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed AD would require reinforcement 
modifications of various structural parts of the fuselage, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 3, 
2017.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 Standards Branch, 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-2017-
0812; 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.

[[Page 43716]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0812; 
Product Identifier 2016-NM-198-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

    Fatigue damage can occur locally, in small areas or structural 
design details, or globally, in widespread areas. Multiple-site damage 
is widespread damage that occurs in a large structural element such as 
a single rivet line of a lap splice joining two large skin panels. 
Widespread damage can also occur in multiple elements such as adjacent 
frames or stringers. Multiple-site damage and multiple-element damage 
cracks are typically too small initially to be reliably detected with 
normal inspection methods. Without intervention, these cracks will 
grow, and eventually compromise the structural integrity of the 
airplane. This condition is known as widespread fatigue damage. It is 
associated with general degradation of large areas of structure with 
similar structural details and stress levels. As an airplane ages, WFD 
will likely occur, and will certainly occur if the airplane is operated 
long enough without any intervention.
    The FAA's WFD final rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) became 
effective on January 14, 2011. The WFD rule requires certain actions to 
prevent structural failure due to WFD throughout the operational life 
of certain existing transport category airplanes and all of these 
airplanes that will be certificated in the future. For existing and 
future airplanes subject to the WFD rule, the rule requires that DAHs 
establish a limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that 
support the structural maintenance program. Operators affected by the 
WFD rule may not fly an airplane beyond its LOV, unless an extended LOV 
is approved.
    The WFD rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010) does not require 
identifying and developing maintenance actions if the DAHs can show 
that such actions are not necessary to prevent WFD before the airplane 
reaches the LOV. Many LOVs, however, do depend on accomplishment of 
future maintenance actions. As stated in the WFD rule, any maintenance 
actions necessary to reach the LOV will be mandated by airworthiness 
directives through separate rulemaking actions.
    In the context of WFD, this action is necessary to enable DAHs to 
propose LOVs that allow operators the longest operational lives for 
their airplanes, and still ensure that WFD will not occur. This 
approach allows for an implementation strategy that provides 
flexibility to DAHs in determining the timing of service information 
development (with FAA approval), while providing operators with 
certainty regarding the LOV applicable to their airplanes.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0207, dated October 19, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, 
and Model A330-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An analysis conducted on A330 aeroplanes identified structural 
areas which are susceptible to widespread fatigue damage (WFD).
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack initiation 
and undetected propagation, leading to reduced structural integrity 
of the aeroplane, possibly resulting in rapid depressurisation and 
consequent injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
number of modifications (Mod) and published associated Service 
Bulletins (SB) for embodiment in service, to provide instructions to 
reinforce the various structural parts of the fuselage.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of these modifications and reinforcements [and 
related investigative and corrective actions].

    Related investigative actions include a rotating probe hole 
inspection for cracking. 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-2017-0812.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information. This service 
information describes procedures for modifications and reinforcement of 
various structural parts of the fuselage. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models in different 
configurations.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 01, dated 
July 25, 2006.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 04, dated 
November 23, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3222, Revision 01, dated 
March 31, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3223, Revision 00, dated 
January 19, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3224, Revision 01, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, dated April 14, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3225, Revision 02, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, dated June 8, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3226, Revision 02, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendices 02, 03, and 04, dated 
October 27, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3236, Revision 02, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendices 02 and 03, dated March 
23, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3237, Revision 01, dated 
February 8, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3238, Revision 01, dated 
October 19, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3239, Revision 01, dated 
July 4, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3244, Revision 01, dated 
August 2, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3248, Revision 02, dated 
July 27, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3251, Revision 01, dated 
June 23, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3252, Revision 01, dated 
June 30, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3257, Revision 01, dated 
March 15, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3258, Revision 00, dated 
April 20, 2015.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3259, Revision 02, dated 
July 18, 2016.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3263, Revision 01, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, dated December 1, 
2015.

[[Page 43717]]

     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3273, Revision 00, dated 
September 28, 2016.
    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.

Explanation of Compliance Time

    The compliance time for the reinforcement modifications specified 
in this proposed AD for addressing WFD was established to ensure that 
discrepant structure is addressed before WFD develops in airplanes. 
Standard inspection techniques cannot be relied on to detect WFD before 
it becomes a hazard to flight. We will not grant any extensions of the 
compliance time to complete any AD-mandated service bulletin related to 
WFD without extensive new data that would substantiate and clearly 
warrant such an extension.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 99 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                      Labor cost                  Parts cost                  Cost per product            Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinforcement modifications........  Up to 317 work-hours x  Up to $41,050................  Up to $67,995................  Up to $6,731,505.
                                      $85 per hour =
                                      $26,945.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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-2017-0812; Product Identifier 2016-NM-198-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that certain fuselage structures are subject 
to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to 
prevent crack initiation and undetected propagation in the fuselage, 
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) Modifications

    Except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, 
before exceeding the applicable total flight cycles or total flight

[[Page 43718]]

hours structural modification point (SMP) for each action, as 
specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Modify the 
airplane, including all applicable related investigative actions and 
corrective actions, based on the weight variant (WV) group 
designations specified in table 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD, and 
as specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, except as 
specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related 
investigative actions and corrective actions before further flight. 
For the purposes of this AD, the short range (SR) and long range 
(LR) SMPs specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD must be 
used.

                                Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Modification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Description of action               Applicability                SMP SR                    SMP LR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improve circumferential joints at      Group 32A.............  32,500 total flight cycles  26,600 flight cycles.
 frames (FR) 45 and 54 of the          Group 33A.............  23,700 total flight cycles  20,400 total flight
 fuselage, in accordance with the      ......................   or 71,300 total flight      cycles
 Accomplishment Instructions of        Group 33B.............   hours, whichever occurs    23,700 total flight
 Airbus Service Bulletin                                        first.                      cycles.
 A330[dash]53[dash]3144, Revision 04,                          27,600 total flight cycles
 dated November 23, 2015 (``A330-53-                            or 83,000 total flight
 3144, R4'').                                                   hours, whichever occurs
                                                                first.
                                       Group 33C.............  23,300 total flight cycles  20,000 total flight
                                                                or 70,000 total flight      cycles.
                                                                hours, whichever occurs
                                                                first.
                                       Group 33D.............  22,700 total flight cycles  19,500 total flight
                                                                or 68,300 flight hours,     cycles.
                                                                whichever occurs first.
Improve splicing area from FR48 to     Groups 32A and 32E....  23,100 total flight cycles  20,900 total flight
 FR53-2 between stringers (STRG) 23    ......................   or 80,900 total flight      cycles.
 and 26 left hand (LH)/right hand      Group 33A.............   hours, whichever occurs    21,800 total flight
 (RH) of the fuselage, in accordance   ......................   first.                      cycles.
 with the Accomplishment Instructions  Group 33B.............  24,200 total flight cycles  17,700 total flight
 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-                            or 79,100 total flight      cycles.
 3222, Revision 01, dated March 31,                             hours, whichever occurs
 2016 (``A330-53-3222, R1'') (Airbus                            first.
 Modification 204315).                                         19,700 total flight cycles
                                                                or 64,300 total flight
                                                                hours, whichever occurs
                                                                first.
                                       Groups 33C, 33D, and    21,600 total flight cycles  19,400 total flight
                                        33E.                    or 70,600 flight hours,     cycles.
                                                                whichever occurs first.
                                       A330-200F.............  27,400 total flight cycles  27,400 total flight
                                                                or 82,200 total flight      cycles or 82,200
                                                                hours, whichever occurs     total flight hours,
                                                                first.                      whichever occurs
                                                                                            first.
Reinforce couplings in area FR20--     Groups 32A, 32E, 33B,   30,900 total flight cycles  30,900 total flight
 FR25/STRG20 RH--STRG22 RH of the       33C, 33D and 33E.                                   cycles.
 forward fuselage, in accordance with
 the Accomplishment Instructions of
 Airbus Service Bulletin
 A330[dash]53[dash]3223, Revision 00,
 dated January 19, 2015
 (``A330[dash]53[dash]3223, R0'').
Reinforce circumferential joint at     Group 33A.............  29,700 total flight cycles  25,500 total flight
 FR72 of the fuselage, in accordance                            or 89,600 total flight      cycles.
 with the Accomplishment Instructions                           hours, whichever occurs
 of Airbus Service Bulletin                                     first.
 A330[dash]53-3224, Revision 01,
 excluding Appendix 01 and including
 Appendix 02, dated April 14, 2016
 (``A330[dash]53-3224, R1'').
Reinforce circumferential joint at     Group 33A.............  16,300 total flight cycles  13,300 total flight
 FR58 of the fuselage, in accordance                            or 49,300 total flight      cycles or 90,700
 with the Accomplishment Instructions                           hours, whichever occurs     total flight hours,
 of Airbus Service Bulletin                                     first.                      whichever occurs
 A330[dash]53-3225, Revision 02,                                                            first.
 excluding Appendix 01 and including
 Appendix 02, dated June 8, 2016
 (``A330[dash]53-3225, R2'').
Reinforce circumferential joint        Group 32A.............  ..........................  21,000 total flight
 between FR53.6--FR53.7 for emergency  ......................  26,100 total flight cycles   cycles.
 door TYPE 1 area of the center        Groups 33C, 33D and      or 91,600 total flight     12,600 total flight
 fuselage, in accordance with the       33E.                    hours, whichever occurs     cycles or 84,800
 Accomplishment Instructions of                                 first.                      total flight hours,
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-                         15,600 total flight cycles   whichever occurs
 3226, Revision 02, excluding                                   or 46,800 total flight      first.
 Appendix 01 and including Appendices                           hours, whichever occurs
 02, 03, and 04, dated October 27,                              first.
 2016 (``A330-53-3226, R2''); or
 Airbus Service Bulletin
 A330[dash]53[dash]3273, Revision 00,
 dated September 28, 2016
 (``A330[dash]53[dash]3273, R0'').
                                       Group 33A.............  34,400 total flight cycles  27,800 total flight
                                                               ..........................   cycles.
                                       Group 33B.............  19,900 total flight cycles  16,100 total flight
                                                                or 59,800 total flight      cycles.
                                                                hours, whichever occurs
                                                                first.
                                       Group 32E.............  19,900 total flight cycles  16,200 total flight
                                                                or 69,900 total flight      cycles.
                                                                hours, whichever occurs
                                                                first.
Reinforce circumferential joint        Group 33A.............  30,900 total flight cycles  25,400 total flight
 between FR53.6--FR53.7 LH/RH of                                or 93,200 total flight      cycles.
 option emergency door TYPE A area of                           hours, whichever occurs
 the center fuselage, in accordance                             first.
 with the Accomplishment Instructions
 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-
 3236, Revision 02, excluding
 Appendix 01 and including Appendices
 02 and 03, dated March 23, 2016
 (``A330-53-3236, R2'').
Improve fatigue life of internal       Groups 32A, 33A, 33B,   27,300 total flight cycles  27,300 total flight
 center fuselage structure on           33C, and 33D.          ..........................   cycles.
 longitudinal beams above the center   Group 32A.............  38,400 total flight cycles  38,400 total flight
 wing box, in accordance with the                                                           cycles.
 Accomplishment Instructions of
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-
 3237, Revision 01, dated February 8,
 2016 (``A330[dash]53-3237, R1'').
Update lower/lateral frame splicing    Group 33A.............  28,800 total flight cycles  28,800 total flight
 with corner fitting between FR53.3    Group 33B.............  36,200 total flight cycles   cycles.
 and FR54 of the center fuselage, in   Groups 33C and 33D....  34,700 total flight cycles  36,200 total flight
 accordance with the Accomplishment                                                         cycles.
 Instructions of Airbus Service                                                            34,700 total flight
 Bulletin A330[dash]53-3238, Revision                                                       cycles.
 01, dated October 19, 2015
 (``A330[dash]53-3238, R1'').
Reinforce longitudinal butt joints in  A330-200F.............  15,100 total flight cycles  15,100 total flight
 section 13, in accordance with the                                                         cycles.
 Accomplishment Instructions of
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-
 3239, Revision 01, dated July 4,
 2016 (``A330[dash]53-3239, R1'').
Reinforce circumferential joint at     A330-200F.............  15,500 total flight cycles  15,500 total flight
 FR31 between STRG 7LH and STRG 8RH                             or 46,500 total flight      cycles or 46,500
 of forward fuselage, in accordance                             hours, whichever occurs     total flight hours,
 with the Accomplishment Instructions                           first.                      whichever occurs
 of Airbus Service Bulletin                                                                 first.
 A330[dash]53-3244, Revision 01,
 dated August 2, 2016 (``A330[dash]53-
 3244, R1'').
Reinforce frame couplings in section   Group 33A.............  32,000 total flight cycles  32,000 total flight
 13, 14, and 14A of the forward                                                             cycles.
 fuselage, in accordance with the
 Accomplishment Instructions of
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-
 3248, Revision 02, dated July 27,
 2016 (``A330[dash]53-3248, R2'').

[[Page 43719]]

 
Reinforce circumferential joint/       Group 33C               38,200 total flight cycles  32,000 total flight
 stringer coupling in area of FR37.1    Pre[dash]Modification  ..........................   cycles.
 of the forward fuselage, in            46636.                 ..........................  .....................
 accordance with the Accomplishment    Groups 33C and 33D      30,600 total flight cycles  .....................
 Instructions of Airbus Service         Post-Modification       or 99,500 total flight     27,600 total flight
 Bulletin A330[dash]53-3251, Revision   46636.                  hours, whichever occurs     cycles.
 01, dated June 23, 2016                                        first.
 (``A330[dash]53-3251, R1'').
                                       Group 33E.............  32,200 total flight cycles  29,100 total flight
                                                                                            cycles.
Reinforce circumferential joint/       Groups 33C and 33D,     30,600 total flight cycles  27,600 total flight
 stringer coupling in area of FR37.1    Post-Modification       or 99,500 total flight      cycles.
 of the forward fuselage, in            46636.                  hours, whichever occurs    .....................
 accordance with the Accomplishment    ......................   first.                     29,100 total flight
 Instructions of Airbus Service        Group 33E.............  32,200 total flight cycles   cycles.
 Bulletin A330[dash]53-3252, Revision
 01, dated June 30, 2016
 (``A330[dash]53-3252, R1'').
Reinforce frame couplings in rear      Groups 33A and 33B....  24,000 total flight cycles  24,000 total flight
 area of the fuselage, in accordance                                                        cycles.
 with the Accomplishment Instructions
 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-
 3257, Revision 01, dated March 15,
 2016 (``A330[dash]53-3257, R1'').
Reinforce corner fittings in section   Group 32A.............  31,800 total flight cycles  31,800 total flight
 13 of the forward fuselage, in                                                             cycles.
 accordance with the Accomplishment
 Instructions of Airbus Service
 Bulletin A330[dash]53[dash]3258,
 Revision 00, dated April 20, 2015
 (``A330[dash]53[dash]3258, R0'').
Reinforce circumferential joint at     Group 32E.............  18,500 total flight cycles  14,600 total flight
 FR58 (aeroplane Post-Modification                              or 65,400 total flight      cycles or 95,700
 40556/D18255) of the rear fuselage,                            hours, whichever occurs     total flight hours,
 in accordance with the                                         first.                      whichever occurs
 Accomplishment Instructions of                                                             first.
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-
 3259, Revision 02, dated July 18,
 2016 (``A330[dash]53-3259, R2'').
                                       Group 33A.............  34,800 total flight cycles  28,400 total flight
                                                                                            cycles.
                                       Group 33B.............  33,500 total flight cycles  27,400 total flight
                                                                                            cycles.
Reinforce frames in rear area of the   Groups 32A, 32E, 33B,   23,300 total flight cycles  20,800 total flight
 fuselage, in accordance with the       33C, 33D, and 33E.      or 69,700 total flight      cycles.
 Accomplishment Instructions of                                 hours, whichever occurs
 Airbus Service Bulletin A330[dash]53-                          first.
 3263, Revision 01, excluding
 Appendix 01 and including Appendix
 02, dated December 1, 2015
 (``A330[dash]53-3263, R1'').
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Weight Variant (WV) Group Designations

    For the purposes of this AD, table 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD 
identifies the WV group designations specified in the 
``Applicability'' column of Table 1 to paragraph (g) and Table 3 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD:

       Table 2 to Paragraph (h) of This AD--WV Group Designations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airplane model               WV group         Weight variants
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200......................  Group 32A........  020, 021, 022, 023,
                                                    024, 025, 026, and
                                                    027.
                                Group 32E........  050, 051, 052, 053,
                                                    054, 055, 056, 057,
                                                    058, 059, 060, 061,
                                                    062, 063, 064, 080,
                                                    081, 082, and 083.
A330-200F.....................  N/A..............  000, 001, and 002.
A330-300......................  Group 33A........  000, 001, 002, 003,
                                                    and 004.
                                Group 33B........  010, 011, 012, 013,
                                                    and 014.
                                Group 33C........  020, 024, 025, 026,
                                                    and 027.
                                Group 33D........  022.
                                Group 33E........  030, 031, 032, 033,
                                                    034, 035, 039, 050,
                                                    051, 052, 053, 054,
                                                    055, 056, 057, 058,
                                                    059, 060, 080, 081,
                                                    082, and 083.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Exceptions to Service Information and Compliance Times

    (1) Do not do the applicable modifications required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD before the applicable times specified in table 3 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD. Where two limits (total flight cycles and 
total flight hours) within the same sub-row of the table are 
specified, both times must be exceeded before accomplishment of the 
modification. For airplanes already modified before the threshold 
specified in table 3 to paragraph (i) of this AD is reached, within 
6 months after the effective date of this AD, obtain instructions 
for additional maintenance tasks (modifications/inspections) from 
and approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA), and 
accomplish those tasks within the compliance time specified therein.
    (2) For airplanes that have already reached or exceeded the SMP 
threshold(s), as specified for each action in table 1 to paragraph 
(g) of this AD, as applicable, accomplishment of the modification 
can be deferred for a period not exceeding 12 months after the 
effective of this AD; except for accomplishment of the modifications 
specified in A330-53-3237, R1, which can be deferred for a period 
not exceeding 15 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) If any service information specified in paragraph (g) or (j) 
of this AD specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: 
Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.

[[Page 43720]]



  Table 3 to Paragraph (i) of This AD --Compliance Time Lower Threshold
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Airbus Service Bulletin                           Modification not
        (modification)            Applicability           before:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-53-3222, R1..............  Groups 32A, 32E,   10,000 total flight
                                 33A, 33C, 33D      cycles.
                                 and 33E.
                                Group 33B........  12,000 total flight
                                                    cycles.
                                A330-200F........  8,900 total flight
                                                    cycles and 26,600
                                                    total flight hours.
A330-53-3224, R1..............  Group 33A........  10,000 total flight
                                                    cycles and 6,600
                                                    total flight hours.
A330-53-3225, R2..............  Group 33A........  3,900 total flight
                                                    cycles and 10,200
                                                    total flight hours.
A330-53-3237, R1..............  Groups 32A, 33A,   3,900 total flight
                                 33B, 33C, and      cycles.
                                 33D.
A330-53-3238, R1..............  Groups 32A, 33A,   9,000 total flight
                                 33B, 33C, and      cycles.
                                 33D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(j) Additional Work for Certain Airplanes

    For airplanes that have been modified before the effective date 
of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, 
Revision 00, dated August 23, 2005; Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-
3222, Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-53-3237, Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015, as 
applicable: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the additional work specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 01, 
dated July 25, 2006; A330-53-3222, R1; and A330-53-3237, R1; as 
applicable.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for applicable actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the applicable service 
information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(19) of this 
AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 01, dated 
July 25, 2006.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 02, dated 
April 20, 2011.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3144, Revision 03, dated 
January 15, 2015.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3224, Revision 00, dated 
January 16, 2015.
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3225, Revision 00, dated 
January 16, 2015.
    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3225, Revision 01, dated 
February 26, 2016.
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3226, Revision 00, dated 
January 15, 2015.
    (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3226, Revision 01, dated 
March 3, 2016.
    (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3236, Revision 00, dated 
January 15, 2015.
    (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3236, Revision 01, dated 
August 24, 2015.
    (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3238, Revision 00, dated 
January 15, 2015.
    (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3239, Revision 00, dated 
April 20, 2015.
    (13) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3244, Revision 00, dated 
April 7, 2015.
    (14) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3251, Revision 00, dated 
May 13, 2015.
    (15) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3252, Revision 00, dated 
April 10, 2015.
    (16) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3257, Revision 00, dated 
July 21, 2015.
    (17) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3259, Revision 00, dated 
May 11, 2015.
    (18) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3259, Revision 01, dated 
February 26, 2016.
    (19) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3263, Revision 00, dated 
July 21, 2015.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i) 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0207, dated October 19, 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-2017-0812.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) 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 Standards Branch, 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 September 7, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19760 Filed 9-18-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P