[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58718-58722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26842]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1104; Product Identifier 2017-NM-153-AD; Amendment 
39-19130; AD 2017-25-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200

[[Page 58719]]

Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, 
A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive inspections of certain fuel pumps for cavitation erosion, 
corrective action if necessary, and revision of the minimum equipment 
list (MEL). This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a fuel 
pump showing cavitation erosion breached the fuel pump housing and 
exposed the fuel pump power supply wires. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 29, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 29, 
2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1104.

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-
1104; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0224, dated November 10, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Airbus 
Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of a fuel pump showing cavitation 
erosion which breached the fuel pump housing through the inlet webs 
and exposed the fuel pump power supply wires. Inspections 
accomplished on fuel pumps removed from other aeroplanes identified 
signs of erosion in varying degrees. However, no other instance of 
break-through due to cavitation erosion was found. A list of 
potentially affected fuel pump Part Numbers (P/N) was established.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result, in 
case the pump is running dry, in an ignition source in the fuel 
tank, which may result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss 
of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A28L006-17 to provide instructions to 
inspect some fuel pumps when installed at specific positions, and to 
update the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of these fuel pumps and, depending on 
findings, replacement of damaged fuel pumps with serviceable parts. 
This [EASA] AD also requires an update of the applicable MMEL, and 
the reporting of inspection results to Airbus.
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim measure and 
further [EASA] AD action may follow.

Although the MCAI requires updating the ``master minimum equipment list 
(MMEL),'' this AD requires revising the ``minimum equipment list 
(MEL).'' The MMEL is a master list of the minimum equipment that the 
airplane can operate with under given circumstances. A MEL is derived 
from the MMEL and is tailored for individual operators. You may examine 
the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1104.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A28L006-17, Rev. 00, 
dated November 3, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for inspection of certain fuel pumps for cavitation erosion, and 
corrective actions. The service information also describes dispatch 
restrictions that affect the MEL. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the 
unsafe condition could result in an ignition source in the fuel tank, 
which could result in a fuel tank explosion. Therefore, we determined 
that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant

[[Page 58720]]

data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2017-1104; Product Identifier 2017-NM-153-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 107 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
           Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.................  4 work-hours x $85 per                 $0  $340 per inspection  $36,380 per
                              hour = $340 per                            cycle.               inspection cycle.
                              inspection cycle.
Reporting..................  1 work-hour x $85 per                   0  $85 per inspection   $9,095 per
                              hour = $85 per                             cycle.               inspection cycle.
                              inspection cycle.
MEL revision...............  1 work-hour x $85 per                   0  $85................  $9,095.
                              hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170.          $8,000          $8,170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This 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 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 58721]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2017-25-16 Airbus: Amendment 39-19130; Docket No. FAA-2017-1104; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-153-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 29, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (7) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a fuel pump 
showing cavitation erosion breached the fuel pump housing and 
exposed the fuel pump power supply wires. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cavitation erosion of certain fuel pumps, which 
could result, if the pump is running dry, in an ignition source in 
the fuel tank, and consequent fuel tank explosion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Affected Fuel Pump

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected fuel pump has part 
number (P/N) 568-1-28300-101, P/N 568-1-28300-103, or P/N 568-1-
28300-200, and is located at one of the positions specified in 
paragraph 3.3 of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A28L006-
17, Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017.
    (2) A fuel pump having P/N 568-1-28300-101, P/N 568-1-28300-103, 
or P/N 568-1-28300-200 that is installed in locations other than 
those specified in paragraph 3.3 of Airbus AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 00, 
dated November 3, 2017, is not affected by the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD.

(h) Airplane Group Designations

    For the purpose of this AD, airplane groups are designated as 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Group 1 airplanes are equipped with an affected fuel pump.
    (2) Group 2 airplanes are not equipped with an affected fuel 
pump.

(i) Inspections

    For Group 1 airplanes: Before an affected pump exceeds 10,000 
flight hours since first installation on an airplane, or the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, inspect all affected fuel pumps for 
cavitation erosion, in accordance with the instruction of Airbus AOT 
A28L006-17, Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed the applicable time specified 
in table 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) For a center tank, rear center tank, or aft transfer fuel 
pump: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For a stand-by fuel pump: Within 40 days after the effective 
date of this AD.

  Table 1 to Paragraph (i) of This AD--Repetitive Inspection Intervals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Inspection
             Erosion--as defined in the AOT                 interval in
                                                           flight hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No erosion..............................................           5,000
Case 1: Light erosion...................................           5,000
Case 2: Medium erosion..................................             800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(j) Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, 
severe erosion (Case 3), as specified in Airbus AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 
00, dated November 3, 2017, is found on a fuel pump: Before further 
flight, replace that fuel pump with a serviceable part, or 
deactivate that fuel pump as specified in the minimum equipment list 
(MEL), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A28L006-17, 
Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017.

(k) Part Installation Limitations

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, a fuel pump having P/N 
568-1-28300-101, P/N 568-1-28300-103, or P/N 568-1-28300-200 may be 
installed on an airplane, provided that the part is new, or, prior 
to installation, the part has passed the inspection (no erosion or 
Case 1: Light erosion) required by paragraph (i) of this AD and, 
following installation, the part is inspected within the applicable 
repetitive intervals and as required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, a fuel pump having P/N 
568-1-28300-101, P/N 568-1-28300-103, or P/N 568-1-28300-200, with 
Case 2 (medium erosion), as specified in Airbus AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 
00, dated November 3, 2017, may be installed on an airplane provided 
the fuel pump is not installed at a location specified in paragraph 
3.3 of Airbus AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017.

(l) MEL Revision

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the applicable MEL, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus 
AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017, and thereafter 
operate the airplane accordingly.
    (2) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 airplanes: In addition to 
the MEL revision required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, revise the 
applicable MEL to include the information specified in table 2 to 
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD, and thereafter operate the airplane 
accordingly.

 Table 2 to Paragraph (l)(2) of This AD--Amendment to MEL Items 28-27-06
                              and 28-27-07
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Applicability                        MEL amendment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A340-500 and A340-600    MEL Items 28-27-06 and 28-27-07 can be
 series airplanes.              applied, provided that the related
                                circuit breaker is pulled and tagged for
                                the duration of the MEL item.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(m) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) 
of this AD: Report the results (including no findings) of each 
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD to 
[email protected], in accordance with the instructions 
in Airbus AOT A28L006-17, Rev. 00, dated November 3, 2017.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or before the effective date 
of this AD: Report within 10 days after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this 
AD: Report within 10 days after the inspection.

(n) 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

[[Page 58722]]

paragraph (o)(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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0224, dated November 10, 
2017, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-1104.
    (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.

(p) 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 Alert Operators Transmission A28L006-17, Rev. 00, 
dated November 3, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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.
    (4) 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.
    (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 December 4, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26842 Filed 12-13-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P