[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 170 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44514-44516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18811]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0764; Product Identifier 2018-NM-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by defects found during 
production tests of ram air turbine (RAT) units; investigation revealed 
that the defects were due to certain RAT hydraulic pumps having an 
alternative manufacturing process of the pump pistons. This proposed AD 
would require replacing any defective RAT hydraulic pump with a 
serviceable part and re-identifying the RAT module part number. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 15, 
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: 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--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 
31700 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 service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

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-2018-
0764; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 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, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.

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-2018-0764; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0062, dated March 20, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes, Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Four A330 RAT units were returned to the supplier due to low 
discharge pressure. These defects were detected during Airbus 
production tests. Subsequent investigations by the RAT manufacturer 
UTAS (formerly Hamilton Sundstrand) revealed that some RAT hydraulic 
pumps, [part number] P/N 5916430, were involved in an alternative 
manufacturing process of the pump pistons. This resulted in form 
deviations (rough surface finish and sharp edges), which caused 
excessive wear and damage to the bore where the pistons moved.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to low performance 
of the pump, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane, 
particularly if occurring following a total engine flame out, or 
during a total loss of normal electrical power generation.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published 
[service bulletin] SB A330-29-3130 and SB A340-29-4098, providing 
instructions for identification and replacement of the affected 
parts.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected parts. This [EASA] AD also requires re-
identification of the RAT module.

    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-2018-
0764.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA issued AD 2016-14-01, Amendment 39-18582 (81 FR 44983, July 
12, 2016); corrected (81 FR 51097, August 3, 2016) (``AD 2016-14-01''). 
AD 2016-14-01 applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes; Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes; Model 
A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes; Model A340-500 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2016-14-01 requires 
identification of the manufacturer, part number, and serial number of 
the RAT, and re-identification and modification of the RAT if 
necessary. AD 2016-14-01 was prompted by a report indicating that, 
during an operational test of a RAT, the RAT did not deploy in 
automatic mode. AD 2016-14-01 was issued to prevent non-deployment of 
the RAT, which, following a total engine flame-out, or during a total 
loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in reduced 
control of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Service Bulletins A330-29-3130 and A340-29-
4098, both dated May 3, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for replacing any affected RAT hydraulic pump with a 
serviceable

[[Page 44515]]

part and re-identifying the RAT module part number. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
    UTC Aerospace Systems has issued Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
dated March 17, 2017, and Revision 1, dated June 27, 2017. This service 
information identifies affected part and serial numbers for the RAT 
hydraulic pump. These documents are distinct since UTC Aerospace 
Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, Revision 1, dated June 27, 
2017, adds a Parker part number reference to each Hamilton Sundstrand 
hydraulic part number.
    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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 103 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 14 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up              $0   Up to $1,190..............  Up to $122,570.
 to $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0764; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 15, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-14-01, Amendment 39-18582 (81 FR 44983, 
July 12, 2016); corrected (81 FR 51097, August 3, 2016) (``AD 2016-
14-01'').

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by defects found during production tests of 
ram air turbine (RAT) units; investigation revealed that the defects 
were due to certain RAT hydraulic pumps having an alternative 
manufacturing process of the pump pistons. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent low performance of the pump, which, following a total engine 
flame-out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power 
generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 44516]]

(g) Definitions for This AD

    (1) An affected part is a RAT hydraulic pump having part number 
(P/N) 5916430 and a serial number identified in UTC Aerospace 
Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, dated March 17, 2017, or 
Revision 1, dated June 27, 2017.
    (2) A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic pump identified as 
acceptable in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, 
both dated May 3, 2017, as applicable.
    (3) Group 1 airplanes are airplanes on which an affected part is 
installed.
    (4) Group 2 airplanes are airplanes on which no affected part is 
installed. A Model A330 airplane on which Airbus SAS Modification 
206604 has been embodied in production is a Group 2 airplane, 
provided that the airplane remains in that configuration.

(h) Replacement and Re-identification for Group 1 Airplanes

    (1) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD; 
replace any affected RAT hydraulic pump with a serviceable part, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, both dated May 3, 2017, as 
applicable.
    (2) Concurrently with the replacement required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD, re-identify the part number of the serviceable 
RAT module, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, both dated May 
3, 2017, as applicable.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-29-3130 and A340-29-4098, both dated May 3, 2017, provide 
guidance for re-identification of the part numbers of the RAT 
hydraulic pumps that are not affected, and the part numbers of the 
RAT modules that are not equipped with an affected hydraulic pump.

(i) Compliance With AD 2016-14-01

    After re-identification of a RAT module on an airplane, as 
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, the airplane remains 
compliant with the RAT module re-identification requirements of AD 
2016-14-01 for that airplane.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: After replacement of any affected RAT 
hydraulic pump as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, do not 
install any affected RAT hydraulic pump.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, 
do not install any affected RAT hydraulic pump.

(k) 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 Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (l)(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 SAS's EASA DOA. If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0062, dated March 20, 2018, 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-2018-0764.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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 service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 16, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18811 Filed 8-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P