[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45539-45545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18907]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0454; Product Identifier 2017-NM-056-AD; Amendment 
39-19387; AD 2018-18-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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 AD was prompted by reports of cracked slat tracks at 
the location of the front stop attachment to the track. This AD 
requires a detailed inspection, repetitive special detailed 
inspections, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 15, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 15, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0454.

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-
0454; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other

[[Page 45540]]

information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3229.

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 SAS Model A330-
200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on May 29, 2018 (83 FR 24427). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of cracked slat tracks at the location of 
the front stop attachment to the track. The NPRM proposed to require a 
detailed inspection, repetitive special detailed inspections, and 
corrective actions if necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address cracked slat tracks which could 
affect the structural integrity of the slat surface, possibly leading 
to detachment of an outer or inner slat surface, and resulting in 
reduced control 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 
2017-0060, dated April 7, 2017 (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:

    Several cases of cracked slat tracks at the location of front 
stop attachment to track have been reported by operators. Analysis 
of the affected slat tracks (Airbus pre-modification (mod) 45967 
design) revealed that induced torque loads during normal 
installation of the front stop, in combination with an incorrect 
shaft length of the attachment bolts and geometry of the front stop, 
are the root cause.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, would affect the 
structural integrity of the slat surface, which could lead to 
detachment of an outer or inner slat surface, possibly resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane and/or injury to persons on the 
ground.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) A330-57-3123 and SB A340-57-4130, to provide 
inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed inspection (DET) of the front stop lateral and aft 
surfaces [for marks (dents or scratches),] and repetitive special 
detailed inspections (SDI) of the front stop attachment areas, of 
slat tracks number (No.) 5 to No. 16 inclusive, both left hand (LH) 
and right hand (RH) wings [for cracks], and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) [corrective 
actions include rework, repair, and slat rigging].
    This [EASA] AD also includes reference to an optional 
modification (Airbus mod 205378) of the affected slat tracks, for 
which the associated SBs (SB A330-57-3126 and SB A340-57-4133, as 
applicable) are expected to become available in July 2017, which 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by this [EASA] AD.

    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-
0454.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 01, dated 
September 27, 2017; and Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, 
dated September 27, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for a detailed inspection of the front stop lateral and aft surfaces 
for marks (dents or scratches), repetitive special detailed inspections 
of the front stop attachment areas, of slat track numbers 5 to 16 
inclusive, both LH and RH wings for cracks, and corrective actions. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models.
    Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3126, dated 
December 21, 2017; and Service Bulletin A340-57-4133, dated December 
21, 2017. This service information describes procedures for 
modification of all affected slat tracks on an airplane. 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 101 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Inspection............  25 work-hours x $85 per              $0  $2,125............  $214,625.
                                  hour = $2,125.
Special Detailed Inspection....  25 work-hours x $85 per               0  $2,125 per          $214,625 per
                                  hour = $2,125 per                        inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
Reporting......................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 0  $85 per inspection  $8,585 per
                                  hour = $85 per                           cycle.              inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
Modification...................  49 work-hours x $85 per           8,150  $12,315...........  $1,243,815.
                                  hour = $4,165.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of

[[Page 45541]]

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2018-18-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19387; Docket No. FAA-2018-0454; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-056-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 15, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(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 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked slat tracks at the 
location of the front stop attachment to the track. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracked slat tracks which could affect 
the structural integrity of the slat surface, possibly leading to 
detachment of an outer or inner slat surface, and resulting in 
reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, ``affected slat track'' is 
defined as a pre-modification 45967 slat track, located at the wing 
positions as indicated in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, and 
having a part number specified in figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD. In case the part number identification (ID) plate is missing or 
cannot be read, the slat track can be identified by the ink marking. 
If the operator cannot determine the part number, then that airplane 
is in Group 1.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD: Group 1 airplanes are those 
that, on the effective date of this AD, have an affected slat track 
installed. Group 2 airplanes are those that, on the effective date 
of this AD, do not have any affected slat track installed.
BILLINGCODE 4910-13-P

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(h) One-Time Detailed Inspection and Repetitive Special Detailed 
Inspections

    For Group 1 airplanes: At the applicable times specified in 
figure 3 to paragraph (h) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of 
the front stop lateral and aft surfaces, and do a special detailed 
inspection of the front stop attachment areas of each affected slat 
track, both right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) wings, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-57-3123, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated 
September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, 
Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 
2017; as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the special detailed 
inspection for the front stop attachment areas of each affected slat 
track, both RH and LH wings, at intervals not to exceed the 
applicable compliance times specified in figure 4 to paragraph (h) 
of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10SE18.002

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10SE18.003

BILLINGCODE 4910-13-C

(i) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during any special detailed inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, any crack is detected at the front stop 
attachment area of an affected slat track: Before further flight, 
obtain corrective action instructions approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA), and accomplish them within the 
compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, marks (dents or scratches) are found on the front stop lateral 
or aft surfaces of an affected slat track; provided that no crack is 
detected; before further flight, rework the affected lateral front 
stop surface of that slat track, and accomplish slat rigging, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 01, including 
Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, 
dated September 27, 2017. Accomplishment of rework or slat rigging 
on an airplane, as required by this paragraph, does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive special detailed inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, marks (dents or scratches) are found on the front stop lateral 
or aft surfaces of an affected slat track, and any crack is detected 
at the front stop attachment area of that slat track: Before further 
flight, obtain corrective action instructions approved by the 
Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 
EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA, and accomplish them within the 
compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) 
of this AD: Report the results of the inspections required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting Online 
Application on Airbus World (https://w3.airbus.com/), or submit the 
results to Airbus in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 01, including 
Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017, or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, 
dated September 27, 2017. The report must include the inspection 
results (including no findings), a description of any discrepancies 
found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and 
flight hours on the airplane.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after each inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) Optional Terminating Actions

    (1) Replacement of an affected slat track at any position with a 
post-modification 45967 slat track, if accomplished as part of the 
corrective actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(3) of this 
AD, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD, for that slat track position.

[[Page 45545]]

    (2) Modification of all affected slat tracks on an airplane in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-57-3126, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated 
December 21, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4133, 
including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated December 21, 2017; as 
applicable, terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD for that airplane, provided that, prior to 
modification, the affected slat tracks pass an inspection (crack 
free) in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-57-3123, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated 
September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, 
Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 
2017; as applicable.

(l) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) Except as specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD: For 
Group 1 airplanes, after the effective date of this AD, an affected 
slat track may be installed, provided the installation is 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's 
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (2) After modification of a Group 1 airplane as specified in 
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, no person may install an affected slat 
track on that airplane.
    (3) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, 
no person may install an affected slat track on any Group 2 
airplane.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-57-3123, dated June 14, 2016; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-57-4130, dated June 14, 2016, provided that within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, the additional work 
identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 01, 
including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 
and 03, dated September 27, 2017; as applicable, has been completed 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 
01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, including 
Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; as applicable.

(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 Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in 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 EASA; or Airbus SAS's 
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 
work-hour 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): 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0060, dated April 7, 2017, 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-2018-0454.
    (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; 
phone and fax 206 231 3229.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD.

(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 Service Bulletin A330-57-3123, Revision 01, dated 
September 27, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3126, dated December 21, 
2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4130, Revision 01, dated 
September 27, 2017.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4133, dated December 21, 
2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on August 22, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18907 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P