[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50482-50484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21464]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0301; Product Identifier 2017-NM-112-AD; Amendment 
39-19407; AD 2018-19-07]
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 A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of yellow hydraulic 
system failure, including both braking accumulators, due to failure of 
the parking brake operated valve (PBOV). This AD requires replacement 
of a certain PBOV with a different PBOV. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 13, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 13, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0301.

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-
0301; 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 information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.

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 A300 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively 
called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2018 
(83 FR 18483). The NPRM was prompted by a report of yellow hydraulic 
system failure, including both braking accumulators, due to failure of 
the PBOV. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of a certain PBOV 
with a different PBOV.
    We are issuing this AD to address failure of the PBOV, which could 
result in no braking capability during ground operations, possibly 
leading to damage to the airplane and injury to people on the ground.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0153, dated August 17, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, 
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model 
A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    An occurrence was reported where yellow hydraulic system, 
including both braking accumulators, was lost. This was confirmed by 
ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft monitor] warnings and single 
chimes during taxiing. Normal braking on green hydraulic circuit was 
used until aeroplane stopped at parking position. A few seconds 
later, the aeroplane slowly accelerated, until colliding with a wall 
and a bus. The crew reported that the parking brake was selected and 
full braking pedals were applied, but with no effect since normal 
braking was inhibited after Parking Brake was set to ON. 
Investigation results identified that this occurrence was due to 
failure of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV), Part Number (P/
N) A25315-1.
    This condition [parking brake failure], if not corrected, could 
lead to further incidents, possibly resulting in damage to the 
aeroplane and injury to persons on the ground.
    Prompted by this event, Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) 
A300-32-0467, SB A310-32-2151, SB A300-32-6117 and SB A300-32-9023, 
as applicable, to provide instructions for in-service installation 
of the PBOV P/N A25315020-2 introduced by Airbus Modification 13201 
for A300/A310/A300-600 and Airbus Modification 19601 for A300-600ST.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the PBOV P/N A25315-1 by PBOV P/N A25315020-2.

    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-
0301.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) indicated its 
support for the NPRM.

[[Page 50483]]

Request To Revise the Compliance Time in the Proposed AD

    Airbus requested that the compliance time of the proposed AD be 
revised so operators would have all required actions completed by 
August 31, 2022, instead of 60 months after the effective date of the 
final rule. Airbus noted that August 31, 2022, is the calendar date 
that corresponds with the compliance time in EASA AD 2017-0153, which 
is 60 months after August 31, 2017 (the effective date of EASA AD 2017-
0153).
    We disagree with the commenter's request. In consideration of the 
average utilization rate by the affected U.S. operators, the practical 
aspects of an orderly modification of the U.S. fleet during regular 
maintenance periods, and the availability of required parts, we have 
determined that a 60-month compliance time is appropriate. However, 
most ADs, including this one, permit operators to accomplish the 
requirements of an AD at a time earlier then the specified compliance 
time.
    Furthermore, using the compliance time proposed by Airbus would 
effectively reduce the compliance time for this AD, and we would have 
to provide an additional public comment period, which would further 
delay the issuance of this AD. We have not changed this AD in regard to 
this issue.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
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 SAS has issued Service Bulletin A300-32-0467, dated July 4, 
2017; Service Bulletin A300-32-6117, dated July 4, 2017; and Service 
Bulletin A310-32-2151, dated July 4, 2017. This service information 
describes procedures for replacing the PBOV. 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 147 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBOV replacement......................  6 work-hours x $85 per            $4,764          $5,274        $775,278
                                         hour = $510.
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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):

2018-19-07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19407; Docket No. FAA-2018-0301; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-112-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.

[[Page 50484]]

    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of yellow hydraulic system 
failure, including both braking accumulators, due to failure of the 
parking brake operated valve (PBOV). We are issuing this AD to 
address failure of the PBOV, which could result in no braking 
capability during ground operations, possibly leading to damage to 
the airplane and injury to people on the ground.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) PBOV Replacement

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the PBOV having part number (P/N) A25315-1 with a PBOV having P/N 
A25315020-2, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0467, dated July 4, 2017; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-32-6117, dated July 4, 2017; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-32-2151, dated July 4, 2017; as applicable.

(h) Parts Prohibition

    (1) After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, do not install any PBOV having P/N A25315-1 on that 
airplane.
    (2) For an airplane that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
has a PBOV having P/N A25315020-2 installed: As of the effective 
date of this AD, do not install any PBOV having P/N A25315-1 on that 
airplane.

(i) 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 (j)(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 Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0153, dated August 17, 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-2018-0301.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3225.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0467, dated July 4, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-6117, dated July 4, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-2151, dated July 4, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.
    (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 30, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21464 Filed 10-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P