[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 197 (Thursday, October 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51313-51315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21605]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0410; Product Identifier 2018-NM-030-AD; Amendment 
39-19444; AD 2018-20-10]
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 A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an 
inspection on the production line that revealed evidence of paint 
peeling on the forward and aft cargo frame forks around the hook bolt 
hole. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection for any deficiency 
of the frame forks around the hook bolt hole on certain forward and aft 
cargo doors and applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 15, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 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; 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, 
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-2018-0410.

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-
0410; 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 Docket Operations, 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

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 A350-
941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 15, 
2018 (83 FR 22414). The NPRM was prompted by an inspection on the 
production line that revealed evidence of paint peeling on the forward 
and aft cargo frame forks around the hook bolt hole. The NPRM proposed 
to require a detailed visual inspection for any deficiency of the frame 
forks around the hook bolt hole on certain forward and aft cargo doors 
and applicable corrective actions.
    We are issuing this AD to address paint peeling on the forward and 
aft cargo doors that could develop into galvanic corrosion, which could 
lead to cargo door failure and possibly result in decompression of the 
airplane and injury to occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0031, dated January 31, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Following an inspection on the production line, paint peeling 
was found on forward and aft cargo door frame forks around the hook 
bolt hole. Subsequent investigations determined this had been caused 
by incorrect masking method during application of primer, top coat 
and Tartaric Sulfuric Anodizing (TSA) layer. As the cargo doors are 
located in an area with high corrosion sensitivity, where a surface 
protection with primer, top coat and TSA is specified, in case of 
paint peeling off, galvanic corrosion could develop.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
cargo door failure, possibly resulting in decompression of the 
aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus identified 
the affected parts and issued the SB [Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) 
A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017] to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed [visual] inspection (DET) of the affected parts [for 
discrepancies] and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s) [i.e., restoration of the anti-
corrosion protection of frame forks of affected parts].

    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-
0410.

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.

Clarification of Definition of Serviceable Part

    We have changed paragraph (g)(2) in this AD by adding that a 
serviceable part is also ``a part identified as an affected part, and 
the actions in paragraph (i) of this AD have been accomplished on that 
part.'' This change has been coordinated with EASA and Airbus.

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 SAS has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A350-52-P011, dated 
May 12, 2017. This service information describes procedures for a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the frame forks around the hook bolt 
hole on the forward and aft cargo door, and applicable corrective 
actions. This service information is reasonably

[[Page 51314]]

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                  Labor cost        Parts cost     Cost per product    Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  Up to 9 work-hours              $0  Up to $765........  Up to $6,885.
                                  x $85 per hour =
                                  $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restoration...................................  9 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $50           $815.
                                                 $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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):

2018-20-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19444; FAA-2018-0410; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-030-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 15, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an inspection on the production line 
that revealed evidence of paint peeling on the forward and aft cargo 
frame forks around the hook bolt hole. We are issuing this AD to 
address paint peeling on the forward and aft cargo doors that could 
develop into galvanic corrosion, which could lead to cargo door 
failure and possibly result in decompression of the airplane and 
injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, the affected parts are forward 
cargo doors, part number (P/N) WG102AGAAAAF and P/N WG102AKAAAAF, 
serial number (S/N) UH10007 through UH10022 inclusive, except S/N 
UH10009; and aft cargo doors P/N

[[Page 51315]]

WH102AHAAAAC and P/N WH102ALAAAAC, S/N UH10008 through UH10022 
inclusive.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable forward cargo door 
or a serviceable aft cargo door is a part that is not identified as 
an affected part, or is a part identified as an affected part on 
which a detailed visual inspection specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017, has been done and there 
were no findings, or is a part identified as an affected part, and 
the actions in paragraph (i) of this AD have been accomplished on 
that part.

(h) Inspection

    Within 36 months since the date of issuance of the original 
standard airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness, or within 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
accomplish a detailed visual inspection of each affected part for 
any deficiency (e.g., any paint peel-off of the hook bolt hole of 
the frame fork), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017.

(i) Corrective Actions

    If, during any detailed visual inspection required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, any deficiency is found, before next flight, restore 
the anti-corrosion protection of frame forks of the affected part, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where Airbus Service Bulletin A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017, 
specifies contacting Airbus, and specifies that action as RC: This 
AD requires repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    From the effective date of this AD, it is allowed to install on 
an airplane a forward cargo door or an aft cargo door, provided the 
part is a serviceable forward cargo door or serviceable aft cargo 
door as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(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 (j) 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 2018-0031, dated January 31, 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-2018-0410.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

(n) 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 A350-52-P011, dated May 12, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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, 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 September 19, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21605 Filed 10-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P