[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55498-55502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24020]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0907; Product Identifier 2018-NM-118-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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[[Page 55499]]

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-07-
05, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and 
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). AD 2017-07-05 requires repetitive detailed visual 
inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) leg components and 
replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found. Since we 
issued AD 2017-07-05, further investigation revealed that overhaul of 
the MLG does not alleviate the need for inspecting the MLG hinge arm/
barrel pin for cracking. This proposed AD would retain the requirements 
of AD 2017-07-05 and remove the credit for doing a MLG overhaul in lieu 
of the initial inspection of the MLG leg components. We are proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 
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--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 referenced 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-
0907; 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: 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: 

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-2018-0907; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-118-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, April 3, 
2017) (``AD 2017-07-05''), for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series 
airplanes; and Model A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2017-07-05 requires 
repetitive detailed visual inspections of the MLG leg components and 
replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found. AD 2017-07-
05 resulted from reports of cracks in MLG leg components. We issued AD 
2017-07-05 to address cracking of certain components in the MLG leg, 
which could result in a MLG collapse, and consequent damage to the 
airplane and injury to the airplane occupants.

Actions Since AD 2017-07-05 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-07-05, further investigation revealed that 
overhaul of the MLG does not alleviate the need for inspecting the MLG 
hinge arm/barrel pin for cracking. This proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of AD 2017-07-05 and remove the credit for substituting 
MLG overhaul in lieu of the initial inspection of the MLG leg 
components.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0170, dated August 6, 2018 (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; and Model A300-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two cases were reported of finding a cracked MLG hinge arm/
barrel pin, one was discovered in service during a maintenance task 
and the other one was identified during MLG overhaul.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued [Alert 
Operators Transmission] AOT A32W008-16 (original issue) to provide 
instructions for detailed visual inspections (DET) to detect cracks 
and EASA issued AD 2016-0058 accordingly [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2017-07-05], requiring repetitive DET of the affected parts and, 
depending on findings, replacement of the affected MLG leg.
    Since that AD was issued, further investigation results 
highlighted that, the overhaul of the MLG cannot alleviate the 
inspection need of the hinge arm/barrel pin.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirement of EASA AD 2016-0058, which is superseded, removing the 
credit of MLG overhaul for the first inspection of the pin.

    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-
0907.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32W008-16, 
Rev 01, dated July 30, 2018, including Appendixes 1 through 4. This 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge 
arm/barrel pin for cracking, and replacement of the MLG leg if cracking 
is detected. 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

[[Page 55500]]

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 retain all requirements of AD 2017-07-05. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed visual inspections 
of the MLG leg components for cracking and replacement of the MLG leg 
if cracked components are found. This proposed AD also would require 
reporting the findings of each inspection by sending the inspection 
results to Airbus SAS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Labor cost                  Parts cost          Cost per product           Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85,                 $0   $85, per inspection cycle...  $10,880, per inspection
 per inspection cycle.                                                                cycle.
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                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Labor cost                 Parts cost       Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 work-hours x $85 per hour =    $3,400,000 per MLG  $3,401,700 per
 $1,700 per MLG.                                       MLG.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be $85 
per product.
    The new requirements of this proposed AD add no additional economic 
burden.

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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, April 3, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0907; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
118-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 21, 2018.

[[Page 55501]]

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, 
April 3, 2017) (``AD 2017-07-05'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
    (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.
    (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.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in main landing gear 
(MLG) leg components. We are issuing this AD to address cracking of 
certain components in the MLG leg, which could result in a MLG 
collapse, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the 
airplane occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD an affected part is an MLG hinge arm/
barrel pin having part number (P/N) C66441-(X) and P/N C65543-(X), 
where the X is representing a variable number.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable compliance time specified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
100 flight cycles, accomplish a detailed visual inspection of the 
internal diameter of each affected MLG hinge arm/barrel pin for 
cracking, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A32W008-16, Rev 01, dated July 30, 
2018, including Appendixes 1 through 4, (``AOT 32W008-16, Rev 01'').
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06NO18.000

(i) Corrective Action

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG leg 
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT 32W008-16, Rev 01. 
Replacement of a MLG leg does not constitute terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) 
of this AD, report the inspection results required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD to Airbus SAS. This can be accomplished using the 
instructions of Airbus AOT 32W008-16, Rev 01.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 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 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD and corrective actions required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the instructions of Airbus AOT 
A32W008-16, dated February 25, 2016, including Appendices 1 through 
4.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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

[[Page 55502]]

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) 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 
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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0170, dated August 6, 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-2018-0907.
    (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.
    (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. 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 October 24, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2018-24020 Filed 11-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P