[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62738-62740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26360]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1003; Product Identifier 2018-NM-133-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 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203, and Model A330-301, 
-302, and -303 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 
damaged drain pipes located above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), 
caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of 
the LAPF. This proposed AD would require a special detailed inspection 
for damage and corrective actions, if necessary. We are proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22, 
2019.

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--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.

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-
1003; 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; phone 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-2018-1003; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-133-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 
2018-0198, dated September 6, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -
202, and -203, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Some cases of damaged drain pipes, Part Number F7173000700000, 
located above the

[[Page 62739]]

Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF) and dedicated to drain pylon 
compartment A in case of hydraulic fluid leakage, were reported. 
Subsequent examination identified that the cracks were caused by a 
contact between the drain pipe and the two U-Shape Ribs of the LAPF. 
This interference condition can be present during the installation 
of the LAPF assembly to the pylon. The trailing edge assembly of the 
fairing has an internal frame bracket and shear clip which can cause 
chafing with the hydraulic drain pipes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with an 
additional independent failure as hydraulic leakage in pylon 
compartment A, could lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box. In 
addition, the hydraulic fluid may flow forward of the LAPF and leak 
above engine hot surfaces, possibly resulting in a temporary 
uncontrolled fire in the pylon compartment A, and consequent reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued the inspection 
SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018] to 
provide instructions for a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the 
LAPF drain pipes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time SDI (borescope inspection method) of the LAPF of each pylon 
[for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the 
hydraulic drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the 
internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge 
assembly of the LAPF with the aircraft hydraulic drain pipe)] and, 
depending on findings, replacement of the LAPF drain pipes and clamp 
block, and rework of the U-shape ribs.

    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-
1003.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018. 
This service information describes procedures for replacement of the 
hydraulic drain pipe clamp blocks of the LAPFs of the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) pylons and modification of the LAPFs.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018. 
This service information describes procedures for a special detailed 
inspection for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of 
the hydraulic drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the 
internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly 
of the LAPF with the aircraft hydraulic drain pipe), and corrective 
actions. Corrective actions include replacement of the hydraulic drain 
pipe at the LH or RH pylon.
    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 10 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170           $1,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465.          $1,640           $4,105
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed 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 known 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 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

[[Page 62740]]

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-2018-1003; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
133-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 22, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which 
Airbus modification 207430 has been embodied in production, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041 has been embodied in service.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of damaged drain pipes located 
above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), caused by a contact 
between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. We are 
issuing this AD to address damaged drain pipes located above the 
LAPF, which combined with an additional independent failure could 
lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box, possibly resulting in a 
temporary uncontrolled fire and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) One-Time Inspections

    Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
a one-time special detailed inspection of the pylon drain pipes 
(inside and outside) on the left-hand and right-hand pylons, located 
above both LAPFs, for contact with the U-shaped ribs of the LAPF and 
damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the pylon 
drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the internal 
frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly of 
the LAPF with the pylon drain pipe) in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, 
dated May 17, 2018.

(h) Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any damage is found, at the applicable time specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018, accomplish the 
applicable corrective actions on the affected pylon in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
54-3041, dated May 17, 2018.

(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 2018-0198, dated September 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-2018-1003.
    (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) For service information identified in this AD, 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26360 Filed 12-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P