[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 70 (Thursday, April 11, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14599-14602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07187]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0191; Product Identifier 2018-NM-161-AD; Amendment 
39-19610; AD 2019-06-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all

[[Page 14600]]

Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203; and Model A330-301, -302, 
and -303 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of disbonds on the 
engine air inlet cowl inner barrel lower panel between the back skins 
and the honeycomb core of airplanes equipped with certain engines. This 
AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the engine air inlet 
cowls, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in an European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 26, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 26, 
2019.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 28, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For the incorporation by reference (IBR) material described in the 
``Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR part 51'' section in SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; phone: +49 221 89990 1000; email: [email protected]; 
internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the 
EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR 
material 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 in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

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-2019-
0191; 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 AD, 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:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0228, dated October 22, 2018 
(``EASA AD 2018-0228'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203; and Model 
A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported on A330 aeroplanes fitted with General 
Electric CF6-80E1 engines, where the air inlet cowl inner barrel 
lower panel, was found disbonded between the back skins and the 
honeycomb core. The technical investigation results revealed that 
this occurrence may have been caused by freezing of water, 
accumulated in the non-drained honeycomb cells, damaging the 
adhesive bond between the panel core and the back skin.
    This condition, if not corrected, in combination with an engine 
surge condition, could lead to in-flight detachment of an air inlet 
cowl inner barrel, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane, 
and/or injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
inspection SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3035] to provide 
instructions for [repetitive] detailed inspections (DET, tap test 
inspection method) of the air inlet cowl inner barrel lower panels, 
based on the Goodrich SB [Goodrich Aerospace Service Bulletin CF6-
80E1-NAC-71-048]. Airbus also developed mod [modification] 203989, 
installation of improved inner barrel lower panels, based on 
Goodrich Aerospace SB CF6-80E1-NAC-71-052, and published the 
modification SB [Airbus SB A330-71-3036] as terminating action.
    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires 
repetitive DET (tap tests) of the inner barrel lower panels of each 
affected part on both engines and, depending on findings, 
replacement with an improved inner barrel lower panel [which 
terminates the repetitive inspections]. This [EASA] AD also allows, 
in case of no findings, the modification SB [Airbus SB A330-71-3036 
(replacement with an improved inner barrel lower panel) to be 
accomplished] as optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0228 describes procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections of the engine air inlet cowls, and corrective actions. 
Corrective actions include an inspection of the inlet anti-ice seal 
installation, modification of affected parts, and replacement of 
damaged inlet anti-ice seals. This material 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 
and it is publicly available through the EASA website.

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 referenced 
above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent 
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2018-0228 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to 
use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for 
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. As a result, 
EASA AD 2018-0228 is incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. 
This AD, therefore, requires compliance with the provisions specified 
in EASA AD 2018-0228, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Service information 
specified in EASA AD 2018-0228 that is required for compliance with 
EASA AD 2018-0228 is available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 14601]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0191.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary. In addition, for the reasons stated above, we find that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0191; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-161-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                 Labor cost                              Parts cost                     Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850 per      $2,814 per inspection cycle......  $3,664 per inspection cycle.
 inspection cycle.
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                                      Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Labor cost                              Parts cost                     Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 172 work-hours x $85 per hour =        Up to $184,124 per engine........  Up to $198,744 per engine.
 $14,620 per engine.
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    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Labor cost                              Parts cost                     Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 172 work-hours x $85 per hour =        Up to $184,124 per engine........  Up to $198,744 per engine.
 $14,620 per engine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We determined that 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:


[[Page 14602]]


    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):

2019-06-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19610; Docket No. FAA-2019-0191; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-161-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 26, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of disbonds on the engine air 
inlet cowl inner barrel lower panel between the back skins and the 
honeycomb core of airplanes equipped with certain engines. We are 
issuing this AD to address such disbonds, which, in combination with 
an engine surge, could lead to in-flight detachment of an air inlet 
cowl inner barrel, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-
0228, dated October 22, 2018 (``EASA AD 2018-0228'').

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0228

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2018-0228 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0228 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0228 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 (k) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions 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) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2018-0228 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, RC 
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.

(k) Related Information

    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

(l) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0228, dated 
October 22, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0228, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 89990 6017; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this EASA AD 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. EASA AD 
2018-0228 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0191.
    (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 March 26, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-07187 Filed 4-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P