[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 72 (Monday, April 15, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15162-15165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07385]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0192; Product Identifier 2019-NM-004-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 all
Airbus SAS 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
proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a certain aircraft
maintenance manual (AMM) task provided instructions for a visual
inspection of composite and metallic vertical tailplane (VTP)
attachment fittings, but the inspection method did not specify
detection of delamination length, which could possibly extend beyond
the defined allowable limits. This proposed AD would require a review
of maintenance records, and, depending on the result, one-time detailed
and ultrasonic inspections of the affected parts and applicable
corrective actions, as specified in an European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. We are proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 30, 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 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; telephone +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-
[[Page 15163]]
0192; 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 (telephone 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-2019-0192;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-004-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 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 NPRM.
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0006, dated January 17, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0006'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes and Model
A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
AMM Task 55-36-11 provides instructions for visual inspection of
composite and metallic VTP attachment fittings, and contains
detailed information on damage limits. As defined in this AMM task,
a composite part delamination is acceptable without further repair.
However, as the inspection method included in the AMM does not allow
detection of delamination length, this may consequently pass over
the allowable limits defined.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the VTP attachment fittings, possibly resulting in loss
of control of the aeroplane.
Prompted by this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the
applicable SB [service bulletin] to provide non-destructive test
instructions, which allow detection of delaminated area(s) before
exceeding the limits.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a
review of maintenance records and, depending on the result, a one-
time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected parts, followed by an
ultrasonic (US) inspection, and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0006 describes procedures for a review of maintenance
records, one-time detailed and ultrasonic inspections of the affected
parts, and applicable corrective actions. 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 and Requirements of This Proposed AD
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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe condition exists and 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 EASA AD 2019-0006 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 2019-0006 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the
provisions specified in EASA AD 2019-0006, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Service information specified in EASA AD 2019-0006 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019-0006 will be available on the internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0192 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 133 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 21 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 Up to $1,785.............. Up to $237,405.
$1,785.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
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:
[[Page 15164]]
``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 and associated appliances 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-2019-0192; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
004-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 30, 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, as identified
in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0006, dated
January 17, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0006'').
(1) Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622
airplanes, Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes, Model A300 F4-
605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes.
(2) Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that a certain aircraft
maintenance manual task provided instructions for a visual
inspection of composite and metallic vertical tailplane (VTP)
attachment fittings, but the inspection method did not specify
detection of delamination length, which could possibly extend beyond
the defined allowable limits. We are issuing this AD to address this
condition, which, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the VTP attachment fittings, possibly resulting in loss
of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0006.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0006
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0006 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Replace the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-
0006 that states ``it is determined that the maintenance records are
incomplete,'' with ``maintenance records cannot be used to
positively determine that the applicable maintenance actions have
been accomplished.''
(3) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Replace the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-
0006 that states ``concurrently,'' with ``before further flight.''
(4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0006 does not apply
to this AD.
(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 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 Design Organization Approval (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 2019-0006 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019-0006, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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. 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 2019-0006 may be found in the AD docket on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0192.
[[Page 15165]]
(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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on April 8, 2019.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-07385 Filed 4-12-19; 8:45 am]
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