[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28431-28434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12877]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0439; Product Identifier 2019-NM-037-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22-
18, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes. AD 2012-22-18 requires repetitive inspections of
the three inner acoustic panels of both engine air intake cowls to
detect disbonding, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued
AD 2012-22-18, we have received additional reports of engine air inlet
cowl collapse. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD
2012-22-18 with a reduced compliance time and reduced repetitive
inspection intervals. This proposed AD would also provide for an
optional modification that is terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. These actions are specified in a 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 August 5, 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.
[[Page 28432]]
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 material identified in this proposed AD that will be
incorporated by reference (IBR), contact the 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-
0439; 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 is listed above.
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; telephone 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-2019-0439;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-037-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
We issued AD 2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR 70366, November
26, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-18''), for all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -
243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes. AD 2012-22-18 requires repetitive
inspections of the three inner acoustic panels of both engine air
intake cowls to detect disbonding, and corrective actions if necessary.
AD 2012-22-18 resulted from reports of extensive damage to engine air
intake cowls as a result of acoustic panel detachment. We issued AD
2012-22-18 to address disbonding, which could result in detachment of
the engine air intake cowl from the engine leading to ingestion of
parts, which could cause failure of the engine, and possible injury to
persons on the ground.
Actions Since AD 2012-22-18 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2012-22-18, we have received additional reports
of engine air inlet cowl collapse and made a determination that there
should be a reduction of the existing compliance time and repetitive
inspection intervals required by AD 2012-22-18.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0042, dated February 27, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0042'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-
342 and A330-343 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences were reported on A330 aeroplanes fitted with Rolls-
Royce Trent 700 engines, where the air inlet cowl was found with
extensive damage, as a result of acoustic panel collapse. The
technical investigation results revealed that these occurrences were
caused by panel disbonding.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight detachment of an air inlet cowl acoustic panel, possibly
resulting in damage to the aeroplane, and/or in damage to the engine
by ingestion of parts, and/or injury to persons on the ground.
To initially address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus
published the inspection [service bulletin] SB (original issue up to
Revision 03), to provide instructions for [special detailed
inspection] SDI of the three acoustic panels of air inlet cowl.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0173 [which corresponds to FAA AD
2012-22-18] to require repetitive SDI of these air inlet cowl
acoustic panels on both engines.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus developed mod 202395,
installation of improved inner acoustic panels, and published the
modification SB, which constitutes an optional terminating action
for the SDI. Consequently, EASA AD 2011-0173 was revised to
introduce this optional terminating action.
Since that revised [EASA] AD was issued, new events of Rolls-
Royce Trent 700 engines air inlet cowl collapse have been reported.
These events only occurred on pre-mod 202395 engine air inlet cowls.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus performed new calculations of the
SDI threshold/interval values and those of the Acceptable/Repairable
Damage Limits, leading to an amended inspection programme.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2011-0173R1, which is superseded, and
requires the SDI of affected parts at amended threshold(s) and
interval(s), and, depending on findings, repair or replacement of
affected parts. This [EASA] AD also allows a post-mod aeroplane to
be modified, either partially or completely, to pre-mod
configuration [which terminates the need for the repetitive
inspections].
The initial compliance time for the special detailed inspection is
within 12 months after an installation or inspection, or 6 months after
the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later; but not to exceed
24 months since the last inspection. The compliance times for the
corrective action are before further flight and before 10 flight cycles
since the last inspection, depending on the condition. The repetitive
inspection interval is 12 months.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2012-22-18, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2012-22-18, except the existing compliance time and
repetitive inspection intervals are reduced. Those requirements are
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0042, which, in turn, is referenced in
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0042 describes procedures for repetitive inspections
of engine air inlet cowls having certain part numbers, repair or
replacement of any engine air inlet cowl that has disbonding, and an
optional modification that terminates the need for the repetitive
inspections. This material is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business
[[Page 28433]]
or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 2019-0042 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 2019-0042 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the
provisions specified in EASA AD 2019-0042, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Service information specified in EASA AD 2019-0042 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019-0042 will be available on the internet
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0439 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 47 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
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Retained actions from AD 2012- Up to 20 work- $0 $1,700 Up to $79,900.
22-18. hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$1,700.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 154 work hours x $85 (*) Up to $13,090.*
per hour = Up to $13,090.
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* We have received no definitive data on the parts costs for the
optional actions.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
action 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 this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 34 work-hours x $85 per (*) Up to $2,890.*
hour = Up to $2,890.
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* We have received no definitive data on the parts costs for the on-
condition actions.
The new requirements of this proposed AD add no additional economic
burden. However, the optional modification, if done, would result in
additional costs as specified in the ``Estimate costs for optional
actions'' table.
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 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
[[Page 28434]]
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)
2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR 70366, November 26, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2019-0439; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
037-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 5, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces 2012-22-18, Amendment 39-17256 (77 FR 70366,
November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-22-18'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of extensive damage to engine
air intake cowls as a result of acoustic panel collapse. We are
issuing this AD to address disbonding, which could result in
detachment of the engine air intake cowl from the engine, leading to
ingestion of parts, which could cause failure of the engine, and
possible injury to persons on the ground.
(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, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0042, dated February 27, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0042'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0042
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0042 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0042 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0042
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)(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 2019-0042 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
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019-0042, contact the 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 2019-0042 may be found in the AD docket on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0439.
(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;
telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 10, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-12877 Filed 6-18-19; 8:45 am]
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