[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 163 (Thursday, August 22, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43681-43686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18045]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0018; Product Identifier 2018-NM-116-AD; Amendment 
39-19681; AD 2019-14-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-
12, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and 
A321 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-12 required repetitive inspections 
for damage and cracking of the aft fixed fairing (AFF) of the pylons, 
and repair if necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-
07-12 and requires additional repetitive inspections at the upper spar 
at a certain rib area and corrective actions if necessary, as specified 
in an European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated 
by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the AFF of 
the pylons due to fatigue damage of the structure and reports of cracks 
on a certain rib of a modified AFF of the pylons. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 26, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this

[[Page 43682]]

AD, contact the EASA, at 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 by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0018.

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-
0018; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2016-07-12, Amendment 39-18457 (81 FR 
19482, April 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-12''). AD 2016-07-12 applied to 
certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR 
5617). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking of the AFF of the 
pylons due to fatigue damage of the structure and reports of cracks on 
a certain rib of a modified AFF of the pylons. The NPRM proposed to 
continue to require repetitive inspections for damage and cracking of 
the AFF of the pylons. The NPRM also proposed to require additional 
repetitive inspections at the upper spar at a certain rib area and 
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
damage and cracking of the AFF of the pylons, which could result in 
detachment of a pylon and consequent reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane.
    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0137R1, dated January 9, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2018-0137R1'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-111, and -112; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, and -115; Model A320-211, -212, -214, and -216; 
and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    On aeroplanes equipped with post-mod 33844 CFM pylons, several 
operators reported finding cracks on the Aft Fixed Fairing (AFF). 
After material analysis, it appeared that the pylon AFF structure, 
especially on this configuration, was subject to fatigue-induced 
damage which could lead to pylon AFF cracks.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
detachment of a pylon AFF from the aeroplane, possibly resulting in 
injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A54N002-12, providing inspection 
instructions. Thereafter, Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-
54-1027, later revised, superseding AOT A54N002-12. EASA issued AD 
2014-0154 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-07-12] to require 
repetitive inspections of the pylon AFF and, depending on findings, 
replacement.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus developed mod 156593 to 
increase the fatigue life of the pylon AFF structure by using a 
different material and introducing thermal treatment of the 
aluminium sheets parts. Prompted by new findings of cracks on rib 
15, it was determined that this area also needs to be inspected to 
ensure the structural integrity of the new pylon AFF. Airbus revised 
SB A320-54-1027, including instructions for repetitive inspection of 
that area. Repetitive inspections are also required on post-mod 
156593 aeroplanes.
    Airbus also developed mod 159806 and 156765, redesigning the 
corner fittings at the junction upper spar and rib 15, which 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For 
retrofit purposes, Airbus issued SB A320-54-1035 and SB A320-54-
1036, later revised, providing instructions to modify and re-
identify the pylon AFF, which constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2018-0137 [which 
was referred to as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the actions specified in the FAA NPRM], retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0154, which was superseded, and 
requiring repetitive inspections of the upper spar at rib 15 area 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s). This [EASA] AD also included references to optional 
terminating actions, and provided installation requirements for the 
new pylon AFF.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, comments and requests for 
clarification have been received from operators. This [EASA] AD is 
revised, merging the restatement of requirements of AD 2014-0154 
with the new requirements.

    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-2019-
0018.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Commenters Delta Air Lines (DAL), Jeff Hymen, and Megan Neeley 
indicated their support for the NPRM.

Request To Reference the Latest EASA AD

    Alaska Airlines (Alaska) and DAL requested that the FAA refer to 
EASA AD 2018-0137R1 in lieu of EASA AD 2018-0137, dated July 12, 2018 
(``EASA AD 2018-0137''). Alaska requested revision of paragraphs (c) 
and (g) of the proposed AD to cite EASA AD 2018-0137R1.
    The FAA agrees with the commenters' requests. No additional work is 
required for airplanes on which the requirements of EASA AD 2018-0137, 
dated June 28, 2018 (``EASA AD 2018-0137''), have been accomplished. 
The FAA has revised paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to cite EASA AD 
2018-0137R1 in addition to EASA AD 2018-0137. The FAA has also revised 
paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this AD to require the use of the effective date 
of this AD rather than the effective date of EASA 2018-0137 (July 12, 
2018), as referenced in EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1, to 
determine compliance.

Request To Remove Paragraph (h)(4) of the Proposed AD

    DAL requested that paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD be removed, 
which did not allow for the provisions of paragraph (5) of EASA AD 
2018-0137 (credit for actions done using certain service information). 
DAL argued that if the provisions of paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2018-
0137R1 are disallowed, the result would be a requirement that is more 
restrictive to U.S. operators. DAL further noted that disallowing 
paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2018-0137R1, which allows credit for initial 
inspections

[[Page 43683]]

using additional revisions of certain service information, would mean 
the initial inspections would have to be accomplished faster and may 
require special scheduled inspections, which often results in utilizing 
less experienced mechanics. DAL requested that the AD specify which 
revision of the EASA AD will be allowed. Accordingly, DAL requests 
that, if this AD is updated to reflect EASA AD 2018-0137R1, that 
paragraph (h)(4) of this AD be removed.
    The FAA agrees with the request for the reasons provided. Also note 
that paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2018-0137R1 adds credit for initial 
inspections performed in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
54-1027, dated April 10, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-54-
1027, Revision 1, dated January 14, 2015; which were not included in 
paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2018-0137. Paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD 
is removed and paragraphs (h)(5) and (h)(6) of the proposed AD are 
redesignated as paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5) of this AD to reflect this 
request.

Request To Allow Re-Installation of an Affected Part Under Certain 
Circumstances

    DAL requested that the AD allow for the re-installation of an 
affected AFF if it was removed for reasons other than meeting the 
requirement of the AD, such as routine maintenance. DAL pointed out 
that an affected AFF may need to be removed for access to perform 
either unrelated maintenance or for compliance with certain service 
information referenced in EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1. DAL's 
interpretation of the ``do not install'' language in paragraph (11) of 
EASA AD 2018-0137 led it to believe that operators would struggle to 
comply with the instructions as written, and recommended that the FAA 
adds a statement that would allow the re-installation of an AFF that 
was removed from the airplane for the purpose of maintenance or 
inspections.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. Group 1 airplanes, as specified in EASA 
ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1, are those that, as of the effective date 
of this AD, have an affected AFF installed. The intent of paragraph 
(11.1) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 is to prevent an affected 
AFF from being re-installed on a Group 1 airplane only if the 
modification specified in paragraph (9) or (10) of EASA AD 2018-0137 or 
EASA AD 2018-0137R1 has already been accomplished on that airplane. An 
operator has the full compliance time to accomplish the modification, 
and, up until the modification is accomplished, an affected AFF may be 
re-installed for reasons such as routine maintenance.
    Group 2 airplanes, as specified in EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-
0137R1, are those airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
do not have an affected AFF installed. For Group 2 airplanes, the 
intent of paragraph (11.2) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 is to 
prevent an affected AFF from being installed on an airplane on which an 
affected AFF was not already installed as of the effective date of this 
AD. The AD has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Use Later Approved Revisions of Service Information

    DAL pointed out that the reference publications section of EASA ADs 
2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 allows the use of later-approved revisions to 
the specified service information for compliance. DAL requested 
clarification to determine if this statement is applicable to this AD.
    The AD does not exclude the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA 
ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1, so that section is applicable to this 
AD. The AD has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Add Exceptions for Alternative Methods of Compliance

    DAL requested that the proposed AD be revised to add an exception 
that allows the use of consumable material list (CML) 10ABE1, ``touch 
up alodine,'' in addition to CML 10ABC1, ``tank alodine.'' DAL noted 
that while Airbus commonly specifies tank alodine, DAL prefers to use 
touch up alodine. DAL explained that they contacted Airbus on this 
issue and Airbus confirmed that touch up alodine can be used instead of 
tank alodine for the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-54-
1027; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-54-1035; and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-54-1036.
    DAL claimed that Airbus Service Bulletin A320-54-1027 and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-54-1035 state that all steps in the Procedure and 
Test sections are required for compliance (RC). DAL also maintained 
that some of those steps are corrosion prevention control program 
(CPCP) controlled tasks. Because corrosion inhibition compound (CIC) is 
part of CPCP, DAL argued that application of CIC should be managed by 
each individual operator regardless of the AD requirement. As a result, 
DAL requested language added to the proposed AD that allows for 
operators to control the reapplication of CICs as an alternative to the 
service information specifications.
    DAL also noted that the ``Preparation'' section of the service 
information referenced in EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 contains 
references to a certain aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) section for 
basic aircraft configuration. The basic aircraft configuration of the 
AMM states that the aircraft is in the ``weight on wheels'' 
configuration. DAL noted that sometimes their airplanes are on jacks 
and that having the airplane in a weight on wheels configuration may 
limit the ability of their maintenance technicians to perform the 
required actions. DAL requested an exception to the proposed AD that 
allows for the required actions to be performed with either weight on 
wheels or while the aircraft is in a jacked configuration.
    The FAA agrees with the request to add an exception that allows the 
use of CML 10ABE1, touch up alodine for the reasons provided. This AD 
has been revised to change the content of paragraph (h)(6) of this AD 
to state that where any service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 specifies to use CML material number 10ABC1, 
this AD allows the use of CML material number 10ABE1 as an additional 
method of compliance.
    The FAA disagrees with the request to add language to the proposed 
AD that allows for operators to control the reapplication of CICs via 
CPCP because not all U.S. operators have a standardized CPCP. If DAL 
cannot follow the CIC specified by Airbus in the service information, 
then they can reference the Airbus CML for an alternative CIC. Airbus's 
CML document contains a list of the latest consumables and alternatives 
that can be used. Operators may apply for an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) using the procedures in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD 
for using alternate consumables allowed in the CML with appropriate 
substantiations. The AD has not been changed in this regard.
    The FAA agrees to clarify regarding the request for airplanes in a 
jacked configuration. The step the commenter referred to says to 
``refer to'' the AMM. As noted in the service information, when the 
words ``refer to'' are used and the operator has a FAA accepted 
alternative procedure, the accepted alternative procedure can be used. 
Operators therefore have latitude in how to accomplish any work steps 
that use the term ``refer to.'' This AD has not been changed in this 
regard.

[[Page 43684]]

Request for Clarification of Repetitive Inspection Intervals

    DAL requested clarification regarding the interval of the 
repetitive inspection specified in paragraph (3) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 
and 2018-0137R1. DAL noted that, based on its understanding, the first 
repetitive inspection interval threshold is not to exceed 10,000 flight 
cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first. DAL remarked 
that it appears this threshold is based on the assumption that the 
initial inspections were done close to the initial threshold of 5,000 
flight cycles or 7,500 flight hours, whichever occurred first. DAL 
requested clarification for a scenario in which an operator performed 
the specified inspection at 1,000 flight cycles or 1,000 flight hours, 
and asked if the first repetitive inspection interval would still be 
required before exceeding 10,000 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, 
whichever occurs first. DAL inquired if, in that same scenario, a grace 
period from the previous inspection would be more appropriate.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. For the DAL scenario, the repetitive 
inspection will be due before exceeding 5,000 flight cycles or 7,500 
flight hours, whichever occurs first since the last inspection. As 
stated previously, this AD now refers to EASA AD 2018-0137R1, as well 
as EASA AD 2018-0137. Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018-0137R1 has been 
revised to include multiple compliance times, including a grace period 
for airplanes on which an inspection has already been accomplished 
using earlier revisions of the service information or accomplishment of 
a certain maintenance planning document (MPD) task or a certain AOT. 
The AD has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Clarify Revision Level for Optional Terminating Modification

    DAL noted that paragraph (9) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 
reference service information without a revision level. DAL inquired if 
the intent of the reference is to use only the original issue of the 
service information, or if any revision level is acceptable for 
compliance.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. Operators may use any approved revision 
of the service information to perform the optional terminating 
modification, so long as the modification meets the provisions of 
paragraph (9) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0137 and EASA AD 2018-0137R1 describe procedures for 
repetitive inspections for pre- and post-Airbus SAS modification 156593 
airplanes, corrective actions, and optional terminating actions for the 
repetitive inspections. Corrective actions include modifications and 
repair. These documents are distinct since EASA AD 2018-0137R1 omits 
certain language, provides credit for additional service information, 
and clarifies certain compliance times. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 205 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2016-07-  4 work-hours x $85               $0  $340...............  $69,700.
 12.                                per hour = $340.
New proposed actions.............  Up to 21 work-hours               0  Up to $1,785.......  Up to $365,925.
                                    x $85 per hour =
                                    Up to $1,785.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost                Parts cost       Cost  per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 70 work-hours x $85 per   Up to $32,800....  Up to $38,750.
 hour = Up to $5,950.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified 
in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has 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.
    The FAA is 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,

[[Page 43685]]

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

    The FAA 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;
    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:

    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) 
2016-07-12, Amendment 39-18457 (81 FR 19482, April 5, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

2019-14-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19681; Docket No. FAA-2019-0018; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-116-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 26, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-07-12, Amendment 39-18457 (81 FR 19482, 
April 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216; and 
Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, -213 airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2018-0137R1, dated January 9, 2019 (``EASA AD 2018-
0137R1'').

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the aft fixed 
fairing (AFF) of the pylons due to fatigue damage of the structure 
and reports of cracks on a certain rib of a modified AFF of the 
pylons. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage and cracking of 
the AFF of the pylons, which could result in detachment of a pylon 
and consequent reduced structural integrity 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 2018-0137, dated June 28, 2018 (``EASA AD 
2018-0137''); or EASA AD 2018-0137R1.

(h) Exceptions to EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD, use the following paragraphs.
    (i) Where EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 refer to the 
effective date of EASA AD 2018-0137 (July 12, 2018), this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) Where EASA AD 2018-0137 refers to a compliance time of 
after July 16, 2014, this AD requires using May 10, 2016 (the 
effective date of AD 2016-07-12).
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-
0137R1 do not apply.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 
requires that airplanes that have embodied Airbus modification 
156593 accomplish the initial inspection of the AFF of the pylons 
before exceeding 10,000 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, 
whichever occurs first since airplane first flight, this AD requires 
inspection of those airplanes before exceeding 10,000 flight cycles 
or 15,000 flight hours since embodiment of Airbus modification 
156593, whichever occurs first.
    (4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2018-0137 gives credit for 
``the initial requirements of paragraph (4)'' of EASA AD 2018-0137, 
this AD gives credit for ``the requirements of paragraph (4)'' of 
EASA AD 2018-0137.
    (5) Where EASA ADs 2018-0137 and 2018-0137R1 require any 
approval from EASA or Airbus SAS's Design Organization Approval 
(DOA), this AD requires approval 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.
    (6) Where any service information referenced in EASA ADs 2018-
0137 and 2018-0137R1 specifies to use consumable material list (CML) 
material number 10ABC1, this AD allows the use of CML material 
number 10ABE1 as an additional method of compliance.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 2018-
0137 and 2018-0137R1 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 2018-0137 or EASA AD 2018-0137R1 that contains 
RC procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(6) and 
(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 Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.

[[Page 43686]]

(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 2018-0137, dated 
June 28, 2018.
    (ii) EASA AD 2018-0137R1, dated January 9, 2019.
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0137 and EASA AD 2018-0137R1, 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 these EASA ADs on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.

    Note 1 to paragraph (l)(3):  EASA AD 2018-0137 can be accessed 
in the zipped file at the bottom of the web page for EASA AD 2018-
0137R1. When EASA posts a revised AD on their website, they 
watermark the previous AD as ``Revised,'' alter the file name by 
adding ``_revised'' to the end, and move it into a zipped file 
attached at the bottom of the AD web page.

    (4) You may view these EASA ADs 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 
2018-0137 and EASA AD 2018-0137R1 may be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0018.
    (5) You may view this material 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 July 16, 2019.
Michael Millage,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18045 Filed 8-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P