[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 167 (Wednesday, August 28, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45061-45065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18516]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0257; Product Identifier 2018-NM-175-AD; Amendment
39-19714; AD 2019-16-11]
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) 2018-20-
06, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R series
airplanes. AD 2018-20-06 required repetitive high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspections of the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD)
frame forks; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances; a one-time
detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops; and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD retains the actions of AD
2018-20-06 and requires new compliance times, depending on frame fork
configuration. This AD was prompted by a report of two adjacent frame
forks that were found cracked on the aft LDCD of two airplanes during
scheduled maintenance, and a determination that certain compliance
times need to be revised. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 26,
2017 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016), and November 5, 2018 (83 FR
49265, October 1, 2018).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced 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. It is also available on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0257.
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-
0257; 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: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-20-06, Amendment 39-19440 (83 FR
49265, October 1, 2018) (``AD 2018-20-06''). AD 2018-20-06 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2019 (84 FR 19881). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of two adjacent frame forks that were
found cracked on the aft LDCD of two airplanes during scheduled
maintenance, and a determination that certain compliance times need to
be revised. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions of AD
2018-20-06 and also to require new compliance times, depending on frame
fork configuration. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracked or
ruptured aft LDCD frames, which could allow loads to be transferred to
the remaining structural elements. This condition could lead to the
rupture of one or more vertical aft LDCD frames, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the aft LDCD.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018-0266, dated December 11, 2018 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-600R
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During scheduled maintenance at frames (FR) 61 and FR61A on the
aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) of two [Airbus SAS] A300-600F4
aeroplanes, two adjacent frame forks were found cracked. Subsequent
analysis determined that, in case of cracked or ruptured aft cargo
door frame(s), loads will be transferred to the remaining structural
elements. However, these secondary load paths will be able to
sustain the loads for a limited number of flight cycles (FC) only.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
rupture of one or more vertical aft cargo door frame(s), resulting
in reduced structural integrity of the aft cargo door.
To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A52W011-15 to provide inspection instructions,
and, consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0152 to require repetitive
inspections of the aft LDCD frame forks and, depending on findings,
the accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). Subsequently,
Airbus published the modification SB [service bulletin] to provide
frame fork reinforcement instructions, and the inspection SB to
provide instructions to inspect the cargo door for cracks, as well
as for frame fork replacement, including provisions for extended
inspection intervals. EASA revised the AD accordingly.
Since EASA AD 2015-0152R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-20-
06] was issued, further investigations results allowed Airbus to
define new thresholds and inspection intervals according to the
frame fork configuration. Consequently, the inspection SB was
revised to include these new thresholds and intervals.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0152R1, which is superseded, and
introduces new thresholds and intervals, depending on frame fork
configuration.
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-
0257.
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.
[[Page 45062]]
Support for the NPRM
FedEx stated agreement that this AD is required to maintain the
continued airworthiness and safety of its fleet.
Request To Clarify Reason for Referencing Alert Operators Transmission
Airbus requested clarification as to why the proposed AD referenced
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, even though the MCAI no
longer references Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15,
Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015 (``Airbus All Operators Transmission
A52W011-15''), as it had in previous versions of the EASA ADs. Airbus
pointed out that the MCAI no longer references Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission A52W011-15, and now only references Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018 (``Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-52-6086''). Further, Airbus noted that the proposed AD
retained the reference to Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-
15.
The FAA acknowledges that the MCAI does not reference Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, and that the proposed AD retained
this reference. We determined that, for the purposes of this AD, the
inclusion of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15 is
necessary to meet the requirements of this AD. The FAA carries over
previous requirements for several reasons, including: To provide credit
to operators who have already complied with the service information, to
reduce the need for alternative method of compliance (AMOC) requests,
and to prevent situations where operators could potentially be put out
of compliance. For these reasons, the FAA has determined that this AD
should include reference to Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
A52W011-15. No changes have been made to this AD in this regard.
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 as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
This AD requires Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01,
dated May 2, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision
01, dated May 29, 2018; which the Director of the Federal Register
approved for incorporation by reference as of November 5, 2018 (83 FR
49265, October 1, 2018).
This AD also requires Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-
15, Revision 00, including Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4, dated July 23,
2015, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for
incorporation by reference as of January 26, 2017 (81 FR 93801,
December 22, 2016).
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2018-20-06... 17 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,445 $83,810
hour = $1,445.
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The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 65 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up Up to $10,000...................... Up to $15,525.
to $5,525.
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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, 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
[[Page 45063]]
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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)
2018-20-06, Amendment 39-19440 (83 FR 49265, October 1, 2018), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-16-11 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19714; Docket No. FAA-2019-0257;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-175-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 2, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces 2018-20-06, Amendment 39-19440 (83 FR 49265,
October 1, 2018) (``AD 2018-20-06'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R
airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Airbus
modification 12046 has been embodied in production. Modification
12046 has been embodied in production on manufacturer serial numbers
(MSNs) 0805 and above, except MSNs 0836, 0837, and 0838.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of two adjacent frame forks
that were found cracked on the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) of
two airplanes during scheduled maintenance, and a determination that
certain compliance times need to be revised. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address cracked or ruptured aft LDCD frames, which could allow
loads to be transferred to the remaining structural elements. This
condition could lead to the rupture of one or more vertical aft LDCD
frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
aft LDCD.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) New Affected Part Definition
For the purposes of this AD, an affected part is a frame fork
having a part number identified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this
AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28AU19.000
(h) Retained Inspection Requirements and On-Condition Actions, With
Revised Compliance Language
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2018-20-06, with revised compliance language. At the applicable time
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, or before exceeding the
threshold defined in figure 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through
(3) of this AD. Repeat the high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspection specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD at all LDCD
frame fork stations having affected parts thereafter at intervals
not to exceed the applicable times specified in figure 2 to
paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) A one-time check of the aft LDCD clearances ``U'' and ``V''
between the latching hooks and the eccentric bush at frame (FR) 60
through FR64A, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015;
or the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018. If any value outside
tolerance is found, adjust the latching hook before further flight,
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; or the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086,
Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018.
(2) A one-time detailed inspection to detect signs of wear of
the hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15,
Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015. If any wear is found, do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight, in accordance
with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015.
(3) An HFEC inspection to detect cracking at all frame fork
stations of the aft LDCD, in accordance with the instructions of
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated
July 23, 2015; or the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018. If any crack
is found, before further flight, replace the cracked frame fork, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; repair
the cracked frame fork, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01,
dated May 29, 2018; or modify (reinforce) the cracked frame fork,
including doing all applicable related investigative and corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated May 2,
2018; except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.
[[Page 45064]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28AU19.001
(i) Retained Compliance Times, With No Changes
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2)
of this AD, do the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 4,500 total flight cycles.
(2) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (i)(2)(i) or
(ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total
flight cycles as of January 26, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2016-
25-03, Amendment 39-18729 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016) (``AD
2016-25-03'')): Within 100 flight cycles after January 26, 2017.
(ii) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 8,000 total
flight cycles as of January 26, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2016-
25-03): Within 400 flight cycles after January 26, 2017.
(j) Service Information Exception
Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated
May 2, 2018, specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action:
Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.
(k) No Terminating Action
Accomplishment of corrective actions on an airplane as required
by paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD; or repair, modification, or
replacement of a frame fork as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this
AD, on the aft LDCD of an airplane; does not constitute terminating
action for the repetitive HFEC
[[Page 45065]]
inspections required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD for that
airplane.
(l) No Reporting
Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015;
and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29,
2018; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (h)(1) and (3) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 00, dated December 25, 2016.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
6085, Revision 00, dated December 22, 2016.
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
(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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to [email protected].
(i) 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.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-20-06 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of
this AD, 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.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0266, dated December 11, 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-2019-0257.
(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.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (p)(5) and (6) of this AD.
(p) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 5, 2018 (83 FR 49265, October 1, 2018).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated May
2, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated
May 29, 2018.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
January 26, 2017 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016).
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00,
dated July 23, 2015, including the following appendices:
(A) Appendix 1--Flowchart, undated.
(B) Appendix 2--Reporting Sheet, undated. (None of the pages of
Appendix 2 are numbered.)
(C) Appendix 3--titled ``Technical Disposition,'' Ref. TD/K12/
L3/02978/2015, Issue B, dated July 21, 2015. (Appendix 3 is
identified with an appendix number only on page 1 of Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23,
2015.)
(D) Appendix 4--P/N identification for frame forks and bushings,
undated.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet
http://www.airbus.com.
(6) 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.
(7) 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 August 15, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18516 Filed 8-27-19; 8:45 am]
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