Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17372-17374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06524]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD; 
Amendment 39-18443; AD 2016-06-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports that the potable water service panel access door was lost 
during flight. This AD requires modifying affected potable water 
service panel access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access 
door, which could result in the loss of the potable water service panel 
access door during flight, and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., 
damage to the trimmable horizontal stabilizer) that could cause loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5815.

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-2015-
5815; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and 
-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 27, 2015 (80 FR 74042) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015, dated 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several cases have been reported in which the potable water 
service panel access door was lost during flight, causing damage to 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer. The results of subsequent 
investigations showed that these events were due to failure of the 
latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of 
in-flight loss of the potable water service panel access door, 
possibly resulting in injury to persons on ground and/or damage to 
the aeroplane [(e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer)].
    To address this condition, Airbus developed a modification and 
published Service Bulletin (SB) A330-52-3086, SB A340-52-4094 and SB 
A340-52-5019, to provide instructions for in-service accomplishment 
of that modification.
    Consequently, EASA issued [an] AD * * * to require modification 
of the potable water service panel access door 164AR for A330/A340-
200/-300 aeroplanes or 154BR for A340-500/-600 aeroplanes, which 
includes installation of reinforced hinge screws and more robust 
latches.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that 
aeroplanes that have embodied Airbus Mod 201938 (Improvement of 
latching mechanism of potable water service panel) are also not 
affected by the requirements of this [EASA] AD.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
exclude post-mod 201938 aeroplanes from the Applicability.

    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-2015-
5815.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

[[Page 17373]]

    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for modifying the 
affected potable water service panel access door. 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

    We estimate that this AD affects 63 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 21 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $15,280 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $1,075,095, or $17,065 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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 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: 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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    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):

2016-06-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-18443. Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 3, 2016.

(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.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
modification 201715, or Airbus modification 201796, or Airbus 
modification 201938 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes, all manufacturing serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service 
panel access door was lost during flight. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water 
service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the 
potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant 
damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    (1) Except as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 36 
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the affected 
potable water service panel access door, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane type and model.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (2) For airplanes that have already been modified before the 
effective date of this AD, as specified in the service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of 
this AD, as applicable to airplane type and model: Within 16 months 
after the effective date of this AD, modify the potable water 
service panel access door by accomplishing the actions identified as 
``additional work,'' as specified in and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane type and model.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, dated April 27, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, dated April 27, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, dated May 29, 2012.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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

[[Page 17374]]

to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015, 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-2015-5815.

(j) 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 16, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06524 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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