Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12-15]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30280]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3631; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-060-AD; 
Amendment 39-18757; AD 2016-25-31]
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; Model A330-200 
Freighter series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafed wiring at 
the upper left corner of the cockpit door. The affected wire bundle was 
not grounded on the cockpit door frame. This AD requires modifying the 
cockpit door frame structure, installing bonding-leads to the upper 
cockpit door frame, and modifying the upper cockpit door plate cover. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 7, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 7, 
2017.

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-2015-3631.

[[Page 13]]

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-
3631; 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 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series 
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2016 
(81 FR 36211) (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that was published in the Federal Register 
on September 18, 2015 (80 FR 56405) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM proposed 
to require modifying the cockpit door frame structure, installing 
bonding-leads to the upper cockpit door frame, and modifying the upper 
cockpit door plate cover. The NPRM was prompted by reports of chafed 
wiring at the upper left corner of the cockpit door. The SNPRM proposed 
to also require, for certain airplanes, installing a noise-reduced 
cockpit door locking system (CDLS). We are issuing this AD to prevent 
electrical shock injury to persons contacting the cockpit door.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2015-0037, dated March 2, 2015 (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; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; and Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator has reported chafed wiring at the upper left corner 
of the cockpit door. The investigation concluded that the affected 
wire bundle, which supplies a voltage of 115V [volt] AC [alternating 
current], was not grounded on the cockpit door frame as part of the 
design of A330 and A340 aeroplanes.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in injury 
[electrical shock], in case any person gets in contact with the door 
frame.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued SB [service bulletin] 
A330-25-3534, SB A340-25-4349 and SB A340-25-5212 to provide 
instructions to modify the electrical bonding of the cockpit door.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the cockpit door frame structure, installation of 
bonding-leads to the upper cockpit door frame and modification of 
the upper cockpit door plate cover.

    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-
3631.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Requests To Remove Requirement for Additional Concurrent Actions

    Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we remove the proposed 
requirement to install the CDLS as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3254, Revision 02, dated December 13, 2004. American Airlines 
(AAL) requested that we clarify the airplanes affected by that proposed 
requirement. Both commenters stated that Airbus has confirmed that 
installation of the noise-reduced CDLS specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3254, Revision 02, dated December 13, 2004, is 
optional and applies only to certain Qantas Airways Limited airplanes. 
Airbus stated that modification of the airplane as specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3213, Revision 02, dated August 12, 2016, has 
the same impact on the airplane as the modification specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3254, Revision 02, dated December 13, 2004. 
Airbus explained that the airplanes affected by proposed requirement 
are defined as configuration 01 in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3534, Revision 02, dated May 18, 2015, which will be corrected at its 
next revision to remove the reference to optional Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3254, Revision 02, dated December 13, 2004.
    We agree with the commenters' requests. We have confirmed that 
modification of the airplane as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3254, Revision 02, dated December 13, 2004, is optional and 
applies only to certain Qantas Airways Limited airplanes. We have 
removed paragraphs (i) and (j)(3) from the proposed AD (in the SNPRM) 
and redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Changes to Final Rule

    Airbus has released Service Bulletin A330-25-3213, Revision 02, 
dated August 12, 2016. This service information revision specifies 
minor additional work to replace the fasteners of the cover of the 
cockpit door frame. We have determined that this minor change will not 
increase the overall cost estimates specified in the SNPRM or otherwise 
impose an additional burden on any operator. We have revised paragraph 
(h) of this AD to specify A330-25-3213, Revision 02, dated August 12, 
2016, as an appropriate source of service information for accomplishing 
the required actions. We have removed Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3213, dated October 12, 2004, from paragraph (j)(2)(i) of the proposed 
AD (in the SNPRM) and redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3213, Revision 02, dated 
August 12, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
modification of the upper cockpit door plate cover.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3534, Revision 02, dated 
May 18, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the cockpit

[[Page 14]]

door frame structure and installing bonding-leads to the upper cockpit 
door frame.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4217, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2005. This service information describes procedures for 
modification of the upper cockpit door plate cover.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4349, Revision 02, dated 
September 4, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the cockpit door frame structure and installing bonding-leads 
to the upper cockpit door frame.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5046, Revision 02, dated 
February 5, 2007. This service information describes procedures for 
modification of the upper cockpit door plate cover.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5212, Revision 01, dated 
October 27, 2014. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the cockpit door frame structure and installing bonding-leads 
to the upper cockpit door frame.
    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 70 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it would take about 53 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $2,430 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $485,450, or $6,935 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):

2016-25-31 Airbus: Amendment 39-18757; Docket No. FAA-2015-3631; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-060-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 7, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD, except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 203066, 
Modification 203074, or Modification 203372 has been embodied in 
production.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, 
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; all 
manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs); if modified in-service as 
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3161, or in production 
with Airbus Modification 50014.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; 
all MSNs, if modified in-service as specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-25-4181, or in production with Airbus Modification 
50014.
    (3) Model A340-541 airplanes and Model A340-642 airplanes; all 
MSNs.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of chafed wiring at the upper 
left corner of the cockpit door. The affected wire bundle was not 
grounded on the cockpit door frame. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent electrical shock injury to persons contacting the cockpit 
door.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Door Modification and Installation

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
cockpit door frame structure and install bonding-leads to the upper 
cockpit door frame, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3534, Revision 02, dated May 
18, 2015.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4349, Revision 02, dated 
September 4, 2015.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5212, Revision 01, dated 
October 27, 2014.

(h) Cover Plate Modification of the Upper Flight Deck Door

    Except for airplanes on which Airbus Modification 52869 or 
Modification 53292 has been embodied in production: Prior to or 
concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, modify the upper cockpit door plate cover, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information identified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and 
(h)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For configuration 1 airplanes identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3534, Revision 02, dated May 18, 2015: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3213, Revision 02, dated August 12, 2016.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-
4349, Revision 02, dated September 4, 2015: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4217, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2005.
    (3) For airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-
5212, Revision 01,

[[Page 15]]

dated October 27, 2014: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5046, 
Revision 02, dated February 5, 2007.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3534, Revision 01, dated October 23, 2014; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-25-4349, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2014, as 
applicable. These service bulletins are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), and (i)(2)(iii) of 
this AD. This service information is not incorporated by reference 
in this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4217, dated October 12, 
2004.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5046, dated October 12, 
2004.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5046, Revision 01, dated 
May 11, 2005.

(j) 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 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0037, dated March 2, 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-2015-3631.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3213, Revision 02, dated 
August 12, 2016.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3534, Revision 02, dated 
May 18, 2015.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4217, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2005.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4349, Revision 02, dated 
September 4, 2015.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5046, Revision 02, dated 
February 5, 2007.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-5212, Revision 01, dated 
October 27, 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 December 6, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30280 Filed 12-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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