Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 21, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11134-11137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03021]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9066; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-113-AD; 
Amendment 39-18800; AD 2017-04-05]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-10-17 for 
all Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, 
B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F

[[Page 11135]]

airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). AD 2011-10-
17 required revising the maintenance program by incorporating certain 
airworthiness limitation items (ALIs). This AD requires revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
revised structural inspection requirements. This AD also removes Model 
A310 and A300-600 series airplanes from the applicability. This AD was 
prompted by a revision of certain ALI documents, which specify more 
restrictive instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 28, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 28, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of June 
17, 2011 (76 FR 27875, May 13, 2011).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 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 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-2016-
9066.

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-2016-
9066; 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 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2011-10-17, Amendment 39-16698 (76 FR 27875, 
May 13, 2011) (``AD 2011-10-17''). AD 2011-10-17 applied to all Airbus 
Model A300 and A310 series airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, 
and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 12, 2016 (81 FR 
62679). The NPRM was prompted by a revision of certain ALI documents, 
which specify more restrictive instructions and/or airworthiness 
limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised 
structural inspection requirements. The NPRM also proposed to remove 
Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes from the applicability. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking, damage, and 
corrosion in certain structure; such fatigue cracking, damage, and 
corrosion could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0115, dated June 23, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI'') to correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations applicable to the Damage Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALIs) are currently listed in the 
Airbus Airworthiness Limitations Sections [ALS] Part 2.
    Airbus recently revised the A300 ALS Part 2 and this Revision 02 
was approved by EASA. Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 Revision 02 introduces 
more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations, which have been identified as mandatory actions for 
continued airworthiness.
    EASA issued AD 2014-0124 to require compliance with the 
maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations 
defined in Airbus A300 ALS Part 2 Revision 01.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0124 for A300 aeroplanes and requires 
implementation of new or more restrictive maintenance instructions 
and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A300 ALS 
Part 2 Revision 02.
    The requirements for A310 and A300-600 aeroplanes remain 
unchanged and are covered by EASA AD 2014-0124R1 [FAA AD 2013-13-13, 
Amendment 39-17501 (79 FR 48957, August 19, 2014), contains the 
corresponding requirements for the Model A300-600 and A310 series 
airplanes].

    The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in 
certain structure (principal structural elements), which could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 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-2016-9066.

Comments

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

Request To Revise MCAI Reference

    Airbus requested that we reference the correct MCAI in paragraph 
(k) of the proposed AD, which is EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-
0115, dated June 23, 2015.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have confirmed that EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0115, dated June 23, 2015, is the MCAI 
that should be referenced in this AD. We have revised this AD 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these changes:
    <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 Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section, 
Part 2--Damage-Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALIs), 
Revision 02, dated October 3, 2014. This service information describes 
airworthiness limitations applicable to the DT ALIs.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal

[[Page 11136]]

course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2011-10-17 and retained in this AD take 
about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions 
that were required by AD 2011-10-17 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $935, or $85 per product.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2011-10-17, Amendment 39-16698 (76 FR 27875, May 13, 2011), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-04-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-18800; Docket No. FAA-2016-9066; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-113-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2011-10-17, Amendment 39-16698 (76 FR 27875, 
May 13, 2011) (``AD 2011-10-17'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B4-2C, 
B2K-3C, B4-103, B2-203, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Codes 52, Doors; 53, 
Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/pylons; 55, Stabilizers; and 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of certain airworthiness 
limitations item (ALI) documents, which specify more restrictive 
instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in 
certain structure; such fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the Maintenance Program, With Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (s) of AD 
2011-10-17, with changes. Within 3 months after June 17, 2011 (the 
effective date of AD 2011-10-17): Revise the maintenance program to 
incorporate the structural inspections and inspection intervals 
defined in the Airbus A300 ALI Document AI/SE-M2/95A.1308/07, Issue 
4, dated June 2008. Thereafter, except as required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD and except as provided by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, no 
alternative structural inspections or inspection intervals may be 
approved. The initial ALI tasks must be done at the times specified 
in Airbus A300 ALI Document AI/SE-M2/95A.1308/07, Issue 4, dated 
June 2008.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance or Inspection Program 
Revision

    Within 3 months the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the structural inspections and inspection intervals 
defined in Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 
2--Damage-Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, 
dated October 3, 2014. The initial compliance times for the ALI 
tasks identified in Airbus A300 ALS, Part 2--Damage-Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated October 3, 2014, 
are at the applicable times specified in Airbus A300 ALS, Part 2--
Damage-Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated 
October 3, 2014, or within 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the applicable initial ALI 
tasks constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
paragraphs (g) of this AD for that airplane only.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD.

(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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The AMOC

[[Page 11137]]

approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2011-10-17 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 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0115, dated June 23, 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-2016-9066.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 28, 2017.
    (i) Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Section, Part 2--
Damage-Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated 
October 3, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 17, 2011 (76 FR 27875, May 13, 2011).
    (i) Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitations Inspections Document 
AI/SE-M2/95A.1308/07, Issue 4, dated June 2008.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office- EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 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 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager,
    Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03021 Filed 2-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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