Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43744-43747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18272]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0554; Product Identifier 2016-NM-201-AD; Amendment 
39-19370; AD 2018-17-16]
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: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; 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); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a static analysis performed 
by Airbus SAS that revealed some areas of the wing structure cannot 
sustain the damage limits previously published in certain structural 
repair manuals. This AD requires an inspection to determine whether 
repair or damage to certain wing areas is beyond the allowable limits; 
and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publication listed in this AD as of October 2, 
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 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-2017-
0554.

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-2017-
0554; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300 
series airplanes; 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); and Model A310 series 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2017 
(82 FR 26869).

[[Page 43745]]

    We are issuing this AD to address any repair or damage on the wing 
structure that is outside the allowable structural limits. Such 
conditions could reduce the structural integrity of the wings and could 
result in loss of control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0229, dated November 15, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series 
airplanes; 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); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    A static analysis performed by Airbus on A300, A310, A300-600, 
and A300-600ST aeroplanes, revealed that some areas of the wing 
structure cannot sustain the damage previously published in the 
A300, A310, A300-600, and A300-600ST Structural Repair Manuals 
(SRM).
    The SRMs were therefore amended to reduce the dimensions of 
allowable damage and to indicate the areas of the wing structure 
where damage is no longer acceptable.
    This condition, if not detected, could reduce the structural 
integrity of the wings.
    Consequently, Airbus issued Service Bulletins (SB) A300-57-0256, 
A310-57-2102, A300-57-6114, and A300-57-9027 (hereafter referred to 
as ``the applicable Airbus SB''), as applicable for A300, A310, 
A300-600, and A300-600ST aeroplanes, to inspect the areas identified 
in these SBs and determine if the repair(s) or damage(s) found stay 
within the limits indicated in the latest SRM issue (including 
temporary revisions).
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of an inspection of the aeroplane records. If 
aeroplane records are missing or incomplete, a Detail Inspection 
(DET) of specific wing areas is required to ensure that no repair or 
damage is beyond the limits allowed in the current revision of the 
SRM (including temporary revisions) [and repair if necessary].

    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-2017-
0554.

Comments

    We 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. FedEx stated that it 
supported the NPRM.

Request To Delay the Issuance Pending New Service Information

    Airbus and United Parcel Service (UPS) requested that we delay 
issuance of the final rule until new service information is released. 
Airbus stated that a configuration issue and an allowable damage limit 
issue has been identified for certain freighter manufacturer serial 
numbers, as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 
00, dated August 3, 2015. Airbus also stated that it intends to update 
the service information.
    UPS stated that certain configurations specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 00, dated August 3, 2015, do not meet 
the intent of the proposed AD because airplanes with a freighter 
configuration have an additional inspection of the wing lower skin 
between ribs 26 and 27. UPS also stated that the allowable damage 
limitations are inconsistent between Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-
6114, Revision 00, dated August 3, 2015, and applicable SRM references.
    We agree with the commenters' request. Since the NPRM has been 
issued, Airbus SAS has issued Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 
01, dated June 19, 2018, and has updated the applicable SRMs referenced 
in the service information. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, 
Revision 01, dated June 19, 2018, does not contain substantive changes. 
Therefore, we have revised paragraph (i)(2) of this AD to refer to 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2018. 
We have also added paragraph (j) of this AD to give credit for actions 
in paragraph (g) of this AD completed before the effective date of this 
AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015. We 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 final rule 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 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Airbus SAS Service Information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0256, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015 (Airbus Model A300 series airplanes).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 01, dated 
June 19, 2018 (for 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)).
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2102, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
    This service information describes a review of the airplane 
maintenance records and a detailed inspection of the left-hand and 
right-hand wing areas to determine whether any repair or damage is 
beyond the allowable limits in the current revision of the SRM, and 
repair if necessary. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane models in different configurations. 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 128 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  Up to 18 work-hours x                $0  Up to $1,530......  Up to $195,840.
                                  $85 per hour = $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 43746]]

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.
    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

    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):

2018-17-16 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19370; Docket No. FAA-2017-0554; 
Product Identifier 2016-NM-201-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; 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); and 
Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes; certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a static analysis performed by Airbus 
SAS that revealed that some areas of the wing structure cannot 
sustain the damage limits previously published in the Airbus A300, 
A310, A300-600, and A300-600ST Structural Repair Manuals. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct any repair or damage on the 
wing structure that is outside the allowable structural limits. Such 
conditions could reduce the structural integrity of the wings and 
could result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection of the left-hand and right-hand wing areas to 
determine whether any repair or damage exceeds the allowable 
structural limits, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records 
is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if it can be positively 
determined from that review whether any repair or damage exceeds the 
allowable structural limits and the airplane configuration can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during any review or inspection, as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, any repair or damage is found that is outside the 
allowable structural limits specified in the applicable service 
information in paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 3 months after 
accomplishing the review or inspection required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, repair 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.

(i) Service Information for the Actions Specified in Paragraph (g) of 
This AD

    Use the applicable service information for the actions specified 
in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0256, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015 (for Airbus Model A300 series airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 01, dated 
June 19, 2018 (for 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)).
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2102, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015 (for Model A310 series airplanes).

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 
00, dated August 3, 2015.

(k) 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 manager of the International Section, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) 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.

[[Page 43747]]

    (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 
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): 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0229, dated November 15, 2016, 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-2017-0554.
    (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 (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(m) 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 A300-57-0256, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6114, Revision 01, dated 
June 19, 2018.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2102, Revision 00, dated 
August 3, 2015.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on August 16, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18272 Filed 8-27-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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