Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46374-46377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19744]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0765; Product Identifier 2018-NM-105-AD; Amendment 
39-19379; AD 2018-17-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of uncommanded motion of the flight control actuator. This AD 
requires replacing certain rudder and elevator servocontrols with 
serviceable

[[Page 46375]]

servocontrols. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 28, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
28, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 
2, 31700 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 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-2018-
0765.

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-2018-
0765; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0145R3, dated July 24, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two occurrences were reported of flight control actuator 
uncommanded motion on Airbus A350 aeroplanes. Further investigations 
performed by the servocontrol manufacturer (MOOG Aircraft Group) 
revealed that both events were caused by foreign object debris 
blocking a receiver port inside the Electro Hydraulic Servo Valve 
(EHSV), which is a component fitted on the servocontrol. In both 
cases, materials found in the EHSV first stage were consistent with 
debris generated by rework activity during manufacturing process.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an uncommanded 
flight control actuator movement, or an unresponsive flight control 
actuator while in active mode, possibly resulting in reduced control 
of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
AOT [Alert Operators Transmission A27P012-18], identifying the 
affected parts and providing instructions to remove the affected 
parts from service.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2018-0145 (later 
revised) to require replacement of the affected parts with 
serviceable parts.
    Since EASA AD 2018-0145R2 was issued, it was determined that the 
information concerning the markings on a servocontrol after in-shop 
rework/modification (see Definitions, serviceable part) were not 
entirely correct. This [EASA] AD is revised accordingly to make the 
necessary correction.

    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0765.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Alert Operators Transmission A27P012-18, Rev 
01, dated May 29, 2018, including Appendixes 1 through 6. This service 
information describes procedures for replacing affected servocontrols 
with serviceable servocontrols. 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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the 
unsafe condition could lead to uncommanded flight control actuator 
movement, or an unresponsive flight control actuator while in active 
mode, possibly resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane. 
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment 
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0765; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-105-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

[[Page 46376]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product      Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 15 work-hours x $85 per hour =   Up to $548,876.........  Up to $550,151.........  Up to $6,051,661.
 $1,275.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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):

2018-17-25 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19379; Docket No. FAA-2018-0765; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-105-AD.

 (a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 28, 2018.

 (b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

 (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

 (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded motion of the 
flight control actuator. We are issuing this AD to address blocked 
receiver ports on certain servocontrols installed on the elevators 
and rudders. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an 
uncommanded flight control actuator movement, or an unresponsive 
flight control actuator while in active mode, possibly resulting in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

 (f) Compliance

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

 (g) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD the following definitions apply:
    (1) Affected part: A servocontrol having a part number and 
serial number specified in Appendix 2 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A27P012-18, Rev 01, dated May 2018.
    (2) Serviceable part: A servocontrol having a part number and 
serial number not specified in Appendix 2 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A27P012-18, Rev 01, dated May 2018; or an 
affected part that was reworked or modified in-shop and identified 
by ``27-06'' (rudder servocontrol) or ``27-04'' (elevator 
servocontrol) marked after the serial number of the servocontrol; or 
an affected part that has been modified on the airplane by replacing 
the servo module in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A27P012-18, Rev 01, dated May 2018, 
including Appendixes 2 through 6.
    (3) Groups: Group 1 airplanes have any affected part installed. 
Group 2 airplanes do not have any affected part installed.
    (4) Flight hours: The flight hours indicated in table 1 to 
paragraphs (g)(4) and (h) of this AD are those accumulated by an 
affected part since its first installation on an airplane. In case 
these flight hours are unknown, the flight hours accumulated by the 
affected elevator or rudder since its first installation on an 
airplane apply.

[[Page 46377]]



     Table 1 to Paragraphs (g)(4) and (h) of This AD--Servocontrols
                               Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flight hours (FH) accumulated               Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fewer than 1,200 FH..........  Before exceeding 1,200 FH, or within 30
                                days after the effective date of this
                                AD, whichever occurs later.
1,200 FH or more.............  Within 9 months after the effective date
                                of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (h) Replacement

    For Group 1 airplanes: Within the applicable compliance time 
specified in table 1 to paragraphs (g)(4) and (h) of this AD, 
replace each affected part with a serviceable part, in accordance 
with the instructions in Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) 
A27P012-18, Rev 01, dated May 2018, including Appendixes 2 through 
6.

 (i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A27P012-18, 
Rev 01, dated May 2018, specifies to submit certain information to 
the manufacturer and refers to Appendix 1 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A27P012-18, Rev 01, dated May 2018, this AD does 
not include that requirement.

 (j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of 
this AD, no person may install on any airplane an affected part as 
defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, unless it is a serviceable 
part as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

 (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 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.
    (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 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.
    (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 2018-0145R3, dated July 24, 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-2018-0765.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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 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.

 (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 Alert Operators Transmission A27P012-18, Rev 01, 
dated May 29, 2018, including Appendixes 1 through 6.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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 
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 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19744 Filed 9-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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