Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56709-56711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24686]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0637; Product Identifier 2018-NM-091-AD; Amendment 
39-19496; AD 2018-23-10]
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 certain 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by leakage of 
shrouded pipe T-boxes in the potable water system. This AD requires 
replacement of the affected potable water T-boxes and clamps with new 
parts. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 19, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 19, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: 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 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-2018-0637.

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-
0637; 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 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: 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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model 
A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 2, 2018 (83 FR 37766). The NPRM was prompted by leakage of 
shrouded pipe T-boxes in the potable water system. The NPRM proposed to 
require replacement of the affected potable water T-boxes and clamps 
with new parts.
    We are issuing this AD to address the possible leakage of water 
into the avionics bay. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to 
the loss of systems/equipment located inside the avionics bay and 
possible 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 
2018-0111R1, dated May 30, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During a pressure test on the A350 Final Assembly Line (FAL), 
leakage was observed on the potable water system shrouded pipes, due 
to a crack failure on the T-Boxes. Leakage of a primary pipe may 
cause water ingress into the avionics bay. Additionally, during 
another pressure proof test on the A350 FAL, loss of torque was 
detected on the clamps used to attach the shrouded pipes on the T-
Boxes.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of systems/
equipment located inside the avionics bay, possibly resulting in an 
unsafe condition.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus developed improved potable 
water T-Boxes and clamps, which are embodied in production through 
Airbus mod 111435 or mod 111440, and introduced in service through 
the SB [Service Bulletin A350-38-P004].
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected potable water shrouded pipe T-Boxes and 
clamps with new parts.
    This [EASA] AD was revised to exclude post-mod 111440 aeroplanes 
from the Applicability.


[[Page 56710]]


    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-2018-
0637.

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.

Request To Reference Maintenance Procedure (MP) Task for Additional 
Information

    Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that we reference Airbus MP Task 
A350-A-20-51-64-01001-25BA-A in the proposed AD as a guide for 
installing and torqueing the hardware. DAL stated that the additional 
information provided in the MP task would ensure a more complete set of 
installation instructions.
    We agree with the commenter, because the referenced MP task does 
provide proper torque values. We have added a reference to the 
specified MP task as a note to paragraph (g) of this AD.

Request To Remove Leak Test Requirement

    DAL requested that we remove the system leak test requirement from 
the proposed AD. DAL stated that Airbus gave them permission to forego 
the test because the potable water system requires no maintenance, and 
that the test is therefore unnecessary.
    We disagree with removing the required test, because we have 
insufficient evidence to warrant removing a required test from this AD 
for all operators. DAL may request approval of an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC), if it can provide sufficient data to substantiate 
that skipping the test would provide an acceptable level of safety for 
DAL's fleet. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Provide Alternative Hardware Solution

    DAL requested that we modify the proposed AD by raising the 
required torque value or requiring a lockwire for the clamp screw. DAL 
asserted that the torque value given in the service information is very 
low for this type of clamp, and that if the screw loses its torque, the 
clamp could depart the shell and fall into the avionics bay, creating a 
possible hazard to safe navigation.
    We disagree with DAL's request because we have confirmed with 
Airbus and EASA that the clamp torque specified in the referenced 
service information is correct. Concerned operators may request 
approval of an AMOC for a lockwire solution under the provisions of 
paragraph (h) of this AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

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 change 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

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A350-38-P004, dated April 11, 
2018. This service information describes procedures for replacing the 
affected potable water T-boxes and clamps with new parts. 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 7 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product     Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 16 work-hours x $85 per hour =   Up to $2,050...........  Up to $3,410...........  Up to $23,870.
 $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all 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 known 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.
    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:

[[Page 56711]]

    (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):

2018-23-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19496; Docket No. FAA-2018-0637; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-091-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, except those on which Airbus 
modification (mod) 111435 or mod 111440 has been embodied in 
production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by leakage of shrouded pipe T-boxes in the 
potable water system. We are issuing this AD to address the possible 
leakage of water into the avionics bay. This condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to the loss of systems/equipment located 
inside the avionics bay and possible loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the affected potable water T-boxes and clamps with new parts in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A350-38-P004, dated April 11, 2018.


    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Airbus Maintenance 
Procedure (MP) Task A350-A-20-51-64-01001-25BA-A provides additional 
information for installing and torqueing the hardware.

(h) 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 (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0111R1, dated May 30, 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-2018-0637.
    (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) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (j)(3) and (j)(4) of this AD.

(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 A350-38-P004, dated April 11, 2018.
    (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 November 5, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24686 Filed 11-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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