Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 226 (Friday, November 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59285-59288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25387]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0764; Product Identifier 2018-NM-074-AD; Amendment 
39-19502; AD 2018-23-15]
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 A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by defects found during production 
tests of ram air turbine (RAT) units; investigation revealed that the 
defects were due to certain RAT hydraulic pumps having an alternative 
manufacturing process of the pump pistons. This AD requires replacing 
any defective RAT hydraulic pump with a serviceable part and re-
identifying the RAT module part number. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 59286]]


DATES: This AD is effective December 28, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 28, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For Airbus SAS service information identified in this final 
rule, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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. For UTC Aerospace service information 
identified in this final rule, contact UTC Aerospace Systems Goodrich 
Corporation, Actuation Systems, Stafford Road, Fordhouses, 
Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV10 7EH, England; phone: +44 (0) 1902 
624644938; fax: +44 (0) 1902 788100624947; email: 
[email protected]; internet: https://www.customers.utcaerospacesystems.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-2018-0764.

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-
0764; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.

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 A330-
200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on August 31, 2018 (83 FR 44514). The 
NPRM was prompted by defects found during production tests of RAT 
units; investigation revealed that the defects were due to certain RAT 
hydraulic pumps having an alternative manufacturing process of the pump 
pistons. The NPRM proposed to require replacing any defective RAT 
hydraulic pump with a serviceable part and re-identifying the RAT 
module part number. We are issuing this AD to address low performance 
of the pump, which, following a total engine flame-out, or during a 
total loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in 
reduced 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 
2018-0062, dated March 20, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes, Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Four A330 RAT units were returned to the supplier due to low 
discharge pressure. These defects were detected during Airbus 
production tests. Subsequent investigations by the RAT manufacturer 
UTAS (formerly Hamilton Sundstrand) revealed that some RAT hydraulic 
pumps, [part number] P/N 5916430, were involved in an alternative 
manufacturing process of the pump pistons. This resulted in form 
deviations (rough surface finish and sharp edges), which caused 
excessive wear and damage to the bore where the pistons moved.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to low performance 
of the pump, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane, 
particularly if occurring following a total engine flame out, or 
during a total loss of normal electrical power generation.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published 
[Service Bulletin] SB A330-29-3130 and SB A340-29-4098, providing 
instructions for identification and replacement of the affected 
parts.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected parts. This [EASA] AD also requires re-
identification of the RAT module.

    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-
0764.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Air Line 
Pilots Association, International indicated its support for the NPRM.

New Service Information

    We received UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2018. We referred to UTC Aerospace Systems 
Service Bulletins ERPS06M-29-22, dated March 17, 2017; and Revision 1, 
dated June 27, 2017; as the appropriate sources of service information 
for identifying certain affected serial numbers and parts therein. 
Revision 2 of the service information adds Hamilton Sundstrand and 
Parker hydraulic pump part number (P/N) 5917648 (Parker P/N 4207905) 
and alternate Hamilton Sundstrand and Parker hydraulic pump P/N 5916485 
(Parker P/N 4207903) to table 3 and table 6 for clarification.
    We have added UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2018, to the Related Service Information 
under 1 CFR part 51 section of this AD as an appropriate source of 
service information. We have also added Revision 2 of the service 
information to the definitions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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 SAS has issued Service Bulletins A330-29-3130 and A340-29-
4098, both dated May 3, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for replacing any affected RAT hydraulic pump with a 
serviceable part and re-identifying the RAT module part number. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.

[[Page 59287]]

    UTC Aerospace Systems has issued Service Bulletins ERPS06M-29-22, 
dated March 17, 2017; Revision 1, dated June 27, 2017; and Revision 2, 
dated May 24, 2018. This service information identifies affected part 
and serial numbers for the RAT hydraulic pump. These documents are 
distinct since each one applies to different hydraulic pump part 
numbers.
    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 103 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 14 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up              $0   Up to $1,190..............  Up to $122,570.
 to $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2018-23-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19502; Docket No. FAA-2018-0764; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-074-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 28, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-14-01, Amendment 39-18582 (81 FR 44983, 
July 12, 2016; corrected August 16, 2016 (81 FR 51097, August 3, 
2016)) (``AD 2016-14-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 
airplanes.
    (3) Airbus SAS Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Airbus SAS Model A340-211, -212, -213 airplanes.
    (5) Airbus SAS Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by defects found during production tests of 
ram air turbine (RAT) units; investigation revealed that the defects 
were due to certain RAT hydraulic pumps having an alternative 
manufacturing process of the pump pistons. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent low performance of the pump, which, following a total engine 
flame-out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power 
generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions for This AD

    (1) An affected part is a RAT hydraulic pump having part number 
(P/N) 5916430 and a serial number identified in UTC Aerospace 
Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, dated March 17, 2017; 
Revision 1, dated June 27, 2017; or Revision 2, dated May 24, 2018.
    (2) A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic pump identified as 
acceptable in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, 
both dated May 3, 2017, as applicable.
    (3) Group 1 airplanes are airplanes on which an affected part is 
installed.
    (4) Group 2 airplanes are airplanes on which no affected part is 
installed. A Model A330 airplane on which Airbus SAS Modification 
206604 has been embodied in production is a Group 2 airplane, 
provided that the airplane remains in that configuration.

[[Page 59288]]

(h) Replacement and Re-identification for Group 1 Airplanes

    (1) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace any affected RAT hydraulic pump with a serviceable part, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, both dated May 3, 2017, as 
applicable.
    (2) Concurrently with the replacement required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD, re-identify the part number of the RAT module, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-29-3130 or A340-29-4098, both dated May 3, 2017, as 
applicable.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-29-3130 and A340-29-4098, both dated May 3, 2017, provide 
guidance for re-identification of the part numbers of the RAT 
hydraulic pumps that are not affected, and the part numbers of the 
RAT modules that are not equipped with an affected hydraulic pump.

(i) Compliance With AD 2016-14-01

    After re-identification of a RAT module on an airplane, as 
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, the airplane remains 
compliant with the RAT module re-identification requirements of AD 
2016-14-01 for that airplane.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: After replacement of any affected RAT 
hydraulic pump as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, do not 
install any affected RAT hydraulic pump.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, 
do not install any affected RAT hydraulic pump.

(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 Branch, 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0062, dated March 20, 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-2018-0764.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.

(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 A330-29-3130, dated May 3, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4098, dated May 3, 2017.
    (iii) UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
dated March 17, 2017.
    (iv) UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
Revision 1, dated June 27, 2017.
    (v) UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-22, 
Revision 2, dated May 24, 2018.
    (3) For Airbus SAS service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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) For UTC Aerospace service information identified in this 
final rule, contact UTC Aerospace Systems Goodrich Corporation, 
Actuation Systems, Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, West 
Midlands WV10 7EH, England; phone: +44 (0) 1902 624644938; fax: +44 
(0) 1902 788100624947; email: [email protected]; 
internet: https://www.customers.utcaerospacesystems.com.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 8, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25387 Filed 11-21-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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