Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 70 (Thursday, April 11, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14605-14607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07186]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1063; Product Identifier 2018-NM-160-AD; Amendment 
39-19606; AD 2019-06-08]
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 A330-223, A330-223F, A330-321, A330-322, and A330-323 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking in the 
latch beam gussets on a certain thrust reverser (T/R). This AD requires 
a one-time special detailed inspection of certain latch beam gussets of 
certain T/Rs for cracks, and modifying the latch beam gussets of the T/
Rs, if necessary, as specified in an European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 16, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 16, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For the incorporation by reference (IBR) material described 
in the ``Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR part 51'' section in 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR 
material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view 
this IBR material 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 in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

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-
1063; 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-
223, A330-223F, A330-321, A330-322, and A330-323 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2018 (83 FR 67158). 
The NPRM was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking in the latch beam 
gussets on a certain T/R. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time 
special detailed inspection of certain latch beam gussets of certain T/
Rs for cracks, and modifying the latch beam gussets of the T/Rs, if 
necessary, as specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0227, 
dated October 22, 2018 (``EASA AD 2018-0227'').
    We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking in the latch 
beam gussets on a certain T/R, which, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to crack propagation until part failure and potential 
departure of the T/R cascade during T/R operation, which could result 
in damage to the airplane and hazards to persons or property on the 
ground.
    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD

[[Page 14606]]

2018-0227 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all 
Airbus SAS Model A330-223, A330-223F, A330-321, A330-322, and A330-323 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A report was received of an in-service occurrence where an 
operator found a crack in the latch beam gussets of an affected TR 
[thrust reverser], between the forward (L2) and middle (L3) latches, 
adjacent to the aft cascade frame attachment bracket in the 6 
o'clock beam. Subsequent investigation revealed that the crack 
surface of the latch beam gusset showed indication of high fatigue 
cycle, leading to development of a design modification, reinforcing 
the latch beam gussets. This was introduced through Airbus 
production mod 48539 (improvement of 6 o'clock latch beam) and 
Airbus issued the modification SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-
3014, dated May 9, 2001] as a recommendation for in-service 
aeroplanes. Since these measures were introduced, a new case was 
reported of finding a crack beyond prediction at the latch beam 
gusset of an affected TR, on which the recommended modification SB 
had not been accomplished.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
crack propagation until part failure and potentially departure of TR 
cascade during TR operation, which could create runway hazards for 
other aeroplanes [which could result in damage to the airplane and 
hazards to persons or property on the ground].
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
inspection SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3024, dated June 28, 
2018] to provide instructions for special detailed inspection (SDI) 
of the latch beam gussets.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time SDI of the latch beam gussets between the forward and middle 
latches of the affected TR [for cracks] and, depending on findings, 
replacement with improved (reinforced, modified) TR latch beam 
gussets.

    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-
1063.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for 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.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0227 describes procedures for a one-time special 
detailed inspection of the latch beam gussets between the forward and 
middle latches of the affected T/R for cracks and modifying the latch 
beam gussets. This material 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 and it is 
publicly available through the EASA website.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020........................              $0           $1,020           $9,180
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
action that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this on-condition action:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor cost                   Parts cost                       Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,210                 $0  $2,210 (per thrust reverser).
 (per thrust reverser).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

[[Page 14607]]

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):

2019-06-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19606; Docket No. FAA-2018-1063; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-160-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 16, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-223, A330-223F, 
A330-321, A330-322, and A330-323 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
exhaust.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of fatigue cracking in the 
latch beam gussets on a certain thrust reverser (T/R). We are 
issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if not detected 
and corrected, could lead to crack propagation until part failure 
and potential departure of the T/R cascade during T/R operation, 
which could result in damage to the airplane and hazards to persons 
or property on the ground.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-
0227, dated October 22, 2018 (``EASA AD 2018-0227'').

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0227

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2018-0227 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0227 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 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): For any service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2018-0227 that contains RC procedures and 
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC 
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.

(j) Related Information

    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.

(k) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0227, dated 
October 22, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0227, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 6017; email 
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this EASA AD 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. EASA AD 
2018-0227 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2018-1063.
    (5) You may view this material 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 March 25, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-07186 Filed 4-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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