Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 167 (Wednesday, August 28, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45065-45067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18518]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0253; Product Identifier 2019-NM-006-AD; Amendment 
39-19686; AD 2019-14-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-
22, which applied to all Airbus SAS 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. AD 2016-07-22 required modifying the electrical 
routing installation at the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) wings to 
achieve a minimum distance between wiring bundles and surrounding 
structures. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-07-22 and, 
for certain airplanes, adds a requirement to further modify the 
electrical installations in both wings, as specified in a European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 
This AD was prompted by reports of missing installation information for 
certain airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 2, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0253.

[[Page 45066]]

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-2019-
0253; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The address for Docket 
Operations 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: 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

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0014, dated January 29, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0014'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 (81 FR 
21236, April 11, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-22''). AD 2016-07-22 applied to 
all Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on May 7, 2019 (84 FR 19888). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of insufficient clearance for the electrical wiring bundles in 
the leading and trailing edges of the RH and LH wings. The NPRM 
proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2016-07-22 and, for certain 
airplanes, add a requirement to further modify the electrical 
installations in both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
insufficient clearance between wing structures and electrical wiring, 
which could lead to chafing damage and arcing, possibly resulting in an 
on-board fire. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

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

Conclusion

    The FAA 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. The FAA has 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.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

    Although this AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 
2016-07-22, this AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2016-07-
22. Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2019-0014, which, in 
turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0014 describes procedures for modifying the electrical 
installations in both wings (RH and LH). 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 123 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                          Estimated Costs for Required Actions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                        Labor cost                 Parts cost               Cost per  product           Cost on U.S.  operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2016-07-22.  56 work-hours x $85 per  Up to $18,000..............  Up to $22,760.............  Up to $2,799,480.
                                       hour = $4,760.
New actions.........................  Up to 38 work-hours x    Up to $29,547..............  Up to $32,777.............  Up to $4,031,571.
                                       $85 per hour = Up to
                                       $3,230.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the 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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

[[Page 45067]]

    3. 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 (81 FR 21236, April 11, 2016), and 
adding the following new AD:

2019-14-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19686; Docket No. FAA-2019-0253; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 2, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 (81 FR 21236, 
April 11, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-22'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (5) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance for 
the electrical wiring bundles in the leading and trailing edges of 
the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) wings. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address insufficient clearance between wing structures 
and electrical wiring, which could lead to chafing damage and 
arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.

(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, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0014, dated January 29, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0014'').
    (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0014
    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0014 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0014 specifies a 
compliance time of ``Within 36 months after 19 February 2014,'' for 
this AD, the compliance time for that paragraph is ``Within 30 
months after May 16, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-07-22).''
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0014 specifies a date of 
``06 September 2016,'' for this AD, use ``May 16, 2016 (the 
effective date of AD 2016-07-22).''
    (4) For Group 1 and Group 3 airplanes: This paragraph provides 
credit for actions required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0014, 
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-6103, Revision 03, dated July 
3, 2015, provided that the additional work specified in paragraphs 
(6) and (7) of EASA AD 2019-0014 is accomplished.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0014 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 2019-0014 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

    (1) 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.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

 (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 2019-0014, dated 
January 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2019-0014, contact the 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 
2019-0014 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0253.
    (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 July 23, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18518 Filed 8-27-19; 8:45 am]
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