Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50301-50303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20755]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0402; Product Identifier 2019-NM-008-AD; Amendment 
39-19731; AD 2019-18-04]
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) 2005-17-
14, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; 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 2005-17-14 required 
repetitive tests to detect desynchronization of the rudder servo 
actuators, and adjustment or replacement of the spring rods of the 
rudder servo actuators, if necessary. AD 2005-17-14 also required 
repetitive tests/inspections/analyses of the rudder servo actuators, 
and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
retains some requirements of AD 2005-17-14 and revises the inspection 
procedures and compliance times, as specified in a European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD 
was prompted by reports of desynchronization of the rudder servo 
actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 30, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 30, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, at 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-2019-0402.

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-
0402; 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 2019-0017, dated January 29, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0017'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes, Model A300-
600 series airplanes, and Model A310 series airplanes.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2005-17-14, Amendment 39-14235 (70 FR 
50157, August 26, 2005) (``AD 2005-17-14''). AD 2005-17-14 applied to 
all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes, Model A300-600 series 
airplanes, and Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 10, 2019 (84 FR 26781). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators. The NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive inspections of the rudder servo 
actuators and related investigative/corrective actions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address desynchronization of one of the three rudder 
servo actuators, which, if combined with an engine failure, could 
result in the loss of the related hydraulic system and could cause the 
loss of one of the two synchronized actuators. This condition could 
create additional fatigue loading and possible cracking of the 
attachment fittings and could result in the inability of the remaining 
synchronized actuator to maintain the commanded rudder deflection, 
leading to reduced controllability of the airplane. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments 
received. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), and 
FedEx expressed support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, 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.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0017 describes procedures for repetitive inspections 
of the rudder servo actuators and related investigative/corrective 
actions. Related investigative actions include repetitive inspections 
of fin box and rudder servo controls. Corrective actions include 
repair. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 133 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 50302]]



                                     Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2005-17-14...  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $11,305
                                         hour = $85.
New actions...........................  2 work-hours x $85 per                 0             170          22,610
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.

    The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the 
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be 
$11,305, or $85 per product.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition inspections that would be required based on the results of 
any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
34 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,890.              $0           $2,890
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repair specified 
in this AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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
    (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) 
2005-17-14, Amendment 39-14235 (70 FR 50157, August 26, 2005), and 
adding the following new AD:

2019-18-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19731; Docket No. FAA-2019-0402; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-008-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 30, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2005-17-14, Amendment 39-14235 (70 FR 50157, 
August 26, 2005) (``AD 2005-17-14'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, as 
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0017, 
dated January 29, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0017'').

[[Page 50303]]

    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, 
F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls; 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of desynchronization of the 
rudder servo actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
desynchronization of one of the three rudder servo actuators, which, 
if combined with an engine failure, could result in the loss of the 
related hydraulic system and could cause the loss of one of the two 
synchronized actuators. This condition could create additional 
fatigue loading and possible cracking of the attachment fittings and 
could result in the inability of the remaining synchronized actuator 
to maintain the commanded rudder deflection, leading to reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(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, EASA AD 2019-0017.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0017

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0017 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0017 specifies 
``after the last inspection as previously required by DGAC France AD 
F-2004-092,'' this AD requires using ``after the most recent 
inspection done as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-
0188, Revision 2, dated October 1, 1997; A300-27-6036, Revision 2, 
dated October 1, 1997; A300-55-0044, dated October 22, 1996; A300-
55-6023, dated October 22, 1996; A310-27-2082, Revision 2, dated 
October 1, 1997; or A310-55-2026, dated October 22, 1996.''
    (3) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0017 refers to ``the 
03 July 2004,'' this AD requires using ``September 30, 2005'' (the 
effective date of AD 2005-17-14).
    (4) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0017 refers to 
``during any inspection as required by paragraph (2) of this [EASA] 
AD,'' this AD requires using ``during any inspection as required by 
paragraph (2) or (3) of this [EASA] AD.''
    (5) Where any service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0017 specifies reporting, this AD requires reporting all inspection 
results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(5)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD. If operators have reported findings as part of 
obtaining any corrective actions approved by Airbus SAS's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA), operators are not required to 
report those findings as specified in this paragraph.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0017 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 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 2019-0017 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.
    (4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency 
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 
to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply 
with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(j) Related Information

    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.

(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 2019-0017, dated 
January 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2019-0017, 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 
2019-0017 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0402.
    (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, email 
[email protected], or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 3, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-20755 Filed 9-24-19; 8:45 am]
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