80_FR_74270 80 FR 74042 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

80 FR 74042 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 228 (November 27, 2015)

Page Range74042-74044
FR Document2015-30024

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service panel access door was lost during flight. This proposed AD would require modifying affected potable water service panel access doors. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74042-74044]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30024]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports that the potable water service panel access door 
was lost during flight. This proposed AD would require modifying 
affected potable water service panel access doors. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable 
water service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the 
potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant 
damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 11, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

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-2015-
5815; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the

[[Page 74043]]

ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-039-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and 
-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several cases have been reported in which the potable water 
service panel access door was lost during flight, causing damage to 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer. The results of subsequent 
investigations showed that these events were due to failure of the 
latching mechanism of the potable water service panel access door.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of 
in-flight loss of the potable water service panel access door, 
possibly resulting in injury to persons on ground and/or damage to 
the aeroplane [(e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer)].
    To address this condition, Airbus developed a modification and 
published Service Bulletin (SB) A330-52-3086, SB A340-52-4094 and SB 
A340-52-5019, to provide instructions for in-service accomplishment 
of that modification.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0028 to require modification 
of the potable water service panel access door 164AR for A330/A340-
200/-300 aeroplanes or 154BR for A340-500/-600 aeroplanes, which 
includes installation of reinforced hinge screws and more robust 
latches.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that 
aeroplanes that have embodied Airbus Mod 201938 (Improvement of 
latching mechanism of potable water service panel) are also not 
affected by the requirements of this [EASA] AD.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
exclude post-mod 201938 aeroplanes from the Applicability.

    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-2015-
5815.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for modifying the 
affected potable water service panel access door. 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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are 
required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures 
and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to 
improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements 
and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures 
and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service 
information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, 
or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
    As specified in a NOTE under the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
specified service information, procedures and tests that are identified 
as RC in any service information must be done to comply with the 
proposed AD. However, procedures and 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 alternative method of compliance (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 will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 63 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 21 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about 
$15,280 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,075,095, or $17,065 per 
product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
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 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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a

[[Page 74044]]

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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-5815; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
039-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 11, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
modification 201715, or Airbus modification 201796, or Airbus 
modification 201938 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes, all manufacturing serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that the potable water service 
panel access door was lost during flight. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the latching mechanism of the potable water 
service panel access door, which could result in the loss of the 
potable water service panel access door during flight, and resultant 
damage to the airplane (e.g., damage to the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    (1) Except as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 36 
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the affected 
potable water service panel access door, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane type and model.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, Revision 01, dated 
April 25, 2014.
    (2) For airplanes that have already been modified before the 
effective date of this AD, as specified in the service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of 
this AD, as applicable to airplane type and model: Within 16 months 
after the effective date of this AD, modify the potable water 
service panel access door by accomplishing the actions identified as 
``additional work,'' as specified in and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane type and model.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3086, dated April 27, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4094, dated April 27, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-5019, dated May 29, 2012.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 ATTN: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus'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 Airworthiness Directive 2015-0028R1, dated May 29, 2015, 
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-2015-5815.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30024 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

74042 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules do all applicable tests and corrective actions, approved by the DOA, the approval must DATES: We must receive comments on in accordance with Part 5 of the include the DOA-authorized signature. this proposed AD by January 11, 2016. Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100–28–078, dated (k) Related Information ADDRESSES: You may send comments, January 23, 2014. (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing using the procedures found in 14 CFR (1) For post-SBF100–28–073 configuration Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following airplanes: Do the modification in accordance Airworthiness Directive 2014–0138, dated methods: with Part 1 or Part 3, as applicable, of the May 30, 2014, for related information. This • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the Service Bulletin SBF100–28–078, dated Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by instructions for submitting comments. January 23, 2014. searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2015–5810. • Fax: 202–493–2251. (2) For pre-SBF100–28–073 configuration airplanes: Do the modification in accordance (2) For service information identified in • Mail: U.S. Department of with Part 2 or Part 4, as applicable, of the this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Service Bulletin SBF100–28–078, dated 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., January 23, 2014. telephone +31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31 Washington, DC 20590. (h) Revise Maintenance or Inspection (0)88–6280–111; email technicalservices@ • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of fokker.com; Internet http:// Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Program www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this Within 30 days after installing the 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room service information at the FAA, Transport modification specified in paragraph (g)(1) or Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable: Revise the Renton, WA. For information on the Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 airplane maintenance or inspection program, availability of this material at the FAA, call p.m., Monday through Friday, except as applicable, to incorporate the fuel 425–227–1221. Federal holidays. airworthiness limitation items and critical For service information identified in design configuration control limitations Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2015. this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, (CDCCLs) specified in paragraph 2.L.(1)(c) of Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100–28–078, Jeffrey E. Duven, Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac dated January 23, 2014. Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 (i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email CDCCLs [FR Doc. 2015–30007 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; BILLING CODE 4910–13–P After accomplishing the revision required Internet http://www.airbus.com. You by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative may view this referenced service actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or information at the FAA, Transport CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance in Federal Aviation Administration SW., Renton, WA. For information on accordance with the procedures specified in the availability of this material at the paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. 14 CFR Part 39 FAA, call 425–227–1221. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions [Docket No. FAA–2015–5815; Directorate Examining the AD Docket The following provisions also apply to this Identifier 2015–NM–039–AD] You may examine the AD docket on AD: the Internet at http:// RIN 2120–AA64 (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance www.regulations.gov by searching for (AMOCs): The Manager, International Airworthiness Directives; Airbus and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested Airplanes 5815; or in person at the Docket using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Management Facility between 9 a.m. AGENCY: Federal Aviation In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Administration (FAA), DOT. request to your principal inspector or local except Federal holidays. The AD docket Flight Standards District Office, as ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking contains this proposed AD, the appropriate. If sending information directly (NPRM). regulatory evaluation, any comments to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: received, and other information. The Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new International Branch, ANM–116, Transport airworthiness directive (AD) for certain street address for the Docket Operations Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Airbus Model A330–200 and –300 series office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; airplanes; and all Model A340–200, the ADDRESSES section. Comments will telephone 425–227–1137; fax 425–227–1149. –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. be available in the AD docket shortly Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- This proposed AD was prompted by after receipt. AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using reports that the potable water service FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate panel access door was lost during flight. Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight This proposed AD would require International Branch, ANM–116, standards district office/certificate holding modifying affected potable water service Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, district office. panel access doors. We are proposing 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the this AD to prevent failure of the latching 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138; mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS effective date of this AD, for any requirement mechanism of the potable water service fax 425–227–1149. in this AD to obtain corrective actions from panel access door, which could result in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: a manufacturer, the action must be the loss of the potable water service accomplished using a method approved by Comments Invited the Manager, International Branch, ANM– panel access door during flight, and 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., We invite you to send any written the European Aviation Safety Agency damage to the trimmable horizontal relevant data, views, or arguments about (EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service’s EASA stabilizer) that could cause loss of this proposed AD. Send your comments Design Organization Approval (DOA). If control of the airplane. to an address listed under the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\27NOP1.SGM 27NOP1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules 74043 ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– AD. However, procedures and tests that FAA–2015–5815; Directorate Identifier 5815. are not identified as RC are 2015–NM–039–AD’’ at the beginning of recommended. Those procedures and Related Service Information Under 1 your comments. We specifically invite tests that are not identified as RC may CFR Part 51 comments on the overall regulatory, be deviated from using accepted economic, environmental, and energy Airbus has issued the following methods in accordance with the aspects of this proposed AD. We will service information. operator’s maintenance or inspection consider all comments received by the • Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52– program without obtaining approval of closing date and may amend this 3086, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. an alternative method of compliance proposed AD based on those comments. • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– (AMOC), provided the procedures and We will post all comments we 4094, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. tests identified as RC can be done and receive, without change, to http:// • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– the airplane can be put back in an www.regulations.gov, including any 5019, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. airworthy condition. Any substitutions The service information describes or changes to procedures or tests personal information you provide. We procedures for modifying the affected identified as RC will require approval of will also post a report summarizing each potable water service panel access door. an AMOC. substantive verbal contact we receive This service information is reasonably about this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance available because the interested parties Discussion have access to it through their normal We estimate that this proposed AD The European Aviation Safety Agency course of business or by the means affects 63 airplanes of U.S. registry. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent identified in the ADDRESSES section of We also estimate that it would take for the Member States of the European this NPRM. about 21 work-hours per product to Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness FAA’s Determination and Requirements comply with the basic requirements of Directive 2015–0028R1, dated May 29, of This Proposed AD this proposed AD. The average labor 2015 (referred to after this as the rate is $85 per work-hour. Required This product has been approved by parts would cost about $15,280 per Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness the aviation authority of another product. Based on these figures, we Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct country, and is approved for operation estimate the cost of this proposed AD on an unsafe condition for certain Airbus in the United States. Pursuant to our U.S. operators to be $1,075,095, or Model A330–200 and –300 series bilateral agreement with the State of $17,065 per product. airplanes; and Model A340–200, –300, Design Authority, we have been notified According to the manufacturer, some –500, and –600 series airplanes. The of the unsafe condition described in the of the costs of this proposed AD may be MCAI states: MCAI and service information covered under warranty, thereby Several cases have been reported in which referenced above. We are proposing this reducing the cost impact on affected the potable water service panel access door AD because we evaluated all pertinent was lost during flight, causing damage to the individuals. We do not control warranty information and determined an unsafe coverage for affected individuals. As a trimmable horizontal stabilizer. The results condition exists and is likely to exist or result, we have included all costs in our of subsequent investigations showed that these events were due to failure of the develop on other products of these same cost estimate. latching mechanism of the potable water type designs. service panel access door. Authority for This Rulemaking Explanation of ‘‘RC’’ Procedures and This condition, if not corrected, could lead Title 49 of the United States Code Tests in Service Information to further cases of in-flight loss of the potable specifies the FAA’s authority to issue water service panel access door, possibly The FAA worked in conjunction with rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, resulting in injury to persons on ground and/ industry, under the Airworthiness section 106, describes the authority of or damage to the aeroplane [(e.g., damage to Directive Implementation Aviation the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: the trimmable horizontal stabilizer)]. Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to To address this condition, Airbus Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more enhance the AD system. One detail the scope of the Agency’s developed a modification and published Service Bulletin (SB) A330–52–3086, SB enhancement was a new process for authority. A340–52–4094 and SB A340–52–5019, to annotating which procedures and tests We are issuing this rulemaking under provide instructions for in-service in the service information are required the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, accomplishment of that modification. for compliance with an AD. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015–0028 Differentiating these procedures and General requirements.’’ Under that to require modification of the potable water tests from other tasks in the service section, Congress charges the FAA with service panel access door 164AR for A330/ information is expected to improve an promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in A340–200/–300 aeroplanes or 154BR for owner’s/operator’s understanding of air commerce by prescribing regulations A340–500/–600 aeroplanes, which includes crucial AD requirements and help installation of reinforced hinge screws and for practices, methods, and procedures more robust latches. provide consistent judgment in AD the Administrator finds necessary for Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was compliance. The procedures and tests safety in air commerce. This regulation determined that aeroplanes that have identified as RC (required for is within the scope of that authority embodied Airbus Mod 201938 (Improvement compliance) in any service information because it addresses an unsafe condition have a direct effect on detecting, mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS of latching mechanism of potable water that is likely to exist or develop on service panel) are also not affected by the preventing, resolving, or eliminating an products identified in this rulemaking requirements of this [EASA] AD. identified unsafe condition. action. For the reason described above, this As specified in a NOTE under the [EASA] AD is revised to exclude post-mod Accomplishment Instructions of the Regulatory Findings 201938 aeroplanes from the Applicability. specified service information, We determined that this proposed AD You may examine the MCAI in the procedures and tests that are identified would not have federalism implications AD docket on the Internet at http:// as RC in any service information must under Executive Order 13132. This www.regulations.gov by searching for be done to comply with the proposed proposed AD would not have a VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\27NOP1.SGM 27NOP1

74044 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules substantial direct effect on the States, on (e) Reason AMOC–REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using the relationship between the national This AD was prompted by reports that the any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate Government and the States, or on the potable water service panel access door was principal inspector, or lacking a principal distribution of power and lost during flight. We are issuing this AD to inspector, the manager of the local flight responsibilities among the various prevent failure of the latching mechanism of standards district office/certificate holding levels of government. the potable water service panel access door, district office. The AMOC approval letter which could result in the loss of the potable must specifically reference this AD. For the reasons discussed above, I water service panel access door during flight, certify this proposed regulation: (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any and resultant damage to the airplane (e.g., 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory requirement in this AD to obtain corrective damage to the trimmable horizontal actions from a manufacturer, the action must action’’ under Executive Order 12866; stabilizer) that could cause loss of control of the airplane. be accomplished using a method approved 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (f) Compliance 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); Comply with this AD within the the European Aviation Safety Agency 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in compliance times specified, unless already (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design Alaska; and done. Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 4. Will not have a significant (g) Modification the DOA, the approval must include the economic impact, positive or negative, DOA-authorized signature. on a substantial number of small entities (1) Except as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 36 months after the (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any under the criteria of the Regulatory effective date of this AD, modify the affected service information contains procedures or Flexibility Act. potable water service panel access door, in tests that are identified as RC, those List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 accordance with the Accomplishment procedures and tests must be done to comply Instructions of the service information with this AD; any procedures or tests that are Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or not identified as RC are recommended. Those safety, Incorporation by reference, (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane procedures and tests that are not identified Safety. type and model. as RC may be deviated from using accepted (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3086, methods in accordance with the operator’s The Proposed Amendment Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. maintenance or inspection program without (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4094, Accordingly, under the authority obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. delegated to me by the Administrator, (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– the procedures and tests identified as RC can the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 5019, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2014. be done and the airplane can be put back in 39 as follows: (2) For airplanes that have already been an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or modified before the effective date of this AD, changes to procedures or tests identified as PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS as specified in the service information RC require approval of an AMOC. DIRECTIVES identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane (i) Related Information ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 type and model: Within 16 months after the (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing continues to read as follows: effective date of this AD, modify the potable Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA water service panel access door by Airworthiness Directive 2015–0028R1, dated Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. accomplishing the actions identified as May 29, 2015, for related information. This § 39.13 [Amended] ‘‘additional work,’’ as specified in and in MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the accordance with the Accomplishment ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Instructions of the service information Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by the following new airworthiness identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– directive (AD): (g)(1)(iii) of this AD, as applicable to airplane 2015–5815. type and model. (2) For service information identified in Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2015–5815; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–039–AD. (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–52–3086, this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness dated April 27, 2012. Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, (a) Comments Due Date (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52–4094, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 We must receive comments by January 11, dated April 27, 2012. 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email 2016. (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–52– airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; 5019, dated May 29, 2012. Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may (b) Affected ADs (h) Other FAA AD Provisions view this service information at the FAA, None. Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind The following provisions also apply to this (c) Applicability AD: Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information This AD applies to the airplanes identified (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance on the availability of this material at the in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, (AMOCs): The Manager, International FAA, call 425–227–1221. certificated in any category. Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Issued in Renton, Washington, on (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, Directorate, FAA, has the authority to November 17, 2015. –223, –243, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes, all using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Jeffrey E. Duven, manufacturer serial numbers, except those on In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, which Airbus modification 201715, or Airbus request to your principal inspector or local mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Aircraft Certification Service. modification 201796, or Airbus modification Flight Standards District Office, as [FR Doc. 2015–30024 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] 201938 has been embodied in production. appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes, Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, all manufacturing serial numbers. International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind (d) Subject Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; Air Transport Association (ATA) of telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149. America Code 52, Doors. Information may be emailed to: 9–ANM–116– VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\27NOP1.SGM 27NOP1


Document Created: 2015-12-14 14:05:30
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 14:05:30
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 11, 2016.
ContactVladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149.
FR Citation80 FR 74042 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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