80 FR 79469 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 245 (December 22, 2015)

Page Range		79469-79472
FR Document		2015-30820
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward cargo door. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking of certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79469-79472]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30820]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0675; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-213-AD; 
Amendment 39-18340; AD 2015-25-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and 
all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward 
cargo door. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking of 
certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could 
result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 26, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 26, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0675; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 [email protected]; 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0675.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on March 31, 2015 (80 FR 17000). We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could 
result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0228, dated October 20, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus 
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An A330 aeroplane operator reported recently cases of crack 
findings on two different aeroplanes, at frame 20A and at frame 20B 
close to beam 3 of the forward cargo door. The first finding was 
detected during scheduled maintenance, while the second one was 
found during an inspection prompted by the first finding. Subsequent 
analyses of these cracks identified that the first crack initiated 
at frame 20B, which is the first primary load path, leading to 
excessive loads at frame 20A and consequent cracking. Nevertheless, 
on the other aeroplane, a crack was detected on frame 20A only. 
Rupture of both frames 20A and 20B could lead to frame 21 failure 
after a limited number of flight cycles (FC).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may potentially 
result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo 
door, which could ultimately jeopardise the aeroplane's safe flight.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A52L010-14 to provide instructions for a one-time 
inspection of frames 20A, 20B and 21 in the area of beam 3, until 
the half pitch between beam 2 and beam 3.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
identification of the Part Number (P/N) of the affected forward 
cargo doors, a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of each affected 
door and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective action(s) [contacting Airbus].
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further 
AD action may follow.

    Required actions also include sending inspection results to Airbus. 
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0675-0002.

Correction for Service Information Typo

    On page 1 of Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, at 
section ``2. Referenced Documentation,'' ``Ref. 5'' specifies page 
block ``PB.801,'' which is incorrect. This page block should be 
``PB.401'' instead. We have added new paragraph (k) to this AD to 
account for this correction, and have redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80 
FR 17000, March 31, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Revise Part Number List Sequencing

    American Airlines (AA) requested that we revise the proposed AD (80 
FR 17000, March 31, 2015) by swapping the part numbers listed in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (g)(1)(x) of the proposed AD to maintain 
alphanumeric order. American Airlines reasoned that the flow of the 
list is confusing.
    We agree to revise paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (g)(1)(x) of this AD 
for the reasons requested by American Airlines.

Request for Justification

    AA asked whether a root cause has been determined that justifies 
the proposed inspection threshold. AA noted that paragraph (g)(1) of 
the proposed AD (80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015) proposed that inspections 
on all affected doors be completed within 200 flight cycles from the 
effective date of the AD. AA further noted from Airbus AOT A52L010-14, 
dated September 30,

[[Page 79470]]

2014, that the service events that led to the issuance of this 
inspection occurred on airplanes with 16,170 and 16,556 total 
accumulated flight cycles. Following release of Airbus AOT A52L010-14, 
dated September 30, 2014, AA reported that it completed four 
inspections in accordance with Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 
30, 2014, with no findings, and those inspected airplanes had 
accumulated 8,849 to 9,093 total flight cycles.
    We infer that AA considers the proposed compliance times to be 
unjustifiably short. We disagree to revise the compliance times in this 
AD. At the time of issuance of EASA AD 2014-0228, dated October 20, 
2014, it had been determined that fatigue calculations were showing low 
life factors at frame C20B. After a failure of frame C20B, the edge 
member C20A would be overloaded and could potentially fail within 800 
flight cycles, according to damage tolerance calculations. The failure 
of the tow frame would be catastrophic. Therefore the decision was made 
to mandate a one-time inspection with a compliance time of within 200 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, which corresponds to 
the compliance time specified in EASA AD 2014-0228, dated October 20, 
2014. We have made no changes to this AD in this regard.

Request for Credit for Reporting

    AA requested that we revise paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD (80 
FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to allow credit for reporting that has 
already been accomplished before the effective date of this AD. AA 
explained that the proposed AD would require operators to submit a 
report within 30 days after the AD effective date if the inspection was 
done before the effective date of the AD. AA reasoned that this does 
not allow for credit to be taken for reports that were submitted in 
accordance with Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, prior 
to the AD effective date. AA requested that paragraph (i)(2) of the 
proposed AD state, ``[i]f the inspection was done before the effective 
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD, unless the inspection report was previously 
submitted.''
    We agree to allow credit for reporting that has already been 
accomplished before the effective date of this AD. The compliance time 
in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD is within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD. Reports submitted before that compliance time, 
including those submitted before the effective date of this AD (as 
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD), are acceptable for compliance 
with paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. We have made no changes to this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Revise Applicability

    Delta requested that we limit the applicability of the proposed AD 
to airplanes equipped with any of the forward cargo doors with the 
manufacturer part numbers (MPNs) listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through 
(g)(1)(xii) of the proposed AD. Delta noted that paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(c)(2) of the proposed AD would apply to the identified airplane 
models, unless Modification 202702 had been embodied in production on 
certain airplanes.
    Delta stated it had requested clarification from Airbus about the 
relationship between the MPNs identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
through (g)(1)(xii) of the proposed AD and airplanes in the pre-Mod 
50528 configuration, as specified in Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated 
September 30, 2014. According to Delta, Airbus confirmed via Airbus 
Message 80036162, dated April 1, 2015, that because cargo doors are 
components and can be swapped during in-service life, Airbus had 
intentionally extended the affected airplanes for the required 
inspections to include pre-Mod 202702 airplanes that may have affected 
doors. Delta then reasoned that since operators can track the 
modification status only by the individual airplane, the applicability 
should be written to include the MPNs to ensure that operators 
understand which airplanes are affected by the AD.
    We disagree with the request to limit the applicability of this AD 
(paragraph (c) of this AD) to airplanes having the MPNs identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD. The ``Parts 
Installation Prohibition'' specified in paragraph (j) of this AD 
applies to all airplanes identified in the paragraph (c) of this AD to 
ensure the affected MPNs are not installed on those airplanes. However, 
the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD is limited to 
airplanes having the affected MPNs. We have therefore made no changes 
to this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Cost

    Delta requested that we revise the ``Costs of Compliance'' 
paragraph in the NPRM (80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to state, 
``However, Airbus has confirmed that out of qty (260) affected MPN Fwd 
cargo doors inspected, all were reported with NIL [no findings] 
findings.'' Delta agreed that there is no way of determining the number 
of aircraft that might need the corrective actions for inspection 
findings, but added that the compliance window of 200 flight cycles for 
the inspection is a fairly short compliance window and may likely need 
to be accomplished in a line environment. Delta expressed that it may 
be prudent to communicate to operators that out of a quantity of 260 
forward cargo doors already inspected, there have been NIL findings (as 
noted in Airbus Message 80036162, dated April 1, 2015).
    We agree with Delta's request and have revised the ``Costs of 
Compliance'' paragraph accordingly in this final rule.

Request for Records Review

    Delta requested that we revise paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD 
(80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to allow for a records review if the part 
number can be conclusively determined from that review. Delta reasoned 
that without this provision, the operators may consider a physical 
review of each forward cargo door to be required.
    For the reason stated by Delta, we agree to allow for a review of 
airplane maintenance records to verify whether cargo doors with part 
numbers listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD 
are installed on the airplane. We have revised paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51C

    Airbus has issued AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014. The 
service information describes procedures for an inspection for and 
repair of cracking of certain forward cargo doors. 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.

[[Page 79471]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 89 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $0 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$7,565, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 32 work-hours and require parts costing $654,850, for a cost 
of $657,570 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need these actions. However, Airbus has confirmed 
that out of 260 affected MPN forward cargo doors already inspected, all 
were reported with NIL findings; therefore, we anticipate that few, if 
any, airplanes will require these follow-on actions.

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.
    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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0675; 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 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.

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):

2015-25-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18340. Docket No. FAA-2015-0675; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-213-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 26, 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, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
Modification 202702 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of 
the forward cargo door. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of 
structural integrity of the forward cargo door.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Repair

    (1) Within 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, do a detailed inspection for cracking of an affected forward 
cargo door, having a part number identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD, at frames 20A, 20B, and 21 areas 
located above beam 3, from outside and inside, in accordance with 
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A52L010-14, dated 
September 30, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. 
A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable to determine 
if an affected forward cargo door is installed provided that the 
part number of the forward cargo door can be conclusively determined 
from that review.
    (i) F523-70500-000.
    (ii) F523-70500-004.
    (iii) F523-70500-006.
    (iv) F523-70500-008.
    (v) F523-70500-010.
    (vi) F523-70500-012.
    (vii) F523-70500-014.
    (viii) F523-70550-000.
    (ix) F523-70550-002.
    (x) F523-70550-004.
    (xi) F523-70550-008.
    (xii) F523-70550-050.
    (2) If any crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of

[[Page 79472]]

this AD, before further flight, repair 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).

(h) Definition of Detailed Inspection

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as a mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(i) Reporting Requirement

    Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of 
the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to Serge 
KIYMAZ, Structure Engineer, Structure Engineering--SEES1 CUSTOMER 
SERVICES, Phone: +33(0)5 82 05 10 33, Fax: +33(0)5 61 93 36 14, 
email: [email protected], at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the 
information identified in Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 
2014.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) 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.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, installation of a forward 
cargo door having any part number specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD is permitted on any airplane, 
provided that prior to installation, the door is inspected and, 
depending on the findings, corrected, in accordance with Airbus AOT 
A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (k) of this AD.

(k) Exception to the Service Information

    On page 1 of Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, at 
section ``2. Referenced Documentation,'' ``Ref. 5'' specifies page 
block ``PB.801,'' which is incorrect. This page block should be 
``PB.401'' instead.

(l) 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: [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. 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 EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: 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 5 
minutes 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.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0228, dated October 20, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-
0675-0002.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52L010-14, dated 
September 30, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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 [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 25, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30820 Filed 12-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
79470 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

2014, that the service events that led to for compliance with paragraph (i)(2) of inspection findings, but added that the
the issuance of this inspection occurred this AD. We have made no changes to compliance window of 200 flight cycles
on airplanes with 16,170 and 16,556 this AD in this regard. for the inspection is a fairly short
total accumulated flight cycles. compliance window and may likely
Request To Revise Applicability
Following release of Airbus AOT need to be accomplished in a line
A52L010–14, dated September 30, 2014, Delta requested that we limit the environment. Delta expressed that it
AA reported that it completed four applicability of the proposed AD to may be prudent to communicate to
inspections in accordance with Airbus airplanes equipped with any of the operators that out of a quantity of 260
AOT A52L010–14, dated September 30, forward cargo doors with the forward cargo doors already inspected,
2014, with no findings, and those manufacturer part numbers (MPNs) there have been NIL findings (as noted
inspected airplanes had accumulated listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through in Airbus Message 80036162, dated
8,849 to 9,093 total flight cycles. (g)(1)(xii) of the proposed AD. Delta April 1, 2015).
We infer that AA considers the noted that paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of We agree with Delta’s request and
proposed compliance times to be the proposed AD would apply to the have revised the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’
unjustifiably short. We disagree to identified airplane models, unless paragraph accordingly in this final rule.
revise the compliance times in this AD. Modification 202702 had been
At the time of issuance of EASA AD embodied in production on certain Request for Records Review
2014–0228, dated October 20, 2014, it airplanes. Delta requested that we revise
had been determined that fatigue Delta stated it had requested
paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD (80
calculations were showing low life clarification from Airbus about the
FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to allow for
factors at frame C20B. After a failure of relationship between the MPNs
a records review if the part number can
frame C20B, the edge member C20A identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through
be conclusively determined from that
would be overloaded and could (g)(1)(xii) of the proposed AD and
review. Delta reasoned that without this
potentially fail within 800 flight cycles, airplanes in the pre-Mod 50528
provision, the operators may consider a
according to damage tolerance configuration, as specified in Airbus
physical review of each forward cargo
calculations. The failure of the tow AOT A52L010–14, dated September 30,
door to be required.
frame would be catastrophic. Therefore 2014. According to Delta, Airbus
confirmed via Airbus Message For the reason stated by Delta, we
the decision was made to mandate a agree to allow for a review of airplane
one-time inspection with a compliance 80036162, dated April 1, 2015, that
because cargo doors are components maintenance records to verify whether
time of within 200 flight cycles after the
and can be swapped during in-service cargo doors with part numbers listed in
effective date of this AD, which
life, Airbus had intentionally extended paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of
corresponds to the compliance time
the affected airplanes for the required this AD are installed on the airplane.
specified in EASA AD 2014–0228, dated
inspections to include pre-Mod 202702 We have revised paragraph (g)(1) of this
October 20, 2014. We have made no
airplanes that may have affected doors. AD accordingly.
changes to this AD in this regard.
Delta then reasoned that since operators Conclusion
Request for Credit for Reporting can track the modification status only
AA requested that we revise by the individual airplane, the We reviewed the relevant data,
paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD (80 applicability should be written to considered the comments received, and
FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to allow include the MPNs to ensure that determined that air safety and the
credit for reporting that has already operators understand which airplanes public interest require adopting this AD
been accomplished before the effective are affected by the AD. with the changes described previously
date of this AD. AA explained that the We disagree with the request to limit and minor editorial changes. We have
proposed AD would require operators to the applicability of this AD (paragraph determined that these minor changes:
submit a report within 30 days after the (c) of this AD) to airplanes having the • Are consistent with the intent that
AD effective date if the inspection was MPNs identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR
done before the effective date of the AD. through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD. The ‘‘Parts 17000, March 31, 2015) for correcting
AA reasoned that this does not allow for Installation Prohibition’’ specified in the unsafe condition; and
credit to be taken for reports that were paragraph (j) of this AD applies to all • Do not add any additional burden
submitted in accordance with Airbus airplanes identified in the paragraph (c) upon the public than was already
AOT A52L010–14, dated September 30, of this AD to ensure the affected MPNs proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 17000,
2014, prior to the AD effective date. AA are not installed on those airplanes. March 31, 2015).
requested that paragraph (i)(2) of the However, the inspection required by We also determined that these
proposed AD state, ‘‘[i]f the inspection paragraph (g) of this AD is limited to changes will not increase the economic
was done before the effective date of airplanes having the affected MPNs. We burden on any operator or increase the
this AD: Submit the report within 30 have therefore made no changes to this scope of this AD.
days after the effective date of this AD, AD in this regard. Related Service Information Under 1
unless the inspection report was
Request To Revise Cost CFR Part 51C
previously submitted.’’
We agree to allow credit for reporting Delta requested that we revise the Airbus has issued AOT A52L010–14,
that has already been accomplished ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ paragraph in the dated September 30, 2014. The service
before the effective date of this AD. The NPRM (80 FR 17000, March 31, 2015) to information describes procedures for an
compliance time in paragraph (i)(2) of state, ‘‘However, Airbus has confirmed inspection for and repair of cracking of
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES

this AD is within 30 days after the that out of qty (260) affected MPN Fwd certain forward cargo doors. This
effective date of this AD. Reports cargo doors inspected, all were reported service information is reasonably
submitted before that compliance time, with NIL [no findings] findings.’’ Delta available because the interested parties
including those submitted before the agreed that there is no way of have access to it through their normal
effective date of this AD (as specified in determining the number of aircraft that course of business or by the means
paragraph (f) of this AD), are acceptable might need the corrective actions for identified in the ADDRESSES section.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Dec 21, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM 22DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 79471

Costs of Compliance air commerce by prescribing regulations § 39.13 [Amended]
We estimate that this AD affects 89 for practices, methods, and procedures ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
airplanes of U.S. registry. the Administrator finds necessary for the following new airworthiness
We also estimate that it will take safety in air commerce. This regulation directive (AD):
about 1 work-hour per product to is within the scope of that authority 2015–25–02 Airbus: Amendment 39–18340.
comply with the basic requirements of because it addresses an unsafe condition Docket No. FAA–2015–0675; Directorate
this AD. The average labor rate is $85 that is likely to exist or develop on Identifier 2014–NM–213–AD.
per work-hour. Required parts will cost products identified in this rulemaking (a) Effective Date
$0 per product. Based on these figures, action.
This AD becomes effective January 26,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. Regulatory Findings 2016.
operators to be $7,565, or $85 per
We determined that this AD will not (b) Affected ADs
product.
In addition, we estimate that any have federalism implications under None.
necessary follow-on actions will take Executive Order 13132. This AD will (c) Applicability
about 32 work-hours and require parts not have a substantial direct effect on
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
costing $654,850, for a cost of $657,570 the States, on the relationship between in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD,
per product. We have no way of the national government and the States, certificated in any category.
determining the number of airplanes or on the distribution of power and (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
that might need these actions. However, responsibilities among the various –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303,
Airbus has confirmed that out of 260 levels of government. –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
For the reasons discussed above, I airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers,
affected MPN forward cargo doors except those on which Airbus Modification
already inspected, all were reported certify that this AD: 202702 has been embodied in production.
with NIL findings; therefore, we 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213,
anticipate that few, if any, airplanes will action’’ under Executive Order 12866; –311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes,
require these follow-on actions. 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the all manufacturer serial numbers.
Paperwork Reduction Act DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (d) Subject
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); Air Transport Association (ATA) of
A federal agency may not conduct or 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in America Code 52, Doors.
sponsor, and a person is not required to Alaska; and
respond to, nor shall a person be subject (e) Reason
to penalty for failure to comply with a 4. Will not have a significant This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
collection of information subject to the economic impact, positive or negative, at certain frames of the forward cargo door.
requirements of the Paperwork on a substantial number of small entities We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
Reduction Act unless that collection of under the criteria of the Regulatory cracking at certain frames, which could result
Flexibility Act. in the loss of structural integrity of the
information displays a current valid forward cargo door.
OMB control number. The control Examining the AD Docket
number for the collection of information (f) Compliance
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The You may examine the AD docket on Comply with this AD within the
paperwork cost associated with this AD the Internet at http://www.regulations. compliance times specified, unless already
has been detailed in the Costs of gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0675; done.
Compliance section of this document or in person at the Docket Management (g) Inspection and Repair
and includes time for reviewing Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
(1) Within 200 flight cycles after the
instructions, as well as completing and Monday through Friday, except Federal
effective date of this AD, do a detailed
reviewing the collection of information. holidays. The AD docket contains this inspection for cracking of an affected forward
Therefore, all reporting associated with AD, the regulatory evaluation, any cargo door, having a part number identified
this AD is mandatory. Comments comments received, and other in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of
concerning the accuracy of this burden information. The street address for the this AD, at frames 20A, 20B, and 21 areas
Docket Operations office (telephone located above beam 3, from outside and
and suggestions for reducing the burden inside, in accordance with Airbus Alert
should be directed to the FAA at 800 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Operators Transmission (AOT) A52L010–14,
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, dated September 30, 2014, except as required
DC 20591, ATTN: Information List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 by paragraph (k) of this AD. A review of
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. airplane maintenance records is acceptable to
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation determine if an affected forward cargo door
Authority for This Rulemaking safety, Incorporation by reference, is installed provided that the part number of
Title 49 of the United States Code Safety. the forward cargo door can be conclusively
determined from that review.
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Adoption of the Amendment (i) F523–70500–000.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, (ii) F523–70500–004.
section 106, describes the authority of Accordingly, under the authority (iii) F523–70500–006.
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: delegated to me by the Administrator, (iv) F523–70500–008.
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as (v) F523–70500–010.
detail the scope of the Agency’s follows: (vi) F523–70500–012.
authority. (vii) F523–70500–014.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES

We are issuing this rulemaking under PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (viii) F523–70550–000.
DIRECTIVES (ix) F523–70550–002.
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, (x) F523–70550–004.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (xi) F523–70550–008.
General requirements.’’ Under that ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
(xii) F523–70550–050.
section, Congress charges the FAA with continues to read as follows: (2) If any crack is found during the
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Dec 21, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM 22DER1
79472 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

this AD, before further flight, repair using a Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; (5) You may view this service information
method approved by the Manager, telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149. that is incorporated by reference at the
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- National Archives and Records
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using Administration (NARA). For information on
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate the availability of this material at NARA, call
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). principal inspector, or lacking a principal 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.
inspector, the manager of the local flight gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
(h) Definition of Detailed Inspection standards district office/certificate holding
For the purposes of this AD, a detailed district office. The AMOC approval letter Issued in Renton, Washington, on
inspection is an intensive examination of a must specifically reference this AD. November 25, 2015.
specific item, installation, or assembly to (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Michael Kaszycki,
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. requirement in this AD to obtain corrective Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Available lighting is normally supplemented actions from a manufacturer, the action must Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
with a direct source of good lighting at an be accomplished using a method approved [FR Doc. 2015–30820 Filed 12–21–15; 8:45 am]
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
aids such as a mirror, magnifying lenses, etc.,
may be necessary. Surface cleaning and the EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If
elaborate procedures may be required. approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(i) Reporting Requirement (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal
Submit a report of the findings (both agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a Federal Aviation Administration
positive and negative) of the inspection person is not required to respond to, nor
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to shall a person be subject to a penalty for 14 CFR Part 73
Serge KIYMAZ, Structure Engineer, Structure failure to comply with a collection of
Engineering—SEES1 CUSTOMER SERVICES, information subject to the requirements of [Docket No. FAA–2015–7213; Airspace
Phone: +33(0)5 82 05 10 33, Fax: +33(0)5 61 the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that Docket No. 15–ASO–12]
93 36 14, email: serge.kiymaz@airbus.com, at collection of information displays a current
the applicable time specified in paragraph valid OMB Control Number. The OMB RIN 2120–AA66
(i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must Control Number for this information
include the information identified in Airbus collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for Amendment of Restricted Areas R–
AOT A52L010–14, dated September 30, this collection of information is estimated to 2932, R–2933, R–2934 and R–2935;
2014. be approximately 5 minutes per response, Cape Canaveral, FL
(1) If the inspection was done on or after including the time for reviewing instructions,
the effective date of this AD: Submit the completing and reviewing the collection of AGENCY: Federal Aviation
report within 30 days after the inspection. information. All responses to this collection Administration (FAA), DOT.
(2) If the inspection was done before the of information are mandatory. Comments ACTION: Final rule.
effective date of this AD: Submit the report concerning the accuracy of this burden and
within 30 days after the effective date of this suggestions for reducing the burden should SUMMARY: This action updates the using
AD. be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence agency information for restricted areas
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: R–2932, R–2933, R–2934 and R–2935;
(j) Parts Installation Limitation Information Collection Clearance Officer,
As of the effective date of this AD,
Cape Canaveral, FL. This is an
AES 200.
installation of a forward cargo door having administrative change to reflect the
any part number specified in paragraphs (m) Related Information current organization tasked with using
(g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD is Refer to Mandatory Continuing agency responsibilities for the restricted
permitted on any airplane, provided that Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA areas. It does not affect the boundaries,
prior to installation, the door is inspected Airworthiness Directive 2014–0228, dated designated altitudes, time of designation
and, depending on the findings, corrected, in October 20, 2014, for related information. or activities conducted within the
accordance with Airbus AOT A52L010–14, This MCAI may be found in the AD docket restricted areas.
dated September 30, 2014, except as required on the Internet at http://www.regulations.
by paragraph (k) of this AD. gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0675- DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, March
0002. 31, 2016.
(k) Exception to the Service Information
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
On page 1 of Airbus AOT A52L010–14,
Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office
dated September 30, 2014, at section ‘‘2. (1) The Director of the Federal Register
Referenced Documentation,’’ ‘‘Ref. 5’’ approved the incorporation by reference of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation
specifies page block ‘‘PB.801,’’ which is (IBR) of the service information listed in this Administration, 800 Independence
incorrect. This page block should be paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
‘‘PB.401’’ instead. part 51. telephone: (202) 267–8783.
(2) You must use this service information SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions as applicable to do the actions required by
The following provisions also apply to this this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. Authority for This Rulemaking
AD: (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance A52L010–14, dated September 30, 2014. The FAA’s authority to issue rules
(AMOCs): The Manager, International (ii) Reserved. regarding aviation safety is found in
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane (3) For service information identified in Title 49 of the United States Code.
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, authority of the FAA Administrator.
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email describes in more detail the scope of the
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES

request to your principal inspector or local airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; agency’s authority.
Flight Standards District Office, as Internet http://www.airbus.com.
appropriate. If sending information directly (4) You may view this service information This rulemaking is promulgated
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, under the authority described in
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section
International Branch, ANM 116, Transport information on the availability of this 40103. Under that section, the FAA is
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. charged with prescribing regulations to

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Dec 21, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM 22DER1
Document Created: 2015-12-22 02:31:13
Document Modified: 2015-12-22 02:31:13
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD becomes effective January 26, 2016.
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.
FR Citation		80 FR 79469
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
80 FR 79469 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 245 (December 22, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
