80 FR 7992 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 30 (February 13, 2015)

Page Range		7992-7994
FR Document		2015-02535

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that, on airplanes that received a certain repair following crack findings, cracks can re-initiate. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the frame (FR) 40 forward fittings for airplanes previously repaired. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the FR 40 forward fittings, which could result in rupture of the forward fittings and reduction of in-flight structural strength.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 30 (Friday, February 13, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7992-7994]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02535]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0084; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-181-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Airbus 
Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A300 B4-600R 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating 
that, on airplanes that received a certain repair following crack 
findings, cracks can re-initiate. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections for cracking of the frame (FR) 40 forward 
fittings for airplanes previously repaired. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking on the FR 40 forward fittings, which could 
result in rupture of the forward fittings and reduction of in-flight 
structural strength.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30, 2015.

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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 44 51; 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.

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-
0084; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 
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 ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0084; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-181-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 2014-0199, dated September 05, 2014 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 
series airplanes; and Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    During routine inspection on an A300-600 aeroplane, a crack was 
found in the right-hand frame (FR) 40 forward fitting between 
stringer (STRG) 32 and STRG 33. The subject aeroplane had previously 
been modified, as a crack prevention measure, in accordance with 
Airbus SB A300-57-6053 (mod 10453).
    To ensure the structural integrity of FR 40, pending completion 
of the full root cause analysis using a refined Finite Element Model 
(FEM), EASA issued AD 2009-0094 [dated April 21, 2009, http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2009-0094], to require, a one-time Detailed 
Visual Inspection (DVI) of A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes on which 
Airbus SB A300-53-0297 or SB A300-57-6053, as applicable, was 
embodied as a crack prevention measure.
    Thereafter, cracks were found during maintenance check in the FR 
40 forward fitting on two aeroplanes, one A300 with Airbus SB A300-
53-0297 embodied and one A300-600 with Airbus SB A300-57-6053 
embodied. EASA AD 2009-0094 had been accomplished on both 
aeroplanes.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0163 [dated August 30, 2011, 
http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2011-0163], superseding EASA AD 2009-
0094, to require, for aeroplanes modified preventively, repetitive 
DVI of the FR 40 forward fitting (without nut removal), 
accomplishment of a one-time Eddy Current (EC) inspection or liquid 
penetrant inspection of this area (with nut removal) and, depending 
on findings, the accomplishment of associated corrective actions.
    A detailed FEM study was recently completed which demonstrated 
that, on aeroplanes repaired following crack findings in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus SB A300-53-0297 or SB A300-57-6053 
at any revision, as applicable, cracks can re-initiate.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the FR 40 forward fitting for aeroplanes 
repaired in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A300-53-
0297 or SB A300-57-6053 following crack findings.

    The corrective actions include a 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).
    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-
0084.

[[Page 7993]]

Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Airbus service information:
     Airbus A300 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A53W002-14, 
dated April 02, 2014.
     Airbus A300 AOT A57W003-14, Revision 01, dated April 17, 
2014.
    Airbus A300 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A53W002-14, dated 
April 02, 2014, describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the 
FR40 forward fitting on A300 aircraft post MOD 10453S20571. Airbus A300 
AOT A57W003-14, Revision 01, dated April 17, 2014, describes procedures 
for repetitive inspections of the FR40 forward fitting on A300-600 
aircraft pre MOD 10221S20394 and post MOD 10453S20571. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. This service information is 
reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service 
information.

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 the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 26 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $6,630, or $255 
per product.

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 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-2015-0084; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
181-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 30, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (i) Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN), on which modification 10453 has 
been embodied as a repair following a crack finding, as specified in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0297 (modification 10453).
    (ii) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, 
and B4-622R airplanes, all MSN as specified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6053.
    (2) This AD does not apply to airplanes that have been modified, 
as a preventive measure, as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-0297 or A300-57-6053 (modification 10453), as applicable to 
airplane model.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that, on airplanes 
that received a certain repair following crack findings, cracks can 
re-initiate. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking 
on the frame (FR) 40 forward fittings, which could result in rupture 
of the forward fittings and reduction of in-flight structural 
strength.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do 
a detailed inspection of the forward fitting at FR 40 without nut 
removal to detect cracks on both left-hand and right-hand sides of 
the airplane, in accordance with Airbus A300 Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A53W002-14, dated April 2, 2014 (for Airbus Model 
A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes); or Airbus A300AOT 
A57W003-14, Revision 01, dated April 17, 2014 (for Airbus Model A300 
B4-600 series airplanes, and Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series 
airplanes); as applicable. If any crack is detected, repair before 
further flight 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). Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 300 flight cycles.

(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

[[Page 7994]]

Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: 
Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 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 EASA; or 
Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0199, dated September 5, 
2014, 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-2015-0084.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
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 January 30, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02535 Filed 2-12-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

7992 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 30 / Friday, February 13, 2015 / Proposed Rules

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
30, 2015. Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
Jeffrey E. Duven, Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–
Aircraft Certification Service. account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 203 airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4–
[FR Doc. 2015–02536 Filed 2–12–15; 8:45 am] Internet http://www.airbus.com. You 600 series airplanes; and Airbus Model
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P may view this referenced service A300 B4–600R series airplanes. The
information at the FAA, Transport MCAI states:
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue During routine inspection on an A300–600
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SW., Renton, WA. For information on aeroplane, a crack was found in the right-
the availability of this material at the hand frame (FR) 40 forward fitting between
Federal Aviation Administration FAA, call 425–227–1221. stringer (STRG) 32 and STRG 33. The subject
Examining the AD Docket aeroplane had previously been modified, as
14 CFR Part 39
a crack prevention measure, in accordance
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0084; Directorate You may examine the AD docket on with Airbus SB A300–57–6053 (mod 10453).
Identifier 2014–NM–181–AD] the Internet at http:// To ensure the structural integrity of FR 40,
www.regulations.gov by searching for pending completion of the full root cause
RIN 2120–AA64 and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– analysis using a refined Finite Element
0084; or in person at the Docket Model (FEM), EASA issued AD 2009–0094
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Management Facility between 9 a.m. [dated April 21, 2009, http://
Airplanes
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2009–0094], to require,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation except Federal holidays. The AD docket a one-time Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI)
Administration (FAA), DOT. contains this proposed AD, the of A300 and A300–600 aeroplanes on which
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking regulatory evaluation, any comments Airbus SB A300–53–0297 or SB A300–57–
(NPRM). received, and other information. The 6053, as applicable, was embodied as a crack
street address for the Docket Operations prevention measure.
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in Thereafter, cracks were found during
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain the ADDRESSES section. Comments will maintenance check in the FR 40 forward
Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and fitting on two aeroplanes, one A300 with
be available in the AD docket shortly
B4–203 airplanes; Airbus Model A300 Airbus SB A300–53–0297 embodied and one
after receipt.
B4–600 series airplanes; and Airbus A300–600 with Airbus SB A300–57–6053
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan embodied. EASA AD 2009–0094 had been
Model A300 B4–600R series airplanes. Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, accomplished on both aeroplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by International Branch, ANM–116, Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011–0163
reports indicating that, on airplanes that Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, [dated August 30, 2011, http://
received a certain repair following crack 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2011-0163],
findings, cracks can re-initiate. This 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; superseding EASA AD 2009–0094, to require,
proposed AD would require repetitive fax 425–227–1149. for aeroplanes modified preventively,
inspections for cracking of the frame SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: repetitive DVI of the FR 40 forward fitting
(FR) 40 forward fittings for airplanes (without nut removal), accomplishment of a
previously repaired. We are proposing Comments Invited one-time Eddy Current (EC) inspection or
this AD to detect and correct cracking We invite you to send any written liquid penetrant inspection of this area (with
on the FR 40 forward fittings, which relevant data, views, or arguments about nut removal) and, depending on findings, the
could result in rupture of the forward this proposed AD. Send your comments accomplishment of associated corrective
fittings and reduction of in-flight actions.
to an address listed under the
structural strength. A detailed FEM study was recently
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
completed which demonstrated that, on
DATES: We must receive comments on FAA–2015–0084; Directorate Identifier aeroplanes repaired following crack findings
this proposed AD by March 30, 2015. 2014–NM–181–AD’’ at the beginning of in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, your comments. We specifically invite SB A300–53–0297 or SB A300–57–6053 at
using the procedures found in 14 CFR comments on the overall regulatory, any revision, as applicable, cracks can re-
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following economic, environmental, and energy initiate.
methods: aspects of this proposed AD. We will For the reasons described above, this
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to consider all comments received by the [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the closing date and may amend this the FR 40 forward fitting for aeroplanes
instructions for submitting comments. proposed AD based on those comments. repaired in accordance with the instructions
• Fax: 202–493–2251. We will post all comments we of Airbus SB A300–53–0297 or SB A300–57–
• Mail: U.S. Department of receive, without change, to http:// 6053 following crack findings.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– www.regulations.gov, including any
The corrective actions include a
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room personal information you provide. We
repair using a method approved by the
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., will also post a report summarizing each
Manager, International Branch, ANM–
Washington, DC 20590. substantive verbal contact we receive
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of 116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
about this proposed AD.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– FAA; or the European Aviation Safety
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Discussion Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., The European Aviation Safety Agency Design Organization Approval (DOA).
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 (EASA), which is the Technical Agent You may examine the MCAI in the
p.m., Monday through Friday, except for the Member States of the European AD docket on the Internet at http://
Federal holidays. Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness www.regulations.gov by searching for
For service information identified in Directive 2014–0199, dated September and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, 05, 2014 (referred to after this as the 0084.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:53 Feb 12, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\13FEP1.SGM 13FEP1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 30 / Friday, February 13, 2015 / Proposed Rules 7993

Relevant Service Information Under 1 General requirements.’’ Under that (c) Applicability
CFR Part 51 section, Congress charges the FAA with (1) This AD applies to the airplanes
We reviewed the following Airbus promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in identified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii)
air commerce by prescribing regulations of this AD, certificated in any category.
service information:
(i) Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and
• Airbus A300 Alert Operators for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for B4–203 airplanes, all manufacturer serial
Transmission (AOT) A53W002–14, numbers (MSN), on which modification
dated April 02, 2014. safety in air commerce. This regulation
10453 has been embodied as a repair
• Airbus A300 AOT A57W003–14, is within the scope of that authority following a crack finding, as specified in
Revision 01, dated April 17, 2014. because it addresses an unsafe condition Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–0297
Airbus A300 Alert Operators that is likely to exist or develop on (modification 10453).
Transmission (AOT) A53W002–14, products identified in this rulemaking (ii) Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4–603,
dated April 02, 2014, describes action. B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, and B4–622R
procedures for repetitive inspections of airplanes, all MSN as specified in Airbus
Regulatory Findings Service Bulletin A300–57–6053.
the FR40 forward fitting on A300
aircraft post MOD 10453S20571. Airbus We determined that this proposed AD (2) This AD does not apply to airplanes
A300 AOT A57W003–14, Revision 01, would not have federalism implications that have been modified, as a preventive
under Executive Order 13132. This measure, as specified in Airbus Service
dated April 17, 2014, describes Bulletin A300–53–0297 or A300–57–6053
procedures for repetitive inspections of proposed AD would not have a
(modification 10453), as applicable to
the FR40 forward fitting on A300–600 substantial direct effect on the States, on airplane model.
aircraft pre MOD 10221S20394 and post the relationship between the national
MOD 10453S20571. The actions Government and the States, or on the (d) Subject
described in this service information are distribution of power and Air Transport Association (ATA) of
intended to correct the unsafe condition responsibilities among the various America Code 53, Fuselage.
identified in the MCAI. This service levels of government. (e) Reason
information is reasonably available; see For the reasons discussed above, I
This AD was prompted by reports
ADDRESSES for ways to access this certify this proposed regulation: indicating that, on airplanes that received a
service information. 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory certain repair following crack findings,
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; cracks can re-initiate. We are issuing this AD
FAA’s Determination and Requirements 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the to detect and correct cracking on the frame
of This Proposed AD DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (FR) 40 forward fittings, which could result
This product has been approved by (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); in rupture of the forward fittings and
the aviation authority of another 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in reduction of in-flight structural strength.
country, and is approved for operation Alaska; and (f) Compliance
in the United States. Pursuant to our 4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative, Comply with this AD within the
bilateral agreement with the State of compliance times specified, unless already
Design Authority, we have been notified on a substantial number of small entities done.
of the unsafe condition described in the under the criteria of the Regulatory
MCAI and service information Flexibility Act. (g) Repetitive Inspections
referenced above. We are proposing this Within 300 flight cycles after the effective
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 date of this AD, do a detailed inspection of
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation the forward fitting at FR 40 without nut
safety, Incorporation by reference, removal to detect cracks on both left-hand
condition exists and is likely to exist or and right-hand sides of the airplane, in
develop on other products of the same Safety.
accordance with Airbus A300 Alert
type design. The Proposed Amendment Operators Transmission (AOT) A53W002–14,
Costs of Compliance Accordingly, under the authority dated April 2, 2014 (for Airbus Model A300
B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes); or
We estimate that this proposed AD delegated to me by the Administrator, Airbus A300AOT A57W003–14, Revision 01,
affects 26 airplanes of U.S. registry. the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part dated April 17, 2014 (for Airbus Model A300
We also estimate that it would take 39 as follows: B4–600 series airplanes, and Airbus Model
about 3 work-hours per product to A300 B4–600R series airplanes); as
comply with the basic requirements of PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS applicable. If any crack is detected, repair
this proposed AD. The average labor DIRECTIVES before further flight using a method approved
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
these figures, we estimate the cost of continues to read as follows: the European Aviation Safety Agency
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
be $6,630, or $255 per product. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Organization Approval (DOA). Repeat the
Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 [Amended] inspection thereafter at intervals not to
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding exceed 300 flight cycles.
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue the following new airworthiness (h) Other FAA AD Provisions
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, directive (AD): The following provisions also apply to this
section 106, describes the authority of Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2015–0084; AD:
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–181–AD. (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more (a) Comments Due Date Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
detail the scope of the Agency’s We must receive comments by March 30, Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
authority. 2015. approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
We are issuing this rulemaking under using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, (b) Affected ADs In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: None request to your principal inspector or local

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Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:17:36
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:17:36

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		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30, 2015.
Contact		Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.
FR Citation		80 FR 7992
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

80 FR 7992 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 30 (February 13, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration