80_FR_8603 80 FR 8571 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

80 FR 8571 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 32 (February 18, 2015)

Page Range8571-8575
FR Document2015-02922

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 600R series airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked aluminum support struts of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) caused by stress corrosion. This proposed AD would require inspections to identify the part number of each support strut, repetitive inspections for cracking of the THS support strut ends, installation of reinforcing clamps on strut ends, and replacement of support struts, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked THS support struts, which could lead to the rupture of all four support struts making the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, which could result in loss of the THS and reduced control of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8571-8575]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02922]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0243; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-114-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 all

[[Page 8572]]

Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked 
aluminum support struts of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) 
caused by stress corrosion. This proposed AD would require inspections 
to identify the part number of each support strut, repetitive 
inspections for cracking of the THS support strut ends, installation of 
reinforcing clamps on strut ends, and replacement of support struts, if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked THS 
support struts, which could lead to the rupture of all four support 
struts making the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, 
which could result in loss of the THS and reduced control of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 6, 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 account.airworth-eas@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-
0243; 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-2015-0243; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-114-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 2014-0164, dated July 11, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    During scheduled maintenance, several Trimmable Horizontal 
Stabilizer (THS) support struts were found cracked at the strut 
ends. The THS is supported and articulated at frame (FR) 91 in the 
tail cone. Lateral movement is prevented by four diagonal support 
struts.
    Investigations revealed that the cracks were caused by stress 
corrosion and propagated from the inside to the outside of the 
strut.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
rupture of all four THS support struts at FR91, which would make the 
remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, potentially 
resulting in loss of the Horizontal Tail Plane.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued [EASA] AD 2014-
0121 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2014-0121] to require repetitive 
High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) inspections of the THS support 
strut ends, installation of reinforcing clamps on strut ends and, 
depending on findings, replacement of damaged support struts. 
Installation of reinforcing clamps on strut ends is considered a 
temporary solution pending introduction of a re-designed support 
strut.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was discovered that the 
[EASA] AD appeared to also require HFEC inspections of steel struts, 
which are not prone to cracking. The unsafe condition exists only on 
support struts made of aluminum, which were introduced through 
Airbus modification (mod) 06101, but may also have been installed in 
service as replacement parts on aeroplanes in pre-mod 06101 
configuration.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0121, which is superseded, and 
clarifies the need for an initial identification of the support 
struts installed on aeroplanes in pre-mod 06101 configuration. The 
related Airbus Service Bulletins (SB) remain unchanged.

    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-
0243.

Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0394, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for reinforcing the 
support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage tail section of 
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0395, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for 
cracking of the support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage 
tail section of Airbus Model A300 series airplanes.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6172, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for reinforcing the 
support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage tail section of 
Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes.

[[Page 8573]]

     Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6174, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for 
cracking of the support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage 
tail section of Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2136, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for reinforcing the 
support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage tail section of 
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2137, dated February 14, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for 
cracking of the support struts of the THS at frame 91 in the fuselage 
tail section of Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. 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 these 
same type designs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    Unlike the procedures described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
0395; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6174; and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-53-2137; each dated February 14, 2014; this proposed AD would not 
permit further flight if cracks are detected in the aluminum support 
strut ends of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer at frame 91. We have 
determined that, because of the safety implications and consequences 
associated with that cracking, any cracked aluminum support strut ends 
of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer must be repaired or modified 
before further flight. This difference has been coordinated with EASA 
and Airbus.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 174 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 5 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 $2,100 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $439,350, or $2,525 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 15 work-hours and require parts costing $10,000, for a cost 
of $11,275 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these 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 proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed 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 proposed 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 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-2015-0243; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
114-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 6, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-
103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.

[[Page 8574]]

    (5) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (6) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked aluminum support 
struts of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) caused by stress 
corrosion. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked THS 
support struts, which could lead to the rupture of all four support 
struts making the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, 
which could result in loss of the THS and reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Part Number

    For airplanes in pre-modification 06101 configuration: Within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, do an inspection to 
identify the part number (P/N) of each support strut installed on 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) at frame (FR) 91, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of 
this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection, provided those records can be relied upon 
for that purpose and the part number can be positively identified 
from that review. If no aluminum strut(s) having P/N R21449, 
R21449D, R21449G, or R21449H is found during any inspection required 
by this paragraph no further action is required by this AD for that 
horizontal stabilizer, except for paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (1) For Airbus Model A300 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-53-0395, dated February 14, 2014.
    (2) For Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
Model A300-600 series airplanes): Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
6174, dated February 14, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-53-2137, dated February 14, 2014.

(h) Repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) Inspections

    For airplanes in post-modification 06101 configuration; and for 
airplanes in pre-modification 06101 configuration on which one or 
more aluminum support strut(s) having P/N R21449, P/N R21449D, P/N 
R21449G, or P/N R21449H was found during the inspection by paragraph 
(g) of this AD: Within the applicable compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, do an HFEC 
inspection for cracking of the aluminum THS support strut ends at FR 
91, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(3) of this AD. Reinforcing clamps already installed on strut 
ends must be removed before accomplishing the HFEC inspection and 
re-installed after the inspection, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
    (1) For airplanes having manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0499 
through MSN 0747 inclusive (post-mod 06101): Within 12 months after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes having MSN 0748 through MSN 0878 inclusive 
(post-mod 06101): Within 18 months after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) For airplanes having MSN 0001 through MSN 0498 inclusive 
(pre-mod 06101) having one or more aluminum struts: Within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Installation of Reinforcing Clamps

    Concurrently with the initial HFEC inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, identify struts having P/N R21449, P/N 
R21449D, P/N R21449G, or P/N R21449H with no reinforcing clamps 
previously installed, and before next flight, install reinforcing 
clamps on each strut end, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Airbus Model A300 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-53-0394, dated February 14, 2014.
    (2) For Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
Model A300-600 series airplanes): Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
6172, dated February 14, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-53-2136, dated February 14, 2014.

(j) Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any cracking is found, before further flight, replace the affected 
THS support strut(s) with serviceable struts and install clamps on 
each strut end, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the applicable service bulletin identified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(3) of this AD.

(k) Clarification

    Installation of reinforcing clamps as required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD, and the replacement of support struts and/or the 
installation of clamps as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, do 
not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(l) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) 
of this AD: After accomplishment of any inspection required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, report all inspection results to 
Airbus, including no findings, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletins specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD, and paragraphs (i)(1) 
through (i)(3) of this AD.
    (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.

(m) 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: 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: 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) 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European

[[Page 8575]]

Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-0164, dated July 
11, 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-2015-0243.
    (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 account.airworth-eas@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 February 2, 2015.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02922 Filed 2-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                 8571

                                                    (b) Affected ADs                                        Amendment 39–17280 (77 FR 73908,                      paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may
                                                      This AD replaces AD 2012–24–10,                       December 12, 2012), with revised service              be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
                                                    Amendment 39–17280 (77 FR 73908,                        information. Within 60 months after January           Requests@faa.gov.
                                                    December 12, 2012).                                     16, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2012–24–             (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                                                                                            10), except as provided by paragraph (j) of           notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                                    (c) Applicability                                       this AD: Replace the duct assembly with a             or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                                       This AD applies to The Boeing Company                new duct assembly, do wiring changes, and             of the local flight standards district office/
                                                    Model 747–400 and –400F series airplanes,               route certain wire bundles, in accordance             certificate holding district office.
                                                    certificated in any category, as identified in          with the Accomplishment Instructions of                 (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
                                                    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,              Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,            level of safety may be used for any repair
                                                    Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013.                         Revision 1, dated October 3, 2011; or Boeing          required by this AD if it is approved by
                                                                                                            Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,                   Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                    (d) Subject                                             Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013. As of the             Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
                                                      Air Transport Association (ATA) of                    effective date of this AD, only Boeing Alert          been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
                                                    America Code 21, Air Conditioning; 31,                  Service Bulletin 747–21A2523, Revision 2,             ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
                                                    Instruments.                                            dated June 7, 2013, may be used to                    method to be approved, the repair must meet
                                                                                                            accomplish the actions required by this               the certification basis of the airplane, and the
                                                    (e) Unsafe Condition                                    paragraph.                                            approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                                       This AD was prompted by reports of                                                                           (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2012–24–10,
                                                    intermittent or blank displays of a certain             (i) New Installation of Pressure Switch               Amendment 39–17280 (77 FR 73908,
                                                    integrated display unit (IDU) in the flight             Bracket and Altitude Pressure Switch                  December 12, 2012), are approved as AMOCs
                                                    deck. We are issuing this AD to prevent IDU                Within 60 months after the effective date          for the corresponding provisions of
                                                    malfunctions, which could affect the ability            of this AD: Install a new or serviceable              paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
                                                    of the flightcrew to read primary displays for          pressure switch bracket and a new or
                                                    airplane attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and           serviceable altitude pressure switch on the           (m) Related Information
                                                    consequently reduce the ability of the                  forward side of the station 400 bulkhead, do             (1) For more information about this AD,
                                                    flightcrew to maintain control of the airplane.         wiring changes, route certain wire bundles,           contact Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace
                                                                                                            install a new hose assembly, and perform a            Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
                                                    (f) Compliance                                          leak check and a functional logic test, in            Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle
                                                       Comply with this AD within the                       accordance with the Accomplishment                    Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind
                                                    compliance times specified, unless already              Instructions of the service information               Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                    done.                                                   specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this       phone: 425–917–6592; fax: 425–917–6591;
                                                                                                            AD, as applicable.                                    email: ana.m.hueto@faa.gov.
                                                    (g) Retained Software Update
                                                                                                               (1) For Model 747–400F series airplanes:              (2) For service information identified in
                                                       This paragraph restates the requirements of          Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21–2532,            this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                                    paragraph (g) of AD 2012–24–10,                         dated February 13, 2014.                              Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                                    Amendment 39–17280 (77 FR 73908,                           (2) For Model 747–400BCF series                    Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
                                                    December 12, 2012), with revised service                airplanes: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–         Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
                                                    information. Within 12 months after January             21–2533, dated February 13, 2014.                     544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
                                                    16, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2012–24–                                                                   Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                                    10), except as provided by paragraph (j) of             (j) Actions for Group 21 Airplanes
                                                                                                                                                                  may view this referenced service information
                                                    this AD: Install integrated display system                 For Group 21 airplanes, as identified in           at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                    software, in accordance with the                        Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,            1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington.
                                                    Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert             Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013, do the actions        For information on the availability of this
                                                    Service Bulletin 747–21A2523, Revision 1,               specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this     material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                    dated October 3, 2011; or Boeing Alert                  AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
                                                    Service Bulletin 747–21A2523, Revision 2,               Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin            Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
                                                    dated June 7, 2013. As of the effective date            747–21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7,                2, 2015.
                                                    of this AD, only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin          2013.                                                 Dionne Palermo,
                                                    747–21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7,                     (1) Within 12 months after the effective           Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                    2013, may be used to accomplish the actions             date of this AD, install integrated display           Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                    required by this paragraph.                             system software.
                                                       Note 1 to paragraph (g) and (j) of this AD:                                                                [FR Doc. 2015–02925 Filed 2–17–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                               (2) Within 60 months after the effective
                                                    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,              date of this AD, replace the duct assembly            BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                    Revision 1, dated October 3, 2011; and                  with a new duct assembly, do wiring
                                                    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2523,              changes, and route certain wire bundles.
                                                    Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013; refer to                                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                    Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–2426, dated              (k) Credit for Previous Actions
                                                    July 29, 2010 (for airplanes with Rolls-Royce              This paragraph provides credit for actions         Federal Aviation Administration
                                                    engines); Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–               required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD,
                                                    2427, dated July 29, 2010 (for airplanes with           if those actions were performed before the            14 CFR Part 39
                                                    General Electric engines); and Boeing Service           effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
                                                    Bulletin 747–31–2428, dated July 29, 2010               Service Bulletin 747–21A2523, Revision 1,             [Docket No. FAA–2015–0243; Directorate
                                                    (for airplanes with Pratt & Whitney engines);           dated October 3, 2011.                                Identifier 2014–NM–114–AD]
                                                    as additional sources of guidance for the
                                                                                                            (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                                    software installation specified by paragraph
                                                                                                            (AMOCs)
                                                    (g) of this AD. Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
                                                                                                               (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft                  Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
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                                                    31–2426, dated July 29, 2010; Boeing Service
                                                    Bulletin 747–31–2427, dated July 29, 2010;              Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the              Airplanes
                                                    and Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–2428,                authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
                                                                                                            requested using the procedures found in 14            AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                    dated July 29, 2010; are not incorporated by
                                                    reference in this AD.                                   CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,           Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                            send your request to your principal inspector         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                    (h) Retained Duct Assembly Replacement                  or local Flight Standards District Office, as         (NPRM).
                                                    and Wiring Changes                                      appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                      This paragraph restates the requirements of           to the manager of the ACO, send it to the             SUMMARY:  We propose to adopt a new
                                                    paragraph (h) of AD 2012–24–10,                         attention of the person identified in                 airworthiness directive (AD) for all


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                                                    8572                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Airbus Model A300 series airplanes;                     Management Facility between 9 a.m.                       Investigations revealed that the cracks were
                                                    Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–                     and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    caused by stress corrosion and propagated
                                                    600R series airplanes, and A300 C4–                     except Federal holidays. The AD docket                from the inside to the outside of the strut.
                                                                                                                                                                     This condition, if not detected and
                                                    605R Variant F airplanes (collectively                  contains this proposed AD, the                        corrected, could lead to the rupture of all
                                                    called Model A300–600 series                            regulatory evaluation, any comments                   four THS support struts at FR91, which
                                                    airplanes); and Model A310 series                       received, and other information. The                  would make the remaining structure unable
                                                    airplanes. This proposed AD was                         street address for the Docket Operations              to carry limit loads, potentially resulting in
                                                    prompted by reports of cracked                          office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in                 loss of the Horizontal Tail Plane.
                                                    aluminum support struts of the                          the ADDRESSES section. Comments will                     To address this unsafe condition, EASA
                                                    trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS)                   be available in the AD docket shortly                 issued [EASA] AD 2014–0121 [http://
                                                                                                                                                                  ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2014-0121] to require
                                                    caused by stress corrosion. This                        after receipt.
                                                                                                                                                                  repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current
                                                    proposed AD would require inspections                                                                         (HFEC) inspections of the THS support strut
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Dan
                                                    to identify the part number of each                                                                           ends, installation of reinforcing clamps on
                                                                                                            Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                    support strut, repetitive inspections for                                                                     strut ends and, depending on findings,
                                                                                                            International Branch, ANM–116,
                                                    cracking of the THS support strut ends,                                                                       replacement of damaged support struts.
                                                                                                            Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,                  Installation of reinforcing clamps on strut
                                                    installation of reinforcing clamps on
                                                                                                            1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                      ends is considered a temporary solution
                                                    strut ends, and replacement of support
                                                                                                            98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125;                   pending introduction of a re-designed
                                                    struts, if necessary. We are proposing
                                                                                                            fax 425–227–1149.                                     support strut.
                                                    this AD to detect and correct cracked                                                                            Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was
                                                    THS support struts, which could lead to                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            discovered that the [EASA] AD appeared to
                                                    the rupture of all four support struts                  Comments Invited                                      also require HFEC inspections of steel struts,
                                                    making the remaining structure unable                                                                         which are not prone to cracking. The unsafe
                                                    to carry limit loads, which could result                  We invite you to send any written                   condition exists only on support struts made
                                                    in loss of the THS and reduced control                  relevant data, views, or arguments about              of aluminum, which were introduced
                                                    of the airplane.                                                                                              through Airbus modification (mod) 06101,
                                                                                                            this proposed AD. Send your comments
                                                                                                                                                                  but may also have been installed in service
                                                    DATES: We must receive comments on                      to an address listed under the                        as replacement parts on aeroplanes in pre-
                                                    this proposed AD by April 6, 2015.                      ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.               mod 06101 configuration.
                                                    ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       FAA–2015–0243; Directorate Identifier                    For the reason described above, this
                                                    using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    2014–NM–114–AD’’ at the beginning of                  [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
                                                                                                            your comments. We specifically invite                 AD 2014–0121, which is superseded, and
                                                    11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                                                                            comments on the overall regulatory,                   clarifies the need for an initial identification
                                                    methods:                                                                                                      of the support struts installed on aeroplanes
                                                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  economic, environmental, and energy
                                                                                                                                                                  in pre-mod 06101 configuration. The related
                                                    http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  aspects of this proposed AD. We will                  Airbus Service Bulletins (SB) remain
                                                    instructions for submitting comments.                   consider all comments received by the                 unchanged.
                                                       • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 closing date and may amend this
                                                                                                            proposed AD based on those comments.                    You may examine the MCAI in the
                                                       • Mail: U.S. Department of                                                                                 AD docket on the Internet at http://
                                                    Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                     We will post all comments we                        www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                    30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                    receive, without change, to http://                   and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                    www.regulations.gov, including any                    0243.
                                                    Washington, DC 20590.                                   personal information you provide. We
                                                       • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                  will also post a report summarizing each              Relevant Service Information Under 1
                                                    Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                   substantive verbal contact we receive                 CFR Part 51
                                                    30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                    about this proposed AD.                                  Airbus has issued the following
                                                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                                                                          service information. The actions
                                                                                                            Discussion
                                                    Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5                                                                          described in this service information are
                                                    p.m., Monday through Friday, except                       The European Aviation Safety Agency                 intended to correct the unsafe condition
                                                    Federal holidays.                                       (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  identified in the MCAI.
                                                       For service information identified in                for the Member States of the European                    • Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–
                                                    this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS,                   Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness                  0394, dated February 14, 2014. This
                                                    Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond                        Directive 2014–0164, dated July 11,                   service information describes
                                                    Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac                   2014 (referred to after this as the                   procedures for reinforcing the support
                                                    Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36                 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                    struts of the THS at frame 91 in the
                                                    96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email                        Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct             fuselage tail section of Airbus Model
                                                    account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;                        an unsafe condition for all Airbus                    A300 series airplanes.
                                                    Internet http://www.airbus.com. You                     Model A300 series airplanes; Model                       • Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–
                                                    may view this referenced service                        A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R                     0395, dated February 14, 2014. This
                                                    information at the FAA, Transport                       series airplanes, and A300 C4–605R                    service information describes
                                                    Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                  Variant F airplanes (collectively called              procedures for inspecting for cracking of
                                                    SW., Renton, WA. For information on                     Model A300–600 series airplanes); and                 the support struts of the THS at frame
                                                                                                                                                                  91 in the fuselage tail section of Airbus
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                                                    the availability of this material at the                Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI
                                                    FAA, call 425–227–1221.                                 states:                                               Model A300 series airplanes.
                                                                                                                                                                     • Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–
                                                    Examining the AD Docket                                    During scheduled maintenance, several              6172, dated February 14, 2014. This
                                                                                                            Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS)
                                                      You may examine the AD docket on                      support struts were found cracked at the strut
                                                                                                                                                                  service information describes
                                                    the Internet at http://                                 ends. The THS is supported and articulated            procedures for reinforcing the support
                                                    www.regulations.gov by searching for                    at frame (FR) 91 in the tail cone. Lateral            struts of the THS at frame 91 in the
                                                    and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                       movement is prevented by four diagonal                fuselage tail section of Airbus Model
                                                    0243; or in person at the Docket                        support struts.                                       A300–600 series airplanes.


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                8573

                                                       • Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–                   this proposed AD. The average labor                   Regulatory Findings
                                                    6174, dated February 14, 2014. This                     rate is $85 per work-hour. Required                     We determined that this proposed AD
                                                    service information describes                           parts would cost about $2,100 per                     would not have federalism implications
                                                    procedures for inspecting for cracking of               product. Based on these figures, we                   under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                    the support struts of the THS at frame                  estimate the cost of this proposed AD on              proposed AD would not have a
                                                    91 in the fuselage tail section of Airbus               U.S. operators to be $439,350, or $2,525              substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                    Model A300–600 series airplanes.                        per product.                                          the relationship between the national
                                                       • Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–                     In addition, we estimate that any                   Government and the States, or on the
                                                    2136, dated February 14, 2014. This                     necessary follow-on actions would take                distribution of power and
                                                    service information describes                           about 15 work-hours and require parts                 responsibilities among the various
                                                    procedures for reinforcing the support                  costing $10,000, for a cost of $11,275                levels of government.
                                                    struts of the THS at frame 91 in the                    per product. We have no way of                          For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                    fuselage tail section of Airbus Model                   determining the number of aircraft that               certify this proposed regulation:
                                                    A310 series airplanes.                                  might need these actions.                               1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                       • Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–                                                                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                    2137, dated February 14, 2014. This                     Paperwork Reduction Act                                 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                    service information describes                                                                                 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                    procedures for inspecting for cracking of                 A federal agency may not conduct or                 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                    the support struts of the THS at frame                  sponsor, and a person is not required to                3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                                    91 in the fuselage tail section of Airbus               respond to, nor shall a person be subject             Alaska; and
                                                    Model A310 series airplanes. This                       to penalty for failure to comply with a                 4. Will not have a significant
                                                    service information is reasonably                       collection of information subject to the              economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                    available; see ADDRESSES for ways to                    requirements of the Paperwork                         on a substantial number of small entities
                                                    access this service information.                        Reduction Act unless that collection of               under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                                                                            information displays a current valid                  Flexibility Act.
                                                    FAA’s Determination and Requirements                    OMB control number. The control
                                                    of This Proposed AD                                     number for the collection of information              List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                      This product has been approved by                     required by this proposed AD is 2120–                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                    the aviation authority of another                       0056. The paperwork cost associated                   safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                    country, and is approved for operation                  with this proposed AD has been                        Safety.
                                                    in the United States. Pursuant to our                   detailed in the Costs of Compliance
                                                                                                                                                                  The Proposed Amendment
                                                    bilateral agreement with the State of                   section of this document and includes
                                                    Design Authority, we have been notified                 time for reviewing instructions, as well                Accordingly, under the authority
                                                    of the unsafe condition described in the                as completing and reviewing the                       delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                    MCAI and service information                            collection of information. Therefore, all             the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                    referenced above. We are proposing this                 reporting associated with this proposed               39 as follows:
                                                    AD because we evaluated all pertinent                   AD is mandatory. Comments concerning
                                                    information and determined an unsafe                    the accuracy of this burden and                       PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                    condition exists and is likely to exist or              suggestions for reducing the burden                   DIRECTIVES
                                                    develop on other products of these same                 should be directed to the FAA at 800                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                    type designs.                                           Independence Ave. SW., Washington,                    continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                            DC 20591, ATTN: Information
                                                    Differences Between This Proposed AD                                                                              Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                                                                            Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
                                                    and the MCAI or Service Information
                                                                                                            Authority for This Rulemaking                         § 39.13    [Amended]
                                                       Unlike the procedures described in
                                                                                                                                                                  ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                                    Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–0395;                      Title 49 of the United States Code                 the following new airworthiness
                                                    Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6174;                   specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                directive (AD):
                                                    and Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–                    rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                    2137; each dated February 14, 2014; this                                                                      Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2015–0243;
                                                                                                            section 106, describes the authority of                   Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–114–AD.
                                                    proposed AD would not permit further                    the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                    flight if cracks are detected in the                    Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                (a) Comments Due Date
                                                    aluminum support strut ends of the                      detail the scope of the Agency’s                        We must receive comments by April 6,
                                                    trimmable horizontal stabilizer at frame                authority.                                            2015.
                                                    91. We have determined that, because of                                                                       (b) Affected ADs
                                                    the safety implications and                                We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                    consequences associated with that                       the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,              None.
                                                    cracking, any cracked aluminum                          Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                   (c) Applicability
                                                    support strut ends of the trimmable                     General requirements.’’ Under that                       This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
                                                    horizontal stabilizer must be repaired or               section, Congress charges the FAA with                specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6)
                                                    modified before further flight. This                    promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            of this AD, certificated in any category, all
                                                                                                            air commerce by prescribing regulations
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                                                    difference has been coordinated with                                                                          manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                    EASA and Airbus.                                        for practices, methods, and procedures                   (1) Airbus Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C,
                                                                                                            the Administrator finds necessary for                 B2K–3C, B2–203, B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–
                                                    Costs of Compliance                                     safety in air commerce. This regulation               203 airplanes.
                                                                                                            is within the scope of that authority                    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4–603,
                                                       We estimate that this proposed AD                                                                          B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes.
                                                    affects 174 airplanes of U.S. registry.                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                 (3) Airbus Model A300 B4–605R and B4–
                                                       We also estimate that it would take                  that is likely to exist or develop on                 622R airplanes.
                                                    about 5 work-hours per product to                       products identified in this rulemaking                   (4) Airbus Model A300 F4–605R and F4–
                                                    comply with the basic requirements of                   action.                                               622R airplanes.



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                                                    8574                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      (5) Airbus Model A300 C4–605R Variant F               Reinforcing clamps already installed on strut         paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD,
                                                    airplanes.                                              ends must be removed before accomplishing             and paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of this
                                                      (6) Airbus Model A310–203, –204, –221,                the HFEC inspection and re-installed after            AD.
                                                    –222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes.             the inspection, in accordance with the                   (1) If the inspection was done on or after
                                                                                                            Accomplishment Instructions of the                    the effective date of this AD: Submit the
                                                    (d) Subject                                             applicable service bulletin specified in              report within 30 days after the inspection.
                                                      Air Transport Association (ATA) of                    paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.             (2) If the inspection was done before the
                                                    America Code 53, Fuselage.                              Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals         effective date of this AD: Submit the report
                                                                                                            not to exceed 24 months.                              within 30 days after the effective date of this
                                                    (e) Reason
                                                                                                              (1) For airplanes having manufacturer               AD.
                                                       This AD was prompted by reports of                   serial number (MSN) 0499 through MSN
                                                    cracked aluminum support struts of the                  0747 inclusive (post-mod 06101): Within 12            (m) Other FAA AD Provisions
                                                    trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) caused            months after the effective date of this AD.              The following provisions also apply to this
                                                    by stress corrosion. We are issuing this AD               (2) For airplanes having MSN 0748 through           AD:
                                                    to detect and correct cracked THS support               MSN 0878 inclusive (post-mod 06101):                     (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                    struts, which could lead to the rupture of all          Within 18 months after the effective date of          (AMOCs): The Manager, International
                                                    four support struts making the remaining                this AD.                                              Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
                                                    structure unable to carry limit loads, which              (3) For airplanes having MSN 0001 through           Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
                                                    could result in loss of the THS and reduced             MSN 0498 inclusive (pre-mod 06101) having             approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
                                                    control of the airplane.                                one or more aluminum struts: Within 24                using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
                                                    (f) Compliance                                          months after the effective date of this AD.           In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
                                                                                                                                                                  request to your principal inspector or local
                                                       Comply with this AD within the                       (i) Installation of Reinforcing Clamps
                                                                                                                                                                  Flight Standards District Office, as
                                                    compliance times specified, unless already                 Concurrently with the initial HFEC                 appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                    done.                                                   inspection required by paragraph (h) of this          to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
                                                    (g) Inspection for Part Number                          AD, identify struts having P/N R21449, P/N            Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                                                                            R21449D, P/N R21449G, or P/N R21449H                  International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
                                                       For airplanes in pre-modification 06101              with no reinforcing clamps previously                 Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                                    configuration: Within 12 months after the               installed, and before next flight, install
                                                    effective date of this AD, do an inspection to                                                                Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                                                                            reinforcing clamps on each strut end, in              telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149.
                                                    identify the part number (P/N) of each                  accordance with the Accomplishment
                                                    support strut installed on the trimmable                                                                      Information may be emailed to: 9–ANM-116-
                                                                                                            Instructions of the applicable service bulletin       AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
                                                    horizontal stabilizer (THS) at frame (FR) 91,           specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of
                                                    in accordance with the Accomplishment                                                                         any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                                                                                                            this AD.                                              principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                                    Instructions of the applicable service bulletin            (1) For Airbus Model A300 series
                                                    identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3)                                                                inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                                                                                            airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–           standards district office/certificate holding
                                                    of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance            0394, dated February 14, 2014.
                                                    records is acceptable in lieu of this                                                                         district office. The AMOC approval letter
                                                                                                               (2) For Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–              must specifically reference this AD.
                                                    inspection, provided those records can be               600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and
                                                    relied upon for that purpose and the part                                                                        (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
                                                                                                            A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes                      requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
                                                    number can be positively identified from that           (collectively called Model A300–600 series
                                                    review. If no aluminum strut(s) having P/N                                                                    actions from a manufacturer, the action must
                                                                                                            airplanes): Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–          be accomplished using a method approved
                                                    R21449, R21449D, R21449G, or R21449H is                 6172, dated February 14, 2014.
                                                    found during any inspection required by this                                                                  by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
                                                                                                               (3) For Airbus Model A310 series
                                                    paragraph no further action is required by                                                                    116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
                                                                                                            airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–
                                                    this AD for that horizontal stabilizer, except                                                                the European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                                                                            2136, dated February 14, 2014.
                                                    for paragraph (l) of this AD.                                                                                 (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
                                                       (1) For Airbus Model A300 series                     (j) Corrective Actions                                Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
                                                    airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–                If, during any inspection required by              the DOA, the approval must include the
                                                    0395, dated February 14, 2014.                          paragraph (h) of this AD, any cracking is             DOA-authorized signature.
                                                       (2) For Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–                found, before further flight, replace the                (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal
                                                    600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and                 affected THS support strut(s) with                    agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
                                                    A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes                        serviceable struts and install clamps on each         person is not required to respond to, nor
                                                    (collectively called Model A300–600 series              strut end, in accordance with the                     shall a person be subject to a penalty for
                                                    airplanes): Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–            Accomplishment Instructions of the                    failure to comply with a collection of
                                                    6174, dated February 14, 2014.                          applicable service bulletin identified in             information subject to the requirements of
                                                       (3) For Airbus Model A310 series                     paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.          the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
                                                    airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–                                                                   collection of information displays a current
                                                    2137, dated February 14, 2014.                          (k) Clarification                                     valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
                                                                                                              Installation of reinforcing clamps as               Control Number for this information
                                                    (h) Repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current                                                                    collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
                                                                                                            required by paragraph (i) of this AD, and the
                                                    (HFEC) Inspections                                                                                            this collection of information is estimated to
                                                                                                            replacement of support struts and/or the
                                                      For airplanes in post-modification 06101              installation of clamps as required by                 be approximately 5 minutes per response,
                                                    configuration; and for airplanes in pre-                paragraph (j) of this AD, do not constitute           including the time for reviewing instructions,
                                                    modification 06101 configuration on which               terminating action for the repetitive                 completing and reviewing the collection of
                                                    one or more aluminum support strut(s)                   inspections required by paragraph (h) of this         information. All responses to this collection
                                                    having P/N R21449, P/N R21449D, P/N                     AD.                                                   of information are mandatory. Comments
                                                    R21449G, or P/N R21449H was found during                                                                      concerning the accuracy of this burden and
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                                                    the inspection by paragraph (g) of this AD:             (l) Reporting                                         suggestions for reducing the burden should
                                                    Within the applicable compliance times                     At the applicable time specified in                be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
                                                    specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3)       paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD: After        Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
                                                    of this AD, do an HFEC inspection for                   accomplishment of any inspection required             Information Collection Clearance Officer,
                                                    cracking of the aluminum THS support strut              by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, report          AES–200.
                                                    ends at FR 91, in accordance with the                   all inspection results to Airbus, including no
                                                    Accomplishment Instructions of the                      findings, in accordance with the                      (n) Related Information
                                                    applicable service bulletin identified in               Accomplishment Instructions of the                      (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
                                                    paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.            applicable service bulletins specified in             Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European



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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                8575

                                                    Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness                    11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following              comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                    Directive 2014–0164, dated July 11, 2014, for           methods:                                              economic, environmental, and energy
                                                    related information. This MCAI may be                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                 aspects of this proposed AD. We will
                                                    found in the AD docket on the Internet at               http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                consider all comments received by the
                                                    http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                    and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–0243.
                                                                                                            instructions for submitting comments.                 closing date and may amend this
                                                       (2) For service information identified in              • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                proposed AD based on those comments.
                                                    this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness                • Mail: U.S. Department of                            We will post all comments we
                                                    Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice                        Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 receive, without change, to http://
                                                    Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;                  30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                    telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61               W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  personal information you provide. We
                                                    93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@                   Washington, DC 20590.                                 will also post a report summarizing each
                                                    airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.               • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                 substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                    You may view this service information at the            Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                    FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601                                                                     about this proposed AD.
                                                    Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                                                                                            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                                                                            W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  Discussion
                                                    information on the availability of this
                                                    material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                 Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                            p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     As described in FAA Advisory
                                                       Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
                                                                                                            Federal holidays.                                     Circular 120 104 (http://www.faa.gov/
                                                    2, 2015.                                                                                                      documentLibrary/media/Advisory_
                                                                                                              For service information identified in
                                                    Dionne Palermo,
                                                                                                            this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS,                 Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs
                                                    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                      Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond                      have been developed to support
                                                    Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                            Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac                 initiatives that will ensure the
                                                    [FR Doc. 2015–02922 Filed 2–17–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36               continued airworthiness of aging
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email                      airplane structure. The last element of
                                                                                                            account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;                      those initiatives is the requirement to
                                                                                                            Internet http://www.airbus.com. You                   establish a LOV of the engineering data
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                            may view this referenced service                      that support the structural maintenance
                                                                                                            information at the FAA, Transport                     program under 14 CFR 26.21. This
                                                    Federal Aviation Administration                                                                               proposed AD is the result of an
                                                                                                            Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                                                                            SW., Renton, WA. For information on                   assessment of the previously established
                                                    14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                programs by Airbus during the process
                                                                                                            the availability of this material at the
                                                    [Docket No. FAA–2015–0086; Directorate                  FAA, call 425–227–1221.                               of establishing the LOV for Airbus
                                                    Identifier 2014–NM–191–AD]                                                                                    Model A310–203 airplanes. The actions
                                                                                                            Examining the AD Docket                               specified in this proposed AD are
                                                    RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                               You may examine the AD docket on                   necessary to complete certain programs
                                                                                                            the Internet at http://                               to ensure the continued airworthiness of
                                                    Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                                                                              aging airplane structure and to support
                                                    Airplanes                                               www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                            and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     an airplane reaching its LOV.
                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                0086; or in person at the Docket                        The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                                    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    for the Member States of the European
                                                    (NPRM).                                                 except Federal holidays. The AD docket                Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
                                                                                                            contains this proposed AD, the                        Directive 2014–0191, dated August 29,
                                                    SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                    regulatory evaluation, any comments                   2014 (referred to after this as the
                                                    airworthiness directive (AD) for all                    received, and other information. The                  Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
                                                    Airbus Model A310–203 airplanes. This                   street address for the Docket Operations              Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
                                                    proposed AD is intended to complete                     office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in                 an unsafe condition for all Airbus
                                                    certain mandated programs intended to                   the ADDRESSES section. Comments will                  Model A310–203 airplanes. The MCAI
                                                    support the airplane reaching its limit of              be available in the AD docket shortly                 states:
                                                    validity (LOV) of the engineering data                  after receipt.                                           During fatigue analysis performed in the
                                                    that support the established structural                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan                  scope of the Extended Service Goal, taking
                                                    maintenance program. This proposed                      Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,                           into account the certification loads and the
                                                    AD was prompted by reports that side                    International Branch, ANM–116,                        new lift-off loads, Airbus determined that
                                                    link clevis bolts of the front engine                   Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,                  side link clevis engine mount bolts do not
                                                    mount do not meet the Design Service                                                                          meet the Design Service Goal (DSG)
                                                                                                            1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
                                                    Goal (DSG) requirements on airplanes                                                                          requirements on aeroplanes equipped with
                                                                                                            Washington 98057–3356; telephone                      CF6–80A3 engines.
                                                    equipped with General Electric                          425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149.
                                                    Company CF6–80A3 engines. This                                                                                   This condition, if not corrected, could lead
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            to failure of the front engine mount, possibly
                                                    proposed AD would require repetitive                                                                          resulting in-flight separation of the engine
                                                    replacement of all side link clevis                     Comments Invited                                      from the aeroplane.
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                                                    engine mount bolts. We are proposing                      We invite you to send any written                      To address this potential unsafe condition,
                                                    this AD to prevent failure of the front                 relevant data, views, or arguments about              Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A310–
                                                    engine mount, and consequent possible                   this proposed AD. Send your comments                  71–2038 to introduce a life limit on the side
                                                    departure of the engine.                                                                                      link clevis engine mount bolts.
                                                                                                            to an address listed under the                           For the reason described above, this
                                                    DATES: We must receive comments on                      ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.               [EASA] AD requires implementation of the
                                                    this proposed AD by April 6, 2015.                      FAA–2015–0086; Directorate Identifier                 new life limit and replacement of all side
                                                    ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       2014–NM–191–AD’’ at the beginning of                  link clevis engine mount bolts that have
                                                    using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    your comments. We specifically invite                 exceeded the new limit.



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Document Created: 2018-02-16 11:10:28
Document Modified: 2018-02-16 11:10:28
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 April 6, 2015.
ContactDan 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 Citation80 FR 8571 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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