81_FR_39012 81 FR 38897 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

81 FR 38897 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 115 (June 15, 2016)

Page Range38897-38901
FR Document2016-13741

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, - 212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain structural repair manual (SRM) inspection requirements for the fuselage skin repairs are insufficient to detect cracks. This AD requires an inspection to determine whether any fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an inspection for cracking of certain repaired external fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 115 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38897-38901]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13741]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3635; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-037-AD; 
Amendment 39-18553; AD 2016-12-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, -
212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder 
(DAH) indicating that certain structural repair manual (SRM) inspection 
requirements for the fuselage skin repairs are insufficient to detect 
cracks. This AD requires an inspection to determine whether any 
fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an 
inspection for cracking of certain repaired external fuselage skin 
areas in the fuselage, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 20, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3635.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://

[[Page 38898]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3635; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A318 
series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on September 28, 2015 (80 FR 58226) (``the 
NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the DAH indicating 
that the fuselage skin repairs are subject to WFD. The NPRM proposed to 
require an inspection to determine whether any fuselage external skin 
(doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an inspection for cracking of 
certain repaired external fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and 
repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0036R1, dated March 31, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A318 
series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During A320 family Extended Service Goal full scale fatigue 
tests, it was demonstrated that the inspection thresholds defined in 
the current Structural Repair Manual (SRM) for the A320 family skin 
repairs are insufficient to detect possible cracks becoming after 
repairs. The findings are limited to 1.2 [millimeter] (mm) fuselage 
skin and cover for all cut-out external repairs. The internal 
repairs are not affected.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the fuselage at the repaired skin area(s).
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A53N007-14 to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2015-0036 
[http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:OLDASSET::svPath=/ADFiles/over/a320/,svFileName=2015-0036.pdf] to require a one-time 
inspection of the affected areas and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable repair instructions.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, operators have questioned the 
inspection threshold for A318 aeroplanes (not yet in the Airbus 
AOT), which is actually identical to that for A319 aeroplanes. In 
addition, an error has been detected in paragraph (1) [of the EASA 
AD], since external doublers may have been installed in the affected 
area by a modification that may not be recorded as repair.
    Such doubler installations are also subject to the inspection 
requirements of this [EASA] AD, which is therefore revised to 
provide clarifications, correcting paragraph (1) [of the EASA AD] 
and introducing a Note.

    Required actions include an inspection to determine whether any 
fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an 
external ultrasonic inspection or an internal low/high frequency eddy 
current inspection for cracking of certain repaired external fuselage 
skin areas in the fuselage, and repair if necessary. The compliance 
times vary depending on airplane configuration. The earliest compliance 
time is within 25,200 flight cycles since last repair, or within 350 
flight cycles after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs 
later. The latest compliance time is within 45,000 flight cycles since 
last repair; within 1,500 flight cycles from the effective date of the 
AD, without exceeding 49,100 flight cycles since last repair; or within 
350 flight cycles since the effective date of the AD; whichever occurs 
latest. 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-2015-3635.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comments received. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Mr. Bryant Kerr stated that the NPRM is an excellent idea, and it 
is always worth improving safety on airplanes.

Request To Revise Applicability

    United Airlines (UAL) requested that we revise the NPRM 
applicability to apply only to airplanes having repairs that were 
completed before May 1, 2015, the date of the revised service repair 
manual (SRM). UAL stated that any new airplane deliveries or external 
repairs accomplished after the updated SRM thresholds will presumably 
have the correct thresholds contained in the maintenance/inspection 
program.
    We partially agree with UAL's request. We agree that airplanes with 
repairs accomplished using the updated SRM will be in compliance with 
certain sections of this AD, such as the timescale for the inspection, 
which is a subset of the AD requirements. However, the SRM update will 
not replace the remaining AD requirements, which must be applicable to 
all airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD. We have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Exclude Inspected Airplanes

    Delta Airlines (DAL) stated that since certain repairs and 
modifications on its airplanes have already had their first inspection 
prior to the compliance time specified in the NPRM, the NPRM 
requirements should not apply. DAL also stated that if an operator's 
maintenance/inspection program is more stringent than the requirements 
of paragraph (m) of the proposed AD, the operator should be excluded 
from the NPRM requirements.
    We disagree with DAL's request. Accomplishment of the first 
inspection is only part of the actions required by this AD. Paragraph 
(m) of this AD requires revision of the post-repair inspection 
threshold(s) in the operator's maintenance program or inspection 
program. This AD includes the minimum requirements for mitigating the 
identified unsafe condition. However, under the provisions of paragraph 
(n)(1) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval of different 
methods of compliance if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate 
that the change would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    DAL requested a compliance time extension from 350 flight cycles to 
6 months. DAL stated that depending on

[[Page 38899]]

the fleet utilization, an operator of a large, older fleet could be 
required to accomplish the compliance rework within a few months, 
thereby creating a significant impact on its available resources. DAL 
also stated that it is possible that several airplanes will be grounded 
because it may not have enough resources to comply with the 350-flight-
cycle limit.
    We do not agree with DAL's request. DAL's rationale for a 
compliance time extension does not provide an acceptable level of 
safety. The compliance time of this AD is based on a risk assessment. 
Some safety issues are more time sensitive than others. We have 
considered the compliance time established by EASA, and the overall 
risk to the fleet, including the severity of the identified unsafe 
condition and the likelihood of the occurrence of the unsafe condition, 
to determine the compliance time. However, under the provisions of 
paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, operators may apply for an extension of 
the compliance time by providing a satisfactory rationale explaining 
why a compliance time extension provides an acceptable level of safety. 
We have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Request To Clarify Requirements and Approve Certain Repair Information 
Sources

    DAL requested that we make a distinction that the NPRM requirements 
apply only to external repair fasteners common to the 1.2-millimeter 
(mm) skin. DAL also stated that we should approve category B repairs 
done using the latest revision of the SRM and any repair design 
approval sheet (RDAS) approved after July 1, 2014. DAL stated that the 
applicable Airbus SRM repair inspection thresholds have been revised 
this year to address certain inadequacies.
    We do not agree with DAL's requests. Paragraph (g) of this AD 
already requires an inspection to determine whether any fuselage 
doubler repairs have been accomplished on affected fuselage sections 
with a skin thickness of 1.2 mm. DAL did not substantiate how the 
corrective actions in any RDAS for category ``B'' repairs approved 
after July 1, 2014, and the latest revision of the SRMs would 
adequately address the unsafe condition. However, the commenter may use 
the provisions of paragraph (n)(2) of this AD for obtaining corrective 
actions from a manufacturer. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request To Clarify Inspection Timeframes

    UAL requested clarification on how the NPRM addresses detection of 
cracking in the timeframe between the inspection threshold specified in 
the NPRM and Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014, and the repetitive inspections specified in the SRM. UAL 
stated that the compliance time has a short threshold if the repair 
records are inconclusive, which is as early as 350 flight cycles from 
the effective date of the AD; therefore, the initial inspection could 
be accomplished much earlier than the crack detection period.
    We agree to clarify the inspection timeframes. The 350-flight-cycle 
compliance time is a second option to the compliance time specified in 
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014. 
The compliance time is based on a risk assessment that takes into 
consideration the fatigue crack length propagation. We have considered 
the compliance time established by EASA, and the overall risk to the 
fleet, including the severity of the identified unsafe condition and 
the likelihood of the occurrence of the unsafe condition. No change to 
the AD is necessary in this regard.

Request To Correct Non-Destructive Testing Manual (NTM) Task Numbers

    DAL stated that Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, 
dated July 22, 2014, references incorrect formatting of NTM task 
numbers. DAL stated the formatting should be ``51-10-15-270-801-A01'' 
and ``51-10-16-250-801-A01,'' and not ``51-10-15-270-801-A-01'' and 
``51-10-16-250-801-A-01.''
    We disagree with DAL's statement. NTM task numbers 51-10-15-270-
801-A-01 and 51-10-16-250-801-A-01 are correctly referenced in Airbus 
Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, and in 
the Airbus A318/319/320/321 Non-Destructive Testing Manual. We have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Clarification of Unsafe Condition Language

    We revised the description of the precipitating event in the 
SUMMARY and paragraph (e) of this AD to correspond to the wording used 
in the MCAI AD.

Conclusion

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, dated 
July 22, 2014. The service information describes procedures for an 
inspection to detect cracking on repaired 1.2-millimeter fuselage skin 
areas on fuselage sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17 at external 
doubler repairs. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 940 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $159,800, or $170 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.

[[Page 38900]]

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-12-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-18553. Docket No. FAA-2015-3635; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-037-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that certain structural repair manual (SRM) 
inspection requirements for the fuselage skin repairs are 
insufficient to detect cracks. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Repair Areas

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD: Do an inspection to determine whether any fuselage 
external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished on fuselage 
sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17 with a skin thickness of 1.2 
millimeters. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable 
in lieu of this inspection if the identification of applicable 
repairs can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes: Except as 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c. of the 
``Accomplishment Timescale'' of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission 
(AOT) A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, or within 350 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For Model A318 series airplanes: Except as specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, at the Model A319 airplane 
time specified in paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c. of the 
``Accomplishment Timescale'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014, or within 350 flight cycles after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) Where paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c. of the 
``Accomplishment Timescale'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014, specify ``FC,'' this AD specifies ``flight cycles.''
    (2) Where paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c. of the 
``Accomplishment Timescale'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014, specify ``from AOT issuance,'' this AD specifies ``as of 
the effective date of this AD.''

(i) Inspection for Cracking

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
it is determined that any fuselage external skin (doubler) repair 
has been accomplished on fuselage section 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, or 17: 
At the applicable time specified paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, do an external ultrasonic inspection or an internal low 
frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracking of all of the 
repaired 1.2-millimeter (mm) fuselage skin areas, in accordance with 
the instructions specified in paragraph 4.2.2, ``Inspection 
Requirements,'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, 
except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Optional Inspection for Cracking

    As an optional method of compliance to the ultrasonic inspection 
or LFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Do a high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking in the cut-out 
surrounding the fastener area, at and in front (approximately 10-15 
millimeters) of the fastener row, after doubler removal and before 
any new extended doubler installation, 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).

(k) Optional Repetitive Inspections

    In lieu of doing the inspection required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD: Within the applicable compliance time specified in 
paragraph 4.1.1, ``Accomplishment Timescale,'' of Airbus AOT 
A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, after accomplishing the inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do a detailed inspection or 
HFEC inspection and repeat the inspection thereafter within the 
applicable compliance times specified in paragraph 4.1.1, 
``Accomplishment Timescale,'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014. The inspections must be done in accordance with the 
instructions of paragraph 4.2.2, ``Inspection Requirements,'' of 
Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014. For Model A318 series 
airplanes, use the applicable compliance times and instructions 
specified in Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, that are 
specified for Model A319 series airplanes.

(l) Repair

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (i), (j), or (k) of this AD: Before further flight, repair 
the cracking, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 
4.2.3, ``Findings,'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, 
except where Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014, specifies 
to contact Airbus for a repair design approval sheet or for further 
instructions, this AD requires repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA.

(m) FAA-Approved Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Concurrently with the accomplishment of any repair required by 
paragraph (l) of this AD, revise the post-repair inspection 
threshold(s) in the applicable FAA-approved maintenance program or 
inspection program, as applicable, in accordance with the 
instructions specified in paragraph 4.1.1, ``Accomplishment 
Timescale,'' of Airbus AOT A53N007-14, dated July 22, 2014; except 
for Model A318 series airplanes use the instructions specified for 
Model A319 series airplanes.

[[Page 38901]]

(n) 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: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0036R1, dated March 31, 
2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3635.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14, dated July 
22, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-13741 Filed 6-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          38897

                                              As with all Federal promotion                          For the reasons set forth in the                     DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                           programs, reports and forms are                         preamble, 7 CFR part 1214 is amended
                                           periodically reviewed to reduce                         as follows:                                            Federal Aviation Administration
                                           information requirements and
                                           duplication by industry and public                      PART 1214—CHRISTMAS TREE                               14 CFR Part 39
                                           sector agencies. Finally, USDA has not                  PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND                               [Docket No. FAA–2015–3635; Directorate
                                           identified any relevant Federal rules                   INFORMATION ORDER                                      Identifier 2015–NM–037–AD; Amendment
                                           that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with                                                                      39–18553; AD 2016–12–04]
                                           this rule.                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
                                                                                                                                                          RIN 2120–AA64
                                              AMS is committed to complying with                   part 1214 continues to read as follows:
                                           the E-Government Act, to promote the                      Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411–7425; 7 U.S.C.              Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                           use of the Internet and other                           7401.                                                  Airplanes
                                           information technologies to provide
                                           increased opportunities for citizen                     ■ 2. Section 1214.5 is revised to read as              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                           access to Government information and                    follows:                                               Administration (FAA), Department of
                                           services, and for other purposes.                                                                              Transportation (DOT).
                                              Regarding outreach efforts, the Board                § 1214.5    Crop year.                                 ACTION: Final rule.
                                           met on July 17, 2015, and unanimously                     Crop year means the period August 1                  SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                           recommended these changes to the                        through July 31 or such other period                   airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                           Order. All of the Board’s meetings,                     approved by the Secretary.                             Airbus Model A318 series airplanes;
                                           including meetings held via                                                                                    A319 series airplanes; A320–211, –212,
                                           teleconference, are open to the public                  ■ 3. Section 1214.8 is revised to read as
                                                                                                   follows:                                               –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes;
                                           and interested persons are invited to                                                                          and A321 series airplanes. This AD was
                                           participate and express their views.                                                                           prompted by an evaluation by the
                                                                                                   § 1214.8    Fiscal period.
                                              A proposed rule concerning this                                                                             design approval holder (DAH)
                                           action was published in the Federal                       Fiscal period means the period                       indicating that certain structural repair
                                           Register on March 1, 2016 (81 FR                        August 1 through July 31 or such other                 manual (SRM) inspection requirements
                                           10530). The proposal was made                           period approved by the Secretary.                      for the fuselage skin repairs are
                                           available through the Internet by USDA                                                                         insufficient to detect cracks. This AD
                                                                                                   ■  4. Subpart C, consisting of § 1214.520,
                                           and the Office of the Federal Register. A                                                                      requires an inspection to determine
                                                                                                   is added to read as follows:
                                           15-day comment period ending March                                                                             whether any fuselage external skin
                                           16, 2016, was provided to allow                         Subpart C—Provisions Implementing                      (doubler) repairs have been
                                           interested persons to submit comments.                  the Christmas Tree Promotion,                          accomplished, an inspection for
                                           No comments were received.                              Research, and Information Order                        cracking of certain repaired external
                                              After consideration of all relevant                                                                         fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and
                                           matters presented, including the                        § 1214.520 Late payment and interest                   repair if necessary. We are issuing this
                                           information and recommendation                          charges for past due assessments.                      AD to detect and correct fatigue
                                           submitted by the Board and other                                                                               cracking of the fuselage skin, which
                                                                                                      (a) A late payment charge shall be
                                           available information, it is hereby found                                                                      could result in reduced structural
                                                                                                   imposed on any producer or importer
                                           that this rule, as hereinafter set forth, is                                                                   integrity of the airplane.
                                                                                                   who fails to make timely remittance to
                                           consistent with and will effectuate the                                                                        DATES: This AD becomes effective July
                                                                                                   the Board of the total assessments for
                                           purposes of the 1996 Act.                                                                                      20, 2016.
                                                                                                   which such producer or importer is
                                              It is further found that good cause                                                                           The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                   liable. The late payment charge will be
                                           exists for not postponing the effective                                                                        approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                   imposed on any assessments not
                                           date of this rule until 30 days after                                                                          of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                                                                                   received within 30 calendar days of the
                                           publication in the Federal Register (5                                                                         as of July 20, 2016.
                                                                                                   date they are due. This one-time late
                                           U.S.C. 553) because this is the initial                                                                        ADDRESSES: For service information
                                                                                                   payment charge shall be $250 and will
                                           year for the collection of assessments                                                                         identified in this final rule, contact
                                                                                                   be increased to $500 after 90 days of
                                           under the Order, on the 2015 harvest,                                                                          Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
                                                                                                   delinquency.
                                           and assessments were due on February                                                                           Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
                                           15, 2016. Importers are responsible for                    (b) In addition to the late payment                 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
                                           paying assessments directly to the Board                charge, 1.5 percent per month interest                 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
                                           30 calendar days after importation. The                 on the outstanding balance, including                  account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
                                           Board would like to implement this                      any late payment charge and accrued                    Internet http://www.airbus.com. You
                                           incentive as soon as possible to facilitate             interest, will be added to any accounts                may view this referenced service
                                           the initial collection of assessments.                  for which payment has not been                         information at the FAA, Transport
                                           Additionally, this action was                           received by the Board within 30                        Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                           unanimously recommended by the                          calendar days after the date the                       SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                           Board. Further, a 15-day comment                        assessments are due. Such interest will                the availability of this material at the
                                           period was provided for in the proposed                 continue to accrue monthly until the                   FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                           rule and no comments were received.                     outstanding balance is paid to the                     available on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                   Board.                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for
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                                           List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1214
                                                                                                     Dated: June 10, 2016.                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                             Administrative practice and                                                                                  3635.
                                                                                                   Elanor Starmer,
                                           procedure, Advertising, Consumer
                                           information, Christmas trees, Marketing                 Administrator.                                         Examining the AD Docket
                                           agreements, Reporting and                               [FR Doc. 2016–14150 Filed 6–14–16; 8:45 am]              You may examine the AD docket on
                                           recordkeeping requirements.                             BILLING CODE P                                         the Internet at http://


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                                           38898            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           www.regulations.gov by searching for                    to detect possible cracks becoming after               Support for the NPRM
                                           and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                       repairs. The findings are limited to 1.2
                                                                                                   [millimeter] (mm) fuselage skin and cover for             Mr. Bryant Kerr stated that the NPRM
                                           3635; or in person at the Docket                                                                               is an excellent idea, and it is always
                                           Management Facility between 9 a.m.                      all cut-out external repairs. The internal
                                                                                                   repairs are not affected.                              worth improving safety on airplanes.
                                           and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                         This condition, if not detected and
                                           except Federal holidays. The AD docket                                                                         Request To Revise Applicability
                                                                                                   corrected, could affect the structural integrity
                                           contains this AD, the regulatory                        of the fuselage at the repaired skin area(s).            United Airlines (UAL) requested that
                                           evaluation, any comments received, and                     To address this potential unsafe condition,         we revise the NPRM applicability to
                                           other information. The street address for               Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission             apply only to airplanes having repairs
                                           the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–                   (AOT) A53N007–14 to provide inspection                 that were completed before May 1, 2015,
                                           5527) is Docket Management Facility,                    instructions.                                          the date of the revised service repair
                                           U.S. Department of Transportation,                         For the reasons described above, EASA               manual (SRM). UAL stated that any new
                                           Docket Operations, M–30, West                           issued AD 2015–0036 [http://
                                                                                                                                                          airplane deliveries or external repairs
                                                                                                   www.casa.gov.au/scripts/
                                           Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                    nc.dll?WCMS:OLDASSET::svPath=/ADFiles/                 accomplished after the updated SRM
                                           1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                             over/a320/,svFileName=2015-0036.pdf] to                thresholds will presumably have the
                                           Washington, DC 20590.                                   require a one-time inspection of the affected          correct thresholds contained in the
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        areas and, depending on findings,                      maintenance/inspection program.
                                           Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,                      accomplishment of applicable repair                      We partially agree with UAL’s
                                           International Branch, ANM–116,                          instructions.                                          request. We agree that airplanes with
                                           Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,                       Since that [EASA] AD was issued,                    repairs accomplished using the updated
                                                                                                   operators have questioned the inspection               SRM will be in compliance with certain
                                           1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                        threshold for A318 aeroplanes (not yet in the
                                           98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;                                                                            sections of this AD, such as the
                                                                                                   Airbus AOT), which is actually identical to            timescale for the inspection, which is a
                                           fax 425–227–1149.                                       that for A319 aeroplanes. In addition, an
                                                                                                   error has been detected in paragraph (1) [of
                                                                                                                                                          subset of the AD requirements.
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                   the EASA AD], since external doublers may              However, the SRM update will not
                                           Discussion                                              have been installed in the affected area by a          replace the remaining AD requirements,
                                                                                                   modification that may not be recorded as               which must be applicable to all
                                             We issued a notice of proposed
                                                                                                   repair.                                                airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of
                                           rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                                                                                      Such doubler installations are also subject         this AD. We have not changed this AD
                                           part 39 by adding an AD that would                      to the inspection requirements of this [EASA]          in this regard.
                                           apply to all Airbus Model A318 series                   AD, which is therefore revised to provide
                                           airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320–                 clarifications, correcting paragraph (1) [of the       Request To Exclude Inspected
                                           211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233                   EASA AD] and introducing a Note.                       Airplanes
                                           airplanes; and A321 series airplanes.                                                                             Delta Airlines (DAL) stated that since
                                           The NPRM published in the Federal                          Required actions include an
                                                                                                                                                          certain repairs and modifications on its
                                           Register on September 28, 2015 (80 FR                   inspection to determine whether any
                                                                                                                                                          airplanes have already had their first
                                           58226) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was                     fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs
                                                                                                                                                          inspection prior to the compliance time
                                           prompted by an evaluation by the DAH                    have been accomplished, an external
                                                                                                                                                          specified in the NPRM, the NPRM
                                           indicating that the fuselage skin repairs               ultrasonic inspection or an internal low/
                                                                                                                                                          requirements should not apply. DAL
                                           are subject to WFD. The NPRM                            high frequency eddy current inspection
                                                                                                                                                          also stated that if an operator’s
                                           proposed to require an inspection to                    for cracking of certain repaired external
                                                                                                                                                          maintenance/inspection program is
                                           determine whether any fuselage external                 fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and
                                                                                                                                                          more stringent than the requirements of
                                           skin (doubler) repairs have been                        repair if necessary. The compliance                    paragraph (m) of the proposed AD, the
                                           accomplished, an inspection for                         times vary depending on airplane                       operator should be excluded from the
                                           cracking of certain repaired external                   configuration. The earliest compliance                 NPRM requirements.
                                           fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and                time is within 25,200 flight cycles since                 We disagree with DAL’s request.
                                           repair if necessary. We are issuing this                last repair, or within 350 flight cycles               Accomplishment of the first inspection
                                           AD to detect and correct fatigue                        after the effective date of the AD,                    is only part of the actions required by
                                           cracking of the fuselage skin, which                    whichever occurs later. The latest                     this AD. Paragraph (m) of this AD
                                           could result in reduced structural                      compliance time is within 45,000 flight                requires revision of the post-repair
                                           integrity of the airplane.                              cycles since last repair; within 1,500                 inspection threshold(s) in the operator’s
                                             The European Aviation Safety Agency                   flight cycles from the effective date of               maintenance program or inspection
                                           (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                    the AD, without exceeding 49,100 flight                program. This AD includes the
                                           for the Member States of the European                   cycles since last repair; or within 350                minimum requirements for mitigating
                                           Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness                    flight cycles since the effective date of              the identified unsafe condition.
                                           Directive 2015–0036R1, dated March 31,                  the AD; whichever occurs latest. You                   However, under the provisions of
                                           2015 (referred to after this as the                     may examine the MCAI in the AD                         paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, we will
                                           Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                      docket on the Internet at http://                      consider requests for approval of
                                           Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct               www.regulations.gov by searching for                   different methods of compliance if
                                           an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                      sufficient data are submitted to
                                           A318 series airplanes; A319 series                      3635.                                                  substantiate that the change would
                                           airplanes; A320–211, –212, –214, –231,                  Comments                                               provide an acceptable level of safety.
                                           –232, and –233 airplanes, and A321                                                                             We have not changed this AD in this
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                                           series airplanes. The MCAI states:                        We gave the public the opportunity to                regard.
                                             During A320 family Extended Service Goal
                                                                                                   participate in developing this AD. We
                                                                                                   have considered the comments received.                 Request To Revise Compliance Time
                                           full scale fatigue tests, it was demonstrated
                                           that the inspection thresholds defined in the           The following presents the comments                      DAL requested a compliance time
                                           current Structural Repair Manual (SRM) for              received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                     extension from 350 flight cycles to 6
                                           the A320 family skin repairs are insufficient           response to each comment.                              months. DAL stated that depending on


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          38899

                                           the fleet utilization, an operator of a                 Request To Clarify Inspection                          changes. We have determined that these
                                           large, older fleet could be required to                 Timeframes                                             minor changes:
                                           accomplish the compliance rework                                                                                 • Are consistent with the intent that
                                                                                                      UAL requested clarification on how
                                           within a few months, thereby creating a                                                                        was proposed in the NPRM for
                                                                                                   the NPRM addresses detection of
                                           significant impact on its available                                                                            correcting the unsafe condition; and
                                                                                                   cracking in the timeframe between the
                                           resources. DAL also stated that it is                                                                            • Do not add any additional burden
                                                                                                   inspection threshold specified in the
                                           possible that several airplanes will be                                                                        upon the public than was already
                                                                                                   NPRM and Airbus Alert Operators
                                           grounded because it may not have                                                                               proposed in the NPRM.
                                                                                                   Transmission A53N007–14, dated July                      We also determined that these
                                           enough resources to comply with the                     22, 2014, and the repetitive inspections
                                           350-flight-cycle limit.                                                                                        changes will not increase the economic
                                                                                                   specified in the SRM. UAL stated that                  burden on any operator or increase the
                                              We do not agree with DAL’s request.                  the compliance time has a short                        scope of this AD.
                                           DAL’s rationale for a compliance time                   threshold if the repair records are
                                           extension does not provide an                           inconclusive, which is as early as 350                 Related Service Information Under 1
                                           acceptable level of safety. The                         flight cycles from the effective date of               CFR Part 51
                                           compliance time of this AD is based on                  the AD; therefore, the initial inspection                Airbus has issued Alert Operators
                                           a risk assessment. Some safety issues are               could be accomplished much earlier                     Transmission A53N007–14, dated July
                                           more time sensitive than others. We                     than the crack detection period.                       22, 2014. The service information
                                           have considered the compliance time                        We agree to clarify the inspection                  describes procedures for an inspection
                                           established by EASA, and the overall                    timeframes. The 350-flight-cycle                       to detect cracking on repaired 1.2-
                                           risk to the fleet, including the severity               compliance time is a second option to                  millimeter fuselage skin areas on
                                           of the identified unsafe condition and                  the compliance time specified in Airbus                fuselage sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and
                                           the likelihood of the occurrence of the                 Alert Operators Transmission                           17 at external doubler repairs. This
                                           unsafe condition, to determine the                      A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014. The                   service information is reasonably
                                           compliance time. However, under the                     compliance time is based on a risk                     available because the interested parties
                                           provisions of paragraph (n)(1) of this                  assessment that takes into consideration               have access to it through their normal
                                           AD, operators may apply for an                          the fatigue crack length propagation. We               course of business or by the means
                                                                                                   have considered the compliance time                    identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                           extension of the compliance time by
                                                                                                   established by EASA, and the overall
                                           providing a satisfactory rationale                                                                             Costs of Compliance
                                                                                                   risk to the fleet, including the severity
                                           explaining why a compliance time
                                                                                                   of the identified unsafe condition and                   We estimate that this AD affects 940
                                           extension provides an acceptable level
                                                                                                   the likelihood of the occurrence of the                airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                           of safety. We have not changed this final
                                                                                                   unsafe condition. No change to the AD                    We also estimate that it will take
                                           rule in this regard.                                    is necessary in this regard.                           about 2 work-hours per product to
                                           Request To Clarify Requirements and                                                                            comply with the basic requirements of
                                                                                                   Request To Correct Non-Destructive
                                           Approve Certain Repair Information                                                                             this AD. The average labor rate is $85
                                                                                                   Testing Manual (NTM) Task Numbers
                                           Sources                                                                                                        per work-hour. Based on these figures,
                                                                                                     DAL stated that Airbus Alert                         we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
                                              DAL requested that we make a                         Operators Transmission A53N007–14,                     operators to be $159,800, or $170 per
                                           distinction that the NPRM requirements                  dated July 22, 2014, references incorrect              product.
                                           apply only to external repair fasteners                 formatting of NTM task numbers. DAL                      We have received no definitive data
                                           common to the 1.2-millimeter (mm)                       stated the formatting should be ‘‘51–10–               that would enable us to provide cost
                                           skin. DAL also stated that we should                    15–270–801–A01’’ and ‘‘51–10–16–250–                   estimates for the on-condition actions
                                           approve category B repairs done using                   801–A01,’’ and not ‘‘51–10–15–270–                     specified in this AD.
                                           the latest revision of the SRM and any                  801–A–01’’ and ‘‘51–10–16–250–801–
                                                                                                   A–01.’’                                                Authority for This Rulemaking
                                           repair design approval sheet (RDAS)
                                           approved after July 1, 2014. DAL stated                   We disagree with DAL’s statement.                       Title 49 of the United States Code
                                           that the applicable Airbus SRM repair                   NTM task numbers 51–10–15–270–801–                     specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                           inspection thresholds have been revised                 A–01 and 51–10–16–250–801–A–01 are                     rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                           this year to address certain                            correctly referenced in Airbus Alert                   section 106, describes the authority of
                                           inadequacies.                                           Operators Transmission A53N007–14,                     the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                   dated July 22, 2014, and in the Airbus                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                              We do not agree with DAL’s requests.                                                                        detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                                                                   A318/319/320/321 Non-Destructive
                                           Paragraph (g) of this AD already requires                                                                      authority.
                                                                                                   Testing Manual. We have not changed
                                           an inspection to determine whether any                                                                            We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                                                                   this AD in this regard.
                                           fuselage doubler repairs have been                                                                             the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                           accomplished on affected fuselage                       Clarification of Unsafe Condition                      Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                           sections with a skin thickness of 1.2                   Language                                               General requirements.’’ Under that
                                           mm. DAL did not substantiate how the                      We revised the description of the                    section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                           corrective actions in any RDAS for                      precipitating event in the SUMMARY and                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                           category ‘‘B’’ repairs approved after July              paragraph (e) of this AD to correspond                 air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                           1, 2014, and the latest revision of the                 to the wording used in the MCAI AD.                    for practices, methods, and procedures
                                           SRMs would adequately address the                                                                              the Administrator finds necessary for
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                                           unsafe condition. However, the                          Conclusion                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                           commenter may use the provisions of                       We reviewed the relevant data,                       is within the scope of that authority
                                           paragraph (n)(2) of this AD for obtaining               considered the comments received, and                  because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                           corrective actions from a manufacturer.                 determined that air safety and the                     that is likely to exist or develop on
                                           We have not changed this AD in this                     public interest require adopting this AD               products identified in this rulemaking
                                           regard.                                                 as proposed except for minor editorial                 action.


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                                           38900            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           Regulatory Findings                                     (d) Subject                                            Requirements,’’ of Airbus AOT A53N007–14,
                                                                                                     Air Transport Association (ATA) of                   dated July 22, 2014, except as provided by
                                             We determined that this AD will not                                                                          paragraph (j) of this AD.
                                                                                                   America Code 53, Fuselage.
                                           have federalism implications under
                                           Executive Order 13132. This AD will                     (e) Reason                                             (j) Optional Inspection for Cracking
                                           not have a substantial direct effect on                    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by              As an optional method of compliance to
                                           the States, on the relationship between                 the design approval holder (DAH) indicating            the ultrasonic inspection or LFEC inspection
                                           the national government and the States,                 that certain structural repair manual (SRM)            required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Do a
                                           or on the distribution of power and                     inspection requirements for the fuselage skin          high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
                                           responsibilities among the various                      repairs are insufficient to detect cracks. We          inspection for cracking in the cut-out
                                                                                                   are issuing this AD to detect and correct              surrounding the fastener area, at and in front
                                           levels of government.
                                                                                                   fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which           (approximately 10–15 millimeters) of the
                                             For the reasons discussed above, I                    could result in reduced structural integrity of        fastener row, after doubler removal and
                                           certify that this AD:                                   the airplane.                                          before any new extended doubler
                                             1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                                                                         installation, using a method approved by the
                                           action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   (f) Compliance                                         Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,
                                             2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the               Comply with this AD within the                      Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
                                           DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  compliance times specified, unless already             European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
                                           (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       done.                                                  Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
                                             3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             (g) Inspection To Determine Repair Areas               Approval (DOA).
                                           Alaska; and                                                At the applicable time specified in                 (k) Optional Repetitive Inspections
                                             4. Will not have a significant                        paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do an              In lieu of doing the inspection required by
                                           economic impact, positive or negative,                  inspection to determine whether any fuselage           paragraph (i) of this AD: Within the
                                           on a substantial number of small entities               external skin (doubler) repairs have been              applicable compliance time specified in
                                           under the criteria of the Regulatory                    accomplished on fuselage sections 11, 12, 13,          paragraph 4.1.1, ‘‘Accomplishment
                                           Flexibility Act.                                        14, 16, and 17 with a skin thickness of 1.2            Timescale,’’ of Airbus AOT A53N007–14,
                                                                                                   millimeters. A review of airplane                      dated July 22, 2014, after accomplishing the
                                           List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of           inspections required by paragraph (g) of this
                                                                                                   this inspection if the identification of               AD, do a detailed inspection or HFEC
                                             Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                applicable repairs can be conclusively
                                           safety, Incorporation by reference,                                                                            inspection and repeat the inspection
                                                                                                   determined from that review.                           thereafter within the applicable compliance
                                           Safety.                                                    (1) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series           times specified in paragraph 4.1.1,
                                                                                                   airplanes: Except as specified in paragraphs
                                           Adoption of the Amendment                                                                                      ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale,’’ of Airbus
                                                                                                   (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, at the applicable
                                                                                                                                                          AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014. The
                                             Accordingly, under the authority                      time specified in paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and
                                                                                                                                                          inspections must be done in accordance with
                                           delegated to me by the Administrator,                   4.1.1.c. of the ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale’’
                                                                                                                                                          the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2,
                                           the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
                                                                                                                                                          ‘‘Inspection Requirements,’’ of Airbus AOT
                                           follows:                                                (AOT) A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014, or
                                                                                                   within 350 flight cycles after the effective           A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014. For Model
                                                                                                   date of this AD, whichever occurs later.               A318 series airplanes, use the applicable
                                           PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                                                          compliance times and instructions specified
                                                                                                      (2) For Model A318 series airplanes:
                                           DIRECTIVES                                                                                                     in Airbus AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22,
                                                                                                   Except as specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and
                                                                                                   (h)(2) of this AD, at the Model A319 airplane          2014, that are specified for Model A319
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 time specified in paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and              series airplanes.
                                           continues to read as follows:                           4.1.1.c. of the ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale’’           (l) Repair
                                               Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          of Airbus AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22,
                                                                                                   2014, or within 350 flight cycles after the              If any crack is found during any inspection
                                           § 39.13   [Amended]                                     effective date of this AD, whichever occurs            required by paragraph (i), (j), or (k) of this
                                                                                                   later.                                                 AD: Before further flight, repair the cracking,
                                           ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                                                                          in accordance with the instructions of
                                           the following new airworthiness                         (h) Exceptions to Service Information                  paragraph 4.2.3, ‘‘Findings,’’ of Airbus AOT
                                           directive (AD):                                           (1) Where paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c.           A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014, except
                                                                                                   of the ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale’’ of                 where Airbus AOT A53N007–14, dated July
                                           2016–12–04 Airbus: Amendment 39–18553.
                                               Docket No. FAA–2015–3635; Directorate               Airbus AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22,                  22, 2014, specifies to contact Airbus for a
                                               Identifier 2015–NM–037–AD.                          2014, specify ‘‘FC,’’ this AD specifies ‘‘flight       repair design approval sheet or for further
                                                                                                   cycles.’’                                              instructions, this AD requires repair using a
                                           (a) Effective Date                                        (2) Where paragraphs 4.1.1.b. and 4.1.1.c.           method approved by the Manager,
                                             This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016.              of the ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale’’ of                 International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
                                                                                                   Airbus AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22,                  Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or
                                           (b) Affected ADs                                        2014, specify ‘‘from AOT issuance,’’ this AD           Airbus’s EASA DOA.
                                             None.                                                 specifies ‘‘as of the effective date of this AD.’’     (m) FAA-Approved Maintenance or
                                           (c) Applicability                                       (i) Inspection for Cracking                            Inspection Program Revision
                                              This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes                 If, during the inspection required by                  Concurrently with the accomplishment of
                                           specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4)           paragraph (g) of this AD, it is determined that        any repair required by paragraph (l) of this
                                           of this AD, certificated in any category, all           any fuselage external skin (doubler) repair            AD, revise the post-repair inspection
                                           manufacturer serial numbers.                            has been accomplished on fuselage section              threshold(s) in the applicable FAA-approved
                                              (1) Airbus Model A318–111, –112, –121,               11, 12, 13, 14, 16, or 17: At the applicable           maintenance program or inspection program,
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                                           and –122 airplanes.                                     time specified paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of           as applicable, in accordance with the
                                              (2) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113,               this AD, do an external ultrasonic inspection          instructions specified in paragraph 4.1.1,
                                           –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.             or an internal low frequency eddy current              ‘‘Accomplishment Timescale,’’ of Airbus
                                              (3) Airbus Model A320–211, –212, –214,               (LFEC) inspection for cracking of all of the           AOT A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014;
                                           –231, –232, and –233 airplanes.                         repaired 1.2-millimeter (mm) fuselage skin             except for Model A318 series airplanes use
                                              (4) Airbus Model A321–111, –112, –131,               areas, in accordance with the instructions             the instructions specified for Model A319
                                           –211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.             specified in paragraph 4.2.2, ‘‘Inspection             series airplanes.



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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                              38901

                                           (n) Other FAA AD Provisions                             www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-               For service information identified in
                                              The following provisions also apply to this          locations.html.                                        this AD, contact GROB Aircraft AG,
                                           AD:                                                       Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31,             Product Support, Lettenbachstrasse 9,
                                              (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance                2016.                                                  D–86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies,
                                           (AMOCs): The Manager, International                     Michael Kaszycki,                                      Germany, telephone: + 49 (0) 8268–998–
                                           Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane                                                                            105; fax: + 49 (0) 8268–998–200; email:
                                                                                                   Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                           Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
                                           approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
                                                                                                   Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.           productsupport@grob-aircraft.com;
                                           using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.             [FR Doc. 2016–13741 Filed 6–14–16; 8:45 am]            Internet: grob-aircraft.com. You may
                                           In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                 review copies of the referenced service
                                           request to your principal inspector or local                                                                   information at the FAA, Small Airplane
                                           Flight Standards District Office, as                                                                           Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
                                           appropriate. If sending information directly            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                           Missouri 64106. For information on the
                                           to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:                                                                  availability of this material at the FAA,
                                           Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,                      Federal Aviation Administration                        call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
                                           International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
                                           Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                                                                                                                                          on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                   14 CFR Part 39                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                           Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                           telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149.               [Docket No. FAA–2016–7057; Directorate                 locating Docket No. FAA–2016–7057.
                                           Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-               Identifier 2016–CE–017–AD; Amendment
                                                                                                                                                          Examining the AD Docket
                                           AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using                     39–18557; AD 2016–12–08]
                                           any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                                                                        You may examine the AD docket on
                                           principal inspector, or lacking a principal             RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                                                                          the Internet at http://
                                           inspector, the manager of the local flight                                                                     www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                           standards district office/certificate holding           Airworthiness Directives; GROB
                                                                                                   Aircraft AG Airplanes                                  and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                           district office.
                                              (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
                                                                                                                                                          7057; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                   AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                              Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                           requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
                                           actions from a manufacturer, the action must
                                                                                                   Administration (FAA), DOT.                             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                           be accomplished using a method approved                 ACTION: Final rule; request for                        except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                           by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–              comments.                                              contains this AD, the regulatory
                                           116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or                                                                   evaluation, any comments received, and
                                           the EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If                      SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new
                                                                                                                                                          other information. The street address for
                                           approved by the DOA, the approval must                  airworthiness directive (AD) for GROB
                                                                                                                                                          the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
                                           include the DOA-authorized signature.                   Aircraft AG Model G115EG airplanes.
                                                                                                                                                          5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                                                                   This AD results from mandatory
                                           (o) Related Information                                                                                        Comments will be available in the AD
                                                                                                   continuing airworthiness information
                                             (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                                                                            docket shortly after receipt.
                                                                                                   (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority
                                           Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
                                           Airworthiness Directive 2015–0036R1, dated
                                                                                                   of another country to identify and
                                                                                                   correct an unsafe condition on an                      Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
                                           March 31, 2015, for related information. This                                                                  Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
                                           MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the               aviation product. The MCAI describes
                                           Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by               the unsafe condition as cracks in the                  Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
                                           searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–              bonded joint of the rear horizontal                    telephone: (816) 329–4123; fax: (816)
                                           2015–3635.                                              stabilizer frame. We are issuing this AD               329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@
                                                                                                   to require actions to address the unsafe               faa.gov.
                                           (p) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                   condition on these products.                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                           approved the incorporation by reference                 DATES: This AD is effective July 20,
                                                                                                                                                          Discussion
                                           (IBR) of the service information listed in this         2016.
                                           paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR                 The Director of the Federal Register                    The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                           part 51.                                                approved the incorporation by reference                (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                              (2) You must use this service information            of a certain publication listed in the AD              for the Member States of the European
                                           as applicable to do the actions required by             as of July 20, 2016.                                   Community, has issued EASA AD No.:
                                           this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.              We must receive comments on this                     2016–0091, dated May 16, 2016
                                              (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission              AD by August 1, 2016.                                  (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
                                           A53N007–14, dated July 22, 2014.
                                                                                                   ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                    correct an unsafe condition for the
                                              (ii) Reserved.
                                              (3) For service information identified in            any of the following methods:                          specified products. The MCAI states:
                                           this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                    Cracks were found in the bonded joint of
                                           Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice                       http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                 the rear horizontal stabiliser frame of G 115E
                                           Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;                  instructions for submitting comments.                  aeroplanes.
                                           telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61                 • Fax: (202) 493–2251.                                 This condition, if not detected and
                                           93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@                     • Mail: U.S. Department of                           corrected, may lead to crack propagation into
                                           airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.             Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                  primary structural elements, with
                                              (4) You may view this service information            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                   detrimental effect on the structural integrity
                                           at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,             W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                   of the aeroplane.
                                           1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                   Washington, DC 20590.                                    To address this potential unsafe condition,
                                           information on the availability of this                   • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                  GROB issued Service Bulletin (SB)
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                                           material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                                                                        MSB1078–200 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘the
                                                                                                   Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                              (5) You may view this service information                                                                   SB’’ in this AD) to provide instructions for
                                           that is incorporated by reference at the                30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                   inspections and corrective action.
                                           National Archives and Records                           W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                     For the reason described above, this AD
                                           Administration (NARA). For information on               Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.                   requires repetitive inspections of the rear
                                           the availability of this material at NARA, call         and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                     horizontal stabilizer frame and modification
                                           202–741–6030, or go to: http://                         except Federal holidays.                               of the affected structure.



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Document Created: 2016-06-15 02:21:19
Document Modified: 2016-06-15 02:21:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD becomes effective July 20, 2016.
ContactSanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
FR Citation81 FR 38897 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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