81 FR 39541 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 117 (June 17, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable at the pylon- wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed that the cable loom plastic support bracket of the G-route was broken due to vibration; and another report revealed wire chafing due to clamp damage. This AD requires modifying the cable loom support bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons at the pylon-wing junction. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the wiring in the pylon-wing area, which could result in an electrical short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 117 (Friday, June 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39541-39543]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13105]



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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 117 / Friday, June 17, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 39541]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-3988; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-130-AD; 
Amendment 39-18546; AD 2016-11-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and 
all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable at the pylon-
wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed that the cable loom 
plastic support bracket of the G-route was broken due to vibration; and 
another report revealed wire chafing due to clamp damage. This AD 
requires modifying the cable loom support bracket of the G-route of the 
inboard pylons at the pylon-wing junction. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent chafing of the wiring in the pylon-wing area, which could 
result in an electrical short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor 
zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.

DATES: This AD is effective July 22, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 22, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3988.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3988; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on March 1, 2016 (81 FR 10549) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable at the 
pylon-wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed that the 
cable loom plastic support bracket of the G-route was broken due to 
vibration; and another report revealed wire chafing due to clamp 
damage. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the cable loom support 
bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons at the pylon-wing 
junction. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the wiring in 
the pylon-wing area, which could result in an electrical short circuit 
near a flammable fluid vapor zone, and consequent fire or fuel tank 
explosion.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0142, dated July 17, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus 
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two events have been reported of feeder cable chafing at the 
pylon-wing junction on A330 aeroplanes. Inspection of the affected 
area for the first event revealed that the bracket supporting the 
cables G-route, made in plastic, was broken. The second event was 
due to clamp damage. Failure of support bracket and/or damage of 
clamp led to the feeder cables gradually chafing away at the cut-out 
edge by vibration. Due to design similarity, A340 aeroplanes are 
also affected by this issue.
    This condition, if not corrected, could create a short circuit, 
in combination with fuel vapour on [the] ground, possibly resulting 
in a fire or explosion.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus developed modifications 
to be embodied in service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-
92-3132, SB A340-92-4100 or SB A340-92-5066, as applicable to 
aeroplane type and model.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
embodiment of these modifications [of the cable loom support bracket 
of the G-route of the inboard pylons] at the pylon/wing junction in 
[left-hand] LH and [right-hand] RH wings.

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-2016-
3988.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

[[Page 39542]]

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Airbus service information:
     Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May 21, 
2015.
     Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated May 21, 
2015.
     Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.
    This service information describes procedures for modifying the 
cable loom support bracket of the G-route of the inboard pylons at the 
pylon-wing junction. 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 90 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 8 work-hours per product to 
comply with the modification requirements of this AD. Required parts 
will cost about $900 per product. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost for the 
inspection specified in this AD on U.S. operators to be $142,200, or 
$1,580 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this 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):

2016-11-19 Airbus: Amendment 39-18546; Docket No. FAA-2016-3988; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-130-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 22, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; 
except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 203672 has been 
embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the feeder cable 
at the pylon-wing junction due to vibration; one report revealed 
that the cable loom plastic support bracket of the G-route was 
broken due to vibration; and another report revealed wire chafing 
due to clamp damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of 
the wiring in the pylon-wing area, which could result in an 
electrical short circuit near a flammable fluid vapor zone, and 
consequent fire or fuel tank explosion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification of the Feeder Cable

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the 
cable loom support bracket of the G-route 7701VB in the left-hand 
side of the inboard pylon, and the G-route 7702VB in the right-hand 
side of the inboard pylon, located at the pylon-wing junction, in 
accordance with the applicable service information specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May 
21, 2015.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated May 
21, 2015.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if the modification was performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-
3132, dated June 19, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, 
dated June 19, 2014; as applicable. This service information is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(i) 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

[[Page 39543]]

appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0142, dated July 17, 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-2016-3988.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(4) and (k)(5) of this AD.

(k) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 22, 2016.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3132, Revision 01, dated May 
21, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4100, Revision 01, dated 
May 21, 2015.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5066, dated June 25, 2014.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 26, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-13105 Filed 6-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P