81 FR 8155 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 32 (February 18, 2016)

Page Range		8155-8157
FR Document		2016-03135
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-304, -324, and -325 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on door frame (FR) 73A between stringers 24 and 25. This proposed AD would require inspections around the rivet heads of the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frames and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the door frame, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8155-8157]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03135]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 8155]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-0466; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-188-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and 
Model A310-304, -324, and -325 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by a report of a crack found on door frame (FR) 73A between stringers 
24 and 25. This proposed AD would require inspections around the rivet 
heads of the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frames and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the door frame, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0466; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-0466; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-188-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2014-0202R1, dated September 19, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-
605R, and B4-622R airplanes; and Model A310-304, -324, and -325 
airplanes The MCAI states:

    During the preparation phase for conversion of an A300-600 
aeroplane from passenger to freighter configuration, a crack was 
detected on door frame (FR) 73A, between stringer (STRG) 24 and STRG 
25.
    DGAC France had issued AD 1999-013-276R1 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/F-1999-013-276R1] to require inspections at FR 
73A in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
(SB) A310-53-2107 or SB A300-53-6116, as applicable. However, the 
new crack was found in an area not covered by the existing 
inspection and is therefore addressed by this new [EASA] AD. (DGAC 
France AD 1999-013-276R1 remains in place).
    Further investigations identified that, on A300-600 aeroplanes, 
the areas at FR 56A and FR 57A have the same design and material as 
at FR 73A.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the airframe.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive [high frequency eddy current (HFEC)] inspections of the 
rivet heads of the seal retainer run out holes to detect cracks and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective actions 
[repair].
    Even though no crack has been identified at FR 56A and FR 57A, 
as a preventive measure, the inspection is extended to these areas. 
On A310 aeroplanes, only the area at FR 73A needs to be inspected.
    This [EASA] AD is revised to reduce the applicability to 
aeroplanes in post-MOD 06924 configuration.

    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-
0466.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-53-6175, and A310-53-2138, 
both dated May 28, 2014. The service

[[Page 8156]]

information describes procedures to do HFEC inspections around the 
rivet heads of the seal retainer run-out holes at certain frame 
locations on the left-hand and right-hand sides. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 24 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 11 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $22,440, or $935 
per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
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.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-0466; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
188-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 4, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A300B4-603, A300B4-605R, A300B4-
622R, A310-304, A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes; certificated in 
any category; all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) in post-
modification (MOD) 06924 configuration, except MSN 464, 477, 479, 
481, 482, 483, 484, and 488.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: MSNs 464, 477, 479, 481, 
482, 483, 484 and 488 partially embodied MOD 06924 by means of 
modification proposal D05902.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on door frame 
(FR) 73A between stringers 24 and 25. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking, which could reduce the structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do a high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspection for any crack around the rivet heads of the seal 
retainer run-out holes at FR 56A, FR 57A, and FR 73A, left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) sides on Model A300-600 airplanes; and at FR 
73A, LH and RH sides on Model A310 airplanes; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2138, 
dated May 28, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6175, dated 
May 28, 2014; as applicable. Repeat the HFEC inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 7,500 flight cycles.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 32,000 total flight cycles.
    (2) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, or 
before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, whichever 
occurs first.

(h) Corrective Actions

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, repair before further flight using a 
method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).

(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 appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

[[Page 8157]]

    (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): Except as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: 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 AD 2014-0202R1, dated September 19, 2014, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2016-0466.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03135 Filed 2-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
8155

Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 32

Thursday, February 18, 2016

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through will also post a report summarizing each
contains notices to the public of the proposed Friday, except Federal holidays. substantive verbal contact we receive
issuance of rules and regulations. The For service information identified in about this proposed AD.
purpose of these notices is to give interested this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
persons an opportunity to participate in the Discussion
Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond
rule making prior to the adoption of the final The European Aviation Safety Agency
rules.
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email for the Member States of the European
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Union, has issued EASA AD 2014–
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You 0202R1, dated September 19, 2014
Federal Aviation Administration may view this referenced service (referred to after this as the Mandatory
information at the FAA, Transport Continuing Airworthiness Information,
14 CFR Part 39 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
SW., Renton, WA. For information on condition for certain Airbus Model
[Docket No. FAA–2016–0466; Directorate the availability of this material at the A300 B4–603, B4–605R, and B4–622R
Identifier 2014–NM–188–AD] FAA, call 425–227–1221. airplanes; and Model A310–304, –324,
and –325 airplanes The MCAI states:
RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket
During the preparation phase for
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus You may examine the AD docket on conversion of an A300–600 aeroplane from
Airplanes the Internet at http:// passenger to freighter configuration, a crack
www.regulations.gov by searching for was detected on door frame (FR) 73A,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– between stringer (STRG) 24 and STRG 25.
Administration (FAA), DOT. 0466; or in person at the Docket DGAC France had issued AD 1999–013–
276R1 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/F-1999-
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Management Facility between 9 a.m. 013-276R1] to require inspections at FR 73A
(NPRM). and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
except Federal holidays. The AD docket Service Bulletin (SB) A310–53–2107 or SB
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new contains this proposed AD, the A300–53–6116, as applicable. However, the
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain regulatory evaluation, any comments new crack was found in an area not covered
Airbus Model A300 B4–603, B4–605R, received, and other information. The by the existing inspection and is therefore
and B4–622R airplanes; and Model street address for the Docket Operations addressed by this new [EASA] AD. (DGAC
A310–304, –324, and –325 airplanes. France AD 1999–013–276R1 remains in
office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
This proposed AD was prompted by a place).
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will Further investigations identified that, on
report of a crack found on door frame be available in the AD docket shortly A300–600 aeroplanes, the areas at FR 56A
(FR) 73A between stringers 24 and 25. after receipt. and FR 57A have the same design and
This proposed AD would require FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan material as at FR 73A.
inspections around the rivet heads of Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, This condition, if not detected and
the seal retainer run-out holes at certain International Branch, ANM–116, corrected, could affect the structural integrity
frames and corrective actions if of the airframe.
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, For the reasons described above, this
necessary. We are proposing this AD to 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
detect and correct cracking of the door [EASA] AD requires repetitive [high
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; frequency eddy current (HFEC)] inspections
frame, which could result in reduced fax 425–227–1149. of the rivet heads of the seal retainer run out
structural integrity of the airplane. holes to detect cracks and, depending on
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES: We must receive comments on findings, accomplishment of corrective
this proposed AD by April 4, 2016. Comments Invited actions [repair].
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, We invite you to send any written Even though no crack has been identified
at FR 56A and FR 57A, as a preventive
using the procedures found in 14 CFR relevant data, views, or arguments about measure, the inspection is extended to these
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following this proposed AD. Send your comments areas. On A310 aeroplanes, only the area at
methods: to an address listed under the FR 73A needs to be inspected.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. This [EASA] AD is revised to reduce the
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the FAA–2016–0466; Directorate Identifier applicability to aeroplanes in post-MOD
instructions for submitting comments. 2014–NM–188–AD’’ at the beginning of 06924 configuration.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. your comments. We specifically invite You may examine the MCAI in the
• Mail: U.S. Department of comments on the overall regulatory, AD docket on the Internet at http://
Transportation, Docket Operations, economic, environmental, and energy www.regulations.gov by searching for
wgreen on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

M–30, West Building Ground Floor, aspects of this proposed AD. We will and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey consider all comments received by the 0466.
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. closing date and may amend this
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of proposed AD based on those comments. Related Service Information Under 1
Transportation, Docket Operations, We will post all comments we CFR Part 51
M–30, West Building Ground Floor, receive, without change, to http:// Airbus has issued Service Bulletins
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey www.regulations.gov, including any A300–53–6175, and A310–53–2138,
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 personal information you provide. We both dated May 28, 2014. The service

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:30 Feb 17, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\18FEP1.SGM 18FEP1
8156 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2016 / Proposed Rules

information describes procedures to do Regulatory Findings (d) Subject
HFEC inspections around the rivet We determined that this proposed AD Air Transport Association (ATA) of
heads of the seal retainer run-out holes would not have federalism implications
America Code 53, Fuselage.
at certain frame locations on the left- under Executive Order 13132. This (e) Reason
hand and right-hand sides. This service proposed AD would not have a This AD was prompted by a report of a
information is reasonably available substantial direct effect on the States, on crack found on door frame (FR) 73A between
because the interested parties have the relationship between the national stringers 24 and 25. We are issuing this AD
access to it through their normal course Government and the States, or on the to detect and correct cracking, which could
of business or by the means identified distribution of power and reduce the structural integrity of the airplane.
in the ADDRESSES section. responsibilities among the various (f) Compliance
FAA’s Determination and Requirements levels of government. Comply with this AD within the
of This Proposed AD For the reasons discussed above, I compliance times specified, unless already
certify this proposed regulation: done.
This product has been approved by
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (g) Inspection
the aviation authority of another
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
country, and is approved for operation At the later of the compliance times
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
in the United States. Pursuant to our
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures this AD: Do a high frequency eddy current
bilateral agreement with the State of
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (HFEC) inspection for any crack around the
Design Authority, we have been notified
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in rivet heads of the seal retainer run-out holes
of the unsafe condition described in the at FR 56A, FR 57A, and FR 73A, left-hand
Alaska; and
MCAI and service information (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides on Model
4. Will not have a significant
referenced above. We are proposing this A300–600 airplanes; and at FR 73A, LH and
economic impact, positive or negative,
AD because we evaluated all pertinent RH sides on Model A310 airplanes; in
on a substantial number of small entities accordance with the Accomplishment
information and determined an unsafe
under the criteria of the Regulatory Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310–
condition exists and is likely to exist or
Flexibility Act. 53–2138, dated May 28, 2014; or Airbus
develop on other products of these same
Service Bulletin A300–53–6175, dated May
type designs. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 28, 2014; as applicable. Repeat the HFEC
Costs of Compliance Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation inspection thereafter at intervals not to
safety, Incorporation by reference, exceed 7,500 flight cycles.
We estimate that this proposed AD (1) Before the accumulation of 32,000 total
Safety.
affects 24 airplanes of U.S. registry. flight cycles.
We also estimate that it would take The Proposed Amendment (2) Within 36 months after the effective
about 11 work-hours per product to date of this AD, or before the accumulation
Accordingly, under the authority of 36,000 total flight cycles, whichever
comply with the basic requirements of delegated to me by the Administrator, occurs first.
this proposed AD. The average labor the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on (h) Corrective Actions
39 as follows:
these figures, we estimate the cost of If any crack is found during any inspection
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS required by paragraph (g) of this AD, repair
be $22,440, or $935 per product. DIRECTIVES before further flight using a method approved
We have received no definitive data by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
that would enable us to provide cost the European Aviation Safety Agency
estimates for the on-condition actions continues to read as follows:
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
specified in this proposed AD. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Organization Approval (DOA).
Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 [Amended] (i) Other FAA AD Provisions
Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding The following provisions also apply to this
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue the following new airworthiness AD:
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, directive (AD): (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
section 106, describes the authority of Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–0466; Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–188–AD. Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
(a) Comments Due Date
detail the scope of the Agency’s using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
authority. We must receive comments by April 4, In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
We are issuing this rulemaking under 2016. request to your principal inspector or local
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, (b) Affected ADs Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: None. to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
General requirements.’’ Under that Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
section, Congress charges the FAA with (c) Applicability
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to Airbus Model A300B4– Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
air commerce by prescribing regulations 603, A300B4–605R, A300B4–622R, A310– Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
304, A310–324, and A310–325 airplanes;
wgreen on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

for practices, methods, and procedures telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149.
certificated in any category; all manufacturer Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
the Administrator finds necessary for serial numbers (MSNs) in post-modification
safety in air commerce. This regulation AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
(MOD) 06924 configuration, except MSN 464, any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
is within the scope of that authority 477, 479, 481, 482, 483, 484, and 488. principal inspector, or lacking a principal
because it addresses an unsafe condition Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: MSNs inspector, the manager of the local flight
that is likely to exist or develop on 464, 477, 479, 481, 482, 483, 484 and 488 standards district office/certificate holding
products identified in this rulemaking partially embodied MOD 06924 by means of district office. The AMOC approval letter
action. modification proposal D05902. must specifically reference this AD.

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(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Notice of proposed rulemaking
ACTION: Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective (NPRM). Renton, WA. For information on the
actions from a manufacturer, the action must availability of this material at the FAA,
be accomplished using a method approved SUMMARY: We propose to supersede call 425–227–1221. It is also available
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011–01–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
on the Internet at http://
15, which applies to certain The Boeing www.regulations.gov by searching for
the European Aviation Safety Agency Company Model 757–200, –200CB, and
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
–300 series airplanes. AD 2011–01–15 3697.
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
currently requires repetitive inspections
for cracking of the fuselage skin of the Examining the AD Docket
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except crown skin panel along the chem-milled You may examine the AD docket on
as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: If step at stringers S–4L (left) and S–4R the Internet at http://
any service information contains procedures (right), from stations (STA) 297 through www.regulations.gov by searching for
or tests that are identified as RC, those STA 439, and repair, if necessary. AD and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
procedures and tests must be done to comply 2011–01–15 also includes terminating 3697; or in person at the Docket
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are action for the repetitive inspections of Management Facility between 9 a.m.
not identified as RC are recommended. Those the repaired areas only. Since we issued
procedures and tests that are not identified
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
AD 2011–01–15, we received reports of except Federal holidays. The AD docket
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
the initiation of new fatigue cracking in contains this proposed AD, the
maintenance or inspection program without the fuselage skin of the crown skin regulatory evaluation, any comments
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided panel along locally thinned channels received, and other information. The
the procedures and tests identified as RC can adjacent to the chem-milled steps. This street address for the Docket Office
be done and the airplane can be put back in proposed AD would add repetitive (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or inspections for cracking in additional ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
changes to procedures or tests identified as areas and repair if necessary. This available in the AD docket shortly after
RC require approval of an AMOC. proposed AD would also remove receipt.
(j) Related Information airplanes from the applicability in AD FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
2011–01–15. This proposed AD would Schrieber, Aerospace Engineer,
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD also add an optional skin panel Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
2014–0202R1, dated September 19, 2014, for replacement which would terminate all Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
related information. This MCAI may be inspections and an optional (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
found in the AD docket on the Internet at preventative modification that would Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone:
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for terminate certain inspections. We are 562–627–5348; fax: 562–627–5210;
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–0466. proposing this AD to detect and correct email: eric.schrieber@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin of
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
the crown skin panel, which could
Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Comments Invited
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
result in pressure venting and
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 consequent rapid decompression of the We invite you to send any written
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airplane. relevant data, views, or arguments about
airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD. Send your comments
You may view this service information at the this proposed AD by April 4, 2016. to an address listed under the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 ADDRESSES: You may send comments, ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For using the procedures found in 14 CFR FAA–2016–3697; Directorate Identifier
information on the availability of this 2015–NM–143–AD’’ at the beginning of
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods: your comments. We specifically invite
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to comments on the overall regulatory,
6, 2016. http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the economic, environmental, and energy
Michael Kaszycki, instructions for submitting comments. aspects of this proposed AD. We will
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane • Fax: 202–493–2251. consider all comments received by the
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. • Mail: U.S. Department of closing date and may amend this
[FR Doc. 2016–03135 Filed 2–17–16; 8:45 am] Transportation, Docket Operations, M– proposed AD because of those
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room comments.
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., We will post all comments we
Washington, DC 20590. receive, without change, to http://
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail www.regulations.gov, including any
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 personal information you provide. We
Federal Aviation Administration p.m., Monday through Friday, except will also post a report summarizing each
Federal holidays. substantive verbal contact we receive
14 CFR Part 39 For service information identified in about this proposed AD.
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
[Docket No. FAA–2016–3697; Directorate Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Discussion
wgreen on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

Identifier 2015–NM–143–AD] Management, 3855 Lakewood On December 28, 2010, we issued AD
Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, 2011–01–15, Amendment 39–16572 (76
RIN 2120–AA64 CA 90846–0001; telephone: 206–544– FR 1351, January 10, 2011), for certain
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing 5000, extension 2; fax: 206–766–5683; The Boeing Company Model 757–200,
Company Airplanes Internet https:// –200CB, and –300 series airplanes. AD
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view 2011–01–15 requires repetitive
AGENCY:Federal Aviation this referenced service information at inspections for cracking of the fuselage
Administration (FAA), DOT. the FAA, Transport Airplane skin of the crown skin panel along the

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Document Created: 2016-02-18 07:46:18
Document Modified: 2016-02-18 07:46:18
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 2016.
Contact		Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.
FR Citation		81 FR 8155
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
81 FR 8155 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 32 (February 18, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
