82 FR 13379 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 47 (March 13, 2017)

Page Range		13379-13382
FR Document		2017-04515
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-16-02 for all Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. AD 2015-16-02 required revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This new AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a revision of the airworthiness limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new and more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and systems. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 47 (Monday, March 13, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 47 (Monday, March 13, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13379-13382]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04515]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 13379]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9069; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-012-AD; 
Amendment 39-18821; AD 2017-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-16-02 for 
all Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. AD 2015-16-02 required revising 
the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate certain 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This new AD 
requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate 
new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was 
prompted by a revision of the airworthiness limitations items (ALI) 
document, which provides new and more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and 
systems. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 17, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
September 15, 2015 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015).

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-2016-9069.

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-
9069; 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 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 to supersede AD 2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 FR 48019, 
August 11, 2015) (``AD 2015-16-02''). AD 2015-16-02 applied to all 
Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on September 12, 2016 (81 FR 62672). The NPRM was prompted by 
a revision of the ALI document, which provides new and more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane 
structures and systems. The NPRM proposed to require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these 
airplanes due to the failure of system components.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0011, dated January 13, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations are currently defined and 
published in the Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) documents. The airworthiness limitations applicable to 
the System Equipment Maintenance Requirements, which are approved by 
EASA, are specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4. Failure to 
comply with these instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
    EASA issued AD 2013-0268 (for A330 aeroplanes) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2015-16-02] and AD 2013-0269 (for A340 
aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-23-17, Amendment 39-
18033 (79 FR 71304, December 2, 2014) (``AD 2014-23-17'')] to 
require the actions as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4 
at Revision 04 and Revision 03, respectively.
    Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, Airbus issued Revision 05 
and Revision 04, respectively, of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4, 
which introduce new and more restrictive maintenance requirements 
and/or airworthiness limitations.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0268 and AD 2013-0269, which are 
superseded, and require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 Revision 05, or A340 ALS Part 4 Revision 04, 
as applicable (hereafter collectively referred to as `the ALS' in 
this [EASA] AD).

    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-
9069.

Comments

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

[[Page 13380]]

Request To Adopt ALS Variation

    American Airlines (AAL) requested that Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR)--Variation 5.1, dated 
December 20, 2015 (``Variation 5.1''), also be adopted in the final 
rule. AAL noted that Variation 5.1 was approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) to AD 2015-16-02 via ANM-116-16-272, dated 
April 13, 2016.
    We agree that AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-16-02 continue 
to be approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph 
(g) of this AD, as stated in paragraph (l)(1)(ii) of this AD. We also 
agree to include Variation 5.1 as a method of compliance for the 
requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD for components specified in 
Variation 5.1. We have revised paragraph (j) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Re-Open the Comment Period

    Airbus requested that we re-open the comment period specified in 
the NPRM in order to introduce Revision 06 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
SEMR. Airbus pointed out that, since the MCAI was published, multiple 
new variations to Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 have been issued and have been 
or are being approved by EASA. Airbus stated that these variations will 
be included in Revision 06 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, which is 
expected to be approved under Airbus's EASA Design Organization 
Approval in mid-January 2017. Airbus asserted that a new EASA AD will 
be issued to supersede EASA AD 2016-0011 once Revision 06 is issued.
    We disagree. We have determined that more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and 
systems are necessary to prevent reduced structural integrity and 
reduced control of these airplanes, due to the failure of system 
components. Therefore, we do not consider that delaying this action by 
reopening the comment period until such time as the manufacturer's 
planned service information is released is warranted, since the 
necessary service information is currently available. However, under 
the provisions of paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, we will consider 
requests for approval to use Revision 06 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
SEMR once it is approved and available. We have not changed the AD in 
this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this adopting this AD with the changes described previously and 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

    Airbus issued A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, Revision 05, dated October 19, 
2015. This service information describes preventative maintenance 
requirements and associated airworthiness limitations applicable to 
aircraft systems susceptible to aging effects.
    Airbus also issued Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--System Equipment 
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR)--Variation 5.1, dated December 20, 
2015. This service information describes revising the maintenance or 
inspection program by increasing the life limits for certain 
components.
    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 104 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance or inspection program    1 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0             $85          $8,840
 revision (retained actions from AD   = $85.
 2015-16-02).
Maintenance or inspection program    1 work-hours x $85 per hour               0              85           8,840
 revision (new action).               = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,

[[Page 13381]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
AD 2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-05-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-18821; Docket No. FAA-2016-9069; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-012-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 17, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-16-02, Amendment 39-18227 (80 FR 48019, 
August 11, 2015) (``AD 2015-16-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, 
A330-223, A330-243, A330-223F, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-
303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before October 19, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of the airworthiness 
limitations items (ALI) document, which provides new and more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations 
for airplane structures and systems. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these 
airplanes due to the failure of system components.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision and Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-16-02, with no changes. Within 6 months after September 15, 
2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-16-02), revise the maintenance 
program or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4-Aging 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; and Airbus 
A330 ALS Part 4-Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and 
Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. The initial compliance 
times for the actions are within the applicable compliance times 
specified in the Record of Revisions pages of Airbus A330 ALS Part 
4-Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; and 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4-Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 
4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014; or within 6 months 
after September 15, 2015; whichever is later; except as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Retained Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times, With References to 
New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-16-02, with references to new service information.
    (1) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; or Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015; define a calendar compliance time for elevator 
servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, SC4800-3, SC4800-
4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as ''August 31, 2004,'' the 
calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months after August 
13, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 
(69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004))).
    (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; or Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015; define a calendar compliance 
time for spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) having P/N 1386A0000-01, 
1386B0000-01, 1387A0000-01, or 1387B0000-01 as ''December 31, 
2003,'' the calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months 
after October 19, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-18-14, 
Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004))).
    (3) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; or Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015; define a calendar compliance 
time for elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, 
SC4800-103, and SC4800-113 as ``June 30, 2008,'' the calendar 
compliance time is September 16, 2009 (17 months after April 16, 
2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 
13103, March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)))).
    (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the 
retraction brackets of the main landing gear (MLG) having a part 
number specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (h)(4)(xvi) of this 
AD is before the accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the 
affected retraction brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours 
after April 9, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 
39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012)), whichever occurs later.
    (i) 201478303.
    (ii) 201478304.
    (iii) 201478305.
    (iv) 201478306.
    (v) 201478307.
    (vi) 201478308.
    (vii) 201428380.
    (viii) 201428381.
    (ix) 201428382.
    (x) 201428383.
    (xi) 201428384.
    (xii) 201428385.
    (xiii) 201428378.
    (xiv) 201428379.
    (xv) 201428351.
    (xvi) 201428352.
    (5) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013; or Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015; define a calendar compliance 
time for the modification of SSCs on three hydraulic circuits having 
P/N MZ4339390-01X, MZ4306000-01X, MZ4339390-02X, MZ4306000-02X, 
MZ4339390-10X, or MZ4306000-10X as ``March 5, 2010,'' the calendar 
compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009))) (``AD 2009-18-20'').
    (6) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4-Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013; or Note (17) of Sub-Part 1, ``Life Limits,'' of Section 3, 
``System Life-Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015; define a calendar date of 
``September 5, 2008,'' as a date for the determination of 
accumulated flight cycles since the aircraft initial entry into 
service, the date is October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 
2009-18-20).
    (7) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013; or Note (17) of Sub-Part 1, ``Life Limits,'' of Section 3, 
``System Life-Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--SEMR, 
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015; define a calendar compliance 
time as ``March 5, 2010,'' for the modification of affected servo 
controls, the calendar compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months 
after October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-18-20)).

(i) Retained No Alternative Actions or Intervals, With Revised 
Compliance Language

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-16-02, with revised compliance language. Except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of 
this AD.

[[Page 13382]]

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance or Inspection Program 
Revision and Actions

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--SEMR, Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015. The initial 
compliance times for the actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 
4--SEMR, Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, are within the 
applicable compliance times specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
SEMR, Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, or within 60 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, except as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Accomplishing the revision of 
the maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, 
required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD. Revising the maintenance program or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--
SEMR--Variation 5.1, dated December 20, 2015, is an acceptable 
method of compliance for the components specified in the variation.

(k) New Requirement of This AD: No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an AMOC in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this 
AD.

(l) 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: 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].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-16-02 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of 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.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA AD 2016-0011, dated January 13, 2016, 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-
2016-9069.

(n) 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 A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--
System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated 
October 19, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--System Equipment Maintenance 
Requirements (SEMR)--Variation 5.1, dated December 20, 2015.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 15, 2015 (80 FR 48019, August 11, 2015).
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--
Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.1, dated July 23, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.2, dated July 23, 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 February 28, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-04515 Filed 3-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
13379

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 47

Monday, March 13, 2017

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— revising the maintenance or inspection
contains regulatory documents having general EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, program to incorporate new
applicability and legal effect, most of which 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; maintenance requirements and
are keyed to and codified in the Code of telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 airworthiness limitations. We are
Federal Regulations, which is published under 5 61 93 45 80; email: issuing this AD to prevent reduced
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; structural integrity and reduced control
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You of these airplanes due to the failure of
the Superintendent of Documents. may view this referenced service system components.
information at the FAA, Transport The European Aviation Safety Agency
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SW., Renton, WA. For information on for the Member States of the European
the availability of this material at the Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0011,
Federal Aviation Administration FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also dated January 13, 2016 (referred to after
available on the Internet at http:// this as the Mandatory Continuing
14 CFR Part 39 www.regulations.gov by searching for Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9069; Directorate and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
Identifier 2016–NM–012–AD; Amendment 9069. for all Airbus Model A330 and A340
39–18821; AD 2017–05–10] series airplanes. The MCAI states:
Examining the AD Docket
RIN 2120–AA64 The airworthiness limitations are currently
You may examine the AD docket on
defined and published in the Airbus A330
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus the Internet at http://
and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section
Airplanes www.regulations.gov by searching for (ALS) documents. The airworthiness
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– limitations applicable to the System
AGENCY: Federal Aviation 9069; or in person at the Docket Equipment Maintenance Requirements,
Administration (FAA), Department of Management Facility between 9 a.m. which are approved by EASA, are specified
Transportation (DOT). and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4. Failure
ACTION: Final rule. except Federal holidays. The AD docket to comply with these instructions could
contains this AD, the regulatory result in an unsafe condition.
SUMMARY: We are superseding evaluation, any comments received, and EASA issued AD 2013–0268 (for A330
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–16– aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD
other information. The address for the
02 for all Airbus Model A330 series 2015–16–02] and AD 2013–0269 (for A340
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) aeroplanes) [which corresponds to FAA AD
airplanes. AD 2015–16–02 required is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
revising the maintenance or inspection 2014–23–17, Amendment 39–18033 (79 FR
Department of Transportation, Docket 71304, December 2, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–23–
program to incorporate certain Operations, M–30, West Building 17’’)] to require the actions as specified in
maintenance requirements and Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 4 at
airworthiness limitations. This new AD New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Revision 04 and Revision 03, respectively.
requires revising the maintenance or DC 20590. Since those [EASA] ADs were issued,
inspection program to incorporate new Airbus issued Revision 05 and Revision 04,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
maintenance requirements and respectively, of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Part 4, which introduce new and more
airworthiness limitations. This AD was
International Branch, ANM–116, restrictive maintenance requirements and/or
prompted by a revision of the
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, airworthiness limitations.
airworthiness limitations items (ALI)
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA For the reason described above, this
document, which provides new and
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–1138; [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
more restrictive maintenance AD 2013–0268 and AD 2013–0269, which are
fax: 425–227–1149.
requirements and airworthiness superseded, and require accomplishment of
limitations for airplane structures and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
the actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS
systems. We are issuing this AD to Discussion Part 4 Revision 05, or A340 ALS Part 4
address the unsafe condition on these Revision 04, as applicable (hereafter
We issued a notice of proposed collectively referred to as ‘the ALS’ in this
products.
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR [EASA] AD).
DATES: This AD is effective April 17, part 39 to supersede AD 2015–16–02,
2017. Amendment 39–18227 (80 FR 48019, You may examine the MCAI in the
The Director of the Federal Register August 11, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–16–02’’). AD docket on the Internet at http://
approved the incorporation by reference AD 2015–16–02 applied to all Airbus www.regulations.gov by searching for
of certain publications listed in this AD Model A330 series airplanes. The NPRM and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
as of April 17, 2017. published in the Federal Register on 9069.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

The Director of the Federal Register September 12, 2016 (81 FR 62672). The Comments
approved the incorporation by reference NPRM was prompted by a revision of
of certain other publications listed in the ALI document, which provides new We gave the public the opportunity to
this AD as of September 15, 2015 (80 FR and more restrictive maintenance participate in developing this AD. The
48019, August 11, 2015). requirements and airworthiness following presents the comments
ADDRESSES: For service information limitations for airplane structures and received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
identified in this final rule, contact systems. The NPRM proposed to require response to each comment.

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13380 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Request To Adopt ALS Variation 4—SEMR, which is expected to be editorial changes. We have determined
American Airlines (AAL) requested approved under Airbus’s EASA Design that these minor changes:
that Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Organization Approval in mid-January • Are consistent with the intent that
Equipment Maintenance Requirements 2017. Airbus asserted that a new EASA was proposed in the NPRM for
(SEMR)—Variation 5.1, dated December AD will be issued to supersede EASA correcting the unsafe condition; and
20, 2015 (‘‘Variation 5.1’’), also be AD 2016–0011 once Revision 06 is • Do not add any additional burden
adopted in the final rule. AAL noted issued. upon the public than was already
that Variation 5.1 was approved as an We disagree. We have determined that proposed in the NPRM.
alternative method of compliance more restrictive maintenance Related Service Information Under 1
(AMOC) to AD 2015–16–02 via ANM– requirements and airworthiness CFR Part 51
116–16–272, dated April 13, 2016. limitations for airplane structures and
We agree that AMOCs approved Airbus issued A330 ALS Part 4—
systems are necessary to prevent
previously for AD 2015–16–02 continue SEMR, Revision 05, dated October 19,
reduced structural integrity and reduced
to be approved as AMOCs for the 2015. This service information describes
control of these airplanes, due to the
corresponding provisions of paragraph preventative maintenance requirements
failure of system components.
(g) of this AD, as stated in paragraph and associated airworthiness limitations
Therefore, we do not consider that
(l)(1)(ii) of this AD. We also agree to applicable to aircraft systems
delaying this action by reopening the
include Variation 5.1 as a method of susceptible to aging effects.
comment period until such time as the
compliance for the requirements of Airbus also issued Airbus A330 ALS
manufacturer’s planned service
paragraph (j) of this AD for components Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance
information is released is warranted,
specified in Variation 5.1. We have Requirements (SEMR)—Variation 5.1,
since the necessary service information
revised paragraph (j) of this AD dated December 20, 2015. This service
is currently available. However, under information describes revising the
accordingly. the provisions of paragraph (l)(1) of this maintenance or inspection program by
Request To Re-Open the Comment AD, we will consider requests for increasing the life limits for certain
Period approval to use Revision 06 of Airbus components.
Airbus requested that we re-open the A330 ALS Part 4—SEMR once it is This service information is reasonably
comment period specified in the NPRM approved and available. We have not available because the interested parties
in order to introduce Revision 06 of changed the AD in this regard. have access to it through their normal
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—SEMR. Airbus Conclusion course of business or by the means
pointed out that, since the MCAI was identified in the ADDRESSES section.
published, multiple new variations to We reviewed the available data,
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 have been including the comments received, and Costs of Compliance
issued and have been or are being determined that air safety and the We estimate that this AD affects 104
approved by EASA. Airbus stated that public interest require adopting this airplanes of U.S. registry.
these variations will be included in adopting this AD with the changes We estimate the following costs to
Revision 06 of Airbus A330 ALS Part described previously and minor comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Maintenance or inspection program revision 1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ............... $0 $85 $8,840
(retained actions from AD 2015–16–02).
Maintenance or inspection program revision 1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ............... 0 85 8,840
(new action).

Authority for This Rulemaking because it addresses an unsafe condition 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
Title 49 of the United States Code that is likely to exist or develop on DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue products identified in this rulemaking (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, action. 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
section 106, describes the authority of Regulatory Findings Alaska; and
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: 4. Will not have a significant
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more We determined that this AD will not economic impact, positive or negative,
detail the scope of the Agency’s have federalism implications under on a substantial number of small entities
authority. Executive Order 13132. This AD will under the criteria of the Regulatory
We are issuing this rulemaking under not have a substantial direct effect on Flexibility Act.
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, the States, on the relationship between
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the national government and the States, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
General requirements.’’ Under that or on the distribution of power and
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

section, Congress charges the FAA with Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
responsibilities among the various
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in safety, Incorporation by reference,
levels of government. Safety.
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD: Adoption of the Amendment
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Accordingly, under the authority
is within the scope of that authority action’’ under Executive Order 12866; delegated to me by the Administrator,

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13382 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

(j) New Requirement of This AD: 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maintenance or Inspection Program the European Aviation Safety Agency
Revision and Actions (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design Federal Aviation Administration
Within 90 days after the effective date of Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
this AD, revise the maintenance program or the DOA, the approval must include the 14 CFR Part 39
inspection program, as applicable, by DOA-authorized signature.
incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness [Docket No. FAA–2016–6431; Directorate
(m) Related Information Identifier 2015–NM–182–AD; Amendment
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4—SEMR,
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015. The Refer to Mandatory Continuing 39–18823; AD 2017–05–12]
initial compliance times for the actions Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
RIN 2120–AA64
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—SEMR, 2016–0011, dated January 13, 2016, for
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, are related information. This MCAI may be Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
within the applicable compliance times found in the AD docket on the Internet at
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—SEMR,
Airplanes
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015, or and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9069. AGENCY: Federal Aviation
within 60 days after the effective date of this Administration (FAA), Department of
AD, whichever is later, except as required by (n) Material Incorporated by Reference
paragraph (h) of this AD. Accomplishing the Transportation (DOT).
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
revision of the maintenance program or approved the incorporation by reference ACTION: Final rule.
inspection program, as applicable, required (IBR) of the service information listed in this
by this paragraph terminates the paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. part 51. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Revising the maintenance program or (2) You must use this service information Airbus Model A318–112 airplanes,
inspection program, as applicable, by as applicable to do the actions required by A319–111, –112, –115, –132, and –133
incorporating Airbus A330 ALS Part 4— this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. airplanes, A320–214, –232, and –233
SEMR—Variation 5.1, dated December 20, (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations airplanes, and A321–211, –212, –213,
2015, is an acceptable method of compliance Section (ALS) Part 4—System Equipment
for the components specified in the variation.
–231, and –232 airplanes. This AD was
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision prompted by a quality control review on
(k) New Requirement of This AD: No 05, dated October 19, 2015. the final assembly line, which
Alternative Actions or Intervals (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System determined that aluminum alloy with
After accomplishing the revision required Equipment Maintenance Requirements
inadequate heat treatment had been
by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative (SEMR)—Variation 5.1, dated December 20,
2015.
delivered and used on several structural
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be parts. This AD requires a one-time eddy
used unless the actions or intervals are (3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on September 15, 2015 (80 current conductivity measurement of
approved as an AMOC in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) FR 48019, August 11, 2015). certain cabin, cargo compartment, and
of this AD. (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations frame structural parts to determine if
Section (ALS) Part 4—Aging Systems aluminum alloy with inadequate heat
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, treatment was used, and replacement if
The following provisions also apply to this 2013. necessary. We are issuing this AD to
AD: (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging address the unsafe condition on these
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1, products.
(AMOCs): The Manager, International dated July 23, 2014.
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—Aging DATES: This AD is effective April 17,
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.2, 2017.
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested dated July 23, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (4) For service information identified in approved the incorporation by reference
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness of certain publications listed in this AD
request to your principal inspector or local Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, as of April 17, 2017.
Flight Standards District Office, as 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33
appropriate. If sending information directly ADDRESSES: For service information
5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email:
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; identified in this final rule, contact
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Internet: http://www.airbus.com. Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport (5) You may view this service information Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51;
telephone: 425–227–1138; fax: 425–227– information on the availability of this email: account.airworth-eas@
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9- material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. airbus.com; Internet: http://
ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. (6) You may view this service information
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, www.airbus.com. You may view this
that is incorporated by reference at the referenced service information at the
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
National Archives and Records FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
Administration (NARA). For information on
of the local flight standards district office/ 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
the availability of this material at NARA, call
certificate holding district office. The AMOC
202–741–6030, or go to: http://
For information on the availability of
approval letter must specifically reference this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
this AD. 1221. It is also available on the Internet
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD locations.html.
at http://www.regulations.gov by
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2015–16–02 are approved as AMOCs for the Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
searching for and locating Docket No.
corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of 28, 2017.
this AD. FAA–2016–6431.
Michael Kaszycki,
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Examining the AD Docket
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. You may examine the AD docket on
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved [FR Doc. 2017–04515 Filed 3–10–17; 8:45 am] the Internet at http://
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– BILLING CODE 4910–13–P www.regulations.gov by searching for

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Document Created: 2018-02-01 14:57:36
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 14:57:36
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective April 17, 2017.
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.
FR Citation		82 FR 13379
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 13379 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 47 (March 13, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
