82 FR 24017 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 100 (May 25, 2017)

Page Range		24017-24020
FR Document		2017-10281
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16-19 for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2014-16-19 required revision of the maintenance or inspection program to include certain fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD requires revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include new fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD also removes certain airplanes from the applicability of AD 2014-16-19. This AD was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24017-24020]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10281]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9524; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-049-AD; 
Amendment 39-18891; AD 2017-10-17]
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) 2014-16-19 for 
all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes. 
AD 2014-16-19 required revision of the maintenance or inspection 
program to include certain fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD 
requires revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to include new fuel airworthiness limitations. This new AD 
also removes certain airplanes from the applicability of AD 2014-16-19. 
This AD was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel 
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
September 25, 2014 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014).

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-2016-9524.

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-
9524; 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 2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449, 
August 21, 2014) (``AD 2014-16-19''). AD 2014-16-19 applied to all 
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2017 (82 FR 734). 
The NPRM was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel 
airworthiness

[[Page 24018]]

limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revision of the maintenance 
or inspection program, as applicable, to include new fuel airworthiness 
limitations. The NPRM also proposed to remove certain airplanes from 
the applicability of AD 2014-16-19. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0065, dated April 5, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series 
airplanes, Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-300 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-200 series airplanes, Model A340-300 series 
airplanes, Model A340-500 series airplanes, and Model A340-600 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Prompted by an accident * * *, the Federal Aviation Authority 
(FAA) published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and 
the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/
POL/25/12. A design review was conducted by Airbus to develop Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) for Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes 
in response to these regulations.
    The FAL, which are approved by EASA, are defined and published 
in Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
documents known as Part 5. Failure to comply with these instructions 
could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the 
aeroplane.
    EASA issued AD 2012-0168 [which corresponds with FAA AD 2014-16-
19 for Model A330 airplanes, and FAA AD 2013-26-03, Amendment 39-
17712 (78 FR 79292, December 30, 2013) for Model A340 airplanes] to 
require compliance with the FAL as specified in the A330 and A340 
ALS Part 5 Revision 00.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus issued Revision 01 of 
both ALS Parts 5 for Airbus A330 and A340 to introduce more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0168, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5 
Revision 01, A340 ALS Part 5 Revision 01, 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-
9524.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Air Line Pilots 
Association, International expressed support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 5--Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated 
October 28, 2015. These airworthiness limitations introduce more 
restrictive fuel airworthiness limitations. 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.
    The actions required by AD 2014-16-19, and retained in this AD, 
take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions 
that are required by AD 2014-16-19 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $8,840, or $85 per product.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-10-17 Airbus: Amendment 39-18891; Docket No. FAA-2016-9524; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-049-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 29, 2017.

[[Page 24019]]

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-16-19, Amendment 39-17943 (79 FR 49449, 
August 21, 2014) (``AD 2014-16-19'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, with 
an original certificate of airworthiness or original export 
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 28, 2015.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the issuance of more restrictive fuel 
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the 
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Maintenance Program Revision and Airworthiness Limitations 
Compliance, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-16-19, with no changes.
    (1) Within 3 months after September 25, 2014 (the effective date 
of AD 2014-16-19), revise the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 5--Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), dated 
November 16, 2011.
    (2) Comply with all applicable instructions and airworthiness 
limitations included in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 
16, 2011. The initial compliance times for the actions specified in 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011, are at the 
later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) 
of this AD, except as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
    (i) Within the applicable compliance times specified in Airbus 
A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011.
    (ii) Within 3 months after accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(h) Retained Exceptions to Compliance Times for Design Changes, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2014-16-19, with no changes.
    (1) For type design changes specified in ``Sub-part 5-2 Changes 
to Type Design,'' of Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 
2011, the compliance times are defined as ``Embodiment Limits,'' 
except as defined in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, dated November 16, 2011, 
specifies a compliance time based on a calendar date for modifying 
the control circuit for the fuel pump of the center fuel tank 
(installing ground fault interrupters to the center tank fuel pump 
control circuit), the compliance date is September 18, 2016 (48 
months after the effective date of AD 2012-16-05, Amendment 39-17152 
(77 FR 48425, August 14, 2012)).

(i) Retained No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With Added Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2014-16-19, with an added exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used; except as specified 
in paragraph (h) of this AD; or unless the actions, intervals, or 
CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this 
AD.

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection 
Program

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision 01, dated October 28, 2015. 
The compliance times for accomplishing the initial tasks specified 
in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision 01, dated October 28, 2015, 
are at the times specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5--FAL, Revision 
01, dated October 28, 2015, or within 3 months after revising the 
maintenance or inspection program as required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision required 
by this paragraph terminates the actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

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

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or 
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs 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 the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0065, dated April 5, 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-2016-9524.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 29, 2017.
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5--
Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated October 28, 
2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 25, 2014 (79 FR 49449, August 21, 2014).
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5--
Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), dated November 16, 2011. The 
cover page of this document is undated and identified as Revision 
00.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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.

[[Page 24020]]

    (7) 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 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10281 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 24017

GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English email: aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: of a certain publication listed in this AD
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6, http://aircraft.solo-online.com. as of June 29, 2017.
Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), (4) You may review this referenced service The Director of the Federal Register
dated November 16, 2016. information at the FAA, Small Airplane approved the incorporation by reference
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) and (2) of this Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
of a certain other publication listed in
AD: This service information contains
availability of this material at the FAA, call this AD as of September 25, 2014 (79 FR
German to English translation. The EASA
used the English translation in referencing (816) 329–4148. The MCAI can be found in 49449, August 21, 2014).
the document. For enforceability purposes, the AD docket on the Internet at: https:// ADDRESSES: For service information
we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA- identified in this final rule, contact
service information as it appears on the 2017-0158-0002. Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
document. (5) You may view this service information EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
that is incorporated by reference at the
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33
The following provisions also apply to this
AD: the availability of this material at NARA, call 5 61 93 45 80; email:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Internet: http://www.airbus.com. You
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs locations.html. may view this referenced service
for this AD, if requested using the procedures Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May information at the FAA, Transport
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 15, 2017. Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, SW., Renton, WA. For information on
Melvin Johnson,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri the availability of this material at the
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816) Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
329–4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Aircraft Certification Service. FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
Before using any approved AMOC on any [FR Doc. 2017–10392 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am]
available on the Internet at http://
glider to which the AMOC applies, notify www.regulations.gov by searching for
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
the FAA Flight Standards District Office 9524.
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from You may examine the AD docket on
a manufacturer or other source, use these
Federal Aviation Administration
the Internet at http://
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
14 CFR Part 39 www.regulations.gov by searching for
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
(or their delegated agent). You are required [Docket No. FAA–2016–9524; Directorate 9524; or in person at the Docket
to assure the product is airworthy before it Identifier 2016–NM–049–AD; Amendment Management Facility between 9 a.m.
is returned to service. 39–18891; AD 2017–10–17] and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
(h) Related Information
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
RIN 2120–AA64
contains this AD, the regulatory
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety evaluation, any comments received, and
Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2016–0254, dated Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
December 15, 2016, correction dated January Airplanes other information. The address for the
4, 2017, for related information. You may Docket Office (telephone: 800–647–
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http:// AGENCY: Federal Aviation 5527) is Docket Management Facility,
www.regulations.gov by searching for and Administration (FAA), Department of U.S. Department of Transportation,
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0158. Transportation (DOT). Docket Operations, M–30, West
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference ACTION: Final rule. Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
(1) The Director of the Federal Register SUMMARY: We are superseding
approved the incorporation by reference
Washington, DC 20590.
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–16– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 19 for all Airbus Model A330–200 Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
part 51. Freighter, –200, and –300 series International Branch, ANM–116,
(2) You must use this service information airplanes. AD 2014–16–19 required Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
as applicable to do the actions required by revision of the maintenance or 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. inspection program to include certain 98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–1138;
(i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische fuel airworthiness limitations. This new
Mitteilung (English translation: Service fax: 425–227–1149.
AD requires revision of the maintenance
Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6, Ausgabe 1 (English SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
or inspection program, as applicable, to
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16,
2016. include new fuel airworthiness Discussion
(ii) Reserved. limitations. This new AD also removes We issued a notice of proposed
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD: certain airplanes from the applicability rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
This service information contains German to of AD 2014–16–19. This AD was part 39 to supersede AD 2014–16–19,
English translation. The EASA used the prompted by the issuance of more Amendment 39–17943 (79 FR 49449,
English translation in referencing the restrictive fuel airworthiness August 21, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–16–19’’).
document. For enforceability purposes, we limitations. We are issuing this AD to
will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service
AD 2014–16–19 applied to all Airbus
address the unsafe condition on these Model A330–200 Freighter, –200, and
information as it appears on the document. products.
(3) For Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH service –300 series airplanes. The NPRM
information identified in this AD, contact DATES:This AD is effective June 29, published in the Federal Register on
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 2017. January 4, 2017 (82 FR 734). The NPRM
71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; telephone: The Director of the Federal Register was prompted by the issuance of more
+49 703 1301–0; fax: +49 703 1301–136; approved the incorporation by reference restrictive fuel airworthiness

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 May 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1
24018 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

limitations. The NPRM proposed to Comments General requirements.’’ Under that
require revision of the maintenance or We gave the public the opportunity to section, Congress charges the FAA with
inspection program, as applicable, to participate in developing this AD. We promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
include new fuel airworthiness considered the comment received. The air commerce by prescribing regulations
limitations. The NPRM also proposed to Air Line Pilots Association, for practices, methods, and procedures
remove certain airplanes from the International expressed support for the the Administrator finds necessary for
applicability of AD 2014–16–19. We are NPRM. safety in air commerce. This regulation
issuing this AD to prevent the potential is within the scope of that authority
of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, Conclusion because it addresses an unsafe condition
which, in combination with flammable We reviewed the available data, that is likely to exist or develop on
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank including the comment received, and products identified in this rulemaking
explosions and consequent loss of the determined that air safety and the action.
airplane. public interest require adopting this AD Regulatory Findings
The European Aviation Safety Agency as proposed except for minor editorial
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent changes. We have determined that these We determined that this AD will not
for the Member States of the European minor changes: have federalism implications under
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0065, • Are consistent with the intent that Executive Order 13132. This AD will
dated April 5, 2016 (referred to after this was proposed in the NPRM for not have a substantial direct effect on
as the Mandatory Continuing correcting the unsafe condition; and the States, on the relationship between
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the • Do not add any additional burden the national government and the States,
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition upon the public than was already or on the distribution of power and
for all Airbus Model A330–200 proposed in the NPRM. responsibilities among the various
Freighter series airplanes, Model A330– levels of government.
Related Service Information Under 1
200 series airplanes, Model A330–300 CFR Part 51 For the reasons discussed above, I
series airplanes; and Model A340–200 certify that this AD:
series airplanes, Model A340–300 series Airbus has issued Airbus A330 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
airplanes, Model A340–500 series Airworthiness Limitations Section action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
airplanes, and Model A340–600 series (ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
airplanes. The MCAI states: Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
October 28, 2015. These airworthiness
Prompted by an accident * * *, the (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
limitations introduce more restrictive
Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) published 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) fuel airworthiness limitations. This
Alaska; and
88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties 4. Will not have a significant
published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. A
design review was conducted by Airbus to have access to it through their normal economic impact, positive or negative,
develop Fuel Airworthiness Limitations course of business or by the means on a substantial number of small entities
(FAL) for Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes identified in the ADDRESSES section. under the criteria of the Regulatory
in response to these regulations. Flexibility Act.
The FAL, which are approved by EASA, Costs of Compliance
are defined and published in Airbus A330
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
We estimate that this AD affects 104
and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section airplanes of U.S. registry. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
(ALS) documents known as Part 5. Failure to The actions required by AD 2014–16– safety, Incorporation by reference,
comply with these instructions could result Safety.
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss
19, and retained in this AD, take about
of the aeroplane. 1 work-hour per product, at an average Adoption of the Amendment
EASA issued AD 2012–0168 [which labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based
corresponds with FAA AD 2014–16–19 for on these figures, the estimated cost of Accordingly, under the authority
Model A330 airplanes, and FAA AD 2013– the actions that are required by AD delegated to me by the Administrator,
26–03, Amendment 39–17712 (78 FR 79292, 2014–16–19 is $85 per product. the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
December 30, 2013) for Model A340 We also estimate that it will take follows:
airplanes] to require compliance with the about 1 work-hour per product to
FAL as specified in the A330 and A340 ALS comply with the basic requirements of PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
Part 5 Revision 00. DIRECTIVES
this AD. The average labor rate is $85
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus
issued Revision 01 of both ALS Parts 5 for per work-hour. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Airbus A330 and A340 to introduce more continues to read as follows:
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or operators to be $8,840, or $85 per
airworthiness limitations. product. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 [Amended]
AD 2012–0168, which is superseded, and Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
requires accomplishment of the actions specifies the FAA’s authority to issue removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 5 Revision rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 2014–16–19, Amendment 39–17943 (79
01, A340 ALS Part 5 Revision 01, as section 106, describes the authority of
applicable (hereafter collectively referred to FR 49449, August 21, 2014), and adding
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: the following new AD:
as ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD).
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
You may examine the MCAI in the 2017–10–17 Airbus: Amendment 39–18891;
detail the scope of the Agency’s Docket No. FAA–2016–9524; Directorate
AD docket on the Internet at http:// authority. Identifier 2016–NM–049–AD.
www.regulations.gov by searching for We are issuing this rulemaking under
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, (a) Effective Date
9524. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.

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24020 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 100 / Thursday, May 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

(7) You may view this service information www.regulations.gov by searching for Support for the NPRM
that is incorporated by reference at the and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
National Archives and Records Boeing and United Airlines (UAL)
9075. expressed support for the NPRM.
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call Examining the AD Docket Request To Refer to Revised Service
202–741–6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Information
You may examine the AD docket on
locations.html. the Internet at http:// UAL requested that we revise the
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, www.regulations.gov by searching for proposed AD to refer to Issue 002 of
2017. and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–
Michael Kaszycki, 9075; or in person at the Docket 81205–SB570029–00. UAL stated that it
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Management Facility between 9 a.m. disagrees with the finish requirement
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, being an RC task. UAL pointed out that
[FR Doc. 2017–10281 Filed 5–24–17; 8:45 am] except Federal holidays. The AD docket there is already an airworthiness
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P contains this AD, the regulatory limitation (AWL)/Critical Design
evaluation, any comments received, and Configuration Control Limitations
other information. The address for the (CDCCL) task, 51–AWL–01, for a paint
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is requirement on the wing, resulting in a
Docket Management Facility, U.S. redundant AD requirement. UAL
Federal Aviation Administration Department of Transportation, Docket explained that Boeing plans to revise
Operations, M–30, West Building the service information to remove the
14 CFR Part 39 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 requirement for applying finish over the
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, newly applied sealant as a required for
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9075; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–082–AD; Amendment DC 20590. compliance (RC) task.
39–18890; AD 2017–10–16] We do not agree with UAL’s request
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: to revise this AD. When we incorporate
RIN 2120–AA64 David Lee, Aerospace Engineer, service information by reference, we
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, Seattle refer to approved or published service
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), information. At the time of this action,
Company Airplanes FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Issue 002 of Boeing Alert Service
AGENCY: Federal Aviation WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6501; Bulletin B78781205–SB570029–00 is
Administration (FAA), DOT. fax: 425–917–6590; email: david.a.lee@ not approved or published. We do not
ACTION: Final rule. faa.gov. consider that delaying this action until
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
after the release of a service bulletin
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new revision is warranted. Boeing Alert
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Discussion Service Bulletin B787–81205–
The Boeing Company Model 787–8 and SB570029–00, Issue 001, dated February
787–9 airplanes. This AD was prompted We issued a notice of proposed 23, 2016, provides instructions that
by a report indicating that a portion of rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR adequately address the missing sealant
the sealant above the engine pylon part 39 by adding an AD that would above the engine pylon between the
between the wing skin and the vapor apply to certain The Boeing Company wing skin and the vapor barrier, and
barrier might have been omitted. This Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes. The provides the necessary steps to restore
AD requires an inspection for missing NPRM published in the Federal the finish disturbed by the required
sealant in the seam on the outside and Register on September 15, 2016 (81 FR work.
inside of the engine struts, and 63433). The NPRM was prompted by a In addition, although UAL stated that
corrective actions if necessary. We are report indicating that a portion of the Boeing plans to eliminate the RC
issuing this AD to address the unsafe sealant above the engine pylon between designation for the finish restoration
condition on these products. the wing skin and the vapor barrier steps, Boeing has not received
DATES: This AD is effective June 29, might have been omitted. The NPRM agreement from the FAA that such a
2017. proposed to require an inspection for proposal would be approved. The
The Director of the Federal Register missing sealant in the seam on the proper restoration of the finish, and
approved the incorporation by reference outside and inside of the engine struts, particularly the thickness of the entire
of a certain publication listed in this AD and corrective actions if necessary. We set of finish layers, is safety critical for
as of June 29, 2017. are issuing this AD to detect and correct the reasons stated in the related AWL.
ADDRESSES: For service information missing sealant above the engine pylon We do not view the AD requirement for
identified in this final rule, contact between the wing skin and the vapor finish restoration to be redundant
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, barrier, which can create an unintended relative to the AWL. The AWL requires
Attention: Contractual & Data Services leak path for fuel, potentially draining that, following maintenance, alteration,
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC onto the aft fairing heat shield above the and repair activity, the finish must be
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; engine and onto hot engine parts or restored to the specifications contained
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet brakes, which could lead to a major in the AWL. We, therefore, expect the
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You ground fire. data used for any maintenance,
may view this referenced service Comments alteration, or repair activity that disturbs
information at the FAA, Transport that finish (in this case Boeing Alert
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue We gave the public the opportunity to Service Bulletin B787–81205–
SW., Renton, WA. For information on participate in developing this AD. The SB570029–00, Issue 001, dated February
the availability of this material at the following presents the comments 23, 2016) to contain instructions that
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also received on the NPRM and the FAA’s result in restoration of the finish to the
available on the Internet at http:// response to each comment. standard contained in the AWL. For

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Document Created: 2018-11-08 08:52:36
Document Modified: 2018-11-08 08:52:36
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 June 29, 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 24017
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 24017 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 100 (May 25, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
