83_FR_16318 83 FR 16245 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

83 FR 16245 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 73 (April 16, 2018)

Page Range16245-16247
FR Document2018-07647

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a functional test to ensure that there is no blockage of vent pipes was not done on the trim tank of certain airplanes during production. This proposed AD would require doing a trim tank functional test, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16245-16247]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07647]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, 
A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a determination that a functional test to ensure that there 
is no blockage of vent pipes was not done on the trim tank of certain 
airplanes during production. This proposed AD would require doing a 
trim tank functional test, and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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--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 service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

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-2018-
0270; 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 NPRM, 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European

[[Page 16246]]

Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0152, dated August 
17, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-
300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    It was discovered that the production functional test to verify 
the ``Tank Pressures during Refuel Overflow'' was not performed on 
the Trim Tank (TT) of A330 and A340 aeroplanes up to MSN 
[manufacturer serial number] 1711. This test ensures that there is 
no blockage of the vent pipes.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead, in combination 
with a high level sensor failure, to an over-pressurisation of the 
TT during refueling or during aft fuel transfer, possibly resulting 
in a TT rupture and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published 
Service Bulletin (SB) A330-28-3130, SB A340-28-4140 and SB A340-28-
5061, to provide functional test instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time functional test of the TT overflow and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    Corrective actions include a general visual inspection of the 
aperture leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed 
inspection of the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of any 
discrepant NACA duct.
    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-2018-
0270.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
     Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
     Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
    The service information describes procedures for doing a trim tank 
overflow functional test, a general visual inspection of the aperture 
leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed inspection of 
the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of discrepant NACA 
ducts. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models. 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 97 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Functional test....................  16 work-hours x $85 per                  $0          $1,360        $131,920
                                      hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary inspections 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed test. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
inspections:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections................................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170.              $0            $170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would allow us to provide 
cost estimates for the blockage removal or repair of a discrepant NACA 
duct specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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.

[[Page 16247]]

    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-2018-0270; Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 31, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(7) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
manufacturer serial numbers 1 through 1711 inclusive.
    (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.
    (4) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213 airplanes.
    (5) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (6) Airbus Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (7) Airbus Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that a functional test 
to ensure that there is no blockage of vent pipes was not done on 
the trim tank of certain airplanes during production. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct blocked vent pipes, which, in 
combination with a high level sensor failure, could lead to over-
pressurization of the trim tank during refueling or aft fuel 
transfer. This could lead to trim tank rupture and consequent 
reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Functional Test

    Within 42 months after the effective date of this AD, do a trim 
tank overflow functional test in accordance with the instructions of 
the service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(3), as applicable.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 
18, 2017.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 
18, 2017.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 
18, 2017.

(h) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during the functional test required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, the trim tank maximum allowable pressure is exceeded: 
Before further flight, contact the Manager, International Section, 
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA); or Airbus's Design Organization Approval (DOA) to 
obtain instructions for corrective actions, and within the 
compliance time indicated in those instructions accomplish the 
corrective actions accordingly.
    (2) If, during the functional test required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, the trim surge tank maximum allowable pressure is exceeded: 
Before further flight, do a general visual inspection of the 
aperture leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct) and do a 
detailed inspection of the flame arrestor in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, 
Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-
4140, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; as applicable.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, any discrepancy (blockage or damage of the NACA duct) is 
found: Before further flight, accomplish the applicable corrective 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated 
May 18, 2017; as applicable.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j)(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: 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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0152, dated August 17, 
2017, 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-2018-0270.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
    (3) 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. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07647 Filed 4-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules 16245 (h) Required Actions for Group 2 Airplanes 5224; fax: 562–627–5210; email: • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail For airplanes identified as Group 2 in david.truong@faa.gov. address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– (2) For service information identified in p.m., Monday through Friday, except 53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017: this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Federal holidays. Except as required by paragraph (i) of this For service information identified in AD, at the applicable times specified in the Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS, ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac dated December 11, 2017, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, referenced service information at the FAA, Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 on the availability of this material at the internet http://www.airbus.com. You RB, dated December 11, 2017. FAA, call 206–231–3195. Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: may view this service information at the Guidance for accomplishing the actions Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 required by this AD can be found in Boeing March 30, 2018. South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1377, dated Chris Spangenberg, information on the availability of this December 11, 2017, which is referred to in Acting Director, System Oversight Division, material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– Aircraft Certification Service. 53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017. [FR Doc. 2018–07648 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am] Examining the AD Docket (i) Exceptions to Service Information BILLING CODE 4910–13–P You may examine the AD docket on Specifications the internet at http:// (1) For purposes of determining www.regulations.gov by searching for compliance with the requirements of this AD: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 0270; or in person at the Docket 737–53A1377 RB, dated December 11, 2017, Federal Aviation Administration Management Facility between 9 a.m. uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB,’’ 14 CFR Part 39 except Federal holidays. The AD docket this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of contains this NPRM, the regulatory [Docket No. FAA–2018–0270; Product this AD.’’ evaluation, any comments received, and Identifier 2017–NM–133–AD] (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements other information. The street address for Bulletin 737–53A1377 RB, dated December RIN 2120–AA64 11, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD the Docket Operations office (telephone requires repair using a method approved in 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES Airworthiness Directives; Airbus accordance with the procedures specified in section. Comments will be available in Airplanes paragraph (j) of this AD. the AD docket shortly after receipt. AGENCY: Federal Aviation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Administration (FAA), DOT. Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking International Section, Transport (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs (NPRM). Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South for this AD, if requested using the procedures 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; We propose to adopt a new SUMMARY: telephone and fax 206–231–3229. found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your airworthiness directive (AD) for certain SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter, principal inspector or local Flight Standards A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, A340– District Office, as appropriate. If sending Comments Invited information directly to the manager of the300, A340–500, and A340–600 series We invite you to send any written airplanes. This proposed AD was certification office, send it to the attention of relevant data, views, or arguments about the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of prompted by a determination that a this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9- this proposal. Send your comments to functional test to ensure that there is no an address listed under the ADDRESSES ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. blockage of vent pipes was not done on (2) Before using any approved AMOC, section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– the trim tank of certain airplanes during notify your appropriate principal inspector, 2018–0270; Product Identifier 2017– production. This proposed AD would or lacking a principal inspector, the manager NM–133–AD’’ at the beginning of your require doing a trim tank functional test, of the local flight standards district office/ comments. We specifically invite certificate holding district office. and corrective actions if necessary. We comments on the overall regulatory, (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptableare proposing this AD to address the economic, environmental, and energy level of safety may be used for any repair, unsafe condition on these products. modification, or alteration required by this aspects of this NPRM. We will consider DATES: We must receive comments on all comments received by the closing AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization this proposed AD by May 31, 2018. date and may amend this NPRM based Designation Authorization (ODA) that has ADDRESSES: You may send comments, on those comments. using the procedures found in 14 CFR been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles We will post all comments we ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following receive, without change, to http:// approved, the repair method, modification methods: www.regulations.gov, including any deviation, or alteration deviation must meet• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to personal information you provide. We daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS the certification basis of the airplane, and the http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the will also post a report summarizing each approval must specifically refer to this AD. instructions for submitting comments. substantive verbal contact we receive (k) Related Information • Fax: 202–493–2251. about this NPRM. (1) For more information about this AD, • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Discussion contact David Truong, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room The European Aviation Safety Agency Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, (EASA), which is the Technical Agent Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– Washington, DC 20590. for the Member States of the European VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1

16246 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Corrective actions include a general airplane models. This service Directive 2017–0152, dated August 17, visual inspection of the aperture leading information is reasonably available 2017 (referred to after this as the to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a because the interested parties have Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness detailed inspection of the flame arrestor, access to it through their normal course Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct and blockage removal or repair of any of business or by the means identified an unsafe condition for certain Airbus discrepant NACA duct. in the ADDRESSES section. Model A330–200 Freighter, A330–200, You may examine the MCAI in the A330–300, A340–200, A340–300, A340– AD docket on the internet at http:// FAA’s Determination and Requirements 500, and A340–600 series airplanes. The www.regulations.gov by searching for of This Proposed AD MCAI states: and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0270. This product has been approved by It was discovered that the production the aviation authority of another functional test to verify the ‘‘Tank Pressures Related Service Information Under 1 during Refuel Overflow’’ was not performed country, and is approved for operation on the Trim Tank (TT) of A330 and A340 CFR Part 51 in the United States. Pursuant to our aeroplanes up to MSN [manufacturer serial Airbus has issued the following bilateral agreement with the State of number] 1711. This test ensures that there is service information: Design Authority, we have been notified no blockage of the vent pipes. • Service Bulletin A330–28–3130, of the unsafe condition described in the This condition, if not corrected, could lead, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. MCAI and service information in combination with a high level sensor • Service Bulletin A340–28–4140, referenced above. We are proposing this failure, to an over-pressurisation of the TT during refueling or during aft fuel transfer, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. AD because we evaluated all pertinent possibly resulting in a TT rupture and • Service Bulletin A340–28–5061, information and determined an unsafe consequent reduced control of the aeroplane Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. condition exists and is likely to exist or To address this potential unsafe condition, The service information describes develop on other products of these same Airbus published Service Bulletin (SB) procedures for doing a trim tank type designs. A330–28–3130, SB A340–28–4140 and SB overflow functional test, a general visual A340–28–5061, to provide functional test inspection of the aperture leading to the Costs of Compliance instructions. flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed For the reasons described above, this We estimate that this proposed AD [EASA] AD requires a one-time functional inspection of the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of discrepant affects 97 airplanes of U.S. registry. test of the TT overflow and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable NACA ducts. These documents are We estimate the following costs to corrective action(s). distinct since they apply to different comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators Functional test ........................ 16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ................................ $0 $1,360 $131,920 We estimate the following costs to do required based on the results of the determining the number of aircraft that any necessary inspections that would be proposed test. We have no way of might need these inspections: ON-CONDITION COSTS Cost per Action Labor cost Parts cost product Inspections ....................................... 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................................................ $0 $170 We have received no definitive data section, Congress charges the FAA with and Airworthiness Division, but during that would allow us to provide cost promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in this transition period, the Executive estimates for the blockage removal or air commerce by prescribing regulations Director has delegated the authority to repair of a discrepant NACA duct for practices, methods, and procedures issue ADs applicable to transport specified in this AD. the Administrator finds necessary for category airplanes to the Director of the Authority for This Rulemaking safety in air commerce. This regulation System Oversight Division. is within the scope of that authority Title 49 of the United States Code because it addresses an unsafe condition Regulatory Findings specifies the FAA’s authority to issue that is likely to exist or develop on rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, We determined that this proposed AD products identified in this rulemaking would not have federalism implications section 106, describes the authority of action. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: under Executive Order 13132. This Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more This proposed AD is issued in proposed AD would not have a detail the scope of the Agency’s accordance with authority delegated by substantial direct effect on the States, on authority. the Executive Director, Aircraft the relationship between the national We are issuing this rulemaking under Certification Service, as authorized by Government and the States, or on the the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance distribution of power and Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: with that order, issuance of ADs is responsibilities among the various General requirements.’’ Under that normally a function of the Compliance levels of government. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 73 / Monday, April 16, 2018 / Proposed Rules 16247 For the reasons discussed above, I no blockage of vent pipes was not done on in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR certify this proposed regulation: the trim tank of certain airplanes during 39.19, send your request to your principal 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory production. We are issuing this AD to detect inspector or local Flight Standards District action’’ under Executive Order 12866; and correct blocked vent pipes, which, in Office, as appropriate. If sending information 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the combination with a high level sensor failure, directly to the International Section, send it could lead to over-pressurization of the trim to the attention of the person identified in DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures tank during refueling or aft fuel transfer. This paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); could lead to trim tank rupture and be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in consequent reduced control of the airplane. REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any Alaska; and approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 4. Will not have a significant (f) Compliance principal inspector, or lacking a principal economic impact, positive or negative, Comply with this AD within the inspector, the manager of the local flight on a substantial number of small entities compliance times specified, unless already standards district office/certificate holding under the criteria of the Regulatory done. district office. Flexibility Act. (g) Functional Test (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Within 42 months after the effective date actions from a manufacturer, the action must of this AD, do a trim tank overflow functional Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation test in accordance with the instructions of be accomplished using a method approved safety, Incorporation by reference, the service information specified in by the Manager, International Section, Safety. paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3), as Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; applicable. or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the The Proposed Amendment (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3130, DOA, the approval must include the DOA- Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. authorized signature. Accordingly, under the authority (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–4140, (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any delegated to me by the Administrator, service information contains procedures or the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–5061, tests that are identified as RC, those 39 as follows: Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017. procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (h) Corrective Actions not identified as RC are recommended. Those DIRECTIVES (1) If, during the functional test required by procedures and tests that are not identified paragraph (g) of this AD, the trim tank as RC may be deviated from using accepted ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 maximum allowable pressure is exceeded: methods in accordance with the operator’s continues to read as follows: Before further flight, contact the Manager, maintenance or inspection program without Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. International Section, Transport Standards obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation the procedures and tests identified as RC can § 39.13 [Amended] Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s Design be done and the airplane can be put back in ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Organization Approval (DOA) to obtain an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or instructions for corrective actions, and changes to procedures or tests identified as the following new airworthiness within the compliance time indicated in RC require approval of an AMOC. directive (AD): those instructions accomplish the corrective Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0270; Product actions accordingly. (j) Related Information Identifier 2017–NM–133–AD. (2) If, during the functional test required by (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing paragraph (g) of this AD, the trim surge tank Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA (a) Comments Due Date maximum allowable pressure is exceeded: Airworthiness Directive 2017–0152, dated We must receive comments by May 31, Before further flight, do a general visual August 17, 2017, for related information. 2018. inspection of the aperture leading to the This MCAI may be found in the AD docket flame arrestors (NACA duct) and do a on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov (b) Affected ADs detailed inspection of the flame arrestor in by searching for and locating Docket No. None. accordance with the Accomplishment FAA–2018–0270. Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330– (2) For more information about this AD, (c) Applicability 28–3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace This AD applies to the airplanes identified Airbus Service Bulletin A340–28–4140, Engineer, International Section, Transport in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD, Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th certificated in any category, manufacturer Service Bulletin A340–28–5061, Revision 00, St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and serial numbers 1 through 1711 inclusive. dated May 18, 2017; as applicable. fax 206–231–3229. (1) Airbus Model A330–223F and –243F (3) If, during any inspection required by (3) For service information identified in airplanes. paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, any discrepancy this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness (2) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, (blockage or damage of the NACA duct) is Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, –223, and –243 airplanes. found: Before further flight, accomplish the 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (3) Airbus Model A330–301, –302, –303, applicable corrective actions in accordance 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 with the Accomplishment Instructions of airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; airplanes. Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3130, internet http://www.airbus.com. You may (4) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213 Revision 00, dated May 18, 2017; Airbus view this service information at the FAA, airplanes. Service Bulletin A340–28–4140, Revision 00, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South (5) Airbus Model A340–311, –312, and dated May 18, 2017; or Airbus Service 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information –313 airplanes. Bulletin A340–28–5061, Revision 00, dated on the availability of this material at the (6) Airbus Model A340–541 airplanes. May 18, 2017; as applicable. FAA, call 206–231–3195. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (7) Airbus Model A340–642 airplanes. (i) Other FAA AD Provisions Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on (d) Subject The following provisions also apply to this March 30, 2018. Air Transport Association (ATA) of AD: Chris Spangenberg, America Code 28, Fuel. (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Acting Director, System Oversight Division, (AMOCs): The Manager, International (e) Reason Aircraft Certification Service. Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, This AD was prompted by a determination has the authority to approve AMOCs for this [FR Doc. 2018–07647 Filed 4–13–18; 8:45 am] that a functional test to ensure that there is AD, if requested using the procedures found BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM 16APP1


Document Created: 2018-04-14 02:19:23
Document Modified: 2018-04-14 02:19:23
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 31, 2018.
ContactVladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
FR Citation83 FR 16245 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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