83 FR 16787 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 74 (April 17, 2018)

Page Range		16787-16792
FR Document		2018-07626
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-15- 17, which applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and Model A300 F4- 600R series airplanes. AD 2017-15-17 requires an inspection of the lower area of a certain frame radius for cracking, and corrective action if necessary. Since we issued AD 2017-15-17, we have determined that repetitive inspections and applicable corrective actions are necessary. This proposed AD would add new repetitive inspections of the lower area of a certain frame radius for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16787-16792]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07626]


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

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

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


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 17, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 16787]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0277; Product Identifier 2017-NM-124-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-15-
17, which applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series 
airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and Model A300 F4-
600R series airplanes. AD 2017-15-17 requires an inspection of the 
lower area of a certain frame radius for cracking, and corrective 
action if necessary. Since we issued AD 2017-15-17, we have determined 
that repetitive inspections and applicable corrective actions are 
necessary. This proposed AD would add new repetitive inspections of the 
lower area of a certain frame radius for cracking, 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 June 1, 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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email [email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport 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-
0277; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0277; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-124-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-15-17, Amendment 39-18977 (82 FR 35644, August 1, 
2017) (``AD 2017-15-17''), for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600R series 
airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and Model A300 F4-
600R series airplanes. AD 2017-15-17 was prompted by the detection of 
cracking that originated from the fastener holes in the forward fitting 
lower radius of frame (FR) 40. AD 2017-15-17 requires an inspection of 
the lower area of a certain frame radius for cracking, and corrective 
action if necessary. We issued AD 2017-15-17 to detect and correct 
cracking in the forward fitting lower radius of FR 40. Such cracking 
could reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage.
    Since we issued AD 2017-15-17, we have determined that new 
repetitive inspections of the lower area of a certain frame radius for 
cracking, and corrective actions are necessary.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0158, dated August 25, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600R 
series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and Model 
A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Following a full stress analysis of the Frame (FR) 40 lower 
area, supported by a Finite Element Model (FEM), of the post-mod 
[modification] 10221 configuration, it was demonstrated that, for 
the FR40 forward fitting lower radius, a crack could occur after a 
certain number of flight cycles (FC).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the 
structural integrity of the fuselage.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus established 
that crack detection could be achieved through a special detailed 
inspection (SDI) using a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) method, 
and issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A57W009-16 to provide 
those inspection instructions.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0085 to require a one-time SDI 
of the FR40 lower area and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s). After that [EASA] AD was issued, 
further cracks were detected, originating from

[[Page 16788]]

the fastener hole, and, based on these findings, it was determined 
that the inspection area must be enlarged, and Airbus issued AOT 
A57W009-16 Revision (Rev.) 01 accordingly. Consequently, EASA issued 
AD 2016-0179 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017-15-17], retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0085, which was superseded, to extend 
the area of inspection, and to require an additional inspection for 
aeroplanes that were previously inspected.
    The one-time SDI for high cycle A300-600 aeroplanes was intended 
to mitigate the highest risks within the fleet, pending development 
of instructions for repetitive inspections.
    Since EASA AD 2016-0179 was issued, Airbus published SB A300-57-
6120 * * * [for] the inspection programme for A300-600 * * * post-
mod 10221 * * * [airplanes]. The AOT one-time inspection is 
superseded by these repetitive inspection SBs. These SBs include 
alternative inspection methods and repair solutions in case of 
findings together with the associated inspection programme.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0179, which is superseded, * * * and 
defines new inspections methods with new compliance times, including 
repetitive inspections, depending on the aeroplane inspection 
status.

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-
0277.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-57-6120, including 
Appendices 1 through 7, dated April 28, 2017. This service information 
describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the forward fitting 
lower radius of FR 40 for cracking, and corrective action. 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 the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 94 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2017-15-17, and retained in this 
proposed AD, take about 4 work-hours 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 2017-15-17 is $340 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $31,960, or $340 
per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 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.
    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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-15-17, Amendment 39-18977 (82

[[Page 16789]]

FR 35644, August 1, 2017), and adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0277; Product Identifier 2017-NM-124-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-15-17, Amendment 39-18977 (82 FR 35644, 
August 1, 2017) (``AD 2017-15-17'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD, on which Airbus Modification 10221 was embodied in 
production.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the detection of cracking that 
originated from the fastener holes in the forward fitting lower 
radius of frame (FR) 40. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking in the forward fitting lower radius of FR 40. Such 
cracking could reduce the structural integrity of the fuselage.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, the average flight time (AFT) 
can be established by dividing the flight hours (FHs) by the flight 
cycles (FCs) counted:
    (i) From first flight, for selecting the inspection threshold of 
the non-repaired area,
    (ii) From repair, for selecting the inspection threshold of the 
repaired area,
    (iii) From the last inspection, for selecting the inspection 
interval.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are those 
airplanes already inspected in accordance with paragraph 4.2.2 in 
Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A57W009-16, Revision 01, dated 
July 13, 2016, before the effective date of this AD. Group 2 
airplanes are those airplanes not inspected in accordance with 
paragraph 4.2.2 in AOT A57W009-16, Revision 01, dated July 13, 2016, 
as of the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, inspection method A is a high 
frequency (HFEC) inspection of the radius and fastener area. 
Inspection method B is a HFEC inspection of the radius and fastener 
area and a rototest of the fastener hole. Both are defined as a 
special detailed inspection (SDI) in this AD.

(h) Repetitive Inspections for Non-Repaired Areas

    Within the compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (h) 
of this AD (Group 1 airplanes) or table 2 to paragraph (h) of this 
AD (Group 2 airplanes), as applicable, and, thereafter, at intervals 
not exceeding the values specified in table 3 to paragraph (h) of 
this AD, do a SDI for cracking of any non-repaired radius, fastener 
areas, and fastener holes, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6120, including 
Appendices 1 through 7, dated April 28, 2017; except where Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-57-6120, including Appendices 1 through 7, 
dated April 28, 2017, specifies contacting Airbus for appropriate 
action, before further flight, obtain instructions using the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD and accomplish 
those instructions.
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[[Page 16791]]


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(i) Repetitive Inspections for Repaired Areas

    Within the compliance time values as specified in table 4 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD, and, thereafter, at intervals not 
exceeding those same values, do a SDI for cracking of the repaired 
radius, fastener areas, and fastener holes, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6120, 
including Appendices 1 through 7, dated April 28, 2017; except where 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6120, including Appendices 1 through 
7, dated April 28, 2017, specifies contacting Airbus for appropriate 
action, before further flight, obtain instructions using the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD and accomplish 
those instructions.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17AP18.011

(j) Corrective Action

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6120, including Appendices 1 through 7, dated April 
28, 2017.

(k) Reporting

    Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of 
each inspection required by paragraph (h) and (i) of this AD to 
Airbus, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6120, including Appendices 1 through 7, dated April 
28, 2017, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 (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 Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0158, dated August 25, 
2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket

[[Page 16792]]

on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0277.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3225.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport 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. 2018-07626 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
16787

Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 74

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except substantive verbal contact we receive
contains notices to the public of the proposed Federal holidays. about this proposed AD.
issuance of rules and regulations. The For service information identified in
purpose of these notices is to give interested Discussion
this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
persons an opportunity to participate in the Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond We issued AD 2017–15–17,
rule making prior to the adoption of the final Amendment 39–18977 (82 FR 35644,
rules.
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 August 1, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–15–17’’), for
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email certain Airbus Model A300 B4–600R
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; series airplanes, Model A300 C4–605R
internet http://www.airbus.com. You Variant F airplanes, and Model A300
Federal Aviation Administration may view this referenced service F4–600R series airplanes. AD 2017–15–
information at the FAA, Transport 17 was prompted by the detection of
14 CFR Part 39 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., cracking that originated from the
Des Moines, WA. For information on the fastener holes in the forward fitting
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0277; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–124–AD] availability of this material at the FAA, lower radius of frame (FR) 40. AD 2017–
call 206–231–3195. 15–17 requires an inspection of the
RIN 2120–AA64 lower area of a certain frame radius for
Examining the AD Docket cracking, and corrective action if
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus You may examine the AD docket on necessary. We issued AD 2017–15–17 to
Airplanes the internet at http:// detect and correct cracking in the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation www.regulations.gov by searching for forward fitting lower radius of FR 40.
Administration (FAA), DOT. and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Such cracking could reduce the
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
0277; or in person at the Docket structural integrity of the fuselage.
(NPRM). Management Facility between 9 a.m. Since we issued AD 2017–15–17, we
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, have determined that new repetitive
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede except Federal holidays. The AD docket inspections of the lower area of a certain
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–15– contains this proposed AD, the frame radius for cracking, and corrective
17, which applies to certain Airbus regulatory evaluation, any comments actions are necessary.
Model A300 B4–600R series airplanes, received, and other information. The The European Aviation Safety Agency
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F street address for the Docket Operations (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
airplanes, and Model A300 F4–600R office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in for the Member States of the European
series airplanes. AD 2017–15–17 the ADDRESSES section. Comments will Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0158,
requires an inspection of the lower area be available in the AD docket shortly dated August 25, 2017 (referred to after
of a certain frame radius for cracking, after receipt. this as the Mandatory Continuing
and corrective action if necessary. Since FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
we issued AD 2017–15–17, we have Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
determined that repetitive inspections International Section, Transport for certain Airbus Model A300 B4–600R
and applicable corrective actions are Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South series airplanes, Model A300 C4–605R
necessary. This proposed AD would add 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; Variant F airplanes, and Model A300
new repetitive inspections of the lower telephone and fax 206–231–3225. F4–600R series airplanes. The MCAI
area of a certain frame radius for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: states:
cracking, and corrective actions if Following a full stress analysis of the
necessary. We are proposing this AD to Comments Invited Frame (FR) 40 lower area, supported by a
address the unsafe condition on these We invite you to send any written Finite Element Model (FEM), of the post-mod
products. relevant data, views, or arguments about [modification] 10221 configuration, it was
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD. Send your comments demonstrated that, for the FR40 forward
to an address listed under the fitting lower radius, a crack could occur after
this proposed AD by June 1, 2018. a certain number of flight cycles (FC).
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
This condition, if not detected and
using the procedures found in 14 CFR FAA–2018–0277; Product Identifier corrected, could reduce the structural
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following 2017–NM–124–AD’’ at the beginning of integrity of the fuselage.
methods: your comments. We specifically invite To address this potential unsafe condition,
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to comments on the overall regulatory, Airbus established that crack detection could
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the economic, environmental, and energy be achieved through a special detailed
instructions for submitting comments. aspects of this proposed AD. We will inspection (SDI) using a high frequency eddy
• Fax: 202–493–2251. current (HFEC) method, and issued Alert
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS

consider all comments received by the
• Mail: U.S. Department of closing date and may amend this Operators Transmission (AOT) A57W009–16
to provide those inspection instructions.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– proposed AD based on those comments.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016–0085
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room We will post all comments we to require a one-time SDI of the FR40 lower
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, receive, without change, to http:// area and, depending on findings,
Washington, DC 20590. www.regulations.gov, including any accomplishment of applicable corrective
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail personal information you provide. We action(s). After that [EASA] AD was issued,
address above between 9 a.m. and will also post a report summarizing each further cracks were detected, originating from

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Apr 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\17APP1.SGM 17APP1
16788 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 17, 2018 / Proposed Rules

the fastener hole, and, based on these Costs of Compliance the Administrator finds necessary for
findings, it was determined that the safety in air commerce. This regulation
inspection area must be enlarged, and Airbus We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 94 airplanes of U.S. registry. is within the scope of that authority
issued AOT A57W009–16 Revision (Rev.) 01 because it addresses an unsafe condition
accordingly. Consequently, EASA issued AD The actions required by AD 2017–15–
17, and retained in this proposed AD, that is likely to exist or develop on
2016–0179 [which corresponds to FAA AD products identified in this rulemaking
2017–15–17], retaining the requirements of take about 4 work-hours per product, at
an average labor rate of $85 per work- action.
EASA AD 2016–0085, which was
superseded, to extend the area of inspection, hour. Based on these figures, the This AD is issued in accordance with
and to require an additional inspection for estimated cost of the actions that are authority delegated by the Executive
aeroplanes that were previously inspected. required by AD 2017–15–17 is $340 per Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
The one-time SDI for high cycle A300–600 product. as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
aeroplanes was intended to mitigate the We also estimate that it would take In accordance with that order, issuance
highest risks within the fleet, pending about 4 work-hours per product to of ADs is normally a function of the
development of instructions for repetitive comply with the basic requirements of Compliance and Airworthiness
inspections. this proposed AD. The average labor Division, but during this transition
Since EASA AD 2016–0179 was issued,
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on period, the Executive Director has
Airbus published SB A300–57–6120 * * * delegated the authority to issue ADs
[for] the inspection programme for A300–600
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to applicable to transport category
* * * post-mod 10221 * * * [airplanes]. airplanes to the Director of the System
The AOT one-time inspection is superseded be $31,960, or $340 per product.
We have received no definitive data Oversight Division.
by these repetitive inspection SBs. These SBs
include alternative inspection methods and that would enable us to provide cost Regulatory Findings
repair solutions in case of findings together estimates for the on-condition actions
We determined that this proposed AD
with the associated inspection programme. specified in this proposed AD.
would not have federalism implications
For the reasons described above, this
Paperwork Reduction Act under Executive Order 13132. This
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2016–0179, which is superseded, * * * A federal agency may not conduct or proposed AD would not have a
and defines new inspections methods with sponsor, and a person is not required to substantial direct effect on the States, on
new compliance times, including repetitive respond to, nor shall a person be subject the relationship between the national
inspections, depending on the aeroplane to penalty for failure to comply with a Government and the States, or on the
inspection status. collection of information subject to the distribution of power and
requirements of the Paperwork responsibilities among the various
You may examine the MCAI in the AD levels of government.
docket on the internet at http:// Reduction Act unless that collection of
For the reasons discussed above, I
www.regulations.gov by searching for information displays a current valid
certify this proposed regulation:
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– OMB control number. The control
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
0277. number for the collection of information
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
Related Service Information Under 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
paperwork cost associated with this AD
1 CFR Part 51 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
has been detailed in the Costs of
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
Compliance section of this document
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
and includes time for reviewing
A300–57–6120, including Appendices 1 Alaska; and
instructions, as well as completing and
through 7, dated April 28, 2017. This 4. Will not have a significant
reviewing the collection of information.
service information describes economic impact, positive or negative,
Therefore, all reporting associated with
procedures for repetitive inspections of on a substantial number of small entities
this AD is mandatory. Comments
the forward fitting lower radius of FR 40 under the criteria of the Regulatory
concerning the accuracy of this burden
for cracking, and corrective action. This Flexibility Act.
and suggestions for reducing the burden
service information is reasonably should be directed to the FAA at 800 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
available because the interested parties Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
have access to it through their normal Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
DC 20591, ATTN: Information safety, Incorporation by reference,
course of business or by the means Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
identified in the ADDRESSES section. Safety.
Authority for This Rulemaking The Proposed Amendment
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD Title 49 of the United States Code Accordingly, under the authority
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue delegated to me by the Administrator,
This product has been approved by rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
the aviation authority of another section 106, describes the authority of 39 as follows:
country, and is approved for operation the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
in the United States. Pursuant to our Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
bilateral agreement with the State of detail the scope of the Agency’s DIRECTIVES
Design Authority, we have been notified authority.
1. The authority citation for part 39
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS

of the unsafe condition described in the We are issuing this rulemaking under ■
MCAI and service information the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, continues to read as follows:
referenced above. We are proposing this Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
AD because we evaluated all pertinent General requirements.’’ Under that
information and determined an unsafe section, Congress charges the FAA with § 39.13 [Amended]
condition exists and is likely to exist or promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
develop on other products of the same air commerce by prescribing regulations removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
type design. for practices, methods, and procedures 2017–15–17, Amendment 39–18977 (82

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16792 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 17, 2018 / Proposed Rules

on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov the modified horizontal stabilizer 2018–0271; Product Identifier 2017–
by searching for and locating Docket No. leading edge. We are proposing this AD NM–111–AD’’ at the beginning of your
FAA–2018–0277. to address the unsafe condition on these comments. We specifically invite
(2) For more information about this AD, products. comments on the overall regulatory,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards DATES: We must receive comments on economic, environmental, and energy
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des this proposed AD by June 1, 2018. aspects of this proposed AD. We will
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
consider all comments received by the
231–3225. using the procedures found in 14 CFR closing date and may amend this
(3) For service information identified in 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following proposed AD based on those comments.
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness We will post all comments we
methods:
Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice receive, without change, to http://
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov, including any
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
personal information you provide. We
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. will also post a report summarizing each
airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. substantive verbal contact we receive
You may view this service information at the • Mail: U.S. Department of
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 Transportation, Docket Operations, M– about this proposed AD.
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Discussion
information on the availability of this W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. We issued AD 2016–13–06,
Washington, DC 20590. Amendment 39–18570 (81 FR 41432,
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail June 27, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–13–06’’), for
March 30, 2018. address above between 9 a.m. and 5 certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics
Chris Spangenberg, p.m., Monday through Friday, except Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Federal holidays. 340B airplanes. AD 2016–13–06 was
Aircraft Certification Service. For service information identified in prompted by reports of ruptured
[FR Doc. 2018–07626 Filed 4–16–18; 8:45 am] this NPRM, contact Saab AB, Saab horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. AD
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Aeronautics, SE–581 88, Linköping, 2016–13–06 requires a revision of the
Sweden; telephone: +46 13 18 5591; fax: applicable AFM, repetitive inspections
+46 13 18 4874; email: of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; boots, and applicable corrective actions.
internet: http://www.saabgroup.com. We issued AD 2016–13–06 to detect and
Federal Aviation Administration You may view this referenced service correct damage of the de-icing boot;
information at the FAA, Transport such damage could lead to a ruptured
14 CFR Part 39 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., boot, severe vibrations, and possible
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0271; Product Des Moines, WA. For information on the reduced control of the airplane.
Identifier 2017–NM–111–AD] availability of this material at the FAA, Since we issued AD 2016–13–06, the
call 206–231–3195. manufacturer has developed an
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket improved de-icing boot, reinforced
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, through double stitch lines.
You may examine the AD docket on The European Aviation Safety Agency
Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as the internet at http://
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
www.regulations.gov by searching for for the Member States of the European
Airplanes and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0144,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation 0271; or in person at the Docket dated August 9, 2017 (referred to after
Administration (FAA), DOT. Management Facility between 9 a.m. this as the Mandatory Continuing
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
except Federal holidays. The AD docket MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
(NPRM).
contains this proposed AD, the for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede regulatory evaluation, any comments Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–13– received, and other information. The 340B airplanes. The MCAI states:
06, which applies to certain Saab AB, street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in Several occurrences were reported of
Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/ rupture of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD the ADDRESSES section. Comments will boot in flight. In some of the reported events,
2016–13–06 requires a revision of the be available in the AD docket shortly the de-icing boot had formed a large open
applicable airplane flight manual after receipt. scoop.
(AFM), repetitive inspections of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: This condition, if not detected and
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace corrected, could lead to complete loss of the
Engineer, International Section, de-icing function within its associated zone
applicable corrective actions. Since we and severe vibrations, possibly resulting in
issued AD 2016–13–06, the Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 reduced control of the aeroplane.
manufacturer has developed an South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; To address this potential unsafe condition,
improved de-icing boot. This proposed telephone and fax: 206–231–3220. Saab AB, Aeronautics (hereafter referred to as
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS

AD would continue to require a revision SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ‘‘Saab’’ in this [EASA] AD) issued Alert
of the applicable AFM, repetitive Operations Bulletin (AOB) No. 12 and AOB
inspections of the horizontal stabilizer Comments Invited No. 23 as temporary measures,
de-icing boots, and applicable corrective recommending to select Flaps 0 for landing
We invite you to send any written
in the event of a suspected rupture of the de-
actions. This proposed AD would also relevant data, views, or arguments about icing boot on the horizontal stabilizer. In
require replacement of single stitched this proposal. Send your comments to addition, Saab issued SB [Service Bulletin]
de-icing boots with improved double an address listed under the ADDRESSES 340–30–094 providing instructions for
stitched boots, and re-identification of section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– inspection of de-icing boots.

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Document Created: 2018-04-17 02:52:58
Document Modified: 2018-04-17 02:52:58
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 2018.
Contact		Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.
FR Citation		83 FR 16787
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
83 FR 16787 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 74 (April 17, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
