83 FR 18730 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 83 (April 30, 2018)

Page Range		18730-18732
FR Document		2018-08648

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-23-16, which applied to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. AD 99-23-16 required repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that concluded that the current inspection thresholds and intervals had to be more restrictive. This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 83 (Monday, April 30, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 83 (Monday, April 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18730-18732]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08648]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0302; Product Identifier 2013-NM-228-AD; Amendment
39-19258; AD 2018-09-02]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-23-16,
which applied to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes.
AD 99-23-16 required repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect
cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-stiffeners of the
centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing; and corrective actions,
if necessary. This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage
tolerance evaluation that concluded that the current inspection
thresholds and intervals had to be more restrictive. This AD requires
contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe
condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those
instructions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 14, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-
0302; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 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 Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued AD 99-23-16, Amendment 39-11412 (64 FR 61485, November
12, 1999) (``AD 99-23-16''), which applied to certain Airbus Model A330
and A340 series airplanes. AD 99-23-16 was prompted by issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
aviation authority. AD 99-23-16 required repetitive detailed visual
inspections to detect cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-
stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing; and
corrective actions, if necessary. We issued AD 99-23-16 to detect and
correct fatigue cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-
stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the belly fairing.
Since we issued AD 99-23-16, a new fatigue and damage tolerance
evaluation was conducted by the manufacturer. It was concluded that,
due to airplane utilization, the current inspection thresholds and
intervals had to be more restrictive.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2013-0241, dated October 1, 2013 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330 and A340
series airplanes. The MCAI states:

In order to prevent a damage in the inboard Z profile at the
Center Landing Gear (CLG) door fitting location (Frame 49 to 53.2)
caused by cracks evidenced during fatigue tests and which could lead
to a reduced structural integrity, DGAC France AD 96-056-029(B) and
DGAC France AD 96-057-042(B) [which corresponds to FAA AD 99-23-16]
were issued to require a repetitive inspection of the inboard Z
profile on both Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) sides.
An optional terminating action of the repetitive inspection of
this [EASA] AD exists by modification of the aeroplane in accordance
with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-53-3019
or Airbus SB A340-53-4028, as applicable.
Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, in the frame of a new
fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation, taking into account the
aeroplane utilisation, the threshold and intervals were reassessed.
This resulted in the conclusion that, in this specific case, certain
thresholds and intervals are more restrictive.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of both DGAC France AD 96-056-029(B) and DGAC France AD
96-057-042(B), which are superseded, and requires accomplishment of
repetitive inspections of the inboard Z profile (LH/RH) within the
new thresholds and intervals.

You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0302.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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. We are
issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, we
find good

[[Page 18731]]

cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary. In addition, for the reason(s) stated above, we find that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0302; Product
Identifier 2013-NM-228-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. This AD
requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the
unsafe condition, and doing the actions specified in those
instructions. Based on the actions specified in the MCAI AD, we are
providing the following cost estimates for an affected airplane that is
placed on the U.S. Register in the future:

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection [new action]........... 7 work-hours x $85 $0 $595 per inspection $0
per hour = $595 per cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
modification that would be required based on the results of the
required actions:

On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification.......................... 13 work-hours x $85 per $2,350 $3,455 $0
hour = $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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)
99-23-16, Amendment 39-11412 (64 FR 61485, November 12, 1999), and
adding the following AD:

2018-09-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-19258; Docket No. FAA-2018-0302;
Product Identifier 2013-NM-228-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018.

[[Page 18732]]

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 99-23-16, Amendment 39-11412 (64 FR 61485,
November 12, 1999) (``AD 99-23-16'').

This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-301, A330-321, A330-322, A330-341 and A330-342
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which
Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production.
(2) Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and
A340-313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on
which Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage tolerance
evaluation that concluded that the current inspection thresholds and
intervals had to be more restrictive. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct fatigue cracking of the vertical flange of the
inboard Z-stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly
fairing, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
belly fairing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, request
instructions from the Manager, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, to address the unsafe condition specified in
paragraph (e) of this AD; and accomplish the actions at the times
specified in, and in accordance with, those instructions. Guidance
can be found in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0241, dated
October 1, 2013.

(h) 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 (i)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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.

(i) Related Information

(1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013-0241, dated October 1, 2013, for
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2018-0302.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

None.

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on April 11, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08648 Filed 4-27-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 83 / Monday, April 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 18731

cause that notice and opportunity for listed under the ADDRESSES section. will also post a report summarizing each
prior public comment are unnecessary. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2018–0302; substantive verbal contact we receive
In addition, for the reason(s) stated Product Identifier 2013–NM–228–AD’’ about this AD.
above, we find that good cause exists for at the beginning of your comments. We
Costs of Compliance
making this amendment effective in less specifically invite comments on the
than 30 days. overall regulatory, economic, Currently, there are no affected U.S.-
environmental, and energy aspects of registered airplanes. This AD requires
Comments Invited
this AD. We will consider all comments contacting the FAA to obtain
This AD is a final rule that involves received by the closing date and may instructions for addressing the unsafe
requirements affecting flight safety, and amend this AD based on those condition, and doing the actions
we did not precede it by notice and comments. specified in those instructions. Based on
opportunity for public comment. We We will post all comments we the actions specified in the MCAI AD,
invite you to send any written relevant receive, without change, to http:// we are providing the following cost
data, views, or arguments about this AD. www.regulations.gov, including any estimates for an affected airplane that is
Send your comments to an address personal information you provide. We placed on the U.S. Register in the future:

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Inspection [new action] ................... 7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 $595 per inspection cycle .............. $0
$595 per inspection cycle.

We estimate the following costs to do based on the results of the required
any necessary on-condition actions:
modification that would be required

ON-CONDITION COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Modification ..................................................... 13 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,105 ........ $2,350 $3,455 $0

Authority for This Rulemaking period, the Executive Director has List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Title 49 of the United States Code delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to transport category Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue safety, Incorporation by reference,
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, airplanes to the Director of the System
Oversight Division. Safety.
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Regulatory Findings Adoption of the Amendment
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s We determined that this AD will not Accordingly, under the authority
authority. have federalism implications under delegated to me by the Administrator,
We are issuing this rulemaking under Executive Order 13132. This AD will the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, not have a substantial direct effect on follows:
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the States, on the relationship between
General requirements.’’ Under that the national government and the States, PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
section, Congress charges the FAA with or on the distribution of power and DIRECTIVES
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in responsibilities among the various
air commerce by prescribing regulations levels of government. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
for practices, methods, and procedures continues to read as follows:
the Administrator finds necessary for For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory § 39.13 [Amended]
because it addresses an unsafe condition action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
that is likely to exist or develop on ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
products identified in this rulemaking removing airworthiness directive (AD)
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
action. 99–23–16, Amendment 39–11412 (64
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
This AD is issued in accordance with FR 61485, November 12, 1999), and
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

authority delegated by the Executive 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in adding the following AD:
Director, Aircraft Certification Service, Alaska; and
2018–09–02 Airbus: Amendment 39–19258;
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. 4. Will not have a significant Docket No. FAA–2018–0302; Product
In accordance with that order, issuance economic impact, positive or negative, Identifier 2013–NM–228–AD.
of ADs is normally a function of the on a substantial number of small entities
Compliance and Airworthiness under the criteria of the Regulatory (a) Effective Date
Division, but during this transition Flexibility Act. This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Apr 27, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30APR1.SGM 30APR1

Document Created: 2018-04-28 01:04:30
Document Modified: 2018-04-28 01:04:30

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; request for comments.
Dates		This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018.
Contact		Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229.
FR Citation		83 FR 18730
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 18730 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 83 (April 30, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration