83 FR 20743 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 89 (May 8, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 89 (May 8, 2018)
| Page Range | 20743-20745 | |
| FR Document | 2018-09728 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 20743-20745] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-09728] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0396; Product Identifier 2017-NM-156-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300- 600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 22, 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 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- 0396; 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: 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0396; Product Identifier 2017-NM-156-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 Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0202, dated October 12, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states: Maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations for the Airbus [[Page 20744]] A310, A300-600 and A300-600ST family aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the Airbus A310 and A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR) for the Airbus A310 and A300-600, are specified in the Airbus A310 and Airbus A300-600 (including A300-600ST) ALS Part 4 documents. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continuing airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition. EASA previously issued AD 2013-0075 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2015-02-16, Amendment 39-18083 (80 FR 5028, January 30, 2015) (``AD 2015-02-16'')] to require the implementation of the maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A310 and A300-600 ALS Part 4 documents at Revision 02. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations were approved by EASA. Consequently, Airbus published Revision 03 of A310 and A300-600 ALS Part 4 documents, compiling all ALS Part 4 changes approved since previous Revision 02. For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0075, which is superseded, and requires the implementation of the actions specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4 Revision 03 and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4 Revision 03. We are proposing this AD to mitigate the risks associated with the effects of aging on airplane systems. Such effects could change system characteristics, leading to an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited parts, and reduced structural integrity or controllability of the airplane. 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-2018-0396. Relationship of Proposed AD to AD 2015-02-16 This NPRM would not supersede AD 2015-02-16. Rather, we have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all requirements of AD 2015-02-16. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; and A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017. This service information describes the revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. 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. This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the ALS inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 127 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per- operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour). 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 [[Page 20745]] 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0396; Product Identifier 2017-NM-156-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 22, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2015-02-16, Amendment 39-18083 (80 FR 5028, January 30, 2015) (``AD 2015-02-16''). (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. (1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes. (2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes. (3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes. (4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. (5) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/ Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to mitigate the risks associated with the effects of aging on airplane systems. Such effects could change system characteristics, leading to an increased potential for failure of certain life-limited parts, and reduced structural integrity or controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; or A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; as applicable. The initial compliance time for doing the revised actions is at the applicable time specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, or A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, as applicable; or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever is later. (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. (i) Terminating Action for AD 2015-02-16 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2015-02-16. (j) 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 (k)(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 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. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0202, dated October 12, 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-2018-0396. (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 April 30, 2018. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-09728 Filed 5-7-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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of this AD following Bombardier Learjet 60 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION information on the availability of this
SB 60–27–39 Recommended, Basic Issue, material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
dated September 11, 2017. Federal Aviation Administration
Examining the AD Docket
(i) No Reporting Requirement
14 CFR Part 39 You may examine the AD docket on
Although Bombardier Learjet 28/29 SB 28/ the internet at http://
29–27–31 Recommended, dated September [Docket No. FAA–2018–0396; Product www.regulations.gov by searching for
11, 2017; Bombardier Learjet 31 SB 31–27– Identifier 2017–NM–156–AD] and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
35 Recommended, dated September 11, 2017; 0396; or in person at the Docket
Bombardier Learjet 35/36 SB 35/36 -27–50 RIN 2120–AA64
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
Recommended, dated September 11, 2017; and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Bombardier Learjet 55 SB 55–27–41
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes except Federal holidays. The AD docket
Recommended, dated September 11, 2017; contains this NPRM, the regulatory
and Bombardier Learjet 60 SB 60–27–39 AGENCY: Federal Aviation evaluation, any comments received, and
Recommended, Revision 1, dated January 15, Administration (FAA), DOT. other information. The street address for
2018, all specify to submit a compliance
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking the Docket Operations office (telephone
response form to the manufacturer per
(NPRM). 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
paragraph 3.E., this AD does not require that
section. Comments will be available in
action. SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new the AD docket shortly after receipt.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance airworthiness directive (AD) for all
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
(AMOCs) Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R,
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
and F4–600R series airplanes, and
(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO branch, International Section, Transport
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
airplanes (collectively called Model
for this AD, if requested using the procedures 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
A300–600 series airplanes), and Model
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with telephone and fax 206–231–3225.
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your A310 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a determination SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending that new or more restrictive Comments Invited
information directly to the manager of the maintenance requirements and
We invite you to send any written
certification office, send it to the attention of airworthiness limitations are necessary.
relevant data, views, or arguments about
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of This proposed AD would require
this proposal. Send your comments to
this AD. revising the maintenance or inspection
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, program, as applicable, to incorporate
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
notify your appropriate principal inspector, new or more restrictive maintenance
2018–0396; Product Identifier 2017–
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager requirements and airworthiness
NM–156–AD’’ at the beginning of your
of the local flight standards district office/ limitations. We are proposing this AD to
comments. We specifically invite
certificate holding district office. address the unsafe condition on these
comments on the overall regulatory,
products.
(k) Related Information economic, environmental, and energy
DATES: We must receive comments on aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
(1) For more information about this AD,
this proposed AD by June 22, 2018. all comments received by the closing
contact Tara Shawn, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport Road, ADDRESSES: You may send comments, date and may amend this NPRM based
Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: using the procedures found in 14 CFR on those comments.
(316) 946–4141; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following We will post all comments we
tara.shawn@faa.gov or Wichita-COS@faa.gov. methods: receive, without change, to http://
(2) For service information identified in • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov, including any
this AD, contact Learjet, Inc., One Learjet http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the personal information you provide. We
Way, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316– instructions for submitting comments. will also post a report summarizing each
946–2000; email: ac.ict@ • Fax: 202–493–2251. substantive verbal contact we receive
aero.bombardier.com; internet: https:// • Mail: U.S. Department of about this NPRM.
www.bombardier.com. You may review this Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Discussion
referenced service information at the FAA, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, The European Aviation Safety Agency
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information Washington, DC 20590. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
on the availability of this material at the • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail for the Member States of the European
FAA, call (816) 329–4148. address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Directive 2017–0202, dated October 12,
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
Federal holidays. 2017 (referred to after this as the
30, 2018.
For service information identified in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Melvin J. Johnson, Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond an unsafe condition for all Airbus
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
Aircraft Certification Service. Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–
[FR Doc. 2018–09600 Filed 5–7–18; 8:45 am] Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 600R series airplanes, and Model A300
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email C4–605R Variant F airplanes
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; (collectively called Model A300–600
internet http://www.airbus.com. You series airplanes), and Model A310 series
may view this service information at the airplanes. The MCAI states:
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 Maintenance requirements and
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For airworthiness limitations for the Airbus
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:44 May 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\08MYP1.SGM 08MYP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_20832/page/1.svg)
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A310, A300–600 and A300–600ST family (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment acceptable to the FAA. We consider
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’ those methods to be adequate to address
are currently defined and published in the Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; and any corrective actions necessitated by
Airbus A310 and A300–600 Airworthiness A300–600 Airworthiness Limitations the findings of ALS inspections required
Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The
System Equipment Maintenance
Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System by this proposed AD.
Requirements (SEMR) for the Airbus A310 Equipment Maintenance Requirements
(SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated August 28, Costs of Compliance
and A300–600, are specified in the Airbus
A310 and Airbus A300–600 (including 2017. This service information describes We estimate that this proposed AD
A300–600ST) ALS Part 4 documents. These the revision of the maintenance or affects 127 airplanes of U.S. registry.
instructions have been identified as inspection program, as applicable, to We estimate the following costs to
mandatory for continuing airworthiness. incorporate new maintenance comply with this proposed AD:
Failure to accomplish these instructions requirements and airworthiness We have determined that revising the
could result in an unsafe condition. limitations. These documents are maintenance or inspection program
EASA previously issued AD 2013–0075 distinct since they apply to different takes an average of 90 work-hours per
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2015–02–16, operator, although we recognize that
Amendment 39–18083 (80 FR 5028, January
airplane models. This service
information is reasonably available this number may vary from operator to
30, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–02–16’’)] to require the
implementation of the maintenance because the interested parties have operator. In the past, we have estimated
requirements and associated airworthiness access to it through their normal course that this action takes 1 work-hour per
limitations as specified in Airbus A310 and of business or by the means identified airplane. Since operators incorporate
A300–600 ALS Part 4 documents at Revision in the ADDRESSES section. maintenance or inspection program
02. changes for their affected fleet(s), we
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or FAA’s Determination and Requirements have determined that a per-operator
more restrictive maintenance requirements of This Proposed AD estimate is more accurate than a per-
and airworthiness limitations were approved This product has been approved by airplane estimate. Therefore, we
by EASA. Consequently, Airbus published the aviation authority of another estimate the total cost per operator to be
Revision 03 of A310 and A300–600 ALS Part
4 documents, compiling all ALS Part 4
country, and is approved for operation $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-
changes approved since previous Revision
in the United States. Pursuant to our hour).
02. bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified Authority for This Rulemaking
For the reasons described above, this new
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA of the unsafe condition described in the Title 49 of the United States Code
AD 2013–0075, which is superseded, and MCAI and service information specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
requires the implementation of the actions referenced above. We are proposing this rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4 Revision AD because we evaluated all pertinent section 106, describes the authority of
03 and Airbus A300–600 ALS Part 4 Revision information and determined an unsafe the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
03. condition exists and is likely to exist or Aviation Programs, describes in more
We are proposing this AD to mitigate develop on other products of these same detail the scope of the Agency’s
the risks associated with the effects of type designs. authority.
aging on airplane systems. Such effects This proposed AD would require We are issuing this rulemaking under
could change system characteristics, revisions to certain operator the authority described in Subtitle VII,
leading to an increased potential for maintenance documents to include new Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
failure of certain life-limited parts, and actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
reduced structural integrity or with these actions is required by 14 CFR section, Congress charges the FAA with
controllability of the airplane. You may 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on previously modified, altered, or repaired air commerce by prescribing regulations
the internet at http:// in the areas addressed by this proposed for practices, methods, and procedures
www.regulations.gov by searching for AD, the operator may not be able to the Administrator finds necessary for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– accomplish the actions described in the safety in air commerce. This regulation
0396. revisions. In this situation, to comply is within the scope of that authority
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator because it addresses an unsafe condition
Relationship of Proposed AD to AD must request approval for an alternative that is likely to exist or develop on
2015–02–16 method of compliance according to products identified in this rulemaking
This NPRM would not supersede AD paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. action.
2015–02–16. Rather, we have The request should include a This proposed AD is issued in
determined that a stand-alone AD description of changes to the required accordance with authority delegated by
would be more appropriate to address actions that will ensure the continued the Executive Director, Aircraft
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM operational safety of the airplane. Certification Service, as authorized by
would require revising the maintenance FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
Differences Between This Proposed AD
or inspection program, as applicable, to with that order, issuance of ADs is
and the MCAI or Service Information
incorporate new or more restrictive normally a function of the Compliance
maintenance requirements and The MCAI specifies that if there are and Airworthiness Division, but during
airworthiness limitations. findings from the ALS inspection tasks, this transition period, the Executive
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
Accomplishment of the proposed corrective actions must be accomplished Director has delegated the authority to
actions would then terminate all in accordance with Airbus maintenance issue ADs applicable to transport
requirements of AD 2015–02–16. documentation. However, this proposed category airplanes to the Director of the
AD does not include that requirement. System Oversight Division.
Related Service Information Under Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes
1 CFR Part 51 are required by general airworthiness Regulatory Findings
Airbus has issued A310 and operational regulations to perform We determined that this proposed AD
Airworthiness Limitations Section maintenance using methods that are would not have federalism implications
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under Executive Order 13132. This (d) Subject to the attention of the person identified in
proposed AD would not have a Air Transport Association (ATA) of paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
substantial direct effect on the States, on America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
Checks. REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
the relationship between the national approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
Government and the States, or on the (e) Reason principal inspector, or lacking a principal
distribution of power and This AD was prompted by a determination inspector, the manager of the local flight
responsibilities among the various that new or more restrictive maintenance standards district office/certificate holding
levels of government. requirements and airworthiness limitations district office.
For the reasons discussed above, I are necessary. We are issuing this AD to (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
certify this proposed regulation: mitigate the risks associated with the effects requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory of aging on airplane systems. Such effects actions from a manufacturer, the action must
could change system characteristics, leading be accomplished using a method approved
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
to an increased potential for failure of certain by the Manager, International Section,
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures life-limited parts, and reduced structural
integrity or controllability of the airplane. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in (f) Compliance Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
Alaska; and Comply with this AD within the the approval must include the DOA-
4. Will not have a significant compliance times specified, unless already authorized signature.
economic impact, positive or negative, done. (k) Related Information
on a substantial number of small entities
(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
under the criteria of the Regulatory Program Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Flexibility Act. Airworthiness Directive 2017–0202, dated
Within 90 days after the effective date of
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection October 12, 2017, for related information.
program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov
safety, Incorporation by reference, (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment by searching for and locating Docket No.
Safety. Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’ FAA–2018–0396.
Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; or A300– (2) For more information about this AD,
The Proposed Amendment contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
Accordingly, under the authority Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment Maintenance International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
delegated to me by the Administrator, Requirements (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated
August 28, 2017; as applicable. The initial Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 231–3225.
39 as follows: compliance time for doing the revised actions
is at the applicable time specified in Airbus (3) For service information identified in
A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
DIRECTIVES (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, or A300–
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
continues to read as follows: Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment Maintenance
airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com.
You may view this service information at the
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Requirements (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
August 28, 2017, as applicable; or within 90
§ 39.13 [Amended] South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
days after the effective date of this AD;
information on the availability of this
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding whichever is later. material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
the following new airworthiness (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
directive (AD): Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
After the maintenance or inspection April 30, 2018.
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0396; Product program has been revised as required by
Identifier 2017–NM–156–AD. paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative Dionne Palermo,
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be Acting Manager, System Oversight Division,
(a) Comments Due Date Aircraft Certification Service.
used unless the actions and intervals are
We must receive comments by June 22, approved as an alternative method of [FR Doc. 2018–09728 Filed 5–7–18; 8:45 am]
2018. compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(b) Affected ADs procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
This AD affects AD 2015–02–16,
Amendment 39–18083 (80 FR 5028, January (i) Terminating Action for AD 2015–02–16 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
30, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–02–16’’). Accomplishing the actions required by this
AD terminates all requirements of AD 2015– Federal Aviation Administration
(c) Applicability
02–16.
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes 14 CFR Part 39
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) (j) Other FAA AD Provisions
of this AD, certificated in any category, all [Docket No. FAA–2018–0397; Product
The following provisions also apply to this
manufacturer serial numbers. Identifier 2017–NM–163–AD]
AD:
(1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
RIN 2120–AA64
and B4–622 airplanes. (AMOCs): The Manager, International
(2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
airplanes. has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Inc., Airplanes
(3) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R AD, if requested using the procedures found
airplanes. in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR AGENCY: Federal Aviation
(4) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F 39.19, send your request to your principal Administration (FAA), DOT.
airplanes. inspector or local Flight Standards District ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(5) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, Office, as appropriate. If sending information
(NPRM).
–304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes. directly to the International Section, send it
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:44 May 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\08MYP1.SGM 08MYP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_20832/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-05-08 01:31:21
Document Modified: 2018-05-08 01:31:21
| 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 22, 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 20743 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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