83 FR 31646 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 131 (July 9, 2018)

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

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31646-31648]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14504]



[[Page 31646]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD; Amendment 
39-19324; AD 2018-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

DATES: This AD is effective August 13, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 13, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 
96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0270.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0270; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and 
A340-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on April 16, 2018 (83 FR 16245). The NPRM was prompted by a 
determination that a functional test to ensure that there is no 
blockage of vent pipes was not done on the trim tank of certain 
airplanes during production. The NPRM proposed to require doing a trim 
tank functional test, and corrective actions if necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address blocked vent pipes, which, in 
combination with a high level sensor failure, could lead to over-
pressurization of the trim tank during refueling or aft fuel transfer. 
This condition could lead to trim tank rupture and consequent reduced 
control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0152, dated August 17, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, 
and A340-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

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

    Corrective actions include a general visual inspection of the 
aperture leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed 
inspection of the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of any 
discrepant NACA duct.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0270.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Air Line 
Pilots Association, International (ALPA), indicated its support for the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
     Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
     Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated May 18, 
2017.
    This service information describes procedures for doing a trim tank 
overflow functional test, a general visual inspection of the aperture 
leading to the flame arrestors (NACA duct), a detailed inspection of 
the flame arrestor, and blockage removal or repair of discrepant NACA 
ducts. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

[[Page 31647]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 97 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

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

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

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

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-14-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-19324; Docket No. FAA-2018-0270; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-133-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(7) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
manufacturer serial numbers 1 through 1711 inclusive.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213 airplanes.
    (5) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (6) Airbus Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (7) Airbus Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

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

[[Page 31648]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Functional Test

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

(h) Corrective Actions

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

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0152, dated August 17, 2017, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0270.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3229.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3130, Revision 00, dated May 
18, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4140, Revision 00, dated 
May 18, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-5061, Revision 00, dated 
May 18, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 26, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
 Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14504 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P