83_FR_42977 83 FR 42812 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

83 FR 42812 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 165 (August 24, 2018)

Page Range42812-42815
FR Document2018-18147

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by revisions to certain airworthiness limitation item (ALI) documents, which specify more restrictive instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 165 (Friday, August 24, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 165 (Friday, August 24, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42812-42815]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18147]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0759; Product Identifier 2018-NM-055-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 
Freighter series airplanes; and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by revisions to certain airworthiness 
limitation item (ALI) documents, which specify more restrictive 
instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would 
require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive instructions and/or 
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 October 9, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 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 airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 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-
0759; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street 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,

[[Page 42813]]

International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0759; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-055-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 because 
of 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 2018-0034, dated February 5, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus SAS Model 
A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; 
and Model A330-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A330 and A340 
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and 
published in the A330 and A340 ALS document(s). The Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items are specified in ALS Part 1. These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2014-0009 [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 24035, May 25, 2017) 
(``AD 2017-10-24'')] to require the implementation of the 
instructions and airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus 
A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 documents at Revision 07.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, improvement of safe life 
component selection and life extension campaigns resulted in life 
limitations changes, among others new or more restrictive life 
limitations, approved by EASA. Consequently, Airbus successively 
issued Revision 08 and Revision 09 of the A330 and A340 ALS Part 1, 
compiling all ALS Part 1 changes approved since previous Revision 
07.
    In addition, Airbus published Variation 9.2 to remove from ALS 
Part 1 some life limits connected to a deficiency in the fatigue 
performance of 300M high strength steel used in forgings. These life 
limits, applicable only for a specific batch of parts, are required 
by EASA AD 2017-0185.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0009, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable ALS.

    The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or 
corrosion in certain principle structural elements, and possible 
failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity 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-2018-0759.

Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 2017-10-24

    This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2017-10-24. 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 instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. 
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all 
requirements of AD 2017-10-24.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017. This service information describes SL-ALI for 
the landing gear.
    Airbus SAS has also issued A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, 
dated November 28, 2017, and A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, 
dated November 29, 2017. This service information describes revised 
life limits for certain parts.
    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.

Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI

    This proposed AD does not include the Model A340 airplanes that are 
specified in the MCAI. Instead, we have added the MCAI to the required 
airworthiness actions list (RAAL) for the Model A340 airplanes.

FAA's Determination

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new, more restrictive 
instructions and/or airworthiness limitation requirements, except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
    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 inspections that will ensure the continued 
operational safety of the airplane.

Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design

    The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the 
applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into 
an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
    Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation 
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered 
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD 
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
    In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an 
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in 
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or 
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the

[[Page 42814]]

ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative 
has been approved by the FAA.
    When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific 
ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified 
in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
    The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is 
an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design 
referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation 
may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS 
revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part 
of their type design.
    To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods 
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most 
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu 
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict 
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type 
design.
    However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we 
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection 
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS 
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure 
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly 
delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in 
an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS 
revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of 
the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier 
AD.
    This proposed AD therefore would apply to Airbus SAS Model A330-200 
series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; and Model 
A330-300 series airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness 
or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or 
before the date of the ALS revision identified in this proposed AD. 
Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after that date 
must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the 
approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 105 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 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 SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0759; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
055-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 9, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 24035, 
May 25, 2017) (``AD 2017-10-24'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in 
any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or an 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 29, 2017.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 
airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Airbus SAS Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by revisions to certain airworthiness 
limitation item (ALI)

[[Page 42815]]

documents, which specify more restrictive instructions and/or 
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address fatigue 
cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural 
elements, and possible failure of certain life limited parts, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity 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 the 
information specified in the service information identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. The initial 
compliance times for accomplishing the tasks are at the applicable 
times specified in the service information identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, or within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (1) Airbus SAS A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017.
    (2) Airbus SAS A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017.
    (3) Airbus SAS A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017.

(h) Terminating Actions for AD 2017-10-24

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates all requirements of AD 2017-10-24.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 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 or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-10-24 are not 
approved as AMOCs for this AD.
    (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 SAS'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 2018-0034, dated February 5, 
2018, 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-2018-0759.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 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 airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
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 August 16, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18147 Filed 8-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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This proposed AD was strap to Aviation Partners, Inc., this AD does prompted by revisions to certain (e) Unsafe Condition not include that requirement. airworthiness limitation item (ALI) This AD was prompted by reports of documents, which specify more cracked reinforcing straps (doublers) on the (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) restrictive instructions and/or left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) ailerons airworthiness limitations. This of airplanes equipped with blended winglets. (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, We are issuing this AD to address cracking FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs proposed AD would require revising the of aileron reinforcing straps, which could for this AD, if requested using the procedures maintenance or inspection program, as lead to fatigue cracking of the ailerons and found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with applicable, to incorporate new or more subsequent loss of control of the airplane. 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your restrictive instructions and/or principal inspector or local Flight Standards airworthiness limitations. We are (f) Compliance District Office, as appropriate. If sending proposing this AD to address the unsafe Comply with this AD within the information directly to the manager of the condition on these products. compliance times specified, unless already certification office, send it to the attention of done. DATES: We must receive comments on the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9- this proposed AD by October 9, 2018. (g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective ADDRESSES: You may send comments, ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. Action (2) Before using any approved AMOC, using the procedures found in 14 CFR Within 8 months or 400 flight hours (FH), notify your appropriate principal inspector, 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following whichever occurs first, after the effective date or lacking a principal inspector, the manager methods: of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to of the local flight standards district office/ • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to exceed 8 months or 400 FH, whichever certificate holding district office. occurs first: Do a detailed inspection for http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the cracking of the upper and lower reinforcing (l) Related Information instructions for submitting comments. straps of the LH and RH ailerons, in (1) For more information about this AD, • Fax: 202–493–2251. accordance with the Accomplishment contact Michael Bumbaugh, Aerospace • Mail: U.S. Department of Instructions of Aviation Partners, Inc., Falcon Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Service Bulletin SBF9–17–001, Revision B, ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room dated December 20, 2017. If any cracked Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231– W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, aileron reinforcing strap is found, before 3522; email: Michael.Bumbaugh@faa.gov. Washington, DC 20590. further flight: Replace the reinforcing strap (2) For service information identified in • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail with a new part, in accordance with the this AD, contact Aviation Partners, Inc., 7299 address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation Perimeter Road South, Seattle, WA 98108– p.m., Monday through Friday, except Partners, Inc., Falcon Service Bulletin SBF9– 3812; phone: 206–762–1171; email: 17–002, Revision A, dated December 20, mwilliams@winglets.com; internet: http:// Federal holidays. 2017. www.aviationpartners.com. You may view For service information identified in this service information at the FAA, this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS, (h) Terminating Action Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond-Point Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South Replacement of any aileron reinforcing 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac strap with a new part, in accordance with the on the availability of this material at the Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 Accomplishment Instructions of Aviation FAA, call 206–231–3195. 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email Partners, Inc., Falcon Service Bulletin SBF9– airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; 17–002, Revision A, dated December 20, Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 16, 2018. internet http://www.airbus.com. You 2017, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph Michael Kaszycki, may view this service information at the (g) of this AD for that part only. Acting Director, System Oversight Division, FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 Aircraft Certification Service. South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For (i) Credit for Previous Actions information on the availability of this [FR Doc. 2018–18148 Filed 8–23–18; 8:45 am] (1) This paragraph provides credit for the material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before Examining the AD Docket the effective date of this AD using Aviation You may examine the AD docket on Partners, Inc., Falcon Service Bulletin SBF9– DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the internet at http:// 17–001, dated March 3, 2017; or Aviation www.regulations.gov by searching for Partners, Inc., Falcon Service Bulletin SBF9– Federal Aviation Administration and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 17–001, Revision A, dated April 4, 2017. (2) This paragraph provides credit for the 14 CFR Part 39 0759; or in person at Docket Operations replacement specified in paragraphs (g) and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday [Docket No. FAA–2018–0759; Product through Friday, except Federal holidays. (h) of this AD, if those actions were Identifier 2018–NM–055–AD] The AD docket contains this NPRM, the performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners, Inc., Falcon Service RIN 2120–AA64 regulatory evaluation, any comments sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Bulletin SBF9–17–002, dated March 7, 2017. received, and other information. The (j) No Reporting Requirement and no Parts Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS street address for Docket Operations Return Airplanes (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be (1) Although Aviation Partners, Inc., AGENCY: Federal Aviation Falcon Service Bulletin SBF9–17–001, available in the AD docket shortly after Administration (FAA), DOT. Revision B, dated December 20, 2017; and receipt. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Aviation Partners, Inc., Falcon Service FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (NPRM). Bulletin SBF9–17–002, Revision A, dated Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Aug 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\24AUP1.SGM 24AUP1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules 42813 International Section, Transport In addition, Airbus published Variation 9.2 FAA’s Determination Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South to remove from ALS Part 1 some life limits connected to a deficiency in the fatigue This product has been approved by 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; the aviation authority of another performance of 300M high strength steel used telephone and fax 206–231–3229. country, and is approved for operation in forgings. These life limits, applicable only SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: for a specific batch of parts, are required by in the United States. Pursuant to our Comments Invited EASA AD 2017–0185. bilateral agreement with the State of For the reason described above, this Design Authority, we have been notified We invite you to send any written [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA of the unsafe condition described in the relevant data, views, or arguments about AD 2014–0009, which is superseded, and MCAI and service information this proposal. Send your comments to requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable ALS. referenced above. We are proposing this an address listed under the ADDRESSES AD because we evaluated all the section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– The unsafe condition is fatigue relevant information and determined 2018–0759; Product Identifier 2018– cracking, accidental damage, or the unsafe condition described NM–055–AD’’ at the beginning of your corrosion in certain principle structural previously is likely to exist or develop comments. We specifically invite elements, and possible failure of certain on other products of the same type comments on the overall regulatory, life limited parts, which could result in design. economic, environmental, and energy reduced structural integrity of the aspects of this NPRM. We will consider airplane. You may examine the MCAI in Proposed AD Requirements all comments received by the closing the AD docket on the internet at http:// This proposed AD would require date and may amend this NPRM www.regulations.gov by searching for revising the maintenance or inspection because of those comments. and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– program, as applicable, to incorporate We will post all comments we 0759. new, more restrictive instructions and/ receive, without change, to http:// or airworthiness limitation www.regulations.gov, including any Relationship Between Proposed AD and requirements, except as discussed under personal information you provide. We AD 2017–10–24 ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD will also post a report summarizing each This NPRM does not propose to and the MCAI.’’ substantive verbal contact we receive supersede AD 2017–10–24. Rather, we This proposed AD would require about this NPRM. have determined that a stand-alone AD revisions to certain operator Discussion would be more appropriate to address maintenance documents to include new the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance The European Aviation Safety Agency would require revising the maintenance with these actions is required by 14 CFR (EASA), which is the Technical Agent or inspection program, as applicable, to 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been for the Member States of the European incorporate new or more restrictive previously modified, altered, or repaired Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness instructions and/or airworthiness in the areas addressed by this proposed Directive 2018–0034, dated February 5, limitations. Accomplishment of the AD, the operator may not be able to 2018 (referred to after this as the proposed actions would then terminate accomplish the actions described in the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness all requirements of AD 2017–10–24. revisions. In this situation, to comply Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus SAS Related Service Information Under 1 with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator Model A330–200 series airplanes; CFR Part 51 must request approval for an alternative Model A330–200 Freighter series method of compliance according to Airbus SAS has issued A330 paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. airplanes; and Model A330–300 series Airworthiness Limitations Section The request should include a airplanes. The MCAI states: (ALS) Part 1, Safe Life Airworthiness description of changes to the required The airworthiness limitations for Airbus Limitation Items (SL–ALI), Revision 09, inspections that will ensure the A330 and A340 aeroplanes, which are dated September 18, 2017. This service approved by EASA, are currently defined and continued operational safety of the information describes SL–ALI for the airplane. published in the A330 and A340 ALS document(s). The Safe Life Airworthiness landing gear. Airbus SAS has also issued A330 ALS Airworthiness Limitations Based on Limitation Items are specified in ALS Part 1. Type Design These instructions have been identified as Part 1, SL–ALI, Variation 9.2, dated mandatory for continued airworthiness. November 28, 2017, and A330 ALS Part The FAA recently became aware of an Failure to accomplish these instructions 1, SL–ALI, Variation 9.3, dated issue related to the applicability of ADs could result in an unsafe condition. November 29, 2017. This service that require incorporation of an ALS EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2014– information describes revised life limits revision into an operator’s maintenance 0009 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017– for certain parts. or inspection program. 10–24, Amendment 39–18898 (82 FR 24035, May 25, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–10–24’’)] to require This service information is reasonably Typically, when these types of ADs the implementation of the instructions and available because the interested parties are issued by civil aviation authorities airworthiness limitations as specified in have access to it through their normal of other countries, they apply to all Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 course of business or by the means airplanes covered under an identified documents at Revision 07. identified in the ADDRESSES section. type certificate (TC). The corresponding Since that [EASA] AD was issued, FAA AD typically retains applicability sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS improvement of safe life component selection Differences Between this Proposed AD to all of those airplanes. and life extension campaigns resulted in life and the MCAI In addition, U.S. operators must limitations changes, among others new or operate their airplanes in an airworthy This proposed AD does not include more restrictive life limitations, approved by EASA. Consequently, Airbus successively the Model A340 airplanes that are condition, in accordance with 14 CFR issued Revision 08 and Revision 09 of the specified in the MCAI. Instead, we have 91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the A330 and A340 ALS Part 1, compiling all added the MCAI to the required requirement to perform any ALS Part 1 changes approved since previous airworthiness actions list (RAAL) for the maintenance or inspections specified in Revision 07. Model A340 airplanes. the ALS, and in accordance with the VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Aug 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\24AUP1.SGM 24AUP1

42814 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and estimate the following costs to comply For the reasons discussed above, I 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been with this proposed AD: certify this proposed regulation: approved by the FAA. We have determined that revising the 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory When a type certificate is issued for maintenance or inspection program action’’ under Executive Order 12866; a type design, the specific ALS, takes an average of 90 work-hours per 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the including revisions, is a part of that type operator, although we recognize that DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). this number may vary from operator to (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); The sum effect of these operational operator. In the past, we have estimated 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in and maintenance requirements is an that this action takes 1 work-hour per Alaska; and obligation to comply with the ALS airplane. Since operators incorporate 4. Will not have a significant defined in the type design referenced in maintenance or inspection program economic impact, positive or negative, the manufacturer’s conformity changes for their affected fleet(s), we on a substantial number of small entities statement. This obligation may have determined that a per-operator under the criteria of the Regulatory introduce a conflict with an AD that estimate is more accurate than a per- Flexibility Act. requires a specific ALS revision if new airplane estimate. Therefore, we List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 airplanes are delivered with a later estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work- Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation revision as part of their type design. hour). safety, Incorporation by reference, To address this conflict, the FAA has Safety. approved alternative methods of Authority for This Rulemaking compliance (AMOCs) that allow The Proposed Amendment operators to incorporate the most recent Title 49 of the United States Code Accordingly, under the authority ALS revision into their maintenance/ specifies the FAA’s authority to issue delegated to me by the Administrator, inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part revision required by the AD. This section 106, describes the authority of 39 as follows: eliminates the conflict and enables the the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: operator to comply with both the AD Aviation Programs, describes in more PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS and the type design. detail the scope of the Agency’s DIRECTIVES However, compliance with AMOCs is authority. normally optional, and we recently We are issuing this rulemaking under ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 became aware that some operators the authority described in Subtitle VII, continues to read as follows: choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. revision in their fleet-wide ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that maintenance/inspection programs, section, Congress charges the FAA with § 39.13 [Amended] including those for new airplanes promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding delivered with later ALS revisions, to air commerce by prescribing regulations the following new airworthiness help standardize the maintenance of the for practices, methods, and procedures directive (AD): fleet. To ensure that operators comply the Administrator finds necessary for Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2018–0759; with the applicable ALS revision for safety in air commerce. This regulation Product Identifier 2018–NM–055–AD. newly delivered airplanes containing a is within the scope of that authority (a) Comments Due Date later revision than that specified in an because it addresses an unsafe condition We must receive comments by October 9, AD, we plan to limit the applicability of that is likely to exist or develop on 2018. ADs that mandate ALS revisions to products identified in this rulemaking those airplanes that are subject to an action. (b) Affected ADs earlier revision of the ALS, either as part This proposed AD is issued in This AD affects AD 2017–10–24, of the type design or as mandated by an accordance with authority delegated by Amendment 39–18898 (82 FR 24035, May 25, earlier AD. the Executive Director, Aircraft 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–10–24’’). This proposed AD therefore would Certification Service, as authorized by (c) Applicability apply to Airbus SAS Model A330–200 FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance This AD applies to the Airbus SAS series airplanes; Model A330–200 with that order, issuance of ADs is airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), Freighter series airplanes; and Model normally a function of the Compliance (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in A330–300 series airplanes with an and Airworthiness Division, but during any category, with an original certificate of original certificate of airworthiness or this transition period, the Executive airworthiness or an original export certificate original export certificate of Director has delegated the authority to of airworthiness issued on or before airworthiness that was issued on or issue ADs applicable to transport November 29, 2017. before the date of the ALS revision category airplanes to the Director of the (1) Airbus SAS Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and –243 airplanes. identified in this proposed AD. System Oversight Division. (2) Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and Operators of airplanes with an original –243F airplanes. Regulatory Findings certificate of airworthiness or original (3) Airbus SAS Model A330–301, –302, export certificate of airworthiness We determined that this proposed AD –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 issued after that date must comply with would not have federalism implications sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS airplanes. the airworthiness limitations specified under Executive Order 13132. This (d) Subject as part of the approved type design and proposed AD would not have a referenced on the type certificate data substantial direct effect on the States, on Air Transport Association (ATA) of the relationship between the national America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance sheet. Checks. Government and the States, or on the Costs of Compliance distribution of power and (e) Reason We estimate that this proposed AD responsibilities among the various This AD was prompted by revisions to affects 105 airplanes of U.S. registry. We levels of government. certain airworthiness limitation item (ALI) VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Aug 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\24AUP1.SGM 24AUP1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules 42815 documents, which specify more restrictive (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD Maurice, IA. Controlled airspace is instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. 2017–10–24 are not approved as AMOCs for necessary to accommodate new We are issuing this AD to address fatigue this AD. standard instrument approach cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any procedures developed at Sioux County principal structural elements, and possible requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must Regional Airport, for the safety and failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of be accomplished using a method approved management of instrument flight rules the airplane. by the Manager, International Section, (IFR) operations. Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the DATES: Comments must be received on (f) Compliance European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or or before October 9, 2018. Comply with this AD within the Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization ADDRESSES: Send comments on this compliance times specified, unless already Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA- proposal to the U.S. Department of done. authorized signature. Transportation, Docket Operations, (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection West Building Ground Floor, Room Program (k) Related Information W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Within 90 days after the effective date of (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Washington, DC 20590, telephone (202) this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA 366–9826, or (800) 647–5527. You must program, as applicable, to incorporate the Airworthiness Directive 2018–0034, dated identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2018– information specified in the service February 5, 2018, for related information. 0671; Airspace Docket No. 18–ACE–3, at information identified in paragraphs (g)(1), This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov the beginning of your comments. You (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. The initial may also submit comments through the compliance times for accomplishing the tasks by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0759. internet at http://www.regulations.gov. are at the applicable times specified in the (2) For more information about this AD, You may review the public docket service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, or within contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace containing the proposal, any comments 90 days after the effective date of this AD, Engineer, International Section, Transport received, and any final disposition in whichever occurs later. Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th person in the Dockets Office between St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday (1) Airbus SAS A330 Airworthiness fax 206–231–3229. through Friday, except federal holidays. Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1, Safe Life (3) For service information identified in FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL–ALI), this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Revision 09, dated September 18, 2017. Office—EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine Designations and Reporting Points, and (2) Airbus SAS A330 ALS Part 1, SL–ALI, subsequent amendments can be viewed No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; Variation 9.2, dated November 28, 2017. telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ (3) Airbus SAS A330 ALS Part 1, SL–ALI, 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@ publications/. For further information, Variation 9.3, dated November 29, 2017. airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. you can contact the Airspace Policy (h) Terminating Actions for AD 2017–10–24 You may view this service information at the Group, Federal Aviation FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 Administration, 800 Independence Accomplishing the actions required by South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all information on the availability of this requirements of AD 2017–10–24. telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. also available for inspection at the (i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on National Archives and Records After the maintenance or inspection August 16, 2018. Administration (NARA). For program, as applicable, has been revised as Michael Kaszycki, information on the availability of FAA required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or Aircraft Certification Service. 741–6030, or go to https:// intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative [FR Doc. 2018–18147 Filed 8–23–18; 8:45 am] www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ method of compliance (AMOC) in BILLING CODE 4910–13–P ibr-locations.html. accordance with the procedures specified in FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Designations and Reporting Points, is DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION published yearly and effective on (j) Other FAA AD Provisions September 15. The following provisions also apply to this Federal Aviation Administration FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AD: Rebecca Shelby, Federal Aviation (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 14 CFR Part 71 Administration, Operations Support (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, [Docket No. FAA–2018–0671; Airspace Group, Central Service Center, 10101 has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Docket No. 18–ACE–3] Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX AD, if requested using the procedures found 76177; telephone (817) 222–5857. RIN 2120–AA66 in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 39.19, send your request to your principal Proposed Establishment of Class E inspector or local Flight Standards District Authority for This Rulemaking Office, as appropriate. If sending information Airspace; Maurice, IA The FAA’s authority to issue rules directly to the International Section, send it AGENCY: Federal Aviation regarding aviation safety is found in sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS to the attention of the person identified in Administration (FAA), DOT. Title 49 of the United States Code. paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking REQUESTS@faa.gov. (NPRM). authority of the FAA Administrator. (i) Before using any approved AMOC, Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, notify your appropriate principal inspector, SUMMARY: This action proposes to describes in more detail the scope of the or lacking a principal inspector, the manager establish Class E airspace extending agency’s authority. This rulemaking is of the local flight standards district office/ upward from 700 feet above the surface promulgated under the authority certificate holding district office. at Sioux County Regional Airport, described in Subtitle VII, Part A, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Aug 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\24AUP1.SGM 24AUP1


Document Created: 2018-08-24 04:13:14
Document Modified: 2018-08-24 04:13:14
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 9, 2018.
ContactVladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.
FR Citation83 FR 42812 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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