83_FR_47235 83 FR 47054 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

83 FR 47054 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 181 (September 18, 2018)

Page Range47054-47056
FR Document2018-19856

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS 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 AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 181 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47054-47056]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19856]



[[Page 47054]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0396; Product Identifier 2017-NM-156-AD; Amendment 
39-19400; AD 2018-18-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS 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 AD 
was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. 
This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 23, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 23, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0396.

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 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 U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS 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 NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on May 8, 2018 (83 FR 20743). The NPRM was prompted by 
a determination that new or more restrictive maintenance requirements 
and airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to 
require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations.
    We are issuing this AD to address 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.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
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 SAS 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 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.

    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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. FedEx Express stated that 
they had no objections to the proposed AD.

Request To Release Related ADs at the Same Time

    Airbus requested in docket numbers, FAA-2018-0390 and FAA-2018-0365 
that we release this final rule and the following related ADs at the 
same time to provide clarity to operators. All four pending ADs are 
related to the removal of the same 15 nose landing gear parts from ALS 
Part 1, on different airplane models.
     Docket No. FAA-2018-0390, Product Identifier 2017-NM-130-
AD (EASA AD 2017-0145, dated August 31, 2017).
     Docket No. FAA-2018-0364, Product Identifier 2017-NM-154-
AD (EASA AD 2017-0204, dated October 12, 2017).
     Docket No. FAA-2018-0365, Product Identifier 2017-NM-155-
AD

[[Page 47055]]

(EASA AD 2017-0203, dated October 12, 2017).
    We agree with the commenter's request insofar as we can control the 
publication schedule. While we cannot ensure that all four final rules 
will be published on the same date, we will coordinate with the Office 
of the Federal Register (OFR) regarding publication of all four final 
rules at the same time.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and 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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS 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 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 127 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this 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 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):

2018-18-21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19400; Docket No. FAA-2018-0396; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-156-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 23, 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 SAS 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.

[[Page 47056]]

(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 occurs 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 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 AD 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.

(l) 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 A300-600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
4, ``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 
03, dated August 28, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, 
``System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),'' Revision 03, 
dated August 28, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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.
    (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 August 24, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19856 Filed 9-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             47054            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 181 / Tuesday, September 18, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     Airbus A310 and A300–600 Airworthiness
                                                                                                     through Friday, except Federal holidays.              Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                         The AD docket contains this final rule,               System Equipment Maintenance
                                                                                                     the regulatory evaluation, any                        Requirements (SEMR) for the Airbus A310
                                             14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                and A300–600, are specified in the Airbus
                                                                                                     comments received, and other                          A310 and Airbus A300–600 (including
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2018–0396; Product                      information. The address for Docket                   A300–600ST) ALS Part 4 documents. These
                                             Identifier 2017–NM–156–AD; Amendment                    Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is                   instructions have been identified as
                                             39–19400; AD 2018–18–21]                                U.S. Department of Transportation,                    mandatory for continuing airworthiness.
                                                                                                     Docket Operations, M–30, West                           Failure to accomplish these instructions
                                             RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                 could result in an unsafe condition.
                                                                                                     Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                                                                     1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,                              EASA previously issued AD 2013–0075
                                             Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS                                                                          [which corresponds to FAA AD 2015–02–16,
                                             Airplanes                                               Washington, DC 20590.
                                                                                                                                                           Amendment 39–18083 (80 FR 5028, January
                                                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan                  30, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–02–16’’)] to require the
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,                           implementation of the maintenance
                                             Administration (FAA), Department of                     International Section, Transport                      requirements and associated airworthiness
                                             Transportation (DOT).                                   Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South                     limitations as specified in Airbus A310 and
                                             ACTION: Final rule.                                     216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;                      A300–600 ALS Part 4 documents at Revision
                                                                                                     telephone and fax 206–231–3225.                       02.
                                             SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new                                                                               Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new or
                                                                                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             airworthiness directive (AD) for all                                                                          more restrictive maintenance requirements
                                             Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–600, B4–                       Discussion                                            and airworthiness limitations were approved
                                             600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and                                                                       by EASA. Consequently, Airbus published
                                                                                                        We issued a notice of proposed                     Revision 03 of A310 and A300–600 ALS Part
                                             Model A300 C4–605R Variant F                            rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     4 documents, compiling all ALS Part 4
                                             airplanes (collectively called Model                    part 39 by adding an AD that would                    changes approved since previous Revision
                                             A300–600 series airplanes), and Model                   apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300                    02.
                                             A310 series airplanes. This AD was                      B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series                     For the reasons described above, this new
                                             prompted by a determination that new                    airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R                     [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
                                             or more restrictive maintenance                         Variant F airplanes (collectively called              AD 2013–0075, which is superseded, and
                                             requirements and airworthiness                                                                                requires the implementation of the actions
                                                                                                     Model A300–600 series airplanes), and                 specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4 Revision
                                             limitations are necessary. This AD                      Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM
                                             requires revising the maintenance or                                                                          03 and Airbus A300–600 ALS Part 4 Revision
                                                                                                     published in the Federal Register on                  03.
                                             inspection program, as applicable, to                   May 8, 2018 (83 FR 20743). The NPRM
                                             incorporate new or more restrictive                     was prompted by a determination that                    You may examine the MCAI in the
                                             maintenance requirements and                            new or more restrictive maintenance                   AD docket on the internet at http://
                                             airworthiness limitations. We are                       requirements and airworthiness                        www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                             issuing this AD to address the unsafe                   limitations are necessary. The NPRM                   and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                             condition on these products.                            proposed to require revising the                      0396.
                                             DATES: This AD is effective October 23,                 maintenance or inspection program, as                 Comments
                                             2018.                                                   applicable, to incorporate new or more
                                                The Director of the Federal Register                 restrictive maintenance requirements                    We gave the public the opportunity to
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                 and airworthiness limitations.                        participate in developing this final rule.
                                             of certain publications listed in this AD                  We are issuing this AD to address the              The following presents the comments
                                             as of October 23, 2018.                                 risks associated with the effects of aging            received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
                                             ADDRESSES: For service information                      on airplane systems. Such effects could               response to each comment. FedEx
                                             identified in this final rule, contact                  change system characteristics, leading to             Express stated that they had no
                                             Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—                       an increased potential for failure of                 objections to the proposed AD.
                                             EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:                     certain life-limited parts, and reduced               Request To Release Related ADs at the
                                             2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;                         structural integrity or controllability of            Same Time
                                             telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5                  the airplane.
                                             61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-                       The European Aviation Safety Agency                   Airbus requested in docket numbers,
                                             eas@airbus.com; internet http://                        (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  FAA–2018–0390 and FAA–2018–0365
                                             www.airbus.com. You may view this                       for the Member States of the European                 that we release this final rule and the
                                             service information at the FAA,                         Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0202,                  following related ADs at the same time
                                             Transport Standards Branch, 2200                        dated October 12, 2017 (referred to after             to provide clarity to operators. All four
                                             South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                    this as the Mandatory Continuing                      pending ADs are related to the removal
                                             information on the availability of this                 Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the                   of the same 15 nose landing gear parts
                                             material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.                 MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition               from ALS Part 1, on different airplane
                                             It is also available on the internet at                 for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–600,                 models.
                                             http://www.regulations.gov by searching                 B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes,                   • Docket No. FAA–2018–0390,
                                             for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                   and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F                      Product Identifier 2017–NM–130–AD
                                             0396.                                                   airplanes (collectively called Model                  (EASA AD 2017–0145, dated August 31,
                                                                                                                                                           2017).
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                                                                                     A300–600 series airplanes), and Model
                                             Examining the AD Docket                                                                                          • Docket No. FAA–2018–0364,
                                                                                                     A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
                                               You may examine the AD docket on                                                                            Product Identifier 2017–NM–154–AD
                                                                                                       Maintenance requirements and
                                             the internet at http://                                 airworthiness limitations for the Airbus              (EASA AD 2017–0204, dated October
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                    A310, A300–600 and A300–600ST family                  12, 2017).
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                       aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA,                  • Docket No. FAA–2018–0365,
                                             0396; or in person at Docket Operations                 are currently defined and published in the            Product Identifier 2017–NM–155–AD


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:42 Sep 17, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00028   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\18SER1.SGM   18SER1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 181 / Tuesday, September 18, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                           47055

                                             (EASA AD 2017–0203, dated October                       estimate is more accurate than a per-                 under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                             12, 2017).                                              airplane estimate. Therefore, we                      Flexibility Act.
                                                We agree with the commenter’s                        estimate the total cost per operator to be
                                                                                                                                                           List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                             request insofar as we can control the                   $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-
                                             publication schedule. While we cannot                   hour).                                                  Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                             ensure that all four final rules will be                                                                      safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                             published on the same date, we will                     Authority for This Rulemaking                         Safety.
                                             coordinate with the Office of the Federal                  Title 49 of the United States Code                 Adoption of the Amendment
                                             Register (OFR) regarding publication of                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                             all four final rules at the same time.                  rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                   Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                     section 106, describes the authority of               delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                             Conclusion                                                                                                    the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                                                                                     the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                                We reviewed the relevant data,                       Aviation Programs, describes in more                  follows:
                                             considered the comments received, and                   detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                             determined that air safety and the                                                                            PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                     authority.
                                             public interest require adopting this                                                                         DIRECTIVES
                                                                                                        We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                             final rule with the changes described                   the authority described in Subtitle VII,              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                             previously and minor editorial changes.                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                   continues to read as follows:
                                             We have determined that these minor                     ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                             changes:                                                                                                          Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                                                                     section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                • Are consistent with the intent that                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            § 39.13    [Amended]
                                             was proposed in the NPRM for                            air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                             addressing the unsafe condition; and                                                                          ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                                                                                     for practices, methods, and procedures                the following new airworthiness
                                                • Do not add any additional burden                   the Administrator finds necessary for
                                             upon the public than was already                                                                              directive (AD):
                                                                                                     safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                             proposed in the NPRM.                                   is within the scope of that authority                 2018–18–21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
                                                We also determined that these                                                                                  19400; Docket No. FAA–2018–0396;
                                                                                                     because it addresses an unsafe condition                  Product Identifier 2017–NM–156–AD.
                                             changes will not increase the economic                  that is likely to exist or develop on
                                             burden on any operator or increase the                  products identified in this rulemaking                (a) Effective Date
                                             scope of this final rule.                               action.                                                 This AD is effective October 23, 2018.
                                             Related Service Information Under 1                        This AD is issued in accordance with               (b) Affected ADs
                                             CFR Part 51                                             authority delegated by the Executive
                                                                                                                                                             This AD affects AD 2015–02–16,
                                               Airbus SAS has issued A310                            Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
                                                                                                                                                           Amendment 39–18083 (80 FR 5028, January
                                             Airworthiness Limitations Section                       as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                  30, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–02–16’’).
                                             (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment                        In accordance with that order, issuance
                                                                                                     of ADs is normally a function of the                  (c) Applicability
                                             Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’
                                             Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; and                 Compliance and Airworthiness                             This AD applies to the Airbus SAS
                                                                                                     Division, but during this transition                  airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
                                             A300–600 Airworthiness Limitations                                                                            through (c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any
                                             Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System                          period, the Executive Director has
                                                                                                     delegated the authority to issue ADs                  category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
                                             Equipment Maintenance Requirements                                                                               (1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
                                             (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated August 28,                 applicable to transport category
                                                                                                                                                           and B4–622 airplanes.
                                             2017. This service information describes                airplanes and associated appliances to                   (2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
                                             new maintenance requirements and                        the Director of the System Oversight                  airplanes.
                                             airworthiness limitations. These                        Division.                                                (3) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
                                             documents are distinct since they apply                                                                       airplanes.
                                                                                                     Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                                                                              (4) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
                                             to different airplane models. This
                                                                                                       This AD will not have federalism                    airplanes.
                                             service information is reasonably                                                                                (5) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222,
                                             available because the interested parties                implications under Executive Order
                                                                                                     13132. This AD will not have a                        –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes.
                                             have access to it through their normal
                                             course of business or by the means                      substantial direct effect on the States, on           (d) Subject
                                             identified in the ADDRESSES section.                    the relationship between the national                   Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                                                                     government and the States, or on the                  America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
                                             Costs of Compliance                                     distribution of power and                             Checks.
                                               We estimate that this AD affects 127                  responsibilities among the various
                                                                                                                                                           (e) Reason
                                             airplanes of U.S. registry.                             levels of government.
                                                                                                       For the reasons discussed above, I                     This AD was prompted by a determination
                                               We estimate the following costs to                                                                          that new or more restrictive maintenance
                                             comply with this AD:                                    certify that this AD:
                                                                                                                                                           requirements and airworthiness limitations
                                               We have determined that revising the                    (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory               are necessary. We are issuing this AD to
                                             maintenance or inspection program                       action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                 mitigate the risks associated with the effects
                                             takes an average of 90 work-hours per                     (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under             of aging on airplane systems. Such effects
                                             operator, although we recognize that                    the DOT Regulatory Policies and                       could change system characteristics, leading
                                             this number may vary from operator to                   Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,                 to an increased potential for failure of certain
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                                             operator. In the past, we have estimated                1979),                                                life-limited parts, and reduced structural
                                                                                                       (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation             integrity or controllability of the airplane.
                                             that this action takes 1 work-hour per
                                             airplane. Since operators incorporate                   in Alaska, and                                        (f) Compliance
                                             maintenance or inspection program                         (4) Will not have a significant                        Comply with this AD within the
                                             changes for their affected fleet(s), we                 economic impact, positive or negative,                compliance times specified, unless already
                                             have determined that a per-operator                     on a substantial number of small entities             done.



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                                             47056            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 181 / Tuesday, September 18, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection               (k) Related Information                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                             Program                                                   (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
                                                Within 90 days after the effective date of           Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD              Federal Aviation Administration
                                             this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection           2017–0202, dated October 12, 2017, for
                                             program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus           related information. This MCAI may be                 14 CFR Part 39
                                             A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section                  found in the AD docket on the internet at
                                             (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment                                                                              [Docket No. FAA–2018–0364; Product
                                                                                                     http://www.regulations.gov by searching for           Identifier 2017–NM–154–AD; Amendment
                                             Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’
                                                                                                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0396.                39–19398; AD 2018–18–19]
                                             Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017; or A300–
                                             600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)               (2) For more information about this AD,
                                                                                                                                                           RIN 2120–AA64
                                             Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment Maintenance                  contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
                                             Requirements (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated               International Section, Transport Standards
                                                                                                                                                           Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
                                             August 28, 2017; as applicable. The initial             Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
                                                                                                                                                           Airplanes
                                             compliance time for doing the revised actions           Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
                                             is at the applicable time specified in Airbus           231–3225.                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section                                                                        Administration (FAA), Department of
                                             (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment                        (l) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                                                                           Transportation (DOT).
                                             Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’                         (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                             Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017, or A300–            approved the incorporation by reference
                                             600 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)             (IBR) of the service information listed in this       SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new
                                             Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment Maintenance                  paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                             Requirements (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated                                                                     airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                                                                                     part 51.                                              Airbus SAS Model A300 and A310
                                             August 28, 2017; as applicable; or within 90               (2) You must use this service information
                                             days after the effective date of this AD;                                                                     series airplanes; and Model A300 B4–
                                                                                                     as applicable to do the actions required by           600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series
                                             whichever occurs later.
                                                                                                     this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.          airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R
                                             (h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals                    (i) Airbus A300–600 Airworthiness                  Variant F airplanes (collectively called
                                               After the maintenance or inspection                   Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System
                                                                                                                                                           Model A300–600 series airplanes). This
                                             program has been revised as required by                 Equipment Maintenance Requirements
                                                                                                                                                           AD was prompted by a determination
                                             paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative                (SEMR),’’ Revision 03, dated August 28,
                                                                                                                                                           that new or more restrictive
                                             actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be         2017.
                                             used unless the actions and intervals are                                                                     maintenance requirements and
                                                                                                        (ii) Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations
                                             approved as an alternative method of                                                                          airworthiness limitations are necessary.
                                                                                                     Section (ALS) Part 4, ‘‘System Equipment
                                             compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the                                                                      This AD requires revising the
                                                                                                     Maintenance Requirements (SEMR),’’
                                             procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of                                                                   maintenance or inspection program, as
                                                                                                     Revision 03, dated August 28, 2017.
                                             this AD.
                                                                                                        (3) For service information identified in
                                                                                                                                                           applicable, to incorporate new or more
                                             (i) Terminating Action for AD 2015–02–16                this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
                                                                                                                                                           restrictive maintenance requirements
                                                                                                     Office—EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine                and airworthiness limitations. We are
                                               Accomplishing the actions required by this                                                                  issuing this AD to address the unsafe
                                             AD terminates all requirements of AD 2015–              No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
                                                                                                     telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61             condition on these products.
                                             02–16.
                                                                                                     93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@                 DATES: This AD is effective October 23,
                                             (j) Other FAA AD Provisions                                                                                   2018.
                                                                                                     airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com.
                                               The following provisions also apply to this              (4) You may view this service information             The Director of the Federal Register
                                             AD:                                                     at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,               approved the incorporation by reference
                                               (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For             of certain publications listed in this AD
                                             (AMOCs): The Manager, International                                                                           as of October 23, 2018.
                                                                                                     information on the availability of this
                                             Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
                                                                                                     material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.               ADDRESSES: For service information
                                             has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
                                             AD, if requested using the procedures found                (5) You may view this service information          identified in this final rule, contact
                                             in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR              that is incorporated by reference at the              Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
                                             39.19, send your request to your principal              National Archives and Records                         EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
                                             inspector or local Flight Standards District            Administration (NARA). For information on             2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
                                             Office, as appropriate. If sending information          the availability of this material at NARA, call       telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
                                             directly to the International Section, send it          202–741–6030, or go to: http://                       61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-
                                             to the attention of the person identified in            www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-            eas@airbus.com; internet http://
                                             paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may            locations.html.
                                             be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
                                                                                                                                                           www.airbus.com. You may view this
                                             REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                        Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on                service information at the FAA,
                                             approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                  August 24, 2018.                                      Transport Standards Branch, 2200
                                             principal inspector, or lacking a principal             James Cashdollar,                                     South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
                                             inspector, the manager of the local flight              Acting Director, System Oversight Division,           information on the availability of this
                                             standards district office/certificate holding           Aircraft Certification Service.                       material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
                                             district office.                                                                                              It is also available on the internet at
                                               (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any              [FR Doc. 2018–19856 Filed 9–17–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                           http://www.regulations.gov by searching
                                             requirement in this AD to obtain corrective             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                                                                           for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                             actions from a manufacturer, the action must
                                                                                                                                                           0364.
                                             be accomplished using a method approved
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                                             by the Manager, International Section,                                                                        Examining the AD Docket
                                             Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
                                             European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or                                                                      You may examine the AD docket on
                                             Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization                                                                         the internet at http://
                                             Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,                                                                       www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                             the approval must include the DOA-                                                                            and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                             authorized signature.                                                                                         0364; or in person at Docket Operations


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Document Created: 2018-09-18 01:18:20
Document Modified: 2018-09-18 01:18:20
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective October 23, 2018.
ContactDan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.
FR Citation83 FR 47054 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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