83_FR_49455 83 FR 49265 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

83 FR 49265 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 190 (October 1, 2018)

Page Range49265-49269
FR Document2018-21100

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-25-03, which applied to certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. AD 2016-25-03 required repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) frame forks; a one- time check of the LDCD clearances; and a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD requires repetitive HFEC inspections of the aft LDCD frame forks; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances; and a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of two adjacent frame forks that were found cracked on the aft LDCD of two airplanes during scheduled maintenance, and the introduction of frame fork reinforcement or repair procedures that, when done, allow an extension of repetitive inspection intervals. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 190 (Monday, October 1, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49265-49269]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21100]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 49265]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0417; Product Identifier 2017-NM-132-AD; Amendment 
39-19440; AD 2018-20-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-25-03, 
which applied to certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. AD 
2016-25-03 required repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspections of the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) frame forks; a one-
time check of the LDCD clearances; and a one-time detailed visual 
inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops; and corrective 
actions if necessary. This AD requires repetitive HFEC inspections of 
the aft LDCD frame forks; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances; and 
a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and 
x-stops; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a 
report of two adjacent frame forks that were found cracked on the aft 
LDCD of two airplanes during scheduled maintenance, and the 
introduction of frame fork reinforcement or repair procedures that, 
when done, allow an extension of repetitive inspection intervals. We 
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 5, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 5, 
2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
January 26, 2017 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016).

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 referenced 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-2018-0417.

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-
0417; 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 to supersede AD 2016-25-03, Amendment 39-18729 (81 FR 93801, 
December 22, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-03''). AD 2016-25-03 applied to 
certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on May 25, 2018 (83 FR 24244). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of two adjacent frame forks that were found 
cracked on the aft LDCD of two airplanes during scheduled maintenance, 
and the introduction of frame fork reinforcement or repair procedures 
that, when done, allow an extension of repetitive inspection intervals. 
The NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive HFEC inspections of 
the aft LDCD frame forks; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances; and 
a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, eccentric bushes, and 
x-stops; and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to 
require revised corrective actions and compliance times. We are issuing 
this AD to address cracked or ruptured aft LDCD frames, which could 
allow loads to be transferred to the remaining structural elements. 
This condition could lead to the rupture of one or more vertical aft 
LDCD frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
aft LDCD.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0152R1, dated May 23, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS 
Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During scheduled maintenance at frames (FR) 61 and FR61A on the 
aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) of two A300-600F4 aeroplanes, two 
adjacent frame forks were found cracked. Subsequent analysis 
determined that, in case of cracked or ruptured aft cargo door 
frame(s), loads will be transferred to the remaining structural 
elements. However, these secondary load paths will be able to 
sustain the loads for a limited number of flight cycles only.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
rupture of one or more vertical aft cargo door frame(s), resulting 
in reduced structural integrity of the aft cargo door.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A52W011-15 to provide inspection instructions, 
and, consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0152 [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2016-25-03] to require repetitive inspections of the aft LDCD 
frame forks and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s).
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus published Service 
Bulletin (SB) SB A300-52-6085 which provides frame fork

[[Page 49266]]

reinforcement instruction and SB A300-52-6086 which provides 
instruction to inspect the cargo door for cracks as well as frame 
fork replacement instructions having the inspection interval 
extended from 600 flight cycles (FC) to 1,200 FC.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
introduce frame forks replacement or repair [or reinforcement] as an 
allowance to extend the inspection interval.

    Required actions include repetitive HFEC inspections of the aft 
LDCD frame forks and repair, reinforcement, or replacement if 
necessary; a one-time check of the LDCD clearances and adjustment if 
necessary; and a one-time detailed visual inspection of hooks, 
eccentric bushes, and x-stops for wear, and corrective actions if 
necessary. Corrective actions include blend-out, adjustment, and 
replacement of hooks, bushes and x-stops. 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-2018-0417.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Incorporate Revised Service Bulletins

    FedEx Express requested that we revise the proposed AD to 
incorporate Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated 
May 2, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, 
dated May 29, 2018. FedEx Express also requested that we update table 1 
to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD with the revised compliance times 
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated 
May 29, 2018.
    We partially agree with the commenter's requested changes. We agree 
to incorporate Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated 
May 2, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, 
dated May 29, 2018; because the changes to the procedures in those 
documents are not significant. The changes include updating reference 
documents and figures and do not result in any additional work for 
airplanes modified using the previous issue. Therefore, we have revised 
this AD to refer to Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, 
dated May 2, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 
01, dated May 29, 2018, as the appropriate sources of service 
information for certain actions. We have also revised this AD to give 
credit for certain actions accomplished using Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-52-6085, Revision 00, dated December 22, 2016; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 00, dated December 25, 2016.
    The updated compliance times in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018, are substantively different from 
the compliance times specified in the proposed AD and would increase 
the scope of this AD without allowing for public notice and comment. 
Therefore, we have not changed this AD with regard to the compliance 
times specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086. However, under 
the provisions of paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, we will consider 
requests for approval of alternative compliance times if sufficient 
data are submitted to substantiate that the extension would provide an 
acceptable level of safety.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    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 has issued the following service information:
     Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, 
including Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4, dated July 23, 2015, which 
describes procedures for a check of the aft LDCD clearances ``U'' and 
``V'' between the latching hooks and the eccentric bush at frame FR60 
through FR64A and an adjustment of the latching hook; a detailed 
inspection to detect signs of wear of the hooks, eccentric bushes, and 
x-stops and corrective actions; and an HFEC inspection to detect 
cracking at all frame fork stations of the aft LDCD and a replacement 
of the frame fork.
     Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated May 2, 
2018, which describes procedures for reinforcing frame fork fastener 
holes, which include related investigative and corrective actions. The 
related investigative actions include a rotating probe inspection for 
cracking of the fastener holes and a check to determine the hole 
diameter. Corrective actions include repair and cold working the 
fastener holes.
     Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 
2018, which describes procedures for a check of the aft LDCD clearances 
``U'' and ``V'' between the latching hooks and the eccentric bush at 
FR60 through FR64A and an adjustment of the latching hook; and HFEC 
inspection to detect cracking at all frame fork stations of the aft 
LDCD and a repair of the frame fork.
    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 58 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,445........................              $0           $1,445          $83,810
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 49267]]



                 Estimated Costs of On-condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 65 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $10,000          $15,525
 $5,525...............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-25-03, Amendment 39-18729 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-20-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19440; Docket No. FAA-2018-0417; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-132-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 5, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-25-03, Amendment 39-18729 (81 FR 93801, 
December 22, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R and A300 F4-
622R airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Airbus SAS 
modification 12046 has been embodied in production. Modification 
12046 has been embodied in production on manufacturer serial numbers 
(MSNs) 0805 and above, except MSNs 0836, 0837, and 0838.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of two adjacent frame forks 
that were found cracked on the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) of 
two airplanes during scheduled maintenance, and the introduction of 
frame fork reinforcement or repair procedures that, when done, allow 
an extension of repetitive inspection intervals. We are issuing this 
AD to address cracked or ruptured aft LDCD frames, which could allow 
loads to be transferred to the remaining structural elements. This 
condition could lead to the rupture of one or more vertical aft LDCD 
frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
aft LDCD.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection Requirements and On-Condition Actions, With 
Revised Compliance Times and New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-25-03, with revised compliance times and new service 
information. At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD, or before exceeding the threshold defined in table 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. 
Repeat the high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection specified 
in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
the applicable times specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (1) A one-time check of the aft LDCD clearances ``U'' and ``V'' 
between the latching hooks and the eccentric bush at FR60 through 
FR64A, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; or the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, 
Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018. If any value outside tolerance is 
found, adjust the latching hook before further flight, in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission 
A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; or the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, 
dated May 29, 2018.
    (2) A one-time detailed inspection to detect signs of wear of 
the hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops, in accordance with the 
instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, 
Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015. If any wear is found, do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight, in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission 
A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015.
    (3) An HFEC inspection to detect cracking at all frame fork 
stations of the aft LDCD, in accordance with the instructions of 
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated 
July 23, 2015; or the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018, 2016. If any 
crack is found, before further flight, replace the cracked frame 
fork, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00,

[[Page 49268]]

dated July 23, 2015; repair the cracked frame fork, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018; or reinforce the 
cracked frame fork, including doing all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, 
Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018, except as required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01OC18.004

(h) Retained Compliance Times, With No Changes

    At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of this AD, do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 4,500 total flight cycles.
    (2) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (h)(2)(i) or 
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total 
flight cycles as of January 26, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2016-
25-03): Within 100 flight cycles after January 26, 2017.
    (ii) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 8,000 total 
flight cycles as of January 26, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2016-
25-03): Within 400 flight cycles after January 26, 2017.

(i) Service Information Exception

    Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated 
May 2, 2018, specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: 
Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.

(j) No Terminating Action

    Accomplishment of corrective actions on an airplane as required 
by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, or repair, reinforcement, 
or replacement of a frame fork as required by paragraph (g)(3) of 
this AD, on the aft LDCD of an airplane does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive HFEC inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD for that airplane.

(k) Compliance Time Clarification

    After replacement, repair, or reinforcement of any frame fork on 
the aft LDCD of an airplane, as specified in paragraph (g)(3) of 
this AD, the next HFEC inspection as required by paragraph (g)(3) of 
this AD can be deferred for any frame fork that is replaced, 
repaired, or reinforced, but must be accomplished before exceeding 
6,800 flight cycles after the replacement, repair, or reinforcement 
of that frame fork.

(l) No Reporting

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; 
and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 
2018; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 00, dated December 25, 2016.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
6085, Revision 00, dated December 22, 2016.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 (o)(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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i) and paragraph (l) of this AD: If any service 
information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, 
those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0152R1, dated May 23, 2017, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
iInternet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0417.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des

[[Page 49269]]

Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(5) and (p)(6) of this AD.

(p) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 5, 2018.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6085, Revision 01, dated May 
2, 2018.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-6086, Revision 01, dated 
May 29, 2018.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 26, 2017 (81 FR 93801, December 22, 2016).
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, 
dated July 23, 2015, including the following appendices:
    (A) Appendix 1--Flowchart, undated.
    (B) Appendix 2--Reporting Sheet, undated. (The pages of Appendix 
2 are not numbered.)
    (C) Appendix 3--titled ``Technical Disposition,'' Ref. TD/K12/
L3/02978/2015, Issue B, dated July 21, 2015. (Appendix 3 is 
identified with an appendix number only on page 1 of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission A52W011-15, Revision 00, dated July 23, 
2015.)
    (D) Appendix 4--Part number identification for frame forks and 
bushings, undated.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 September 21, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21100 Filed 9-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                              49265

                                           Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                         Vol. 83, No. 190

                                                                                                                                                         Monday, October 1, 2018



                                           This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    of certain publications listed in this AD             FR 24244). The NPRM was prompted by
                                           contains regulatory documents having general            as of November 5, 2018.                               a report of two adjacent frame forks that
                                           applicability and legal effect, most of which              The Director of the Federal Register               were found cracked on the aft LDCD of
                                           are keyed to and codified in the Code of                approved the incorporation by reference               two airplanes during scheduled
                                           Federal Regulations, which is published under           of a certain other publication listed in              maintenance, and the introduction of
                                           50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
                                                                                                   this AD as of January 26, 2017 (81 FR                 frame fork reinforcement or repair
                                           The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              93801, December 22, 2016).                            procedures that, when done, allow an
                                           the Superintendent of Documents.                        ADDRESSES: For service information                    extension of repetitive inspection
                                                                                                   identified in this final rule, contact                intervals. The NPRM proposed to
                                                                                                   Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—                     continue to require repetitive HFEC
                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:                   inspections of the aft LDCD frame forks;
                                                                                                   2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;                       a one-time check of the LDCD
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                                                                               clearances; and a one-time detailed
                                                                                                   telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
                                                                                                   61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-                  visual inspection of hooks, eccentric
                                           14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                bushes, and x-stops; and corrective
                                                                                                   eas@airbus.com; internet http://
                                                                                                   www.airbus.com. You may view this                     actions if necessary. The NPRM also
                                           [Docket No. FAA–2018–0417; Product
                                           Identifier 2017–NM–132–AD; Amendment                    referenced service information at the                 proposed to require revised corrective
                                           39–19440; AD 2018–20–06]                                FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200                 actions and compliance times. We are
                                                                                                   South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                  issuing this AD to address cracked or
                                           RIN 2120–AA64                                           information on the availability of this               ruptured aft LDCD frames, which could
                                                                                                   material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.               allow loads to be transferred to the
                                           Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS                    It is also available on the internet at               remaining structural elements. This
                                           Airplanes                                               http://www.regulations.gov by searching               condition could lead to the rupture of
                                                                                                   for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                 one or more vertical aft LDCD frames,
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               0417.                                                 which could result in reduced structural
                                           Administration (FAA), Department of                                                                           integrity of the aft LDCD.
                                           Transportation (DOT).                                   Examining the AD Docket                                  The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                           ACTION: Final rule.                                        You may examine the AD docket on                   (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                                                                                   the internet at http://                               for the Member States of the European
                                           SUMMARY:    We are superseding                          www.regulations.gov by searching for                  Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
                                           Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–25–                   and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                     Directive 2015–0152R1, dated May 23,
                                           03, which applied to certain Airbus                     0417; or in person at Docket Operations               2017 (referred to after this as the
                                           Model A300 F4–600R series airplanes.                    between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
                                           AD 2016–25–03 required repetitive high                  through Friday, except Federal holidays.              Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
                                           frequency eddy current (HFEC)                           The AD docket contains this final rule,               an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
                                           inspections of the aft lower deck cargo                 the regulatory evaluation, any                        SAS Model A300 F4–600R series
                                           door (LDCD) frame forks; a one-time                     comments received, and other                          airplanes. The MCAI states:
                                           check of the LDCD clearances; and a                     information. The address for Docket
                                           one-time detailed visual inspection of                                                                           During scheduled maintenance at frames
                                                                                                   Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is                   (FR) 61 and FR61A on the aft lower deck
                                           hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops;                   U.S. Department of Transportation,                    cargo door (LDCD) of two A300–600F4
                                           and corrective actions if necessary. This               Docket Operations, M–30, West                         aeroplanes, two adjacent frame forks were
                                           AD requires repetitive HFEC inspections                 Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                  found cracked. Subsequent analysis
                                           of the aft LDCD frame forks; a one-time                 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,                            determined that, in case of cracked or
                                           check of the LDCD clearances; and a                                                                           ruptured aft cargo door frame(s), loads will
                                                                                                   Washington, DC 20590.
                                           one-time detailed visual inspection of                                                                        be transferred to the remaining structural
                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan                  elements. However, these secondary load
                                           hooks, eccentric bushes, and x-stops;                   Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,                           paths will be able to sustain the loads for a
                                           and corrective actions if necessary. This               International Section, Transport                      limited number of flight cycles only.
                                           AD was prompted by a report of two                      Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South                        This condition, if not detected and
                                           adjacent frame forks that were found                    216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;                      corrected, could lead to the rupture of one or
                                           cracked on the aft LDCD of two                          telephone and fax 206–231–3225.                       more vertical aft cargo door frame(s),
                                           airplanes during scheduled                                                                                    resulting in reduced structural integrity of
                                                                                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            the aft cargo door.
                                           maintenance, and the introduction of
                                           frame fork reinforcement or repair                      Discussion                                               To address this unsafe condition, Airbus
                                                                                                                                                         issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
                                           procedures that, when done, allow an                      We issued a notice of proposed                      A52W011–15 to provide inspection
                                           extension of repetitive inspection                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     instructions, and, consequently, EASA issued
                                           intervals. We are issuing this AD to                    part 39 to supersede AD 2016–25–03,                   AD 2015–0152 [which corresponds to FAA
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                                           address the unsafe condition on these                   Amendment 39–18729 (81 FR 93801,                      AD 2016–25–03] to require repetitive
                                           products.                                               December 22, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–25–                     inspections of the aft LDCD frame forks and,
                                                                                                                                                         depending on findings, the accomplishment
                                           DATES:This AD is effective November 5,                  03’’). AD 2016–25–03 applied to certain               of applicable corrective action(s).
                                           2018.                                                   Airbus Model A300 F4–600R series                         Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus
                                             The Director of the Federal Register                  airplanes. The NPRM published in the                  published Service Bulletin (SB) SB A300–52–
                                           approved the incorporation by reference                 Federal Register on May 25, 2018 (83                  6085 which provides frame fork



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                                           49266                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                           reinforcement instruction and SB A300–52–                       changes to the procedures in those                            burden on any operator or increase the
                                           6086 which provides instruction to inspect                      documents are not significant. The                            scope of this final rule.
                                           the cargo door for cracks as well as frame fork                 changes include updating reference
                                           replacement instructions having the                                                                                           Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                           documents and figures and do not result
                                           inspection interval extended from 600 flight                                                                                  CFR Part 51
                                           cycles (FC) to 1,200 FC.
                                                                                                           in any additional work for airplanes
                                             For the reason described above, this                          modified using the previous issue.                               Airbus has issued the following
                                           [EASA] AD is revised to introduce frame                         Therefore, we have revised this AD to                         service information:
                                           forks replacement or repair [or                                 refer to Airbus Service Bulletin A300–                           • Alert Operators Transmission
                                           reinforcement] as an allowance to extend the                    52–6085, Revision 01, dated May 2,                            A52W011–15, Revision 00, including
                                           inspection interval.                                            2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin                             Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4, dated July 23,
                                             Required actions include repetitive                           A300–52–6086, Revision 01, dated May                          2015, which describes procedures for a
                                           HFEC inspections of the aft LDCD frame                          29, 2018, as the appropriate sources of                       check of the aft LDCD clearances ‘‘U’’
                                           forks and repair, reinforcement, or                             service information for certain actions.                      and ‘‘V’’ between the latching hooks and
                                           replacement if necessary; a one-time                            We have also revised this AD to give                          the eccentric bush at frame FR60
                                           check of the LDCD clearances and                                credit for certain actions accomplished                       through FR64A and an adjustment of
                                           adjustment if necessary; and a one-time                         using Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–                        the latching hook; a detailed inspection
                                           detailed visual inspection of hooks,                            6085, Revision 00, dated December 22,                         to detect signs of wear of the hooks,
                                           eccentric bushes, and x-stops for wear,                         2016; and Airbus Service Bulletin                             eccentric bushes, and x-stops and
                                           and corrective actions if necessary.                            A300–52–6086, Revision 00, dated                              corrective actions; and an HFEC
                                           Corrective actions include blend-out,                           December 25, 2016.                                            inspection to detect cracking at all frame
                                           adjustment, and replacement of hooks,                              The updated compliance times in                            fork stations of the aft LDCD and a
                                           bushes and x-stops. You may examine                             Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6086,                         replacement of the frame fork.
                                           the MCAI in the AD docket on the                                Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018, are                             • Service Bulletin A300–52–6085,
                                           internet at http://www.regulations.gov                          substantively different from the                              Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018, which
                                           by searching for and locating Docket No.                        compliance times specified in the                             describes procedures for reinforcing
                                           FAA–2018–0417.                                                  proposed AD and would increase the                            frame fork fastener holes, which include
                                                                                                           scope of this AD without allowing for                         related investigative and corrective
                                           Comments                                                        public notice and comment. Therefore,                         actions. The related investigative
                                             We gave the public the opportunity to                         we have not changed this AD with                              actions include a rotating probe
                                           participate in developing this final rule.                      regard to the compliance times specified                      inspection for cracking of the fastener
                                           The following presents the comment                              in Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–                           holes and a check to determine the hole
                                           received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                              6086. However, under the provisions of                        diameter. Corrective actions include
                                           response to the comment.                                        paragraph (n)(1) of this AD, we will                          repair and cold working the fastener
                                                                                                           consider requests for approval of                             holes.
                                           Request To Incorporate Revised Service                          alternative compliance times if                                  • Service Bulletin A300–52–6086,
                                           Bulletins                                                       sufficient data are submitted to                              Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018, which
                                             FedEx Express requested that we                               substantiate that the extension would                         describes procedures for a check of the
                                           revise the proposed AD to incorporate                           provide an acceptable level of safety.                        aft LDCD clearances ‘‘U’’ and ‘‘V’’
                                           Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6085,                                                                                         between the latching hooks and the
                                                                                                           Conclusion
                                           Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018; and                                                                                           eccentric bush at FR60 through FR64A
                                           Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6086,                              We reviewed the relevant data,                             and an adjustment of the latching hook;
                                           Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018. FedEx                          considered the comment received, and                          and HFEC inspection to detect cracking
                                           Express also requested that we update                           determined that air safety and the                            at all frame fork stations of the aft LDCD
                                           table 1 to paragraph (g) of the proposed                        public interest require adopting this                         and a repair of the frame fork.
                                           AD with the revised compliance times                            final rule as proposed, except for minor                         This service information is reasonably
                                           specified in Airbus Service Bulletin                            editorial changes. We have determined                         available because the interested parties
                                           A300–52–6086, Revision 01, dated May                            that these minor changes:                                     have access to it through their normal
                                           29, 2018.                                                          • Are consistent with the intent that                      course of business or by the means
                                             We partially agree with the                                   was proposed in the NPRM for                                  identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                           commenter’s requested changes. We                               addressing the unsafe condition; and
                                           agree to incorporate Airbus Service                                • Do not add any additional burden                         Costs of Compliance
                                           Bulletin A300–52–6085, Revision 01,                             upon the public than was already                                We estimate that this AD affects 58
                                           dated May 2, 2018; and Airbus Service                           proposed in the NPRM.                                         airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
                                           Bulletin A300–52–6086, Revision 01,                                We also determined that these                              the following costs to comply with this
                                           dated May 29, 2018; because the                                 changes will not increase the economic                        AD:
                                                                                                        ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
                                                                                                                                                                                          Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                                                                                                 Labor cost                                                              Parts cost       product      operators

                                           17 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,445 .....................................................................................      $0            $1,445        $83,810
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                                             We estimate the following costs to do                         of any required actions. We have no way                       that might need these on-condition
                                           any necessary on-condition actions that                         of determining the number of aircraft                         actions:
                                           would be required based on the results




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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                               49267

                                                                                                      ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Cost per
                                                                                                             Labor cost                                                                          Parts cost      product

                                           Up to 65 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,525 .......................................................................................................   $10,000         $15,525



                                           Authority for This Rulemaking                                    under the criteria of the Regulatory                             elements. This condition could lead to the
                                                                                                            Flexibility Act.                                                 rupture of one or more vertical aft LDCD
                                              Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                                             frames, which could result in reduced
                                           specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                           List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                               structural integrity of the aft LDCD.
                                           rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                              Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                         (f) Compliance
                                           section 106, describes the authority of                          safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                           the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                                                                                                 Comply with this AD within the
                                                                                                            Safety.                                                          compliance times specified, unless already
                                           Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                                                                            Adoption of the Amendment                                        done.
                                           detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                           authority.                                                         Accordingly, under the authority                               (g) Retained Inspection Requirements and
                                              We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                                           On-Condition Actions, With Revised
                                                                                                            delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                           the authority described in Subtitle VII,                                                                                          Compliance Times and New Service
                                                                                                            the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                                 Information
                                           Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                              follows:
                                           ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                                                                                                 This paragraph restates the requirements of
                                           section, Congress charges the FAA with                           PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                            paragraph (g) of AD 2016–25–03, with
                                                                                                                                                                             revised compliance times and new service
                                           promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                       DIRECTIVES
                                                                                                                                                                             information. At the applicable time specified
                                           air commerce by prescribing regulations                                                                                           in paragraph (h) of this AD, or before
                                           for practices, methods, and procedures                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                                                                                                                                             exceeding the threshold defined in table 1 to
                                           the Administrator finds necessary for                            continues to read as follows:                                    paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever occurs
                                           safety in air commerce. This regulation                              Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                   later: Do the actions specified in paragraphs
                                           is within the scope of that authority                                                                                             (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. Repeat the
                                                                                                            § 39.13     [Amended]                                            high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
                                           because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                           that is likely to exist or develop on                            ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by                                   inspection specified in paragraph (g)(3) of
                                                                                                            removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)                            this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed
                                           products identified in this rulemaking
                                                                                                                                                                             the applicable times specified in table 1 to
                                           action.                                                          2016–25–03, Amendment 39–18729 (81                               paragraph (g) of this AD.
                                              This AD is issued in accordance with                          FR 93801, December 22, 2016), and                                   (1) A one-time check of the aft LDCD
                                           authority delegated by the Executive                             adding the following new AD:                                     clearances ‘‘U’’ and ‘‘V’’ between the latching
                                           Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                        2018–20–06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–                             hooks and the eccentric bush at FR60
                                           as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                                 19440; Docket No. FAA–2018–0417;                             through FR64A, in accordance with the
                                           In accordance with that order, issuance                              Product Identifier 2017–NM–132–AD.                           instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
                                           of ADs is normally a function of the                                                                                              Transmission A52W011–15, Revision 00,
                                                                                                            (a) Effective Date                                               dated July 23, 2015; or the Accomplishment
                                           Compliance and Airworthiness
                                                                                                              This AD is effective November 5, 2018.                         Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
                                           Division, but during this transition                                                                                              52–6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018. If
                                           period, the Executive Director has                               (b) Affected ADs                                                 any value outside tolerance is found, adjust
                                           delegated the authority to issue ADs                               This AD replaces AD 2016–25–03,                                the latching hook before further flight, in
                                           applicable to transport category                                 Amendment 39–18729 (81 FR 93801,                                 accordance with the instructions of Airbus
                                           airplanes to the Director of the System                          December 22, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–25–03’’).                          Alert Operators Transmission A52W011–15,
                                           Oversight Division.                                                                                                               Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; or the
                                                                                                            (c) Applicability                                                Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
                                           Regulatory Findings                                                 This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model                           Service Bulletin A300–52–6086, Revision 01,
                                                                                                            A300 F4–605R and A300 F4–622R airplanes,                         dated May 29, 2018.
                                             We determined that this AD will not                            certificated in any category, on which Airbus                       (2) A one-time detailed inspection to detect
                                           have federalism implications under                               SAS modification 12046 has been embodied                         signs of wear of the hooks, eccentric bushes,
                                           Executive Order 13132. This AD will                              in production. Modification 12046 has been                       and x-stops, in accordance with the
                                           not have a substantial direct effect on                          embodied in production on manufacturer                           instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
                                           the States, on the relationship between                          serial numbers (MSNs) 0805 and above,                            Transmission A52W011–15, Revision 00,
                                           the national government and the States,                          except MSNs 0836, 0837, and 0838.                                dated July 23, 2015. If any wear is found, do
                                           or on the distribution of power and                                                                                               all applicable corrective actions before
                                                                                                            (d) Subject                                                      further flight, in accordance with the
                                           responsibilities among the various
                                                                                                              Air Transport Association (ATA) of                             instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
                                           levels of government.                                            America Code 52, Doors.                                          Transmission A52W011–15, Revision 00,
                                             For the reasons discussed above, I                                                                                              dated July 23, 2015.
                                           certify that this AD:                                            (e) Reason                                                          (3) An HFEC inspection to detect cracking
                                             1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                              This AD was prompted by a report of two                       at all frame fork stations of the aft LDCD, in
                                           action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                            adjacent frame forks that were found cracked                     accordance with the instructions of Airbus
                                             2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the                     on the aft lower deck cargo door (LDCD) of                       Alert Operators Transmission A52W011–15,
                                           DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                           two airplanes during scheduled maintenance,                      Revision 00, dated July 23, 2015; or the
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                                           (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                                and the introduction of frame fork                               Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
                                                                                                            reinforcement or repair procedures that,                         Service Bulletin A300–52–6086, Revision 01,
                                             3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in                      when done, allow an extension of repetitive                      dated May 29, 2018, 2016. If any crack is
                                           Alaska; and                                                      inspection intervals. We are issuing this AD                     found, before further flight, replace the
                                             4. Will not have a significant                                 to address cracked or ruptured aft LDCD                          cracked frame fork, in accordance with the
                                           economic impact, positive or negative,                           frames, which could allow loads to be                            instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
                                           on a substantial number of small entities                        transferred to the remaining structural                          Transmission A52W011–15, Revision 00,



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                                           49268             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                           dated July 23, 2015; repair the cracked frame           dated May 29, 2018; or reinforce the cracked          Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
                                           fork, in accordance with the                            frame fork, including doing all applicable            52–6085, Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018,
                                           Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus                   related investigative and corrective actions,         except as required by paragraph (i) of this
                                           Service Bulletin A300–52–6086, Revision 01,             in accordance with the Accomplishment                 AD.




                                           (h) Retained Compliance Times, With No                  be deferred for any frame fork that is                principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                           Changes                                                 replaced, repaired, or reinforced, but must be        inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                              At the later of the times specified in               accomplished before exceeding 6,800 flight            standards district office/certificate holding
                                           paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do the         cycles after the replacement, repair, or              district office.
                                           actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.           reinforcement of that frame fork.                        (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
                                              (1) Before the accumulation of 4,500 total                                                                 effective date of this AD, for any requirement
                                                                                                   (l) No Reporting                                      in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
                                           flight cycles.
                                              (2) At the applicable time specified by                 Although the Accomplishment Instructions           a manufacturer, the action must be
                                           paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.           of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission                accomplished using a method approved by
                                              (i) For airplanes that have accumulated              A52W011–15, Revision 00, dated July 23,               the Manager, International Section, Transport
                                           8,000 or more total flight cycles as of January         2015; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–            Standards Branch, FAA; or the European
                                           26, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2016–25–             6086, Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018;                Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus
                                           03): Within 100 flight cycles after January 26,         specify to submit certain information to the          SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval
                                           2017.                                                   manufacturer, this AD does not include that           (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
                                              (ii) For airplanes that have accumulated             requirement.                                          must include the DOA-authorized signature.
                                           fewer than 8,000 total flight cycles as of                                                                       (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
                                                                                                   (m) Credit for Previous Actions
                                           January 26, 2017 (the effective date of AD                                                                    as required by paragraph (i) and paragraph (l)
                                                                                                      (1) This paragraph provides credit for             of this AD: If any service information
                                           2016–25–03): Within 400 flight cycles after
                                                                                                   actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and             contains procedures or tests that are
                                           January 26, 2017.
                                                                                                   (g)(3) of this AD, if those actions were              identified as RC, those procedures and tests
                                           (i) Service Information Exception                       performed before the effective date of this AD        must be done to comply with this AD; any
                                              Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–               using Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6086,           procedures or tests that are not identified as
                                           6085, Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018,                   Revision 00, dated December 25, 2016.                 RC are recommended. Those procedures and
                                           specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate                (2) This paragraph provides credit for             tests that are not identified as RC may be
                                           action: Before further flight, accomplish               actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this          deviated from using accepted methods in
                                           corrective actions in accordance with the               AD, if those actions were performed before            accordance with the operator’s maintenance
                                           procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of             the effective date of this AD using Airbus            or inspection program without obtaining
                                           this AD.                                                Service Bulletin A300–52–6085, Revision 00,           approval of an AMOC, provided the
                                                                                                   dated December 22, 2016.                              procedures and tests identified as RC can be
                                           (j) No Terminating Action                                                                                     done and the airplane can be put back in an
                                                                                                   (n) Other FAA AD Provisions
                                              Accomplishment of corrective actions on                                                                    airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
                                           an airplane as required by paragraph (g)(1) or            (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance               changes to procedures or tests identified as
                                           (g)(2) of this AD, or repair, reinforcement, or         (AMOCs): The Manager, International                   RC require approval of an AMOC.
                                           replacement of a frame fork as required by              Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
                                                                                                   has the authority to approve AMOCs for this           (o) Related Information
                                           paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, on the aft LDCD
                                           of an airplane does not constitute terminating          AD, if requested using the procedures found             (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
                                           action for the repetitive HFEC inspections              in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR            Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
                                           required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD for             39.19, send your request to your principal            2015–0152R1, dated May 23, 2017, for
                                           that airplane.                                          inspector or local Flight Standards District          related information. This MCAI may be
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                                                                                                   Office, as appropriate. If sending information        found in the AD docket on the iInternet at
                                           (k) Compliance Time Clarification                       directly to the International Section, send it        http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                             After replacement, repair, or reinforcement           to the attention of the person identified in          and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0417.
                                           of any frame fork on the aft LDCD of an                 paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. Information may            (2) For more information about this AD,
                                           airplane, as specified in paragraph (g)(3) of           be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-                        contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
                                           this AD, the next HFEC inspection as                    REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                    International Section, Transport Standards
                                                                                                                                                                                                          ER01OC18.004</GPH>




                                           required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD can             approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des



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                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         49269

                                           Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                           231–3225.                                                                                                     and locating Docket No. FAA 2018–
                                             (3) Service information identified in this            Federal Aviation Administration                       0395; or in person at Docket Operations
                                           AD that is not incorporated by reference is                                                                   between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                           available at the addresses specified in                 14 CFR Part 39                                        through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                           paragraphs (p)(5) and (p)(6) of this AD.                                                                      The AD docket contains this final rule,
                                                                                                   [Docket No. FAA–2018–0395; Product
                                           (p) Material Incorporated by Reference                  Identifier 2017–NM–136–AD; Amendment                  the regulatory evaluation, any
                                                                                                   39–19430; AD 2018–19–29]                              comments received, and other
                                              (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                         information. The address for Docket
                                           approved the incorporation by reference                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                                                                         Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is in
                                           (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                                                                                   Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS                  the ADDRESSES section.
                                           paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                           part 51.                                                Airplanes                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              (2) You must use this service information            AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
                                           as applicable to do the actions required by             Administration (FAA), Department of                   International Section, Transport
                                           this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.            Transportation (DOT).                                 Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
                                              (3) The following service information was                                                                  216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198–6547;
                                                                                                   ACTION: Final rule.
                                           approved for IBR on November 5, 2018.                                                                         telephone and fax 206–231–3229.
                                              (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6085,            SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                           Revision 01, dated May 2, 2018.                         airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                              (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–52–6086,           Airbus SAS Model A330–200 Freighter,                  Discussion
                                           Revision 01, dated May 29, 2018.                        –200, and –300 series airplanes; and
                                              (4) The following service information was
                                                                                                                                                            We issued a notice of proposed
                                                                                                   Airbus SAS Model A340–200, –300,                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                           approved for IBR on January 26, 2017 (81 FR             –500, and –600 series airplanes. This
                                           93801, December 22, 2016).                                                                                    part 39 by adding an AD that would
                                                                                                   AD was prompted by a report of                        apply to all Airbus Model A330–200
                                              (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission              deficient fatigue performance of high
                                           A52W011–15, Revision 00, dated July 23,                                                                       Freighter series airplanes, Model A330–
                                                                                                   strength steel used in forgings.                      200 series airplanes, Model A330–300
                                           2015, including the following appendices:               Components made from the affected
                                              (A) Appendix 1—Flowchart, undated.                                                                         series airplanes, Model A340–200 series
                                                                                                   high strength steel are installed on the              airplanes, Model A340–300 series
                                              (B) Appendix 2—Reporting Sheet, undated.             main landing gear (MLG), nose landing
                                           (The pages of Appendix 2 are not numbered.)                                                                   airplanes, Model A340–500 series
                                                                                                   gear (NLG), and center landing gear                   airplanes, and Model A340–600 series
                                              (C) Appendix 3—titled ‘‘Technical                    (CLG). This AD requires identifying the
                                           Disposition,’’ Ref. TD/K12/L3/02978/2015,                                                                     airplanes. The NPRM published in the
                                                                                                   part number and serial number of
                                           Issue B, dated July 21, 2015. (Appendix 3 is                                                                  Federal Register on May 9, 2018 (83 FR
                                                                                                   certain components installed on the
                                           identified with an appendix number only on                                                                    21196). The NPRM was prompted by a
                                                                                                   MLG, NLG, and CLG; replacing affected
                                           page 1 of Airbus Alert Operators                                                                              report of deficient fatigue performance
                                                                                                   parts; identifying the airplane’s weight
                                           Transmission A52W011–15, Revision 00,                                                                         of high strength steel used in forgings.
                                                                                                   variant; and determining the applicable
                                           dated July 23, 2015.)                                                                                         Components made from the affected
                                                                                                   life limit for certain components
                                              (D) Appendix 4—Part number                                                                                 high strength steel are installed on the
                                                                                                   installed on the MLG, NLG, and CLG.
                                           identification for frame forks and bushings,                                                                  MLG, NLG, and CLG. The NPRM
                                                                                                   We are issuing this AD to address the
                                           undated.                                                                                                      proposed to require identifying the part
                                              (ii) Reserved.
                                                                                                   unsafe condition on these products.
                                                                                                                                                         number and serial number of certain
                                              (5) For service information identified in            DATES: This AD is effective November 5,
                                                                                                                                                         components installed on the MLG, NLG,
                                           this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness              2018.                                                 and CLG; replacing affected parts;
                                           Office—EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine                     The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                         identifying the airplane’s weight
                                           No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;                     approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                                                                         variant; and determining the applicable
                                           telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61               of certain publications listed in this AD
                                                                                                                                                         life limit for certain components
                                           93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@                   as of November 5, 2018.
                                                                                                                                                         installed on the MLG, NLG, and CLG.
                                           airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.             ADDRESSES: For service information
                                                                                                   identified in this final rule, contact                   We are issuing this AD to address
                                              (6) You may view this service information
                                                                                                   Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—                     certain parts made from 300M high
                                           at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
                                           2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For               EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:                   strength steel, which if uncorrected,
                                           information on the availability of this                 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;                       could lead to structural failure of the
                                           material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.                 telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5                landing gear, and possible loss of
                                              (7) You may view this service information            61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-                control of the airplane during take-off or
                                           that is incorporated by reference at the                A340@airbus.com; internet http://                     landing.
                                           National Archives and Records                           www.airbus.com. You may view this                        The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                           Administration (NARA). For information on               service information at the FAA,                       (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                           the availability of this material at NARA, call         Transport Standards Branch, 2200                      for the Member States of the European
                                           202–741–6030, or go to: http://                         South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                  Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0185,
                                           www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-              information on the availability of this               dated September 22, 2017 (referred to
                                           locations.html.                                         material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.               after this as the Mandatory Continuing
                                                                                                   It is also available on the internet at               Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
                                             Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
                                                                                                                                                         MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                           September 21, 2018.                                     http://www.regulations.gov by searching
                                                                                                   for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                 for all Airbus SAS Model A330–200
                                           John P. Piccola,                                                                                              Freighter series airplanes, Model A330–
                                                                                                   0395.
                                           Acting Director, System Oversight Division,                                                                   200 series airplanes, Model A330–300
                                           Aircraft Certification Service.                         Examining the AD Docket                               series airplanes, Model A340–200 series
                                           [FR Doc. 2018–21100 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am]               You may examine the AD docket on                    airplanes, Model A340–300 series
                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  the internet at http://                               airplanes, Model A340–500 series


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Document Created: 2018-09-29 04:26:09
Document Modified: 2018-09-29 04:26:09
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 November 5, 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 49265 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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