83 FR 55813 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 217 (November 8, 2018)

Page Range		55813-55816
FR Document		2018-24391

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a close gap between the wing lower cover (WLC) and wing rib feet. This AD requires revising the operator's minimum equipment list (MEL) to change certain MEL items. This AD also requires an inspection for discrepancies and structural damage of certain wing rib foot locations, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55813-55816]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24391]

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

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having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 /
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 55813]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0958; Product Identifier 2018-NM-139-AD; Amendment
39-19491; AD 2018-23-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
a report of a close gap between the wing lower cover (WLC) and wing rib
feet. This AD requires revising the operator's minimum equipment list
(MEL) to change certain MEL items. This AD also requires an inspection
for discrepancies and structural damage of certain wing rib foot
locations, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 23, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 23,
2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 24, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 45 80; email continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; 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-
0958.

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-
0958; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018-0220, dated October 12, 2018 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -
1041 airplanes. The MCAI states:

A deviation was identified on certain A350 aeroplanes, where a
gap check between some wing rib feet and the wing lower cover (WLC)
was not systematically performed. Due to tolerance build-up during
wing manufacture, close gap between the WLC and wing rib feet could
occur in some locations. Under some flight loading conditions,
intermittent or permanent contact may occur.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with an
empty fuel tank or fuel level below the rib foot area, could create
an ignition source for the fuel vapour inside the tanks which, in
case of a lightning strike of high intensity in the immediate area,
could possibly result in ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the
affected fuel tank and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the
AOT [Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18] to provide inspection
instructions, and an MER [major event revision] of the A350 MMEL
[master minimum equipment list] that incorporates temporary
restrictions of the MMEL items related to the fuel tank inerting
system.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
implementation of certain dispatch restrictions. This [EASA] AD also
requires a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected areas
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s). No findings, or accomplishment of [related investigative
and] corrective action(s), as applicable, allows removal of the MMEL
restrictions.
This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further
[EASA] AD action may follow.

The inspection is intended to detect structural damage as well as
other discrepancies including missing sealant at each wing rib foot
location and a close gap between the wing rib foot and the WLC inboard
and outboard side of the rib.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0958.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18, dated
October 8, 2018, which describes procedures for a detailed inspection
and related investigative and corrective actions. Related investigative
actions include a gap check. Corrective actions include rework of the
wing rib foot and repair. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it

[[Page 55814]]

through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

Requirements of This AD

This AD revises the operator's MEL to change certain MEL items.
This AD also requires an inspection for discrepancies and structural
damage of certain wing rib foot locations, and related investigative
and corrective actions if necessary.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

The MCAI specifies to revise the MMEL to change certain MMEL items.
This AD refers to the operator's MEL instead of the MMEL. It is
unnecessary to reference the MMEL, as operators are required in 14 CFR
part 91 to have an MEL to operate with inoperable equipment and
provisions for relief cannot be in an MEL without first being part of
the MMEL. The intent of the provision has not changed.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because contact between the WLC and wing rib feet, combined with an
empty fuel tank or fuel level below the wing rib foot area, could
create an ignition source for the fuel vapor inside the tanks. In case
of a lightning strike of high intensity in the immediate area, this
condition could possibly result in ignition of the fuel-air mixture in
the affected fuel tank and consequent loss of the airplane. Therefore,
we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, we find
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than
30 days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0958; Product
Identifier 2018-NM-139-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 1 airplane 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60 work-hours x $85 per hour = $5,100........................ $0 $5,100 $5,100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for on-condition repair of structural damage specified
in this AD. We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required to address other discrepancies
based on the results of any required actions.

Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850... $0 $850
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

[[Page 55815]]

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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2018-23-05 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19491; Docket No. FAA-2018-0958;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-139-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective November 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A350-941 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs)
203, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 218, 219, 221, 227, 228, and 235.
(2) Model A350-1041 airplanes, MSN 188.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report of a close gap between the wing
lower cover (WLC) and wing rib feet. We are issuing this AD to
address potential contact between the WLC and wing rib feet, which,
combined with an empty fuel tank or fuel level below the wing rib
foot area, could create an ignition source for the fuel vapor inside
the tanks. In case of a lightning strike of high intensity in the
immediate area, this condition could possibly result in ignition of
the fuel-air mixture in the affected fuel tank and consequent loss
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Revision

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
operator's MEL to prohibit dispatch of the airplane with any
inoperative MEL item listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of
this AD.
4910-13-P

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sequence No. Item
------------------------------------------------------------------------
21-09-01............................... AIR OVHT ON FUEL INERTING 1(2)
Message.
21-09-03............................... AIR PRESS LO ON FUEL INERTING
1(2) Message.
21-50-01............................... Air conditioning Pack.
21-50-02C.............................. Pack 1 Valve--Both valves
inoperative.
21-50-03C.............................. Pack 2 Valve--Both valves
inoperative.
21-50-04B.............................. Pack Flow Sensor--Both sensors
inoperative on the same pack.
21-50-07C.............................. Pack Ram Air Inlet Door--
Associated pack considered
inoperative.
21-50-08A.............................. Pack Ram Air Outlet Door--
Failed open.
21-50-08C.............................. Pack Ram Air Outlet Door--
Associated pack considered
inoperative.
21-50-09B.............................. Pack Control Channel--Both
channels inoperative.
21-58-01............................... Fuel Inerting Inlet Valve.
21-58-02............................... Fuel Inerting Inlet Valve Flap.
21-58-03............................... Fuel Inerting Ram Air Outlet
Flap.
21-58-04............................... Fuel Inerting Temperature
Control Valve.
21-58-05............................... Fuel Inerting Turbine Valve.
21-60-02C.............................. Hot Air Valve--Associated pack
valves deactivated.
36-11-01............................... Engine Bleed Air System.
36-11-02............................... Engine Bleed Valve.
36-11-03............................... Engine Bleed Fan Air Valve.
36-11-04............................... Engine Bleed Overpressure
Valve.
36-11-05A.............................. Engine Bleed IP Check Valve--
Associated Bleed Considered
Inoperative.
36-11-09............................... Engine Bleed Control.
36-11-10............................... Engine Bleed Monitoring.
36-11-11............................... Engine Bleed Monitoring and
Control.
36-11-12............................... Engine Bleed Temperature
Redundancy.
42-11-06............................... CPIOM H43.
42-11-07............................... CPIOM H44.
42-41-16............................... CRDC B01.
42-41-17............................... CRDC B02.
42-41-18............................... CRDC B03.
42-41-20............................... CRDC B05.
42-41-21............................... CRDC B06.
47-10-01............................... FTIS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 55816]]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

(h) Inspection

Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish
a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies and structural damage
at the wing rib foot locations specified in, and in accordance with
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18, dated October 8,
2018.
(1) If any discrepancy is detected, do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight, in
accordance with Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18,
dated October 8, 2018.
(2) If any structural damage is detected, before further flight
obtain corrective actions 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) and accomplish the corrective actions within the
compliance time specified therein. If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Relief From MEL Restrictions

After accomplishment of the inspection and all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions required by paragraph
(h) of this AD on an operator's fleet, the MEL revision specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD is no longer required by this AD, and the
provisions for relief for the affected MEL items in figure 1 to
paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD may be restored, provided those
items are not otherwise restricted by the existing master minimum
equipment list (MMEL).

(j) Reporting Provisions

Although Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18, dated
October 8, 2018, specifies sending inspection results to Airbus,
this AD does not require a report.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0220, dated October 12, 2018, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2018-0958.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57P011-18, dated
October 8, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com;
internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24391 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

55814 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

through their normal course of business to reference the MMEL, as operators are Comments Invited
or by the means identified in the required in 14 CFR part 91 to have an
ADDRESSES section. MEL to operate with inoperable This AD is a final rule that involves
equipment and provisions for relief requirements affecting flight safety, and
FAA’s Determination we did not precede it by notice and
cannot be in an MEL without first being
This product has been approved by part of the MMEL. The intent of the opportunity for public comment. We
the aviation authority of another provision has not changed. invite you to send any written relevant
country, and is approved for operation data, views, or arguments about this AD.
in the United States. Pursuant to our FAA’s Justification and Determination Send your comments to an address
bilateral agreement with the State of of the Effective Date
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Design Authority, we have been notified An unsafe condition exists that Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2018–0958;
of the unsafe condition described in the requires the immediate adoption of this Product Identifier 2018–NM–139–AD’’
MCAI and service information AD without providing an opportunity at the beginning of your comments. We
referenced above. We are issuing this specifically invite comments on the
for public comments prior to adoption.
AD because we evaluated all pertinent overall regulatory, economic,
The FAA has found that the risk to the
information and determined the unsafe
flying public justifies waiving notice environmental, and energy aspects of
condition exists and is likely to exist or
and comment prior to adoption of this this AD. We will consider all comments
develop on other products of the same
rule because contact between the WLC received by the closing date and may
type design.
and wing rib feet, combined with an amend this AD based on those
Requirements of This AD empty fuel tank or fuel level below the comments.
This AD revises the operator’s MEL to wing rib foot area, could create an We will post all comments we
change certain MEL items. This AD also ignition source for the fuel vapor inside
receive, without change, to http://
requires an inspection for discrepancies the tanks. In case of a lightning strike of
www.regulations.gov, including any
and structural damage of certain wing high intensity in the immediate area,
personal information you provide. We
rib foot locations, and related this condition could possibly result in
will also post a report summarizing each
investigative and corrective actions if ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the
affected fuel tank and consequent loss of substantive verbal contact we receive
necessary. about this AD.
the airplane. Therefore, we find good
Differences Between This AD and the cause that notice and opportunity for Costs of Compliance
MCAI prior public comment are impracticable.
The MCAI specifies to revise the In addition, for the reasons stated above, We estimate that this AD affects 1
MMEL to change certain MMEL items. we find that good cause exists for airplane of U.S. registry. We estimate
This AD refers to the operator’s MEL making this amendment effective in less the following costs to comply with this
instead of the MMEL. It is unnecessary than 30 days. AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators

60 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,100 ..................................................................................... $0 $5,100 $5,100

We have received no definitive data structural damage specified in this AD. would be required to address other
that would enable us to provide cost We estimate the following costs to do discrepancies based on the results of
estimates for on-condition repair of any necessary on-condition actions that any required actions.

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

10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 .................................................................................................................... $0 $850

Authority for This Rulemaking section, Congress charges the FAA with as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in In accordance with that order, issuance
Title 49 of the United States Code air commerce by prescribing regulations of ADs is normally a function of the
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue for practices, methods, and procedures Compliance and Airworthiness
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, the Administrator finds necessary for Division, but during this transition
section 106, describes the authority of safety in air commerce. This regulation period, the Executive Director has
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: is within the scope of that authority delegated the authority to issue ADs
Aviation Programs, describes in more because it addresses an unsafe condition
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

detail the scope of the Agency’s applicable to transport category
that is likely to exist or develop on airplanes and associated appliances to
authority. products identified in this rulemaking the Director of the System Oversight
We are issuing this rulemaking under action. Division.
the authority described in Subtitle VII, This AD is issued in accordance with
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: authority delegated by the Executive
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Director, Aircraft Certification Service,

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Nov 07, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1

55816 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

BILLING CODE 4910–13–C the DOA, the approval must include the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(h) Inspection DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any Federal Aviation Administration
Within 3 months after the effective date of service information contains procedures or
this AD, accomplish a detailed inspection to tests that are identified as RC, those
detect discrepancies and structural damage at 14 CFR Part 39
procedures and tests must be done to comply
the wing rib foot locations specified in, and with this AD; any procedures or tests that are [Docket No. FAA–2018–0934; Product
in accordance with Airbus Alert Operators
not identified as RC are recommended. Those Identifier 2018–NE–35–AD; Amendment 39–
Transmission A57P011–18, dated October 8,
procedures and tests that are not identified 19478; AD 2018–22–05]
2018.
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
(1) If any discrepancy is detected, do all RIN 2120–AA64
methods in accordance with the operator’s
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight, in maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
Airworthiness Directives; Engine
accordance with Airbus Alert Operators Alliance Turbofan Engines
Transmission A57P011–18, dated October 8, the procedures and tests identified as RC can
2018. be done and the airplane can be put back in AGENCY: Federal Aviation
(2) If any structural damage is detected, an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
Administration (FAA), DOT.
before further flight obtain corrective actions changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC. ACTION: Final rule; request for
approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; comments.
(l) Related Information
or the European Aviation Safety Agency
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
(EASA); or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA) and Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD airworthiness directive (AD) for all
accomplish the corrective actions within the 2018–0220, dated October 12, 2018, for Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270, GP7272,
compliance time specified therein. If related information. This MCAI may be and GP7277 turbofan engines with a
approved by the DOA, the approval must found in the AD docket on the internet at certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) case
include the DOA-authorized signature. http://www.regulations.gov by searching for installed. This AD requires removal of
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0958.
(i) Relief From MEL Restrictions affected HPT stator cases (HPT cases)
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace from service and their replacement with
After accomplishment of the inspection
and all applicable related investigative and Engineer, International Section, Transport a part eligible for installation. This AD
corrective actions required by paragraph (h) Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th was prompted by the discovery of a
of this AD on an operator’s fleet, the MEL St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and quality escape at a manufacturing
revision specified in paragraph (g) of this AD fax 206–231–3218. facility involving unapproved welds on
is no longer required by this AD, and the
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference HPT cases. We are issuing this AD to
provisions for relief for the affected MEL address the unsafe condition on these
items in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of (1) The Director of the Federal Register
products.
this AD may be restored, provided those approved the incorporation by reference
items are not otherwise restricted by the (IBR) of the service information listed in this DATES: This AD is effective November
existing master minimum equipment list paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 23, 2018.
(MMEL). part 51. The Director of the Federal Register
(2) You must use this service information approved the incorporation by reference
(j) Reporting Provisions as applicable to do the actions required by of certain publications listed in this AD
Although Airbus Alert Operators this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
Transmission A57P011–18, dated October 8, (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
as of November 23, 2018.
2018, specifies sending inspection results to A57P011–18, dated October 8, 2018. We must receive comments on this
Airbus, this AD does not require a report. (ii) [Reserved] AD by December 24, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness using the procedures found in 14 CFR
The following provisions also apply to this Office—EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
AD: No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
methods:
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
(AMOCs): The Manager, International • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
93 45 80; email continued-
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; internet http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this http://www.airbus.com. instructions for submitting comments.
AD, if requested using the procedures found (4) You may view this service information • Fax: 202–493–2251.
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, • Mail: U.S. Department of
39.19, send your request to your principal 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For Transportation, Docket Operations,
inspector or local Flight Standards District information on the availability of this M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Office, as appropriate. If sending information material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
directly to the International Section, send it (5) You may view this service information
to the attention of the person identified in
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
that is incorporated by reference at the • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may National Archives and Records
be emailed to 9-ANM-116-AMOC- Transportation, Docket Operations,
Administration (NARA). For information on
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any the availability of this material at NARA, call M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
principal inspector, or lacking a principal www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590,
inspector, the manager of the local flight locations.html. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
standards district office/certificate holding through Friday, except Federal holidays.
district office. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on For service information identified in
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any October 26, 2018. this final rule, contact Engine Alliance,
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective Michael Kaszycki,
actions from a manufacturer, the action must 411 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, 06118; phone: 800–565–0140; email:
be accomplished using a method approved
Aircraft Certification Service. help24@pw.utc.com; website:
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; [FR Doc. 2018–24391 Filed 11–7–18; 8:45 am] www.engineallianceportal.com. You
or Airbus SAS’s EASA DOA. If approved by BILLING CODE 4910–13–P may view this service information at the

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Document Created: 2018-11-08 06:22:56
Document Modified: 2018-11-08 06:22:56

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule; request for comments.
Dates		This AD becomes effective November 23, 2018.
Contact		Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
FR Citation		83 FR 55813
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 55813 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 217 (November 8, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration