83 FR 5904 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 29 (February 12, 2018)

Page Range		5904-5906
FR Document		2018-02751

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes. This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a pipe of the fire extinguishing system in the forward cargo compartment was too long, and therefore could be installed only under stress, which applies pressure to the pipe clamp. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5904-5906]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02751]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0075; Product Identifier 2013-NM-251-AD; Amendment 
39-19193; AD 2018-03-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 Model A330-300 series airplanes. This AD requires contacting the 
FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these 
products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. This 
AD was prompted by a report indicating that a pipe of the fire 
extinguishing system in the forward cargo compartment was too long, and 
therefore could be installed only under stress, which applies pressure 
to the pipe clamp. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 27, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 29, 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.

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-
0075; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 the Docket Operations office 
(telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1138; fax: 425-
227-1149.

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 
2013-0291, dated December 9, 2013 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330-300 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During installation of the fire extinguishing system in the 
forward cargo compartment in production, it was established that one 
pipe was too long and could therefore only be installed under 
stress. This affected pipe was developed in the frame of Airbus mod 
58244 and mod 58245 related to Cabin Intercommunication Data System-
Based smoke detection system (CIDS-Based SDS) for A330-300 
aeroplanes only.
    Investigation revealed that due to loads transfer, the clamp 
could break and the pipe would come into contact with the structure, 
possibly resulting in leakage in the Halon piping due to chafing, in 
the forward lower deck cargo compartment (LDCC), which could lead to 
(potentially undetected) functional loss of fire extinguishing 
system.
    This condition, if not corrected, in combination with a fire, 
could lead to an uncontrolled fire in LDCC, possibly resulting in 
the loss of aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus developed a mod. which 
consists in installation of a shorter pipe, to be embodied in 
production with mod 202779 and in-service through Airbus Service 
Bulletin (SB) A330-26-3053.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the affected fire extinguishing pipe between [frame] 
FR34 and FR36 in the forward LDCC.

    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0075.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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. 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.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, we 
find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary. In addition, for the reason(s) 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-2018-0075; Product 
Identifier 2013-NM-251-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

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. This AD 
requires

[[Page 5905]]

contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe 
condition, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. Based 
on the actions specified in the MCAI AD, we are providing the following 
cost estimates for an affected airplane that is placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification...............................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680.            $720          $1,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-03-20 Airbus: Amendment 39-19193; Docket No. FAA-2018-0075; 
Product Identifier 2013-NM-251-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 27, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
modification 58244 or modification 58245 has been embodied in 
production, except those on which modification 202779 has been 
embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a pipe of the 
fire extinguishing system in the forward cargo compartment was too 
long, and therefore could be installed only under stress, which 
applies pressure to the pipe clamp. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent this pipe clamp from breaking, allowing the pipe to come 
into contact with the structure, possibly resulting in leakage in 
the Halon piping. This condition could lead to functional loss of 
the fire extinguishing system, which, in combination with a fire, 
could lead to an uncontrolled fire in the lower deck cargo 
compartment, and possible loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action(s)

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, request 
instructions from the Manager, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, to address the unsafe condition specified in 
paragraph (e) of this AD; and accomplish the actions at the times 
specified in, and in accordance with, those instructions. Guidance 
can be found in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0291, dated 
December 9, 2013.

(h) 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 (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013-0291, dated December 9, 2013, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0075.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone: 425-227-1138; fax: 425-227-1149.

[[Page 5906]]

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02751 Filed 2-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

5904 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

(2) For more information about this AD, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, installation of a shorter pipe, to be embodied
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Washington, DC 20590. in production with mod 202779 and in-
Engineer, International Section, Transport • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB)
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue A330–26–3053.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– For the reasons described above, this
SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone:
425–227–1138; fax: 425–227–1149.
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room [EASA] AD requires modification of the
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, affected fire extinguishing pipe between
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 [frame] FR34 and FR36 in the forward LDCC.
None. p.m., Monday through Friday, except You may examine the MCAI on the
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February Federal holidays. internet at http://www.regulations.gov
2, 2018. Examining the AD Docket by searching for and locating Docket No.
Michael Kaszycki, FAA–2018–0075.
You may examine the AD docket on
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
the internet at http:// FAA’s Determination and Requirements
Aircraft Certification Service.
www.regulations.gov by searching for of This AD
[FR Doc. 2018–02750 Filed 2–9–18; 8:45 am]
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– This product has been approved by
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
0075; or in person at the Docket the aviation authority of another
Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 country, and is approved for operation
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION p.m., Monday through Friday, except in the United States. Pursuant to our
Federal holidays. The AD docket bilateral agreement with the State of
Federal Aviation Administration contains this AD, the regulatory Design Authority, we have been notified
evaluation, any comments received, and of the unsafe condition described in the
14 CFR Part 39 other information. The street address for MCAI. We are issuing this AD because
the Docket Operations office (telephone: we evaluated all pertinent information
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0075; Product 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES and determined the unsafe condition
Identifier 2013–NM–251–AD; Amendment section. Comments will be available in exists and is likely to exist or develop
39–19193; AD 2018–03–20] the AD docket shortly after receipt. on other products of the same type
RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: design.
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus International Section, Transport Date
Airplanes Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; Since there are currently no domestic
AGENCY: Federal Aviation telephone: 425–227–1138; fax: 425– operators of this product, we find good
Administration (FAA), DOT. 227–1149. cause that notice and opportunity for
ACTION: Final rule; request for prior public comment are unnecessary.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
comments. In addition, for the reason(s) stated
Discussion above, we find that good cause exists for
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new making this amendment effective in less
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The European Aviation Safety Agency
than 30 days.
Airbus Model A330–300 series (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
airplanes. This AD requires contacting for the Member States of the European Comments Invited
the FAA to obtain instructions for Union, has issued EASA AD 2013–0291, This AD is a final rule that involves
addressing the unsafe condition on dated December 9, 2013 (referred to requirements affecting flight safety, and
these products, and doing the actions after this as the Mandatory Continuing we did not precede it by notice and
specified in those instructions. This AD Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the opportunity for public comment. We
was prompted by a report indicating MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition invite you to send any written relevant
that a pipe of the fire extinguishing for certain Airbus Model A330–300 data, views, or arguments about this AD.
system in the forward cargo series airplanes. The MCAI states: Send your comments to an address
compartment was too long, and During installation of the fire extinguishing listed under the ADDRESSES section.
therefore could be installed only under system in the forward cargo compartment in Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2018–0075;
stress, which applies pressure to the production, it was established that one pipe Product Identifier 2013–NM–251–AD’’
pipe clamp. We are issuing this AD to was too long and could therefore only be at the beginning of your comments. We
installed under stress. This affected pipe was specifically invite comments on the
address the unsafe condition on these developed in the frame of Airbus mod 58244
products. and mod 58245 related to Cabin
overall regulatory, economic,
Intercommunication Data System-Based environmental, and energy aspects of
DATES: This AD becomes effective
smoke detection system (CIDS-Based SDS) this AD. We will consider all comments
February 27, 2018.
for A330–300 aeroplanes only. received by the closing date and may
We must receive comments on this
Investigation revealed that due to loads amend this AD based on those
AD by March 29, 2018. transfer, the clamp could break and the pipe comments.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, would come into contact with the structure, We will post all comments we
using the procedures found in 14 CFR possibly resulting in leakage in the Halon receive, without change, to http://
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following piping due to chafing, in the forward lower www.regulations.gov, including any
methods: deck cargo compartment (LDCC), which personal information you provide. We
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to could lead to (potentially undetected)
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

functional loss of fire extinguishing system.
will also post a report summarizing each
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the substantive verbal contact we receive
This condition, if not corrected, in
instructions for submitting comments. combination with a fire, could lead to an about this AD.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. uncontrolled fire in LDCC, possibly resulting
• Mail: U.S. Department of Costs of Compliance
in the loss of aeroplane.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– To address this unsafe condition, Airbus Currently, there are no affected U.S.-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room developed a mod. which consists in registered airplanes. This AD requires

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:49 Feb 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 5905

contacting the FAA to obtain specified in those instructions. Based on estimates for an affected airplane that is
instructions for addressing the unsafe the actions specified in the MCAI AD, placed on the U.S. Register in the future:
condition, and doing the actions we are providing the following cost

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product

Modification ................................................................... 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................... $720 $1,400

Authority for This Rulemaking 4. Will not have a significant issuing this AD to prevent this pipe clamp
economic impact, positive or negative, from breaking, allowing the pipe to come into
Title 49 of the United States Code contact with the structure, possibly resulting
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue on a substantial number of small entities
in leakage in the Halon piping. This
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, under the criteria of the Regulatory
condition could lead to functional loss of the
section 106, describes the authority of Flexibility Act. fire extinguishing system, which, in
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 combination with a fire, could lead to an
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more uncontrolled fire in the lower deck cargo
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation compartment, and possible loss of the
detail the scope of the Agency’s
safety, Incorporation by reference, airplane.
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under Safety.
(f) Compliance
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Adoption of the Amendment Comply with this AD within the
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Accordingly, under the authority compliance times specified, unless already
General requirements.’’ Under that delegated to me by the Administrator, done.
section, Congress charges the FAA with the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as (g) Required Action(s)
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in follows: Within 30 days after the effective date of
air commerce by prescribing regulations
this AD, request instructions from the
for practices, methods, and procedures PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Manager, International Section, Transport
the Administrator finds necessary for DIRECTIVES Standards Branch, FAA, to address the
safety in air commerce. This regulation unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of
is within the scope of that authority ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 this AD; and accomplish the actions at the
because it addresses an unsafe condition continues to read as follows: times specified in, and in accordance with,
that is likely to exist or develop on Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. those instructions. Guidance can be found in
products identified in this rulemaking Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
action. § 39.13 [Amended] Information (MCAI) European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013–0291, dated
This AD is issued in accordance with ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding December 9, 2013.
authority delegated by the Executive the following new airworthiness
Director, Aircraft Certification Service, directive (AD): (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. (AMOCs)
2018–03–20 Airbus: Amendment 39–19193;
In accordance with that order, issuance Docket No. FAA–2018–0075; Product
The Manager, International Section,
of ADs is normally a function of the Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
Identifier 2013–NM–251–AD.
Compliance and Airworthiness authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
Division, but during this transition (a) Effective Date requested using the procedures found in 14
This AD becomes effective February 27, CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
period, the Executive Director has send your request to your principal inspector
delegated the authority to issue ADs 2018.
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
applicable to transport category (b) Affected ADs appropriate. If sending information directly
airplanes to the Director of the System None. to the International Section, send it to the
Oversight Division. attention of the person identified in
(c) Applicability paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. Information may
Regulatory Findings This AD applies to Airbus Model A330– be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
We determined that this AD will not 301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
have federalism implications under –342, and –343 airplanes, certificated in any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
category, all manufacturer serial numbers on principal inspector, or lacking a principal
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
which Airbus modification 58244 or inspector, the manager of the local flight
not have a substantial direct effect on standards district office/certificate holding
modification 58245 has been embodied in
the States, on the relationship between production, except those on which district office.
the national government and the States, modification 202779 has been embodied in
or on the distribution of power and (i) Related Information
production.
responsibilities among the various (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013–0291,
(d) Subject dated December 9, 2013, for related
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I Air Transport Association (ATA) of information. You may examine the MCAI on
America Code 26, Fire protection. the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
certify that this AD:
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (e) Reason 2018–0075.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; This AD was prompted by a report (2) For more information about this AD,
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the indicating that a pipe of the fire contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures extinguishing system in the forward cargo Engineer, International Section, Transport
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); compartment was too long, and therefore Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in could be installed only under stress, which SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone:
Alaska; and applies pressure to the pipe clamp. We are 425–227–1138; fax: 425–227–1149.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:49 Feb 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1

5906 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
None. 0707. –232, and –233 airplanes; and Model
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
Examining the AD Docket
2, 2018. –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. The
Michael Kaszycki,
You may examine the AD docket on MCAI states:
the internet at http:// During an A320 fatigue test campaign, it
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
www.regulations.gov by searching for was determined that fatigue damage could
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– appear at the door stop fitting holes of
[FR Doc. 2018–02751 Filed 2–9–18; 8:45 am]
0707; or in person at the Docket fuselage frame (FR) 66 and FR 68 on left hand
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Management Facility between 9 a.m. (LH) and right hand (RH) sides.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, This condition, if not detected and
except Federal holidays. The AD docket corrected, could affect the structural integrity
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION of the airframe.
contains this AD, the regulatory
Two inspections, Airworthiness
Federal Aviation Administration evaluation, any comments received, and Limitations Item (ALI) tasks 534129 and
other information. The street address for 534130, were introduced in the
14 CFR Part 39 the Docket Office (telephone: 800–647– Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 2 with the April 2012 revision and with some
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0707; Product U.S. Department of Transportation, compliance time changes with Revision 3 of
Identifier 2016–NM–014–AD; Amendment ALS Part 2 of October 2014.
39–19185; AD 2018–03–12]
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Since these ALI tasks were implemented,
RIN 2120–AA64 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, a significant number of reports [were]
received concerning non-critical damage and
Washington, DC 20590. early crack findings. Prompted by these
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: reports, Airbus published SB A320–53–1288
Airplanes
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, and SB A320–53–1290, providing inspection
AGENCY: Federal Aviation International Section, Transport instructions to improve damage management
Administration (FAA), Department of Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind and modification instructions.
Transportation (DOT). Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016–
telephone: 425–227–1405; fax: 425– 0015, requiring repetitive rototest inspections
ACTION: Final rule.
of the affected door stop fitting holes and,
227–1149. depending on findings, repair of any cracked
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: area(s).
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, ALS
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; Discussion Part 2 Revision 04 and later on Revision 05
Model A319 series airplanes; Model We issued a notice of proposed were published, introducing updated
A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR thresholds and/or intervals for some tasks as
–233 airplanes; and Model A321–111, part 39 by adding an AD that would specified in Airbus SB A320–53–1288,
–112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and apply to certain Airbus Model A318 introducing new configuration of aeroplane
–232 airplanes. This AD was prompted with RETRO WING having accomplished SB
series airplanes; Model A319 series A320–57–1193 (mod 160080), and keeping
by reports of fatigue damage in the airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
structure for the door stop fittings on the threshold or interval only in flight cycles
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes; and (FC).
certain fuselage frames (FR). This AD Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, For the reasons described above, this
requires repetitive rototest inspections –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
for cracking of the fastener holes in The NPRM published in the Federal AD 2016–0015, which is superseded, but
certain door stop fittings, and repair if Register on July 25, 2017 (82 FR 34449) requires those actions within the updated
necessary. We are issuing this AD to (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was thresholds and intervals. In addition, a
address the unsafe condition on these prompted by reports of fatigue damage corrected threshold for pre-mod 160021 A321
products. aeroplanes is introduced and the
in the structure for the door stop fittings Applicability is reduced to exclude
DATES: This AD is effective March 19, on certain fuselage frames. The NPRM configurations that are not affected.
2018. proposed to require repetitive rototest This [EASA] AD is republished to clarify
The Director of the Federal Register inspections for cracking of the fastener some requirements in Appendix 1 [in this
approved the incorporation by reference holes in certain door stop fittings, and EASA AD].
of certain publications listed in this AD repair if necessary. We are issuing this You may examine the MCAI in the
as of March 19, 2018. AD to detect and correct cracking at the AD docket on the internet at http://
ADDRESSES: For service information door stop fitting holes of fuselage FR66 www.regulations.gov by searching for
identified in this final rule, contact and FR68. Such cracking could result in and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 reduced structural integrity of the 0707.
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 airplane due to the failure of structural
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 components. Comments
61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; The European Aviation Safety Agency We gave the public the opportunity to
email: account.airworth-eas@ (EASA), which is the Technical Agent participate in developing this AD. The
airbus.com; internet: http:// for the Member States of the European following presents the comments
www.airbus.com. You may view this Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0238, received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
referenced service information at the dated December 2, 2016; corrected
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

response to each comment.
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 January 4, 2017 (referred to after this as
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For the Mandatory Continuing Request To Add a Grace Period for
information on the availability of this Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the Certain Repetitive Inspections
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition United Airlines (UAL) requested that
It is also available on the internet at for certain Airbus Model A318 series we revise paragraph (h) of the proposed
http://www.regulations.gov by searching airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; AD to allow a 60-day grace period after

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:49 Feb 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12FER1.SGM 12FER1

Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:42:58
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:42:58

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 February 27, 2018.
Contact		Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1138; fax: 425- 227-1149.
FR Citation		83 FR 5904
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 5904 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 29 (February 12, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration