[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 190 (Wednesday, October 1, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59154-59157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23375]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0655; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-070-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-14-
05, for all Airbus Model A310 and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). AD 2007-14-05
currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of
the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating certain
certification maintenance requirements. Since we issued AD 2007-14-05,
we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require
revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate more
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We
are proposing this AD to prevent safety-significant latent failures
that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or
events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition of
avionics, hydraulic systems, fire detection systems, fuel systems, or
other critical systems.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 17,
2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
[[Page 59155]]
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 proposed AD, contact
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 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 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
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-2014-
0655; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125;
fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0655;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-070-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
On June 26, 2007, we issued AD 2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72
FR 39307, July 18, 2007). AD 2007-14-05 requires actions intended to
address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A310 and A300-600
series airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307,
July 18, 2007), we have determined that more restrictive maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation authority for the
Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2013-0072, dated March 20, 2013 (referred to after this as
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''),
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
The airworthiness limitations for Airbus aeroplanes are
currently published in Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
documents.
The airworthiness limitations applicable to the A300-600 and
A300-600ST Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) were
previously specified in the Airbus A300-600 CMR document referenced
AUST5/829//85. DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation
Civile] France issued AD F2005-123 http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_F_2005_123.pdf/AD_F-2005-123 (EASA approval 2005-6070) [which corresponds to FAA AD
2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127] to require compliance to the
requirements as specified in this document.
Since that AD was issued, the CMR tasks are now specified in
Airbus A300-600 and Airbus A310 ALS Part 3 documents, which are
approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These
documents introduce more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or
airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with the maintenance
requirements contained in these documents could result in an unsafe
condition.
For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of DGAC France AD F-2005-123, which is superseded, and
requires the implementation of the new or more restrictive
maintenance requirements as specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 3
Revision 00 and A300-600 ALS Part 3 Revision 00, as applicable to
the aeroplane type/model.
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-2014-
0655.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A310 ALS Part 3, Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMR), dated November 30, 2012. Airbus has also issued
A300-600 ALS Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR),
dated April 18, 2012. The actions described in this service information
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 156 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2007-14-05 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $13,260
Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307, July hour = $85.
18, 2007).
Revision of maintenance or inspection 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 13,260
program [new proposed action]. hour = $85.
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[[Page 59156]]
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307, July 18, 2007), and adding
the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0655; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
070-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 17, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307,
July 18, 2007).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222,
-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; and all Model A300 B4-601, B4-
603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes, Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R
airplanes, Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300
C4-605R Variant F airplanes; certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent safety-significant
latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other
specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic
failure condition of avionics, hydraulic systems, fire detection
systems, fuel systems, or other critical systems.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Retained Revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD
2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307, July 18, 2007), with no
changes. Within 3 months after August 22, 2007 (the effective date
of AD 2007-14-05), revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of
the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating Airbus
A300-600 Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs) AI/ST5/829/
85, Issue 12, dated February 2005 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes); or Airbus A310 CMR AI/ST5/849/85, Issue 12, dated
February 2005 (for Model A310 series airplanes); as applicable.
Accomplish the actions specified in the applicable CMRs at the
intervals specified in the applicable CMRs, except as provided by
paragraph (h) of this AD. Where the CMRs specify to contact the
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
operators are required to contact the Manager, International Branch,
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. The actions must
otherwise be accomplished in accordance with the applicable CMRs.
(h) Retained Transition/Grace Period for Maintenance Significant Item
(MSI) 78.30.00 Tasks
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2007-14-05, Amendment 39-15127 (72 FR 39307, July 18, 2007), with no
changes. For tasks identified in MSI 78.30.00, ``Thrust Reverser
Actuation and Cowling,'' of Section 2, ``CMR `Two Star' Tasks,'' of
Airbus A300-600 CMR AI/ST5/829/85, Issue 12, dated February 2005;
and Airbus A310 CMR AI/ST5/849/85, Issue 12, dated February 2005:
The initial compliance time is within 2,000 flight cycles or 12
months after August 22, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-14-05),
whichever occurs later. Thereafter, actions identified in MSI
78.30.00 must be accomplished within the repetitive interval
specified in the applicable CMRs. Where the CMRs specify to contact
the DGAC, operators are required to contact the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
for such approvals. The actions must be accomplished in accordance
with the applicable CMRs.
(i) New Maintenance/Inspection Program Revision
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
Airbus A310 ALS Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMR), dated November 30, 2012; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 3,
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), dated April 18, 2012.
Except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD, the initial
compliance time for accomplishing the actions is at the applicable
time specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 3, Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMR), dated November 30, 2012, Airbus A300-600 ALS
Part 3, Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), dated April
18, 2012, as applicable; or within 3 months after the effective date
of this AD; whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the requirements
in this paragraph terminates the requirements in paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(j) New Limitation: No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (i)
of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals,
may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) New Compliance Time for Model A300-600 Series Airplanes
For CMR Task 213000-A0001-1-C, as identified in Sub-section 3-1,
CMR Tasks, of the Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 3, Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMR), dated April 18, 2012: The initial
compliance time for the task is at the
[[Page 59157]]
applicable time specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3)
of this AD.
(1) For airplanes having accumulated less than 40,000 total
flight hours since first flight of the airplane as of the effective
date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 40,001 total flight
hours.
(2) For airplanes having accumulated 40,000 total flight hours
or more since first flight of the airplane as of the effective date
of this AD, and on which Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM) Task
213115-04-1, or Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) Tasks
21.31.00/06 and 21.31.00/08, have been accomplished: Before the
accumulation of 14,000 flight hours after the most recent
accomplishment of ASM Tasks 213115-04-1, or MRBR Tasks 21.31.00/06
and 21.31.00/08, whichever occurs later.
(3) For airplanes having accumulated 40,000 total flight hours
or more since first flight of the airplane as of the effective date
of this AD, and on which ASM Task 213115-04-1, or MRBR Tasks
21.31.00/06 and 21.31.00/08, have not been accomplished: Within 3
months after the effective date of this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may
be emailed to: [email protected].
(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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0072, dated March 20, 2013,
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-2014-0655.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 20, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23375 Filed 9-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P