[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21730-21732]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08366]
[[Page 21730]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-8136; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-189-AD;
Amendment 39-18480; AD 2016-08-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of missing fasteners in certain locations of the fuselage during
production. This AD would require inspecting for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the fuselage
due to missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
DATES: This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 18, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 45 80; 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8136.
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-2015-
8136; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
223F and -243F airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2016 (81 FR 22) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of missing fasteners in certain locations of the fuselage during
production. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the
fuselage due to missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0197, dated September 4, 2014 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A330-223F and -243F airplanes. The MCAI states:
During inspection of various fuselage areas on some A330-200F
aeroplanes on the production line, prior to delivery, some fasteners
were found missing.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
crack initiation and propagation, possibly resulting in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
To address this condition, Airbus issued several Service
Bulletins (SB), providing inspection and modification instructions,
as applicable.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
detailed inspections of the affected areas and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions.
Corrective actions include replacing any missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, and repair of any discrepancy
(deformation or cracking of the fastener rows) of the affected fuselage
frame areas. 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-2015-8136.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following Airbus service information, which
describes procedures for inspecting for missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners; and corrective actions.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
We also reviewed the following Airbus service information, which
describes procedures for modification of certain sections of the
fuselage.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 2014.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 3 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic inspection requirements of this AD, and 1
work-
[[Page 21731]]
hour per product to report inspection findings. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,805, or $935 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary modification will take
about 40 work-hours and require parts costing $210, for a cost of
$3,610 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this action.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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 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):
2016-08-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-18480; Docket No. FAA-2015-8136;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-189-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes,
certificated in any category; manufacturer serial numbers 1004,
1032, 1051, 1062, 1070, 1092, 1115, 1136, 1148, 1164, 1175, 1180,
1320, 1332, 1344, 1350, 1368, 1380, 1386, 1406, 1414, 1418, and
1428.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of missing fasteners in certain
locations of the fuselage during production. We are issuing this AD
to prevent cracking of the fuselage due to missing, damaged, or
incorrectly installed fasteners, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection
Within 72 months since first flight of the airplane: Do a
detailed inspection of all applicable fuselage zones for missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed fasteners, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
(h) Corrective Actions
If any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed fastener is
found during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, before further flight, do a detailed inspection for
discrepancies (deformation or cracking) of the adjacent fastener
rows of the applicable fuselage zones, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) If no discrepancy is found, before further flight, modify
the affected fuselage zone, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through
(h)(1)(iv) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 2014.
(2) If any discrepancy is found, before further flight, repair
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).
(i) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report (including both positive and negative findings)
to Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SDC32 Technical Data and
Documentation Services; fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email:
[email protected]; at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the
information specified in the inspection report of the applicable
service information
[[Page 21732]]
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in paragraph
(g) of this AD is accomplished on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after performing the
inspection.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in paragraph
(g) of this AD is accomplished before the effective date of this AD:
Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) 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: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA;
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(4) 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.
(k) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0197, dated September 4, 2014, 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-2015-8136.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3202, dated May 6, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3212, dated May 6, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3213, dated May 6, 2014.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3214, dated May 6, 2014.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3216, dated May 6, 2014.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3217, dated May 6, 2014.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3218, dated May 6, 2014.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3219, dated May 6, 2014.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) 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.
(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 Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-08366 Filed 4-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P