[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 180 (Friday, September 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63691-63694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22178]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9108; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-133-AD;
Amendment 39-18655; AD 2016-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330-200, Model A330-300, Model A340-200, and Model A340-
300 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the
part number and serial number of certain escape slides on the left and
right sides of the airplane, and replacement if necessary. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator on certain escape
slides might have been damaged because of incorrect packing during
overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged
aspirators on escape slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate an
escape slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the
airplane and consequent injury to occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3,
2016.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 31, 2016.
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, 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-2016-
9108.
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-2016-
9108; 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 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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0137R1, dated July 21, 2016 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A330-200 Freighter, Model A330-200, Model A330-300, Model A340-200, and
Model A340-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
It has been reported that some door 3, Type 1, escape slides
Part Number (P/N) 7A1509-series may have sustained damage to the
slide aspirator, due to an incorrect packing during last overhaul.
This damage affects the air inlet end of the slide aspirator by
either permanently deforming the inlet, or leading to cracks in the
supply line to the aspirator nozzle.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the slide aspirator to perform its intended function to
inflate the evacuation slide, preventing slide deployment during an
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from
the aeroplane and consequent injury to occupants.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A25L009-16 to provide instructions to identify
and replace the affected slides.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0137, requiring identification
of the door 3, Type 1, slide installed on the aeroplane, and,
depending on findings, the replacement of the slide with a
serviceable part.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was identified that affected
slides cannot be installed on aeroplanes embodying optional Airbus
mod 40161.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to
reduce the Applicability, by excluding aeroplanes that have embodied
Airbus mod 40161 in production.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9108.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission A25L009-16, dated
July 7, 2016. The service information describes procedures for the
identifying the part number and serial number of door 3, Type 1, escape
slides and replacing the escape slides. 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.
[[Page 63692]]
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 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 these
same type designs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape slide could
prevent deployment of the escape slide during an emergency, possibly
resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from the airplane and
consequent injury to occupants. Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer 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-2016-9108; Directorate
Identifier 2016-NM-133-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 104 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $8,840
hour = $85.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this
replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement.................................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $45,000 $45,170
$170.
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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):
2016-19-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18655; Docket No. FAA-2016-9108;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-133-AD.
[[Page 63693]]
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 3, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD,
all manufacturer serial numbers, except those that have embodied
Airbus Modification 40161 in production.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the aspirator
on certain door 3, Type 1, escape slides might have been damaged
because of incorrect packing during overhaul. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct damaged aspirators on door 3, Type 1, escape
slides. Failure of an aspirator to inflate a door 3, Type 1, escape
slide could prevent deployment of the escape slide during an
emergency, possibly resulting in reduced evacuation capacity from
the airplane and consequent injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection To Determine Part Number and Serial Number
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do an
inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the
door 3, Type 1, escape slides on the left and right sides of the
airplane, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A25L009-16, dated July 7, 2016. A
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number and serial number of the door 3, Type
1, escape slides can be conclusively determined from that review.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Airbus AOT A25L009-16,
dated July 7, 2016, lists the corresponding airplane manufacturer
serial numbers on which the affected slides (specified in table 1 to
paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD) were re-installed after the
last maintenance. That list of airplane manufacturer serial numbers
is for information only because a potentially affected slide might
have been removed from an airplane and later re-installed on another
airplane.
Table 1 to Paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of This AD--Affected Slides
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Slide part No. Slide serial No.
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7A1509-027........................ AD0918, AD0975, AD0979, AD1111, and
AD1155.
7A1509-037........................ AD0488, AD0759, AD0942, AD0960,
AD1025, AD1033, AD1034, AD1080, and
AD1184.
7A1509-123........................ AD1231, AD1232, AD1450, AD1565,
AD1730, AD1737, AD1805, AD1822, and
AD1860.
7A1509-125........................ AD1769, AD1780, AD1781, AD1816,
AD1834, AD1841, AD1862, AD1869,
AD2066, AD2103, AD2104, AD2178,
AD2223, AD2263, AD2279, AD2301,
AD2407, AD2409, and AD2497.
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(h) Corrective Action
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any door 3, Type 1, escape slide having a part number and a serial
number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this
AD is found: At the applicable compliance time specified in
paragraph (h)(1) or paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, replace each
affected door 3, Type 1, escape slide with a serviceable escape
slide, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission A25L009-16, dated July 7, 2016.
(1) For affected slides on both the left and right sides of the
airplane: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, after
identification as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace at
least one slide; and, within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace
the second slide.
(2) For one affected slide on either the left or right side of
the airplane: Within 10 months or 4,100 flight hours, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace the slide.
(i) Serviceable Escape Slide
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable escape slide is a
brand new escape slide or one that has a part number and serial
number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (i) and (j) of this
AD and was overhauled after May 1, 2016.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, an affected slide having a
part number and serial number identified in table 1 to paragraphs
(g), (i), and (j) of this AD may be installed on any airplane at the
door 3, Type 1, position, provided it can be positively determined
that the slide was overhauled after May 1, 2016.
(k) 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.
(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
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.
(l) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0137R1, dated July 21, 2016, for
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2016-9108.
(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 A25L009-16, dated July
7, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(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
[[Page 63694]]
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 September 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22178 Filed 9-15-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P