[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15118-15120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05231]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9051; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-035-AD;
Amendment 39-18828; AD 2017-06-04]
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 all
Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-
605R and A300 B4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes. This AD was prompted by an in-service detection of cracks in
the fuselage skin lap joints. This AD requires an ultrasonic inspection
of certain skin lap joints, and repair if necessary. We are issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 1, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 1, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9051.
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-
9051; 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: 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; email [email protected].
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 all Airbus Model A300 B4-
603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-622R
airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59530)
(``the NPRM'').
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0057, dated March 18, 2016 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300
B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The MCAI
states:
Prompted by in-service detection on Airbus A300-600 aeroplanes
of cracks in certain fuselage skin lap joints, several studies were
launched to understand the phenomenon and provide the corrective
actions. More recently, new analyses were performed and the results
identified that a new area has to be inspected at the skin lap joint
below Stringer (STR) 28 at Frame (FR) 72 to FR 76.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
reduced structure integrity of the aeroplane.
To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published Service
Bulletin (SB) A300-53-6184 [dated November 12, 2015] to introduce
[ultrasonic] inspections and applicable corrective actions for the
affected areas.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive Special Detail Inspections (SDI) of the affected skin lap
joint and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s) [repairs].
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-2016-
9051.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Make the Reporting Requirement Optional
FedEx requested that the reporting requirements in Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, be specified in the AD
as optional. FedEx stated that Airbus has received these reports
regularly in the past and they have not provided industry statistics or
benefits to the operators.
We agree that reporting is not necessary in this AD. The report in
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, is
designed to report crack findings. Crack findings are addressed by
paragraph (h) of this AD.
Because reporting is specified within the procedures of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, we have revised
this AD by adding paragraph (i) to specify no reporting is required. We
have redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Request To Include Inspection as an Airworthiness Limitation
FedEx stated the inspection is best fitted for a maintenance
program and should be included in an airworthiness limitation document.
We do not agree with the commenter. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-6184, dated November 12, 2015, has been issued to address in-service
findings, which can lead to an unsafe condition. For this case, no
airworthiness limitation instructions were introduced by Airbus. To
delay this action until airworthiness limitations were
[[Page 15119]]
developed would be inappropriate, since we have determined that an
unsafe condition exists and that inspections must be conducted to
ensure continued safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and 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.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November
12, 2015. The service information describes procedures for an
ultrasonic inspection of the skin lap joint below STR 28 at FR 72 to FR
76, and repair if necessary. 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 29 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Ultrasonic inspection.............. 6 work-hours x $85 per hour $510 per inspection $14,790 per inspection
= $510 per inspection cycle. cycle.
cycle.
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We have no way to determine the costs to do any necessary repairs
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these
repairs.
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):
2017-06-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-18828; Docket No. FAA-2016-9051;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-035-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 1, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, and B4-
622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-622R airplanes; and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by an in-service detection of cracks in the
fuselage skin lap joints. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracks in the skin lap joint below stringer (STR) 28 at
frame (FR) 72 to FR 76. Such cracking could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections
Before 29,500 flight cycles since the first flight of the
airplane, or within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, do an ultrasonic inspection for
cracks of the skin lap joint below STR 28 at FR 72 to FR 76 and do
all applicable repairs before further flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instruction of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184,
dated November 12, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h) of this
AD. Repeat the ultrasonic inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 5,400 flight cycles.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specified in Paragraph (g) of
This AD
Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November 12,
2015, specifies to contact Airbus for repair instructions, and
specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for Compliance), this AD
requires repair before further flight using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
[[Page 15120]]
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6184, dated November
12, 2015, specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, and specifies that action as RC, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(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: 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; email
[email protected]. 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: 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 AD 2016-0057, dated March 18, 2016, 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-
2016-9051.
(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 A300-53-6184, dated November 12,
2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.
(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 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05231 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
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