Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 79 Issue 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)
Federal Register Volume 79, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)
Proposed Rules
Pages 50869-50872
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2014-20257
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2014-0587; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-219-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) 2011-13-
09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2011-13-
09 currently requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate new limitations and maintenance tasks for certain certification management requirements (CMRs). Since we issued AD 2011-13-09, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed
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AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new 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.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 10, 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.
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, 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 airworthiness.A330@airbus.com; 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-
0587; 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: 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:
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-2014-0587; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-219-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 14, 2011, we issued AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). AD 2011-13-09 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011), we have determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0245, dated October 2, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
The airworthiness limitations are currently distributed in the Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS).
The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations applicable to the Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) are specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 3, which is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The revision 04 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 3 introduces more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with this revision constitutes an unsafe condition.
For the reason described above, this new AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2010-0264 (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2010_0264.pdf), which is superseded, and requires the implementation of the maintenance requirements as specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 3 revision 04.
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-
0587.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013. 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.
Difference Between MCAI and This Proposed AD
The EASA MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the ALS inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The ALS revision required by AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011), and retained in this proposed AD takes about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 2011-13-09 is $85 per product.
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on
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these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $6,460, or $85 per product.
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. Amend Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-13-
09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011), and adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0587; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
219-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 10, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Periodic inspections.
(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.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Maintenance Program
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). Within 90 days after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-09): Revise the maintenance program, which ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane, by incorporating Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010. Within the times specified in the Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010, comply with all applicable maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness limitations included in Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
(h) Retained Exceptions to the Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) Tasks
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). At the latest of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD: Do the first accomplishment of Airbus A330 CMR Task 213100-00001-2-C, Pressure Control Monitoring, of Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010.
(1) Before the accumulation of 48,000 total flight hours.
(2) Within 48,000 flight hours after the most recent accomplishment of Airbus A330 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) Task 21.31.00/05.
(3) Within 3 months after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011).
(i) Retained Exceptions to the CMR Tasks
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). At the latest of the times specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD: Do the first accomplishment of Airbus A330 CMR Tasks 242000-00005-1-C, AC Generation; 243000-00001-1-C, DC Generation; and 243000-00002-1-C, DC Generation; of Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010.
(1) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight hours.
(2) Within 12,000 flight hours after the most recent accomplishment of Airbus A330 MRBR Task 24.20.00/17, 24.30.00/04, or 24.30.00/05 respectively.
(3) Within 3 months after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011).
(j) Retained Limitation of Alternative Inspections or Intervals
This paragraph restates the limitation specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). After accomplishing the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be used, other than those specified in Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010, unless the inspections or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(k) New Requirements of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection Program
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A330 ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013. Within the applicable compliance time defined in the ``Record of Revisions'' section of Airbus A330 ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance
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Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, accomplish all applicable maintenance tasks. Accomplishing these actions terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph 3 of the ``Record of Revisions'' section of Airbus A330 ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, specifies accomplishing the actions ``from 27 August 2013,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(l) No Alternative Inspections or Intervals
After accomplishing the action required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be used, other than those specified in Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, unless the inspections or intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(m) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International 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 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 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.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0245, dated October 2, 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-2014-0587.
(2) 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 airworthiness.A330@airbus.com; 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 August 18, 2014.
Kevin Hull,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2014-20257 Filed 8-25-14; 8:45 am
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