67158 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Proposed Rules 

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on 

December 7, 2018. 

Michael Kaszycki, 

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2018–27428 Filed 12–27–18; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2018–1063; Product 

Identifier 2018–NM–160–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 

Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for all 

Airbus SAS Model A330–223, A330– 

223F, A330–321, A330–322, and A330– 

323 airplanes. This proposed AD was 

prompted by a report of fatigue cracking 

in the latch beam gussets on a certain 

thrust reverser (T/R). This proposed AD 

would require a one-time special 

detailed inspection of certain latch 

beam gussets of certain T/Rs for cracks, 

and modifying the latch beam gussets of 

the T/Rs, if necessary. We are proposing 

this AD to address the unsafe condition 

on these products. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by February 11, 2019. 

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: Deliver to Mail 

address above between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

For the incorporation by reference 

(IBR) material described in the ‘‘Related 

IBR material under 1 CFR part 51’’ 

section in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, 

contact European Aviation Safety 

Agency (EASA), Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 

3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 

+49 221 89990 1000; email ADs@

easa.europa.eu; internet 

www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 

IBR material on the EASA website at 

https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may 

view this IBR material at the FAA, 

Transport Standards Branch, 2200 

South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. 

It is also available in the AD docket on 

the internet at http://

www.regulations.gov. 

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–2018– 

1063; or in person at Docket Operations 

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 

through Friday, except Federal holidays. 

The AD docket contains this NPRM, the 

regulatory evaluation, any comments 

received, and other information. The 

street address for Docket Operations 

(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 Section, Transport 

Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 

216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 

telephone and fax 206–231–3229. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to send any written 

relevant data, views, or arguments about 

this proposal. Send your comments to 

an address listed under the ADDRESSES

section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 

2018–1063; Product Identifier 2018– 

NM–160–AD’’ at the beginning of your 

comments. We specifically invite 

comments on the overall regulatory, 

economic, environmental, and energy 

aspects of this NPRM. We will consider 

all comments received by the closing 

date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM. 

Discussion 

The EASA, which is the Technical 

Agent for the Member States of the 

European Union, has issued EASA AD 

2018–0227, dated October 22, 2018 

(‘‘EASA AD 2018–0227’’) (also referred 

to as the Mandatory Continuing 

Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the 

MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition 

for all Airbus SAS Model A330–223, 

A330–223F, A330–321, A330–322, 

A330–323 airplanes. The MCAI states: 

A report was received of an in-service 

occurrence where an operator found a crack 

in the latch beam gussets of an affected TR 

[thrust reverser], between the forward (L2) 

and middle (L3) latches, adjacent to the aft 

cascade frame attachment bracket in the 6 

o’clock beam. Subsequent investigation 

revealed that the crack surface of the latch 

beam gusset showed indication of high 

fatigue cycle, leading to development of a 

design modification, reinforcing the latch 

beam gussets. This was introduced through 

Airbus production mod 48539 (improvement 

of 6 o’clock latch beam) and Airbus issued 

the modification SB [Airbus Service Bulletin 

A330–78–3014, dated May 9, 2001] as a 

recommendation for in-service aeroplanes. 

Since these measures were introduced, a new 

case was reported of finding a crack beyond 

prediction at the latch beam gusset of an 

affected TR, on which the recommended 

modification SB had not been accomplished. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, 

could lead to crack propagation until part 

failure and potentially departure of TR 

cascade during TR operation, which could 

create runway hazards for other aeroplanes 

[which could result in damage to the airplane 

and hazards to persons or property on the 

ground]. 

To address this potential unsafe condition, 

Airbus issued the inspection SB [Airbus 

Service Bulletin A330–78–3024, dated June 

28, 2018] to provide instructions for special 

detailed inspection (SDI) of the latch beam 

gussets. 

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] 

AD requires a one-time SDI of the latch beam 

gussets between the forward and middle 

latches of the affected TR [for cracks] and, 

depending on findings, replacement with 

improved (reinforced, modified) TR latch 

beam gussets. 

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 

51 

EASA AD 2018–0227 describes 

procedures for a one-time special 

detailed inspection of the latch beam 

gussets between the forward and middle 

latches of the affected T/R for cracks 

and modifying the latch beam gussets. 

This material 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 and it is 

publicly available through the EASA 

website. 

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 


amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Proposed Rules 67159 

MCAI 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. 

Explanation of Required Compliance 

Information 

In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to 

improve the efficiency of the AD 

process, the FAA worked with Airbus 

and EASA to develop a process to use 

certain EASA ADs as the primary source 

of information for compliance with 

requirements for corresponding FAA 

ADs. As a result, EASA AD 2018–0227 

will be incorporated by reference in the 

FAA final rule. This proposed AD 

would, therefore, require compliance 

with the provisions specified in EASA 

AD 2018–0227, except for any 

differences identified as exceptions in 

the regulatory text of this proposed AD. 

Service information specified in EASA 

AD 2018–0227 that is required for 

compliance with EASA AD 2018–0227 

will be available on the internet at 

http://www.regulations.gov by searching 

for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 

1063 after the FAA final rule is 

published. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

affects 9 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 

estimate the following costs to comply 

with this proposed AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS

Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Cost on U.S. 

operators 

12 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,020 ..................................................................................... $0 $1,020 $9,180 

We estimate the following costs to do 

any necessary on-condition action that 

would be required based on the results 

of any required actions. We have no way 

of determining the number of aircraft 

that might need this on-condition 

action: 

ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS

Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

26 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,210 ................................................................................................................. $0 $2,210 

According to the manufacturer, some 

or all of the costs of this proposed AD 

may be covered under warranty, thereby 

reducing the cost impact on affected 

individuals. We do not control warranty 

coverage for affected individuals. As a 

result, we have included all known 

costs in our cost estimate. 

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. 

This proposed AD is issued in 

accordance with authority delegated by 

the Executive Director, Aircraft 

Certification Service, as authorized by 

FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance 

with that order, issuance of ADs is 

normally a function of the Compliance 

and Airworthiness Division, but during 

this transition period, the Executive 

Director has delegated the authority to 

issue ADs applicable to transport 

category airplanes and associated 

appliances to the Director of the System 

Oversight Division. 

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 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD): 

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2018–1063; 

Product Identifier 2018–NM–160–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by February 

11, 2019. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model 

A330–223, A330–223F, A330–321, A330– 


amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1
67160 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Proposed Rules 

322, and A330–323 airplanes, certificated in 

any category, all manufacturer serial 

numbers. 

(d) Subject 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 78, Engine exhaust. 

(e) Reason 

This AD was prompted by a report of 

fatigue cracking in the latch beam gussets on 

a certain thrust reverser (T/R). We are issuing 

this AD to address this condition, which, if 

not detected and corrected, could lead to 

crack propagation until part failure and 

potential departure of the T/R cascade during 

T/R operation, which could result in damage 

to the airplane and hazards to persons or 

property on the ground. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Requirements 

Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this 

AD: Comply with all required actions and 

compliance times specified in, and in 

accordance with, the European Aviation 

Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0227, dated 

October 22, 2018 (‘‘EASA AD 2018–0227’’). 

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0227 

(1) For purposes of determining 

compliance with the requirements of this AD: 

Where EASA AD 2018–0227 refers to its 

effective date, this AD requires using the 

effective date of this AD. 

(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 

2018–0227 does not apply to this AD. 

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions 

The following provisions also apply to this 

AD: 

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs): The Manager, International 

Section, Transport Standards 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 Section, send it 

to the attention of the person identified in 

paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may 

be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@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. 

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any 

requirement in this AD to obtain instructions 

from a manufacturer, the instructions must 

be accomplished using a method approved 

by the Manager, International Section, 

Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; 

or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization 

Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, 

the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. 

(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any 

service information referenced in EASA AD 

2018–0227 that contain RC procedures and 

tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) 

of this AD, RC 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. 

(j) Related Information 

(1) For information about EASA AD 2018– 

0227, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 

3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 

221 89990 6017; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; 

internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find 

this EASA AD on the EASA website at 

https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 

EASA AD at the FAA, Transport Standards 

Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 

WA. For information on the availability of 

this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. 

EASA AD 2018–0227 may be found in the 

AD docket on the internet at http://

www.regulations.gov by searching for and 

locating Docket No. FAA–2018–1063. 

(2) For more information about this AD, 

contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace 

Engineer, International Section, Transport 

Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th 

St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and 

fax 206–231–3229. 

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on 

December 18, 2018. 

Michael Kasychi, 

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2018–28079 Filed 12–27–18; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 71 

[Docket No. FAA–2018–1025; Airspace 

Docket No. 18–AEA–7] 

RIN 2120–AA66 

Proposed Amendment of Area 

Navigation (RNAV) Route T–299, and 

Establishment of T–318 and T–360; 

Eastern United States. 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: This action proposes to 

modify low altitude RNAV route T–299, 

and establish routes T–318 and T–360 

in the eastern United States. The 

proposal would expand the availability 

of RNAV routing in support of 

transitioning the National Airspace 

System (NAS) from ground-based to 

satellite-based navigation. 

DATES: Comments must be received on 

or before February 11, 2019. 

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this 

proposal to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 

Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1 

(800) 647–5527 or (202) 366–9826. You 

must identify FAA Docket No. FAA– 

2018–1025; Airspace Docket No. 18– 

AEA–7 at the beginning of your 

comments. You may also submit 

comments through the internet at http:// 

www.regulations.gov. 

FAA Order 7400.11C, Airspace 

Designations and Reporting Points, and 

subsequent amendments can be viewed 

online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ 

publications/. For further information, 

you can contact the Airspace Policy 

Group, Federal Aviation 

Administration, 800 Independence 

Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; 

telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is 

also available for inspection at the 

National Archives and Records 

Administration (NARA). For 

information on the availability of FAA 

Order 7400.11C at NARA, call (202) 

741–6030, or go to http://

www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ 

ibr-locations.html. 

FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace 

Designations and Reporting Points, is 

published yearly and effective on 

September 15. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul 

Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office 

of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 

Administration, 800 Independence 

Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; 

telephone: (202) 267–8783. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking 

The FAA’s authority to issue rules 

regarding aviation safety is found in 

Title 49 of the United States Code. 

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. This rulemaking is 

promulgated under the authority 

described in Subtitle VII, Part A, 

Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that 

section, the FAA is charged with 

prescribing regulations to assign the use 

of the airspace necessary to ensure the 

safety of aircraft and the efficient use of 

airspace. This regulation is within the 

scope of that authority as it would 

expand the availability of RNAV in the 

eastern United States to improve the 


amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1