[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 248 (Friday, December 28, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67158-67160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-28079]


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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).

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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:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c3d380f3c191d0f1d5219090e130c1d521909"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4504013605202436246b2030372a35246b2030">[email protected]</span></a>; 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

[[Page 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 work-hours x $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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 work-hours x $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

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):
    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-

[[Page 67160]]

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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9fa6b2ded1d2b2aeaea9b2ded2d0dcb2cddacecadacccbccdff9fefeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="41786c000f0c6c7070776c000c0e026c1304101404121512012720206f262e37">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 DOA-authorized 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36777245765357455718534344594657185343">[email protected]</span></a>; 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


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