Document ID: FAA-2018-1003-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-02-27T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 39 (Wednesday, February 27, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6321-6323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03257]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1003; Product Identifier 2018-NM-133-AD; Amendment 
39-19567; AD 2019-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 certain 
Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-
301, -302, and -303 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of 
damaged drain pipes located above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), 
caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of 
the LAPF. This AD requires a special detailed inspection for damage, 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 3, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 3, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information 
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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
1003.

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-
1003; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3229.

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 certain Airbus SAS Model 
A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 6, 
2018 (83 FR 62738). The NPRM was prompted by reports of damaged drain 
pipes located above the LAPF, caused by a contact between the drain 
pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. The NPRM proposed to require 
a special detailed inspection for damage, and corrective actions if 
necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address damaged drain pipes located above 
the LAPF, which, combined with an additional independent failure, could 
lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box, possibly resulting in a 
temporary uncontrolled fire and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0198, dated September 6, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -
202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. 
The MCAI states:

    Some cases of damaged drain pipes, Part Number F7173000700000, 
located above the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF) and dedicated to 
drain pylon compartment A in case of hydraulic fluid leakage, were 
reported. Subsequent examination identified that the cracks were 
caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two U-Shape Ribs 
of the LAPF. This interference condition can be present during the 
installation of the LAPF assembly to the pylon. The trailing edge 
assembly of the fairing has an internal frame bracket and shear clip 
which can cause chafing with the hydraulic drain pipes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with an 
additional independent failure as hydraulic leakage in

[[Page 6322]]

pylon compartment A, could lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF 
box. In addition, the hydraulic fluid may flow forward of the LAPF 
and leak above engine hot surfaces, possibly resulting in a 
temporary uncontrolled fire in the pylon compartment A, and 
consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued the inspection 
SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018] to 
provide instructions for a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the 
LAPF drain pipes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time SDI (borescope inspection method) of the LAPF of each pylon 
[for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the 
hydraulic drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the 
internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge 
assembly of the LAPF with the aircraft hydraulic drain pipe)] and, 
depending on findings, replacement of the LAPF drain pipes and clamp 
block, and rework of the U-shape ribs.

    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-2018-
1003.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Air Line 
Pilots Association, International (ALPA) indicated its support for the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018. 
This service information describes procedures for replacement of the 
pylon drain pipe clamp blocks of the LAPFs of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) pylons and modification of the LAPFs.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018. 
This service information describes procedures for a special detailed 
inspection for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of 
the pylon drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the 
internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly 
of the LAPF with the aircraft pylon drain pipe), and corrective 
actions. Corrective actions include replacement of the pylon drain pipe 
at the LH or RH pylon.
    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 10 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170           $1,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions 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 these on-condition actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465.........................................          $1,640           $4,105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 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 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

    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

[[Page 6323]]

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):

2019-03-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19567; Docket No. FAA-2018-1003; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-133-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 3, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which 
Airbus modification 207430 has been embodied in production, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041 has been embodied in service.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of damaged drain pipes located 
above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), caused by a contact 
between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. We are 
issuing this AD to address damaged drain pipes located above the 
LAPF, which, combined with an additional independent failure, could 
lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box, possibly resulting in a 
temporary uncontrolled fire and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) One-Time Inspections

    Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
a one-time special detailed inspection of the pylon drain pipes 
(inside and outside) on the left-hand and right-hand pylons, located 
above both LAPFs, for contact with the U-shaped ribs of the LAPF and 
damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the pylon 
drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the internal 
frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly of 
the LAPF with the pylon drain pipe) in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, 
dated May 17, 2018.

(h) Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any damage is found, at the applicable time specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018, accomplish the 
applicable corrective actions on the affected pylon in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
54-3041, dated May 17, 2018.

(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 corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (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): 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0198, dated September 6, 2018, 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-2018-1003.
    (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; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3229.

(k) 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 A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
internet: http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information 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.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on February 14, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-03257 Filed 2-26-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P