Document ID: FAA-2018-0498-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-06-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25595-25598]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11700]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0498; Product Identifier 2018-NM-013-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Airbus Model 
A330-200 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of Angle of Attack (AOA) 
blockages not detected by upgraded flight control primary computer 
(FCPC) software standards. This proposed AD would require upgrading 
certain FCPCs, which would terminate a certain airplane flight manual 
revision for certain airplanes. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 19, 2018.

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 service information identified in this NPRM, 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 [email protected]; 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.

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-
0498; 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 NPRM, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3229.

[[Page 25596]]

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-2018-0498; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-013-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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0246R1, dated April 6, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-200 series 
airplanes; and Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In 2015, occurrences were reported of multiple Angle of Attack 
(AOA) blockages. Investigation results indicated the need for AOA 
monitoring in order to better detect cases of AOA blockage.
    This condition, if not corrected, could, under specific 
circumstances, lead to undue activation of the Alpha protection, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed new 
FCPC software standards for enhanced AOA monitoring and, 
consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0124 (later revised) [related FAA 
AD 2016-25-30, Amendment 39-18756, (82 FR 1175, January 5, 2017) 
(``AD 2016-25-30'')] to require these software standard upgrades.
    Since EASA AD 2015-0124R3 was issued, it was identified that, 
for some cases, AOA blockages were not detected by those FCPC 
software standards. Consequently, new FCPC software standards, as 
specified in Table 1 of this [EASA] AD, have been developed (Airbus 
modification (mod) 206412, mod 206413 and mod 206414) to further 
improve the detection of AOA blockage. Airbus issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) A330-27-3222 and SB A330-27-3223 to implement these 
mods on in-service aeroplanes. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-
0246 to require a software standard upgrade of the three FCPCs, 
either by modification or replacement.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that the 
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) Emergency Procedure, as previously 
required by EASA AD 2014-0267-E [related to FAA AD 2014-25-52, 
Amendment 39-18066,(80 FR 3161, January 22, 2015) (``AD 2014-25-
52'')] can also be removed for other AOA sensors and FCPC 
configurations. This [EASA] AD revises paragraph (2) accordingly, 
also introducing Table 2 for that purpose.

    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-
0498.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Service Bulletin A330-27-3222, dated February 16, 2017.
     Service Bulletin A330-27-3223, dated June 6, 2017.
    This service information describes procedures for upgrading (by 
modification or replacement, as applicable) certain FCPCs. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplanes in 
different configurations. 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.

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.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 2014-25-52 applies to all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, 
and -300 series airplanes and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes. AD 2014-25-52 requires revising the airplane flight 
manual to advise the flightcrew of emergency procedures for abnormal 
Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot). For certain airplanes, accomplishing the 
actions specified in paragraph (h) of this proposed AD would terminate 
the AFM requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2014-25-52.
    AD 2016-25-30 applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, 
and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes. AD 2016-25-30 requires new FCPC software standards. 
For certain airplanes, accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph 
(h) of this proposed AD would terminate the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of AD 2016-25-30.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 103 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification/replacement...........  3 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $255         $26,265
                                      = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 25597]]

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 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: Docket No. FAA-2018-0498; Product Identifier 2018-NM-013-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2014-25-52, Amendment 39-18066 (80 FR 3161, 
January 22, 2015) (``AD 2014-25-52'') and AD 2016-25-30, Amendment 
39-18756, (82 FR 1175, January 5, 2017) (``AD 2016-25-30'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD; all 
manufacturer serial numbers; equipped with flight control primary 
computers (FCPCs) having software standard P13/M22 (hardware 2K2), 
P14/M23 (hardware 2K1) or M23 (hardware 2K0), or earlier standard.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: The software standards 
specified in paragraph (c) of this AD correspond, respectively, to 
part number (P/N) LA2K2B100DG0000, P/N LA2K1A100DF0000 and P/N 
LA2K01500AF0000. All affected airplanes should be equipped with this 
software, as required by AD 2016-25-30.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of Angle of Attack (AOA) 
blockages not detected by upgraded FCPC software standards. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent Alpha protection activation due to 
blocked AOA probes, which could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Groups

    Group 1 airplanes are those in pre-mod 206412, pre-mod 206413, 
or pre-mod 206414 configuration, as applicable. Group 2 airplanes 
are those in post-mod (206412, 206413, or 206414, as applicable) 
configuration.

(h) Upgrade Flight Control Primary Computer Software

    For Group 1 airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD: Upgrade (by modification or replacement, as applicable) 
the three FCPCs, as specified in table 1 to paragraphs (h) and (k) 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information specified in table 1 to 
paragraphs (h) and (k) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04JN18.000

[[Page 25598]]

(i) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2014-25-52

    For airplanes with an AOA configuration as identified in figure 
1 to paragraph (i) of this AD, or as identified in paragraph (m)(2) 
of AD 2016-12-15, Amendment 39-18564 (81 FR 40160, June 21, 2016) 
(``AD 2016-12-15''), as applicable: Accomplishing the upgrade 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of AD 2014-25-52, and the airplane flight manual (AFM) 
procedure required by paragraph (g) of AD 2014-25-52 may be removed 
from the AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04JN18.001

(j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2016-25-30

    Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2016-25-30 for 
that airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    Installation of any software or hardware of a version earlier 
than the one listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h) and (k) of this AD 
is prohibited, as required by paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: After modification of an airplane as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD.

(l) 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 manager of the International Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 
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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0246R1, dated April 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-2018-0498.
    (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.
    (3) 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 [email protected]; 
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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11700 Filed 6-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P