Document ID: FAA-2017-0628-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-06-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 125 (Friday, June 30, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29789-29792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13755]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0628; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-207-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 all 
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
revision of certain airworthiness limitation items (ALI) documents, 
which require more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 14, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

[[Page 29790]]

     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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email account.airworth-eas@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-2017-
0628; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 
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-2017-0628; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-207-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0217, dated November 2, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A310 
series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A310 aeroplanes, which 
are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the 
Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) document(s). 
These instructions have been identified as mandatory actions for 
continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2014-0124 (later revised) 
[which includes actions for Airbus A310 series airplanes; those 
actions are included in FAA AD 2013-13-13, Amendment 39-17501 (79 FR 
48957, August 19, 2014) (``AD 2013-13-13'')], to require the actions 
as specified in Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitation Item (ALI) 
Document at issue 08.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0124R1 was issued, Airbus replaced ALI 
Document issue 08 with A310 ALS Part 2 Revision 01 and then 
published the A310 ALS Part 2 Variation 1.1 and Variation 1.2, to 
introduce more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or 
airworthiness limitations.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains part of 
the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0124R1, which will be superseded, 
and requires accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A310 
ALS Part 2 Revision 01, ALS Part 2 Variation 1.1 and ALS Part 2 
Variation 1.2 (hereafter collectively referred to as `the ALS' in 
this [EASA] AD). The remaining requirements of EASA AD 2014-0124R1 
are retained in [EASA] AD 2016-0218, applicable to A300-600 
aeroplanes, published at the same time as this [EASA] AD.

    This NPRM would not supersede AD 2013-13-13. Rather, we have 
determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to address 
the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. Accomplishment of the 
proposed actions would then terminate all requirements of AD 2013-13-
13.
    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-2017-
0628.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information:
     Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 
2, ``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI),'' 
Revision 01, dated August 7, 2015.
     Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 
2, ``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI),'' 
Variation 1.1, dated January 25, 2016.
     Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 
2, ``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI),'' 
Variation 1.2, dated July 22, 2016.
    The service information describes airworthiness limitations 
applicable to the DT--ALIs. These documents are distinct because they 
contain different tasks at different revision levels. 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.
    This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with 
these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have 
been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed 
by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the 
actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 
14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative 
method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. 
The request should include a description of changes to the required

[[Page 29791]]

actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected 
structure.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance Program Revision.....  1 work-hour x $85     None...................             $85            $680
                                    per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0628; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
207-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 14, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2013-13-13, Amendment 39-17501 (79 FR 48957, 
August 19, 2014) (``AD 2013-13-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, 
-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of certain airworthiness 
limitation items (ALI) documents, which require more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of 
this AD. The initial compliance times for doing the tasks is at the 
time specified in the service information identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, or within 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (1) Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, 
``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI),'' 
Revision 01, dated August 7, 2015.
    (2) Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, 
``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT--ALI),'' 
Variation 1.1, dated January 25, 2016.
    (3) Airbus A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 2, 
``Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),'' 
Variation 1.2, dated July 22, 2016.

(h) No Alternative Actions, and Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), or intervals, may be used unless the actions and/or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD.

(i) Terminating Action for AD 2013-13-13

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2013-13-13 for that airplane only.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 (k)(2) of this AD. 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.
    (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-

[[Page 29792]]

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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0217, dated November 2, 2016, 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-2017-0628.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@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 June 22, 2017.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13755 Filed 6-29-17; 8:45 am]
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