Document ID: FAA-2018-0907-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-02-22T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5595-5598]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02938]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0907; Product Identifier 2018-NM-118-AD; Amendment 
39-19562; AD 2019-03-10]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-07-05, 
which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and Model 
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series 
airplanes). AD 2017-07-05 required repetitive detailed visual 
inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) leg components and 
replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found. This AD 
retains the requirements of AD 2017-07-05 and removes the credit for 
doing an MLG overhaul in lieu of the initial inspection of the MLG leg 
components. This AD was prompted by further investigation after AD 
2017-07-05 was issued, which revealed that overhaul of the MLG does not 
alleviate the need for inspecting the MLG hinge arm/barrel pin for 
cracking. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 29, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 29, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 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 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-2018-0907.

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-
0907; 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, 
April 3, 2017) (``AD 2017-07-05''). AD 2017-07-05 applied to all Airbus 
SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and Model A300-600 series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 6, 2018 (83 FR 
55498). The NPRM was prompted by further investigation after AD 2017-
07-05 was issued, which revealed that overhaul of the MLG does not 
alleviate the need for inspecting the MLG hinge arm/barrel pin for 
cracking. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2017-07-05 
and remove the credit for doing an MLG overhaul in lieu of the initial 
inspection of the MLG leg components. We are issuing this AD to address 
cracking of certain components in the MLG leg, which could result in an 
MLG collapse, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the 
airplane occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0170, dated August 6, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series 
airplanes; and Model A300-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two cases were reported of finding a cracked MLG hinge arm/
barrel pin, one was discovered in service during a maintenance

[[Page 5596]]

task and the other one was identified during MLG overhaul.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued [Alert 
Operators Transmission] AOT A32W008-16 (original issue) to provide 
instructions for detailed visual inspections (DET) to detect cracks 
and EASA issued AD 2016-0058 accordingly [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2017-07-05], requiring repetitive DET of the affected parts and, 
depending on findings, replacement of the affected MLG leg.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, further investigation results 
highlighted that, the overhaul of the MLG cannot alleviate the 
inspection need of the hinge arm/barrel pin.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirement of EASA AD 2016-0058, which is superseded, removing the 
credit of MLG overhaul for the first inspection of the pin.

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-
0907.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comments received. Air Line 
Pilots Association, International and Madeline Roach each indicated 
support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 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 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32W008-16, 
Rev 01, dated July 30, 2018. This service information describes 
procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge arm/barrel pin for cracking, 
and replacement of the MLG leg if cracking is detected.
    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 128 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost              Parts cost    Cost per product              Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                $0  $85, per          $10,880, per inspection cycle.
 $85, per inspection cycle.                      inspection
                                                 cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                         Parts cost                        Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700  $3,400,000 per MLG...........  $3,401,700 per MLG.
 per MLG.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be $85 per 
product.
    The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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

    We determined that 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 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.

[[Page 5597]]

    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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, April 3, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

2019-03-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19562; Docket No. FAA-2018-0907; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-118 AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 29, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-07-05, Amendment 39-18843 (82 FR 16101, 
April 3, 2017) (``AD 2017-07-05'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in main landing gear 
(MLG) leg components. We are issuing this AD to address cracking of 
certain components in the MLG leg, which could result in an MLG 
collapse, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the 
airplane occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD an affected part is an MLG hinge arm/
barrel pin having part number (P/N) C66441-(X) and P/N C65543-(X), 
where the X is representing a variable number.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable compliance time specified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
100 flight cycles, accomplish a detailed visual inspection of the 
internal diameter of each affected MLG hinge arm/barrel pin for 
cracking, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A32W008-16, Rev 01, dated July 30, 2018 
(``AOT A32W008-16, Rev 01'').
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22FE19.016

(i) Corrective Action

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG leg 
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A32W008-16, Rev 
01. Replacement of an MLG leg does not constitute terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

[[Page 5598]]

(j) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) 
of this AD, report the inspection results required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD to Airbus SAS. This can be accomplished using the 
instructions of Airbus AOT A32W008-16, Rev 01.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after each inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD and corrective actions required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the instructions of Airbus AOT 
A32W008-16, dated February 25, 2016.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 (m)(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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES 200.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0170, dated August 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-2018-0907.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3225.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) 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 Alert Operators Transmission A32W008-16, Rev 01, 
dated July 30, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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.
    (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 8, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02938 Filed 2-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P