Document ID: FAA-2019-0482-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-06-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29821-29824]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13332]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0482; Product Identifier 2019-NM-066-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Airbus SAS 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); and Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report indicating that the trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer (THS) actuator ball nut trunnion lower attachment was 
missing parts. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed 
inspection of the THS actuator right-hand spherical bearing and 
retaining parts (bolt, tab washer, and end cap) for correct 
installation of the retaining parts and correct bolt position, and 
applicable corrective actions, as specified in an European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. The 
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 
2019.

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 the material identified in this proposed AD that will be 
incorporated by reference (IBR), contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 89990 1000; email: 
ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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-2019-
0482; 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 is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0482; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-066-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM based on those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact the agency receives about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0078, dated March 29, 2019 
(``EASA AD 2019-0078'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the

[[Page 29822]]

MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 
series airplanes; Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes; and 
Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During maintenance on an A300-600 aeroplane, affected parts were 
found missing from THS actuator ball nut trunnion lower attachment. 
The THS actuator lower attachment has a fail-safe design through a 
primary and secondary load path, which ensures the load path 
continuity between the horizontal tail plane and the actuator. The 
primary load path is engaged thanks in particular to these affected 
parts.
    Investigation results highlighted that human error is the most 
likely scenario to have caused the affected parts to have been 
missing. In flight, absence of affected parts would cause THS 
actuator secondary load path engagement, which is designed to 
withstand the full loads only for a limited period of time.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to THS 
actuator failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the 
applicable SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-0206; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-27-6073; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2108] to 
provide inspection instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected parts [for correct 
installation of the retaining parts and correct bolt position] to 
establish fleet-wide status and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0078 describes procedures for a one-time detailed 
inspection of the THS actuator right-hand spherical bearing and 
retaining parts for correct installation of the retaining parts and 
correct bolt position, and applicable corrective actions. Corrective 
actions include torqueing and securing the bolt with new lockwire, or 
installing new dowel, end cap, washer, bolt, and securing with new 
lockwire. 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.

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 the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA is 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.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2019-0078 described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD.

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 2019-0078 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final 
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the 
provisions specified in EASA AD 2019-0078, through that incorporation, 
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory 
text of this proposed AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 
2019-0078 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019-0078 will 
be available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0482 after the FAA final rule is 
published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170..............................              $0            $170         $21,760
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition repairs that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition repairs:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170......               *          $170 *
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency
  to provide parts cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified
  in this proposed AD.

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to 
provide cost estimates for the other on-condition action specified in 
this proposed AD.

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.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section

[[Page 29823]]

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

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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-2019-0482; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
066-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by August 9, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (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.
    (6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer (THS) actuator ball nut trunnion lower 
attachment was missing the THS actuator right-hand spherical 
bearings and retaining parts (bolt, tab washer, and end cap). The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address missing THS actuator right-hand 
spherical bearings and retaining parts from the THS actuator ball 
nut trunnion lower attachment, which could lead to THS actuator 
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

(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, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0078, dated March 29, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0078'').

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0078

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0078 refers to its effective date, 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0078 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: 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 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 2019-0078 that contains 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 2019-0078, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 89990 
6017; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 2019-0078 may be found in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0482.
    (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; phone and 
fax: 206-231-3225.

[[Page 29824]]

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 18, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13332 Filed 6-24-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P