Document ID: FAA-2018-0759-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus SAS Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-11-27T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60754-60756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25392]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0759; Product Identifier 2018-NM-055-AD; Amendment 
39-19501; AD 2018-23-14]
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 A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes; and Model A330-300 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by revisions to certain airworthiness limitation item (ALI) 
documents, which specify more restrictive instructions and/or 
airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive instructions and/or airworthiness limitation 
requirements. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 2, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 2, 
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; 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0759.

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-
0759; 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; telephone 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 
A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; 
and Model A330-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on August 24, 2018 (83 FR 42812). The NPRM was prompted by 
revisions to certain ALI documents, which specify more restrictive 
instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to 
require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive instructions and/or 
airworthiness limitation requirements.
    We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental 
damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible 
failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity 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 
2018-0034, dated February 5, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series 
airplanes; Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; and Model A330-
300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus A330 and A340 
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and 
published in the A330 and A340 ALS document(s). The Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items are specified in ALS Part 1. These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result 
in an unsafe condition.
    EASA previously issued [EASA] AD 2014-0009 [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 24035, May 25, 2017) 
(``AD 2017-10-24'')] to require the implementation of the 
instructions and airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus 
A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 documents at Revision 07.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, improvement of safe life 
component selection and life extension campaigns resulted in life 
limitations changes, among others new or more restrictive life 
limitations, approved by EASA. Consequently, Airbus successively 
issued Revision 08 and Revision 09 of the A330 and A340 ALS Part 1, 
compiling all ALS Part 1 changes approved since previous Revision 
07.
    In addition, Airbus published Variation 9.2 to remove from ALS 
Part 1 some life limits connected to a deficiency in the fatigue 
performance of 300M high strength steel used in forgings. These life 
limits, applicable only for a specific batch of parts, are required 
by EASA AD 2017-0185.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0009, which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable ALS.

    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-
0759.

[[Page 60755]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comments received. The 
commenter Michael Josefik indicated 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 A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017. This service information describes SL-ALI for 
the landing gear.
    Airbus has also issued A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, 
dated November 28, 2017; and A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, 
dated November 29, 2017. This service information describes revised 
life limits for certain parts. These documents are distinct because 
they apply to different life limited parts.
    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 105 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to 
operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-
hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or 
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have 
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator 
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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 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):

2018-23-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19501; Docket No. FAA-2018-0759; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-055-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 2, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2017-10-24, Amendment 39-18898 (82 FR 24035, 
May 25, 2017) (``AD 2017-10-24'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in 
any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before 
November 29, 2017.
    (1) Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 
airplanes.
    (2) Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Airbus SAS Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by revisions to certain airworthiness 
limitation item (ALI) documents, which specify more restrictive 
instructions and/or airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this 
AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in 
principal structural elements, and possible failure of certain life 
limited parts, 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) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in the service information 
identified in paragraphs

[[Page 60756]]

(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. The initial compliance times 
for accomplishing the tasks are at the applicable times specified in 
the service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (1) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1, 
Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017.
    (2) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017.
    (3) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017.

(h) Terminating Actions for AD 2017-10-24

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates all of the requirements of AD 2017-10-24.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 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 or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) 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 (k)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-10-24 are not 
approved as AMOCs for this AD.
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0034, February 5, 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-
2018-0759.
    (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.

(l) 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 A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1, 
Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL-ALI), Revision 09, 
dated September 18, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.2, dated 
November 28, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 1, SL-ALI, Variation 9.3, dated 
November 29, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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.
    (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 November 8, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25392 Filed 11-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P