[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 214 (Monday, November 5, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55303-55306]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23692]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0904; Product Identifier 2018-NM-108-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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series, Model A330-200 series,
Model A330-300 series, Model A340-200 series, Model A340-300 series,
Model A340-500 series, and Model A340-600 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain sensor struts, in the
case of down drive element disconnection, would be unable to provide
failure detection information. This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections of certain drive station elements and sensor
struts; an inspection of certain other drive station elements if
necessary; and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 20,
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:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     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, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700
Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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-
0904; 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 (phone: 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; phone and fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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-2018-0904;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-108-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 because
of 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 AD
2018-0151, dated July 16, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter series,
Model A330-200 series, Model A330-300 series, Model A340-200 series,
Model A340-300 series, Model A340-500 series, and Model A340-600 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Design features of the track station 4 sensor struts,
respectively installed on the right

hand (RH) and left hand (LH) wings of an aeroplane, ensure detection
of any abnormal flap movement in case of a mechanical DSE [drive
station element] disconnection at the level of the flap track
station 4 or flap track station 5. Evidence was collected revealing
that the track station 4 sensor strut, in case of a down drive
element disconnection, would be unable to provide failure detection
information.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, in the case of an
additional failure on the remaining flap drive station, could lead
to a complete flap disconnection, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published the
applicable SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3226, dated April 5,
2018; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4206, dated April 3, 2018; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated April 3, 2018; as
applicable] to provide inspection instructions of the track station
4 and track station 5 DSE and sensor struts of the LH and RH wings.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive [detailed] inspections of the LH and RH track station 4
[DSE, repetitive general visual inspections of the LH and RH track
station 4 sensor struts,] and [for certain airplanes, a one-time
detailed inspection of the LH or RH, as applicable] track station 5
DSE * * * and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s).

    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-
0904.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3226, dated April 5, 2018.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4206, dated April 3, 2018.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated April 3, 2018.
    The service information describes procedures for repetitive
detailed inspections of the LH and RH track station 4 drive station
elements; repetitive general visual inspections of the LH and RH track
station 4 sensor struts; a detailed inspection of the track station 5
drive station elements if any discrepancy is found during a general
visual inspection; and corrective actions (i.e., replacement of
affected parts). These documents are distinct since they apply to
different models. 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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously 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 the service information described previously. This proposed AD also
would require sending the inspection results to Airbus SAS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 105 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595...........................              $0             $595          $62,475
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.

    We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed 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
$8,925, or $85 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
    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.

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 NPRM is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this NPRM 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 NPRM 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 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 SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0904; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
108-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (7) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the right-hand (RH) and
left-hand (LH) track station 4 sensor struts, in the case of down
drive element disconnection, would be unable to provide failure
detection information. We are issuing this AD to address abnormal
flap movement due to mechanical drive station element disconnection
at flap track station 4 or station 5 which could lead to undetected
down drive shaft disconnection. Such a condition could result in
complete flap disconnection in the case of additional failure on the
remaining flap drive station, and could ultimately result in loss of
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, the drive station elements are
defined as the down drive, down drive shaft, geared rotary actuator
(gearbox), geared rotary actuator (output lever and fork end), and
drive strut.

(h) Detailed and General Visual Inspections

    (1) At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i)
and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter not to exceed the
applicable intervals specified in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD, do a detailed inspection of the LH and RH track station 4
drive station elements for corrosion or ruptured, loose, or missing
components (including any attached bolts and nuts that are loose,
broken, or missing) and a general visual inspection of the LH and RH
track station 4 sensor struts for corrosion or ruptured, loose, or
missing components (including any attached bolts that are loose,
broken, or missing), in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3226, dated April 5,
2018; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4206, dated April 3, 2018; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated April 3, 2018; as
applicable.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05NO18.001

    (i) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD,
have accumulated less than 1,000 flight cycles since first flight:
Before exceeding 24 months since first flight or within 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, but
without exceeding 2,300 flight cycles since first flight.
    (ii) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD,
have accumulated 1,000 or more flight cycles since first flight:
Within 1,000 flight cycles or 12 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If, during any general visual inspection required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any corrosion is detected or any
ruptured, loose, or missing components (including any attached bolts
that are loose, broken, or missing) are detected, before further
flight, accomplish a detailed inspection of the applicable LH or RH
track station 5 drive station elements for corrosion or ruptured,
loose, or missing components (including any attached bolts and nuts
that are loose, broken, or missing) in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3226,
dated April 5, 2018; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4206, dated
April 3, 2018; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated April
3, 2018; as applicable.

(i) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during any detailed inspection required by paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD, any corrosion is detected or any ruptured, loose,
or missing components (including any

attached bolts and nuts that are loose, broken, or missing) are
detected, before further flight, replace each affected part with a
serviceable part in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3226, dated April 5, 2018; Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-4206, dated April 3, 2018; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated April 3, 2018; as applicable,
or 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.
    (2) If, during any general visual inspection required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any corrosion is detected or any
ruptured, loose, or missing components (including any attached bolts
that are loose, broken, or missing) are detected, before further
flight, replace each affected part with a serviceable part in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3226, dated April 5, 2018; Airbus Service Bulletin
A340-27-4206, dated April 3, 2018; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
27-5071, dated April 3, 2018; as applicable, or using a method
approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA. If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) If, during any detailed inspection required by paragraph
(h)(2) of this AD, any corrosion is detected or any ruptured, loose,
or missing components (including any attached bolts and nuts that
are loose, broken, or missing) are detected, before further flight,
replace each affected part with a serviceable part in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3226, dated April 5, 2018; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-
4206, dated April 3, 2018; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071,
dated April 3, 2018; as applicable, or using a method approved by
the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA;
or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2)
of this AD: Report the results (positive or negative) of each
inspection required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD to
Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting Online Application on Airbus World
(https://w3.airbus.com/), or submit the results to Airbus in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3226, dated April 5, 2018; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4206,
dated April 3, 2018; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5071, dated
April 3, 2018.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD.

(k) 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 (l)(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 using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch,
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA 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.
    (4) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0151, dated July 16, 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-2018-0904.
    (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;
phone and fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +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<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 19, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-23692 Filed 11-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P