Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of damaged drain pipes located above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. This AD requires a special detailed inspection for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective April 3, 2019.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 3, 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; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 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-2018-1003.

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-2018-1003; 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; phone 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 A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2018 (83 FR 62738). The NPRM was prompted by reports of damaged drain pipes located above the LAPF, caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. The NPRM proposed to require a special detailed inspection for damage, and corrective actions if necessary.

We are issuing this AD to address damaged drain pipes located above the LAPF, which, combined with an additional independent failure, could lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box, possibly resulting in a temporary uncontrolled fire and consequent reduced control 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 2018-0198, dated September 6, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes, and Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes. The MCAI states:

Some cases of damaged drain pipes, Part Number F7173000700000, located above the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF) and dedicated to drain pylon compartment A in case of hydraulic fluid leakage, were reported. Subsequent examination identified that the cracks were caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two U-Shape Ribs of the LAPF. This interference condition can be present during the installation of the LAPF assembly to the pylon. The trailing edge assembly of the fairing has an internal frame bracket and shear clip which can cause chafing with the hydraulic drain pipes.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with an additional independent failure as hydraulic leakage in pylon compartment A, could lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box. In addition, the hydraulic fluid may flow forward of the LAPF and leak above engine hot surfaces, possibly resulting in a temporary uncontrolled fire in the pylon compartment A, and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued the inspection SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018] to provide instructions for a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the LAPF drain pipes.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time SDI (borescope inspection method) of the LAPF of each pylon [for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the hydraulic drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly of the LAPF with the aircraft hydraulic drain pipe)] and, depending on findings, replacement of the LAPF drain pipes and clamp block, and rework of the U-shape ribs.

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-2018-1003.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) indicated its 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 the following service information.

• Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018. This service information describes procedures for replacement of the pylon drain pipe clamp blocks of the LAPFs of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) pylons and modification of the LAPFs.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018. This service information describes procedures for a special detailed inspection for damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the pylon drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly of the LAPF with the aircraft pylon drain pipe), and corrective actions. Corrective actions include replacement of the pylon drain pipe at the LH or RH pylon.

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 10 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 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.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

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

2019-03-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19567; Docket No. FAA-2018-1003; Product Identifier 2018-NM-133-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective April 3, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 207430 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041 has been embodied in service.

(1) Model A330-201, -202, and -203 airplanes.

(2) Model A330-301, -302, and -303 airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/pylons.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of damaged drain pipes located above the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), caused by a contact between the drain pipe and the two u-shape ribs of the LAPF. We are issuing this AD to address damaged drain pipes located above the LAPF, which, combined with an additional independent failure, could lead to hydraulic leakage in the LAPF box, possibly resulting in a temporary uncontrolled fire and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) One-Time Inspections

Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time special detailed inspection of the pylon drain pipes (inside and outside) on the left-hand and right-hand pylons, located above both LAPFs, for contact with the U-shaped ribs of the LAPF and damage (including but not limited to cracks and leaks of the pylon drain pipe, and contact, interference, and chafing of the internal frame bracket and the shear clip of the trailing edge assembly of the LAPF with the pylon drain pipe) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018.

(h) Corrective Actions

If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any damage is found, at the applicable time specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018, accomplish the applicable corrective actions on the affected pylon in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018.

(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-AMOCREQUESTS@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 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) 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.

(j) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0198, dated September 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-2018-1003.

(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: 206-231-3229.

(k) 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 Service Bulletin A330-54-3041, dated May 17, 2018.

(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3042, dated May 17, 2018.

(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: airworthiness.A330-A340@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.