Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-22, which applied to all 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 Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-22 required modifying the electrical routing installation at the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) wings to achieve a minimum distance between wiring bundles and surrounding structures. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-07-22 and, for certain airplanes, adds a requirement to further modify the electrical installations in both wings, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of missing installation information for certain airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective October 2, 2019.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 2, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0253.

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-2019-0253; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The address for Docket Operations 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

The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0014, dated January 29, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0014”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 (81 FR 21236, April 11, 2016) (“AD 2016-07-22”). AD 2016-07-22 applied to all Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2019 (84 FR 19888). The NPRM was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance for the electrical wiring bundles in the leading and trailing edges of the RH and LH wings. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2016-07-22 and, for certain airplanes, add a requirement to further modify the electrical installations in both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address insufficient clearance between wing structures and electrical wiring, which could lead to chafing damage and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has 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.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

Although this AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 2016-07-22, this AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2016-07-22. Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2019-0014, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2019-0014 describes procedures for modifying the electrical installations in both wings (RH and LH). 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, and it is publicly available through the EASA website.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 123 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

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. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs in the 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.

The FAA is 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

The FAA has 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

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

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 ( 81 FR 21236, April 11, 2016), and adding the following new AD:

2019-14-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19686; Docket No. FAA-2019-0253; Product Identifier 2019-NM-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective October 2, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2016-07-22, Amendment 39-18467 (81 FR 21236, April 11, 2016) (“AD 2016-07-22”).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any category.

(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.

(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.

(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.

(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

(5) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance for the electrical wiring bundles in the leading and trailing edges of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address insufficient clearance between wing structures and electrical wiring, which could lead to chafing damage and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.

(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 2019-0014, dated January 29, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0014”).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0014

(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0014 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0014 specifies a compliance time of “Within 36 months after 19 February 2014,” for this AD, the compliance time for that paragraph is “Within 30 months after May 16, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-07-22).”

(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0014 specifies a date of “06 September 2016,” for this AD, use “May 16, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-07-22).”

(4) For Group 1 and Group 3 airplanes: This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0014, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-6103, Revision 03, dated July 3, 2015, provided that the additional work specified in paragraphs (6) and (7) of EASA AD 2019-0014 is accomplished.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0014 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) 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 2019-0014 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 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.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0014, dated January 29, 2019.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For EASA AD 2019-0014, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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.

(4) 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 2019-0014 may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0253.

(5) You may view this material 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.