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
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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 hasissued 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.
Costsof Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 10 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $1,700 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465......................................... $1,640 $4,105 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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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 substantialnumber 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.