AD 2016-20-08

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-21-09 for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes, and Airbus 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). AD 95- 21-09 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the No. 2 flap beams, and replacement of the flap beams, if necessary; and provided optional modifications for extending certain inspection thresholds, and an optional terminating modification for certain inspections. This new AD requires reduced compliance times for inspections and also reduces the number of airplanes affected. This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliance times must be reduced. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the No. 2 flap beams, which could result in rupture of the flap beams and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Final rule.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-21-09, Amendment 39-9395 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995), and adding the following new AD:

2016-20-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18674; Docket No. FAA-2015-8470; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-199-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective November 22, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 95-21-09, Amendment 39-9395 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995) (``AD 95-21-09'').

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A300B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4- 103, and B4-203 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs).
(2) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes, all MSNs.
(3) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R, all MSNs, except those airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 11133 and 12699 have been embodied.
(4) Airbus Model A300 F4-622R airplanes, all MSNs, except those airplanes on which the modifications identified in paragraph (c)(4)(i) or (c)(4)(ii) of this AD have been embodied.
(i) All Airbus Modifications 11133, 12047, 12048, and 12050 have been embodied.
(ii) Both Airbus Modifications 11133 and 12699 have been embodied.
(5) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, all MSNs.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliance times must be reduced. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the No. 2 flap beams, which could result in rupture of the flap beams and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Actions for Model A300 Series Airplanes, With Note 3 of AD 95-21-09 Incorporated and Additional Terminating Provisions

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 95-21-09, with Note 3 of AD 95-21-09 incorporated and additional terminating provisions. For Model A300 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total landings, or within the next 120 days after May 9, 1985 (the effective date of AD 85-07-04, Amendment 39-5027 (50 FR 13013, April 2, 1985) (``AD 85-07-04'')), whichever occurs later, inspect for cracking of the base steel member and light alloy side members of the No. 2 flap beams, left hand and right hand, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993. Accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (h) or (l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. Measurement of crack length is performed by measurement of the probe displacement (perpendicular to symmetry plane of beam) between defect indication appearance and its complete disappearance. The bolt hole indication should not be interpreted as an indication of a defect. These two indications appear very close together because the defects originate from the bolt holes.

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(1) If no cracking is detected: Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings until the requirements of paragraph (h) or (l) of this AD are accomplished.
(2) If any crack is detected that is less than or equal to 4 millimeters (mm): Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 250 landings, until the requirements of paragraph (h) or (l) of this AD are accomplished.(3) If any crack is detected that exceeds 4 mm: Prior to further flight, replace the flap beam in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993, and prior to the accumulation of 15,000 flight cycles on the replaced flap beam, perform the ultrasonic inspection as required by paragraph (h) or (l) of this AD.

(h) Retained Ultrasonic Inspection and Corrective Action for Model A300 Series Airplanes, With Additional Terminating Provisions

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (b) of AD 95-21-09, with additional terminating provisions. For Model A300 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total landings, or within the next 1,000 landings after November 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-21-09), whichever occurs later, perform an ultrasonic inspection to detect cracking of the No. 2 flap beams, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993. Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) If no cracking is detected: Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, repeat the ultrasonic inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings.
(2) If any crack is detected beyond the bolt hole, and that crack is less than or equal to 4 mm in length: Repeat the ultrasonic inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 landings.
(3) If any crack is detected beyond the bolt hole and that crack is greater than 4 mm in length: Prior to further flight, replace the flap beam in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993; and prior to the accumulation of 15,000 flight cycles on the replaced flap beam, perform the ultrasonic inspection as required by this paragraph.

(i) Retained Modification of the No. 2 Track Beam for Model A300 Series Airplanes, With Changes to Compliance Extension

This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (c) of AD 95-21-09, with changes to compliance extension. For Model A300 series airplanes: After accomplishing the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, accomplishment of either paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD before the effective date of this AD extends the fatigue life of the No. 2 flap track beam as specified in those paragraphs, provided that no cracking is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD.
(1) Removal of any damage and the installation of larger diameter bolts on the No. 2 flap track beam (Modification No. 4740), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-128, Revision 3, dated January 26, 1990, extends the interval for the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD from 1,700 landings to 12,000 landings, provided that Modification No.4740 is accomplished prior to the accumulation of 16,700 total landings on the flap beams. Following accomplishment of the first repetitive inspection, subsequent repetitive inspections shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings.
(2) Cold working of the bolt holes and the installation of larger diameter bolts on the No. 2 flap track beam (Modification No. 5815), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-141, Revision 7, dated July 16, 1993, extends the interval for the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD from 1,700 landings to the interval specified in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If interference fit bolts that are \15/32\-inch in diameter are fitted, the interval for the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD is extended to 22,000 landings, provided that Modification No. 5815 is accomplished prior to the accumulation of 16,700 total landings on the flap beam. Following accomplishment of the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, subsequent repetitive inspections shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings.
(ii) If interference fit bolts that are \7/16\- or \3/8\-inch in diameter are fitted, the interval for the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD is extended to 33,000 landings, provided that Modification No. 5815 is accomplished prior to the accumulation of 16,700 total landings on the flap beam. Following accomplishment of the first repetitive inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, subsequent repetitive inspections shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings.

(j) Retained Ultrasonic Inspection and Corrective Actions for Model A300-600 Series Airplanes, With Terminating Provisions

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (d) of AD 95-21-09, with terminating provisions. For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of15,000 total landings, or within the next 1,000 landings after November 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-21-09), whichever occurs later, perform an ultrasonic inspection to detect cracking of the No. 2 flap track beams, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993. Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) If no cracking is detected, repeat the ultrasonic inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,700 landings.
(2) If any crack is detected beyond the bolt hole and that crack is less than or equal to 4 mm in length: Repeat the ultrasonic inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 landings.
(3) If any crack is detected beyond the bolt hole and that crack is greater than 4 mm in length: Prior to further flight, replace the flap beam in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, and prior to the accumulation of 15,000 landings on the replaced flap beam, perform the ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

(k) Retained Optional Action With Note 5 of AD 95-21-09 Incorporated and Changes To Terminating Action

This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (e) of AD 95-21-09, with Note 5 of AD 95-21-09 incorporated and changes to terminating action. For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Installation of oversized transition fit bolts in cold-worked holes, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6006, Revision 4, dated July 25, 1994 (Modification No. 5815), constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD, provided that no cracking is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD, and provided that the installation is accomplished prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total landings and before the effective date of this AD. If any bolt requires oversizing above\7/16\-inch diameter during accomplishment of this installation, prior to further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. As of the effective date of this AD, any new repair approval must be done using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM- 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. If Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, was accomplished concurrently with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6006, Revision 3, dated December 16, 1993 (Modification No. 5815), the ultrasonic inspection for cracking required by paragraph (j) of this AD need not be performed since the eddy current inspection detailed for Modification No. 5815 is more comprehensive.

(l) New Requirement of This AD: Initial and Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections

At the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD and, thereafter at intervals not to exceed those defined in table 3 to paragraph (l) of this AD, as applicable, accomplish an ultrasonic inspection for cracking of the steel base member and the aluminum side members' flap beam on the left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0116, Revision 07, dated September 19, 2011, including Appendixes A and B; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 06, dated November 14, 2013; as applicable. For the purposes of this AD, average flight time

[[Page 71600]]

(AFT) must be established as specified in paragraph (m) of this AD. Doing the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) through (k) of this AD.
(1) For Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes (referred to as Model A300 series airplanes): Within the applicable compliance time defined in table 1 to paragraph (l) of this AD.
(2) For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4- 622R, F4-605R, F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (referred to as Model A300-600 series airplanes): At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (l)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within the compliance time defined in table 2 to paragraph (l) of this AD.
(ii) Within 300 flight cycles or 640 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Table 1 to Paragraph (l) of This AD--Inspection Compliance Times for
Model A300 Series Airplanes ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance times for
Compliance times for airplanes with an
Airplane configuration airplanes with an AFT of more than or
AFT of less than 1.5 equal to 1.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K- Within15,000 flight Within 15,000 flight
3C, B2-203 airplanes on cycles or 16,900 cycles or 16,900
which Airbus Modifications flight hours since flight hours since
4740 and 5815 have not been first flight of the first flight of the
embodied. airplane, whichever airplane, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-103 airplanes Within 15,000 flight Within 15,000 flight
on which Airbus cycles or 20,500 cycles or 20,500
Modifications 4740 and 5815 flight hours since flight hours since
have not been embodied. first flight of the first flight of the
airplane, whichever airplane, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-2C, and B4-203 Within 16,200 flight Within 15,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 22,200 cycles or 34,000
Modifications 4740 and 5815 flight hours since flight hours since
have not been embodied.first flight of the first flight of the
airplane, whichever airplane, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K- Within 12,000 flight Within 12,000 flight
3C, B2-203 airplanes on cycles or 13,500 cycles or 13,500
which Airbus Modification flight hours since flight hours since
4740 has been embodied. embodiment of embodiment of
Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
4740, whichever 4740, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-103 airplanes Within 12,000 flight Within 12,000 flight
on which Airbus cycles or 16,400 cycles or 16,400
Modification 4740 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied. embodiment of embodiment of
Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
4740, whichever 4740, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-2C, and B4-203 Within 12,900 flight Within 12,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 17,700 cycles or 27,200
Modification 4740 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied. embodiment of embodiment of
Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
4740, whichever 4740, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K- Within 33,000 flight Within 33,000 flight
3C, B2-203 airplanes on cycles or 37,200 cycles or 37,200
which Airbus Modification flight hours since flight hours since
5815 has been embodied and embodiment of embodiment of
no bolt larger than \7/16\- Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
inch diameter is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-103 airplanes Within 33,000 flight Within 33,000 flight
on which Airbus cycles or 45,200 cycles or 45,200
Modification5815 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied and no bolt larger embodiment of embodiment of
than \7/16\-inch diameter Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-2C, and B4-203 Within 35,600 flight Within 33,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 48,800 cycles or 74,900
Modification 5815 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied and no bolt larger embodiment of embodiment of
than \7/16\-inch diameter Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K- Within 22,000 flight Within 22,000 flight
3C, B2-203 airplanes on cycles or 24,800 cycles or 24,800
which Airbus Modification flight hours since flight hours since
5815 has been embodied and embodiment of embodiment of
at least one bolt with a Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
\15/32\-inch diameter is 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
fitted. occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-103 airplanes Within 22,000 flight Within 22,000 flight
on which Airbus cycles or 30,100 cycles or 30,100
Modification 5815 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied and at least one embodiment of embodiment of
bolt with a \15/32\-inch Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
diameter is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300 B4-2C, and B4- Within 23,700 flight Within 22,000 flight
203, airplanes on which cycles or 32,500 cycles or 49,900
Airbus Modification 5815 flight hours since flight hours since
has been embodied and at embodiment of embodiment of
least one bolt with a \15/ Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
32\-inch diameter is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2 to Paragraph (1) of This AD--Compliance Times for Model A300-600
Series Airplanes ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance times for
Compliance times for airplanes with an
Airplane configuration airplanes with an AFT of more than or
AFT of less than 1.5 equal to 1.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Model A300-600 series Within 16,200 flight Within 15,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 24,300 cycles or 32,400
Modification 5815 and flight hours since flight hours since
Airbus Modification 11133 first flight of the first flight of the
have not been embodied. airplane, whichever airplane, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300-600 series Within 35,600 flight Within 33,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 53,400 cycles or 71,200
Modification 5815 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied and no bolt larger embodiment of embodiment of
than \7/16\-inch diameter Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
is fitted. 5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. Model A300-600 series Within 23,700 flight Within 22,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 35,600 cycles or 47,500
Modification 5815 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied and at least one embodiment of embodiment of
bolt \15/32\-inch diameter Airbus Modification Airbus Modification
is fitted.5815, whichever 5815, whichever
occurs first. occurs first.

[[Page 71601]]

Model A300-600 series Within 35,600 flight Within 33,000 flight
airplanes on which Airbus cycles or 53,400 cycles or 71,200
Modification 11133 has been flight hours since flight hours since
embodied. first flight, first flight,
whichever occurs whichever occurs
first. first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 3 to Paragraph (1) of This AD--Repetitive Inspection Intervals ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive interval
Repetitive interval (not to exceed) for
Airplane models (not to exceed) for airplanes with an
airplanes with an AFT equal to or more
AFT of less than 1.5 than 1.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 1,500 flight cycles 1,500 flight cycles
B2-203. or 1,600 flight or 1,600 flight
hours, whichever hours, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. A300 B4-103 airplanes....... 1,500 flight cycles 1,500 flight cycles
or 2,000 flight or 2,000 flight
hours, whichever hours, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. A300 B4-2C, and B4-203...... 1,600 flight cycles 1,500 flight cycles
or 2,200 flight or 3,400 flight
hours, whichever hours, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. A300-600 series airplanes... 1,600 flight cycles 1,500 flight cycles
or 2,400 flight or 3,200 flight
hours, whichever hours, whichever
occurs first. occurs first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

(m) Calculating the AFT

For the purpose of this AD, the AFT must be established as specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), and (m)(3) of this AD.
(1) For the initial inspection, the average flight time is the total accumulated flight hours, counted from take-off to touch-down, divided by the total accumulated flight cycles at the effective date of this AD.
(2) For the first repeated inspection interval, the average flight time is the total accumulated flight hours divided by the total accumulated flight cycles at the time of the inspection threshold.
(3) For all inspection intervals onward, the average flight time is the flight hours divided by the flight cycles accumulated between the last two inspections.

(n) New Requirement of This AD: Corrective Action

If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (l) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the flap beam using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Replacement of the flap beam does not constitute terminating action for the inspections required by paragraph (l) of this AD.

(o) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those inspections were performed before November 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-21-09) using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 1, dated August 27, 1983; Revision 2, dated April 24, 1984; Revision 3, dated July 20, 1984; Revision 4, dated August 13, 1986; or Revision 5, dated July 10, 1989; as applicable.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (o)(2)(i) through (o)(2)(x) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, which was previously incorporated by reference on November 17, 1995 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995).
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 03, dated November 25, 1997.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 04, dated October 25, 1999.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 05, dated April 25, 2013.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 1, dated August 27, 1983.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 2, dated April 24, 1984.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 3, dated July 20, 1984.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 4, dated August 13, 1986.
(ix) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 5, dated July 10, 1989.
(x) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993, which was previously incorporated by reference on November 17, 1995 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995).

(p) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057- 3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
(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 95-21-09, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (n) of this AD: 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 doneand 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.

(q) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2013-0234R2, dated October 7, 2013, 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-2015-8470.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (r)(5) and (r)(6) of this AD.

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(r) 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 thisAD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on November 22, 2016.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0116, Revision 07, dated September 19, 2011, including Appendixes A and B. Only the first page of Appendixes A and B of this document are identified as appendixes.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 06, dated November 14, 2013.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on November 17, 1995 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-116, Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993, which contains the following effective pages: Pages 1 through 11 of this document are identified as Revision 6, dated July 16, 1993.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-128, Revision 3, dated January 26, 1990, which contains the following effective pages: Page 1 is identified as Revision 3, dated January 26, 1990; pages 2 through 5 are identified as Revision 1, dated February 7, 1986; and pages 6 through14 are identified as the original issue, dated August 27, 1983.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-141, Revision 7, dated July 16, 1993, which contains the following effective pages: Pages 1 through 24 of this document are identified as Revision 7, dated July 16, 1993.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, which contains the following effective pages: Pages 1 through 4 are identified as Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993; pages 5 through 7 and 9 are identified as Revision 1, dated February 26, 1993; and page 8 is identified as the original issue, dated August 13, 1986.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6006, Revision 4, dated July 25, 1994, which contains the following effective pages: Pages 1, 2, 5, and 7 are identified as Revision 4, dated July 25, 1994; and pages 3, 4, 6, and 8 through 20 are identified as Revision 3, dated December 16, 1993.
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(7) 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.

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 95-21-09, Amendment 39-9395 (60 FR 53847, October 18, 1995) (``AD 95-21-09''). AD 95-21-09 applied to all Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 20, 2016 (81 FR 3045) (``the NPRM'').
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2013-0234R2, dated October 7, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

Fatigue and ``fail safe'' tests developed on a test specimen confirmed that cracks may appear and propagate from the bolt holes of the base member and the side members of flap beam No. 2.
The development of such cracks, if not detected, could result in a rupture of flap beams No. 2, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airframe.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A300-57-0116 and SB A300-57-6005 and DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] France issued AD 1986-187-076(B), later revised, to require a repetitive inspection programme [and corrective action] for A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes. [French AD 86-187-076(B)R3, dated March 2, 1994, corresponds to FAA AD 95-21-09, which superseded FAA AD 85-07-04, Amendment 39-5027 (50 FR 13013, April 2, 1985).]
For A300 aeroplanes, and in the frame of the Extended Service Goal (ESG) exercise, it was shown that design changes (Airbus Mod. 4740/Airbus SB A300-57-0128 or Airbus Mod. 5815/Airbus SB A300-57- 0141) were not sufficient to enable full ESG life without inspections.
For A300-600 aeroplanes, since DGAC France AD 1986-187-076(B) was issued, a fleet survey and updated Fatigue and Damage Tolerance analyses have been performed in order to substantiate the second A300-600 ESG2 exercise. Airbus SB A300-57-6005 has been revised accordingly to decrease the inspection thresholds and intervals.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of DGAC France AD 1986-187-076(B)R4, which is superseded, and requires those inspections to be accomplished at reduced thresholds and intervals.
This [EASA] AD has been revised to correct typographical errors in some compliance times defined in Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2.

The MCAI also reduces the number of airplanes identified in the applicability by exempting certain Model A300-600 airplanes on which certain Airbus modifications have been embodied. 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-2015-8470.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Remove Certain Exceptions in the Proposed Applicability

United Parcel Service (UPS) requested that the applicability exceptions in paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of the proposed AD be revised to remove Airbus Modifications 11133 and 12699 as exceptions. UPS stated that the exceptions provided in paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of the proposed AD are inconsistent with the effectivity specified in the service information referenced in the NPRM. UPS pointed out that the effectivity of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6005, Revision 06, dated November 14, 2013, applies to airplanes with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 775 and subsequent, with MSN 775 as the production cut-in for Airbus Modification 11133. UPS asserted that this service bulletin's effectivity also does not list all post-modification 11133 and 12699 airplanes. UPS stated that the determining factor for the service information effectivity is whether an airplane is approved for the extended service goal (ESG-2) operational life or not. UPS also pointed out that the effectivity of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57- 6005, Revision 06, dated November 14, 2013, does not include Model A300 F4-622 airplanes that are in a UPS configuration (Airbus Modifications 11133, 12047, 12048, 12050, but not 12699), which would mean UPS would need to request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) or other means to show compliance for those airplanes.
We acknowledge the concern UPS identified regarding the clarity of the AD applicability. Therefore, we have revised the applicability to match the related MCAI, which should address UPS's concern. We do not intend for this AD to affect UPS's specified A300 F4-622R configuration (Airbus Modifications 11133, 12047, 12048, 12050, but not 12699). We have revised paragraph (c)(4) of this AD accordingly. However, we do not agree to delete references to both Airbus Modifications 11133 and 12699 from the applicability of this AD since there are airplanes with these modifications in the worldwide fleet that might be imported and placed on the U.S. Register. Therefore, we have not removed references to Airbus Modifications 11133 and 12699 from paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of this AD.

Request To Remove Typographical Error

UPS requested that paragraph (l)(2) of the proposed AD be revised to remove a typographical error that resulted in listing Model A300 F4- 622R airplanes twice.
We agree that there was a typographical error, as described by UPS. We have removed the redundant reference in this AD.

Additional Change to This AD

We added new paragraph (m) to this AD to specify clearly the required calculation method for establishing the average flight times (AFT) for the compliance times for certain inspections required by this AD. We also redesignated subsequent paragraphs.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously

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and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting 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 Service Bulletins A300-57-0116, Revision 07, dated September 19, 2011, including Appendixes A and B; and A300-57- 6005, Revision 06, dated November 14, 2013. This service information describes procedures for ultrasonic inspections of the No. 2 flap beam base and side members. These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 49 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 95-21-09 and retained in this AD, take about 6 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 95- 21-09 is $510 per product, per inspection cycle.
We also estimate that it takes about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $24,990 per inspection cycle, or $510 per product, per inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.

Regulatory Findings

We 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. 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.