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Home » 2012 Issues » 77 FR (05/24/2012) » 2012-12658. Aging Airplane Program: Widespread Fatigue Damage; Technical Amendment

  2012-12658. Aging Airplane Program: Widespread Fatigue Damage; Technical Amendment  

  • Start Preamble Start Printed Page 30877

    AGENCY:

    Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

    ACTION:

    Final rule; technical amendment.

    SUMMARY:

    The FAA is correcting a final rule published on November 15, 2010. That rule required design approval holders of certain existing airplanes and all applicants for type certificates of future transport category airplanes to establish a limit of validity of the engineering data that supports the structural maintenance program (hereinafter referred to as LOV). It also required that operators of any affected airplane incorporate the LOV into the maintenance program for that airplane. This document corrects errors in codified text of that document.

    DATES:

    Effective May 24, 2012.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    For technical questions concerning this action, contact Walter Sippel, ANM-115, Airframe/Cabin Safety Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2774; facsimile (425) 227-1232; email walter.sippel@faa.gov.

    For legal questions concerning this action, contact Doug Anderson, Office of Regional Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2166; facsimile (425) 227-1007; email douglas.anderson@faa.gov.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Background

    On November 15, 2010, the FAA published a final rule entitled, “Aging Airplane Program: Widespread Fatigue Damage,” (75 FR 69746). In that final rule the FAA revised the regulations pertaining to certification and operation of transport category airplanes to prevent widespread fatigue damage in those airplanes. For certain existing airplanes, the rule required design approval holders to evaluate their airplanes to establish an LOV. For future airplanes, the rule required all applicants for type certificates, after the effective date of the rule, to establish an LOV. Design approval holders and applicants must demonstrate that the airplane will be free from widespread fatigue damage up to the LOV. The rule requires that operators of any affected airplane incorporate the LOV into the maintenance program for that airplane. After issuing the final rule, the FAA determined minor technical changes are needed to correct dates for establishing LOVs for Airbus A310 and A300-600 series airplanes for compliance with § 26.21. Based on that change, the FAA determined minor technical changes are also needed to correct dates for operators to comply with § 121.1115 or § 129.115. We inadvertently included those airplanes in the group of airplane models for which the following compliance times apply:

    • 18 months after January 14, 2011, for design approval holders (DAHs).
    • 30 months after January 14, 2011, for operators.

    Change to Table 1 of § 26.21

    The change to Table 1 of § 26.21 corrects the compliance date for the Airbus A310 and A300-600 series airplanes from 18 to 48 months after January 14, 2011. This change is relieving and corrects an inconsistency with the intent of the rule and does not impact the ability of Airbus to comply with § 26.21. As stated in the preamble of the rule entitled, “Aging Airplane Program: Widespread Fatigue Damage,” the FAA intended to phase in compliance based on the airplane's certification basis relative to § 25.571 (Group I: pre-Amendment 25-45, Group II: Amendment 25-45 up to but not including 25-96, and Group III: Amendment 25-96 and later). We included the A310 and A300-600 series airplanes in Group I, with a compliance time of 18 months, but they should have been included in Group II, with a compliance time of 48 months. The type certificate data sheet, A35EU, revision 25, dated May 28 2010, identifies the amendment level of the A310 as Amendment 25-45. The A300-600 is listed with § 25.571 at various amendment levels, including some versions with pre-Amendment 25-45. However, through post-certification assessments, Airbus has shown that all versions of the A300-600 meet the requirements of Amendment 25-45, and the FAA has recognized this in other rulemaking actions (see Damage Tolerance Data for Repairs and Alterations, 72 FR 70486).

    Change to Table 1 of § 121.1115 and § 129.115

    The change to Table 1 of §§ 121.1115 and 129.115 corrects the compliance date for operators of Airbus A310 and A300-600 series airplanes from 30 to 60 months after January 14, 2011. This change corresponds to the change to Table 1 of § 26.21, is relieving, corrects an inconsistency with the intent of the rule, and does not impact the ability of operators to comply with § 121.1115 or § 129.115. As stated in the preamble of the rule entitled, “Aging Airplane Program: Widespread Fatigue Damage,” the FAA intended to phase in compliance based on the airplane's certification basis relative to § 25.571. We included the A310 and A300-600 series airplanes in Group I, with a compliance time of 30 months, but they should have been incorporated in Group II, with a compliance date of 60 months.

    Technical Amendment

    This technical amendment corrects the compliance dates of § 26.21, § 121.1115, and § 129.115 for Airbus A310 and A300-600 series airplanes.

    Because the changes in this technical amendment are relieving to affected design approval holders and operators of those airplanes, and results in no substantive change, we find good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make the amendment effective in less than 30 days.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects

    14 CFR Part 26

    • Aircraft
    • Aviation safety
    • Continued airworthiness

    14 CFR Parts 121 and 129

    • Air carriers
    • Aircraft
    • Aviation safety
    • Continued airworthiness
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    End List of Subjects

    The Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends Chapter I of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 26, 121, and 129, as follows:

    Start Part

    PART 26—CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for part 26 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702 and 44704.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    2. Amend § 26.21 by revising Table 1—Compliance Dates for Affected Airplanes, to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Limit of validity.
    * * * * *

    Table 1—Compliance Dates for Affected Airplanes

    Airplane model (all existing 1 models)Compliance date— (months after January 14, 2011)
    Airbus:
    A300 Series18
    A310 Series, A300-600 Series48
    A318 Series48
    A319 Series48
    A320 Series48
    A321 Series48
    A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300 Series48
    A340-200, -300, -500, -600 Series48
    A380-800 Series60
    Boeing:
    71748
    727 (all series)18
    737 (Classics): 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -50018
    737 (NG): 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, -900ER48
    747 (Classics): 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, 747SP, 747SR18
    747-400: 747-400, -400D, -400F48
    75748
    76748
    777-200, -30048
    777-200LR, 777-300ER, 777F60
    Bombardier:
    CL-600: 2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)60
    Embraer:
    ERJ 17060
    ERJ 19060
    Fokker:
    F.28 Mark 0070, Mark 010018
    Lockheed:
    L-101118
    18818
    382 (all series)18
    McDonnell Douglas:
    DC-8, -8F18
    DC-918
    MD-80 (DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87, MD-88)18
    MD-9048
    DC-1018
    MD-1048
    MD-11, -11F48
    All Other Airplane Models Listed on a Type Certificate as of January 14, 201160
    1 Type certificated as of January 14, 2011.
    Start Part

    PART 121—OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    3. The authority citation for part 121 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 40119, 41706, 44101, 44701-44702, 44705, 44709-44711, 44713, 44716-44717, 44722, 44901, 44903-44904, 44912, 45101-45105, 46105, 46301.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    4. Amend § 121.1115 by revising Table 1—Airplanes Subject to § 26.21, to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Limit of validity.
    * * * * *

    Table 1—Airplanes Subject to § 26.21

    Airplane modelCompliance date—months after January 14, 2011Default LOV [flight cycles (FC) or flight hours (FH)]
    Airbus—Existing 1 Models Only:
    Start Printed Page 30879
    A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-2033048,000 FC
    A300 B4-2C, B4-1033040,000 FC
    A300 B4-2033034,000 FC
    A300-600 Series6030,000 FC/67,500 FH
    A310-200 Series6040,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A310-300 Series6035,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A318 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A319 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A320-100 Series6048,000 FC/48,000 FH
    A320-200 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A321 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A330-200, -300 Series (except WV050 family) (non enhanced)6040,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A330-200, -300 Series WV050 family (enhanced)6033,000 FC/100,000 FH
    A330-200 Freighter Series60See NOTE.
    A340-200, -300 Series (except WV 027 and WV050 family) (non enhanced)6020,000 FC/80,000 FH
    A340-200, -300 Series WV 027 (non enhanced)6030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A340-300 Series WV050 family (enhanced)6020,000 FC/100,000 FH
    A340-500, -600 Series6016,600 FC/100,000 FH
    A380-800 Series72See NOTE.
    Boeing—Existing 1 Models Only:
    7176060,000 FC/60,000 FH
    727 (all series)3060,000 FC
    737 (Classics): 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -5003075,000 FC
    737 (NG): 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, -900ER6075,000 FC
    747 (Classics): 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, 747SP, 747SR
    747-400: 747-400, -400D, -400F3020,000 FC
    7576020,000 FC
    7676020,000 FC
    777-200, -3006050,000 FC
    777-200LR, 777-300ER6050,000 FC
    777F6040,000 FC
     7240,000 FC
     7211,000 FC
    Bombardier—Existing 1 Models Only:
    CL-600: 2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)7260,000 FC
    Embraer—Existing 1 Models Only:
    ERJ 17072See NOTE.
    ERJ 19072See NOTE.
    Fokker—Existing 1 Models Only:
    F.28 Mark 0070, Mark 01003090,000 FC
    Lockheed—Existing 1 Models Only:
    L-10113036,600 FC
    1883020,000 FC
    382 (all series)3020,000 FC/50,000 FH
    McDonnell Douglas—Existing 1 Models Only:
    DC-8, -8F3050,000 FC/50,000 FH
    DC-9 (except for MD-80 models)30100,000 FC/100,000 FH
    MD-80 (DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87, MD-88)3050,000 FC/50,000 FH
    MD-906060,000 FC/90,000 FH
    DC-10-10, -153042,000 FC/60,000 FH
    DC-10-30, -40, -10F, -30F, -40F3030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    MD-10-10F6042,000 FC/60,000 FH
    MD-10-30F6030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    MD-11, MD-11F6020,000 FC/60,000 FH
    Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight Changes:
    All airplanes whose maximum takeoff gross weight has been decreased to 75,000 pounds or below after January 14, 2011, or increased to greater than 75,000 pounds at any time by an amended type certificate or supplemental type certificate30, or within 12 months after the LOV is approved, or before operating the airplane, whichever occurs latestNot applicable.
    All Other Airplane Models (TCs and amended TCs) not Listed in Table 272, or within 12 months after the LOV is approved, or before operating the airplane, whichever occurs latestNot applicable.
    1 Type certificated as of January 14, 2011.
    Note: Airplane operation limitation is stated in the Airworthiness Limitation section.
    Start Printed Page 30880
    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 129—OPERATIONS: FOREIGN AIR CARRIERS AND FOREIGN OPERATORS OF U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT ENGAGED IN COMMON CARRIAGE

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    5. The authority citation for part 129 continues to read:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1372, 40113, 40119, 44101, 44701-44702, 44705, 44709-44711, 44713, 44716-44717, 44722, 44901-44904, 44906, 44912, 46105, Pub. L. 107-71 sec. 104.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    6. Amend § 129.115 by revising Table 1—Airplanes Subject to § 26.21, to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Limit of validity.
    * * * * *

    Table 1—Airplanes Subject to § 26.21

    Airplane modelCompliance date—months after January 14, 2011Default LOV [flight cycles (FC) or flight hours (FH)]
    Airbus—Existing 1 Models Only:
    A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-2033048,000 FC
    A300 B4-2C, B4-1033040,000 FC
    A300 B4-2033034,000 FC
    A300-600 Series6030,000 FC/67,500 FH
    A310-200 Series6040,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A310-300 Series6035,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A318 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A319 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A320-100 Series6048,000 FC/48,000 FH
    A320-200 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A321 Series6048,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A330-200, -300 Series (except WV050 family) (non enhanced)6040,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A330-200, -300 Series WV050 family (enhanced)6033,000 FC/100,000 FH
    A330-200 Freighter Series60See NOTE.
    A340-200, -300 Series (except WV 027 and WV050 family) (non enhanced)6020,000 FC/80,000 FH
    A340-200, -300 Series WV 027 (non enhanced)6030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    A340-300 Series WV050 family (enhanced)6020,000 FC/100,000 FH
    A340-500, -600 Series6016,600 FC/100,000 FH
    A380-800 Series72See NOTE.
    Boeing—Existing 1 Models Only:
    7176060,000 FC/60,000 FH
    727 (all series)3060,000 FC
    737 (Classics): 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 737 (NG): 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, -900ER3075,000 FC
     6075,000 FC
    747 (Classics): 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, 747SP, 747SR
    747-400: 747-400, -400D, -400F3020,000 FC
    7576020,000 FC
    767
    777-200, -3006050,000 FC
    777-200LR, 777-300ER6050,000 FC
    777F6040,000 FC
     7240,000 FC
     7211,000 FC
    Bombardier—Existing 1 Models Only:
    CL-600: 2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)7260,000 FC
    Embraer—Existing 1 Models Only:
    ERJ 17072See NOTE.
    ERJ 19072See NOTE.
    Fokker—Existing 1 Models Only:
    F.28 Mark 0070, Mark 01003090,000 FC
    Lockheed—Existing 1 Models Only:
    L-10113036,000 FC
    1883026,600 FC
    382 (all series)3020,000 FC/50,000 FH
    McDonnell Douglas—Existing 1 Models Only:
    DC-8, -8F3050,000 FC/50,000 FH
    DC-9 (except for MD-80 models)30100,000 FC/100,000 FH
    MD-80 (DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87, MD-88)3050,000 FC/50,000 FH
    MD-906060,000 FC/90,000 FH
    DC-10-10, -153042,000 FC/60,000 FH
    DC-10-30, -40, -10F, -30F, -40F3030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    MD-10-10F6042,000 FC/60,000 FH
    Start Printed Page 30881
    MD-10-30F6030,000 FC/60,000 FH
    MD-11, MD-11F6020,000 FC/60,000 FH
    Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight Changes:
    All airplanes whose maximum takeoff gross weight has been decreased to 75,000 pounds or below after January 14, 2011, or increased to greater than 75,000 pounds at any time by an amended type certificate or supplemental type certificate30, or within 12 months after the LOV is approved, or before operating the airplane, whichever occurs latestNot applicable.
    All Other Airplane Models (TCs and amended TCs) Not Listed in Table 272, or within 12 months after the LOV is approved, or before operating the airplane, whichever occurs latestNot applicable.
    1 Type certificated as of January 14, 2011.
    Note: Airplane operation limitation is stated in the Airworthiness Limitation section.
    * * * * *
    Start Signature

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 18, 2012.

    Lirio Liu,

    Acting Director, Office of Rulemaking.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2012-12658 Filed 5-23-12; 8:45 a.m.]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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Document Information

Comments Received:
0 Comments
Effective Date:
5/24/2012
Published:
05/24/2012
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; technical amendment.
Document Number:
2012-12658
Dates:
Effective May 24, 2012.
Pages:
30877-30881 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FAA-2006-24281, Amendment Nos. 26-6, 121-360, 129-51
RINs:
2120-AI05: Aging Aircraft Program (Widespread Fatigue Damage)
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AI05/aging-aircraft-program-widespread-fatigue-damage-
Topics:
Air carriers, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
PDF File:
2012-12658.pdf
Supporting Documents:
» U.S. DOT/FAA - Initial Regulatory Evaluation
CFR: (3)
14 CFR 26.21
14 CFR 121.1115
14 CFR 129.115