[Federal Register: August 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 149)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 46979-46981]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04au04-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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[[Page 46979]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18669; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-83-AD;
Amendment 39-13757; AD 2004-16-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes.
This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the chromed
area of the left and right piston rods for the main landing gear (MLG)
retraction actuators, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of the piston rods for the
MLG retraction actuators rupturing during flight. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct corrosion pitting and cracking of the piston
rods for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in rupture of
a piston rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads on the fully
extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the MLG.
DATES: Effective August 19, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August
19, 2004.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 4, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You can
examine this information 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
/code--of--federal--regulations/
ibr--locations.html.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Examining the Dockets
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for
France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain
Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The DGAC
advises that it has received a report of the flightcrew on a Model A330
series airplane doing a free-fall extension of the main landing gear
(MLG) during approach. Investigation revealed a rupture of the piston
rod for the left MLG retraction actuator. It was determined that
corrosion and cracking caused the rupture. Additional reports indicate
that cracking was found on the chromed area of several piston rods; the
cracking started from a line of corrosion pitting in the rod bores.
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in rupture of a piston
rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, and high loads on the fully
extended MLG, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
MLG.
The MLG system on Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes is
identical to the MLG system on the affected Model A330 series
airplanes. Therefore, Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes may
be subject to the same unsafe condition identified on the Model A330
series airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for
Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004. The
service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive detailed visual
inspections for cracking of the chromed area of the left and right
piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators. If any cracking is found,
the corrective actions include replacing the
[[Page 46980]]
affected MLG retraction actuator with a new actuator before the next
flight.
The service bulletins also describe procedures for related
investigative actions. Those procedures include repetitive ultrasonic
inspections for corrosion pitting and cracking of the inner surface of
the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators. If any corrosion
pitting or cracking is found, the corrective actions include replacing
the affected MLG retraction actuator with a new actuator. The
compliance time for the corrective action depends on the results of the
ultrasonic inspection, and is either before the next flight, or within
the next 10 landings.
The service bulletins also include procedures for reporting the
results of both the detailed visual and ultrasonic inspections to
Airbus.
The DGAC mandated these service bulletins and issued French
airworthiness directives F-2004-086 and F-2004-087, both dated June 23,
2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
Both of the Airbus service bulletins reference Messier-Dowty
Service Bulletin A33/34-32-222, including Appendices A and B, dated
December 6, 2003, as an additional source of service information for
the detailed visual and ultrasonic inspections.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States. Therefore, we are issuing this AD to
detect and correct corrosion pitting and cracking of the piston rods
for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in rupture of the
piston rods, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads on the fully
extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the MLG.
This AD requires doing the actions specified in the Airbus service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the AD and French Airworthiness Directives.''
This AD also requires sending certain inspection results to the
manufacturer.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be interim action. The inspection reports
that are required by this AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain
better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the corrosion/
cracking, and eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe
condition. Once final action has been identified, we may consider
further rulemaking.
Differences Between the AD and French Airworthiness Directives
The French airworthiness directives do not include compliance times
for airplanes equipped with piston rods that have been in service less
than 36 months, as of the effective date of the French airworthiness
directives. However, the FAA AD includes compliance times for these
airplanes. Because this AD is an interim action, we have determined
that it is necessary to address airplanes equipped with piston rods
that are close to having 36 months in service, as of the effective date
of the AD. This difference has been coordinated with the DGAC.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The Airbus service bulletins specify to do a ``detailed visual
inspection'' of the chromed area of the piston rods for the MLG
retraction actuators. This AD instead requires a ``detailed
inspection,'' which is defined in Note 1 of this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make
this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18669;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-83-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket
web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain
language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Regulatory
Findings
We have 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 the regulation:
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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to
examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 46981]]
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2004-16-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-13757. Docket No. FAA-2004-18669;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-83-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 19, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a
piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main
landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of the piston rods for the
MLG retraction actuators rupturing during flight. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct corrosion pitting and cracking of the
piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in
rupture of a piston rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads
on the fully extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural
integrity of the MLG.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Detailed Inspections and Corrective Actions
(f) Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36
months, or within 14 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the
chromed area of the left and right piston rod of the MLG retraction
actuators. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01
(for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004;
as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 7 days.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
(g) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG
retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or
A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable.
Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(h) If no cracking is found during the initial detailed
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: At the later of the
times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do an
ultrasonic inspection for corrosion pitting or cracking of the inner
surface of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators. Do the
ultrasonic inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01
(for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004;
as applicable. Any corrective action must be done at the times
specified in Figure 2 of the applicable service bulletin.
(1) Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36
months.
(2) Within 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3173, Revision 01; and
A340-32-4212, Revision 01; reference Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin
A33/34-32-222, including Appendices A and B, dated December 6, 2003,
as an additional source of service information for doing the
detailed and ultrasonic inspections.
(i) Repeat the ultrasonic inspection thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months after
the most recent ultrasonic inspection, whichever is first.
Reporting Requirement
(j) Submit a report of the results (both positive and negative)
for any ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
and only negative findings for any detailed inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD. Submit the report to Airbus Customer
Services Directorate, Attention: SDC32 Technical Data and
Documentation Services, fax +33+ 5 61 93 28 06, or via your resident
customer support office. Submit the report at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must
include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies
found, the airplane serial number, and the period of time the
affected piston rod has been in service. Under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB
Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection is done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
Parts Installation
(k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main
landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators, on any airplane, unless the
part has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (f) and (h) of
this AD and found free of cracking.
Ultrasonic Inspections Done Per Airbus All Operator's Telex (AOT)
(l) Ultrasonic inspections done in accordance with Airbus AOT
A330-32A3172 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32A4211 (for
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated May 22, 2003;
are acceptable for compliance with the initial ultrasonic inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(n) French airworthiness directives F-2004-086 and F-2004-087,
both dated June 23, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision
01, dated June 16, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212,
Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004; as applicable; to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the documents contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; or 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/code--of--federal-- regulations/
ibr--locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17623 Filed 8-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P