[Federal Register: February 1, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 20)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 5073-5076]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01fe05-17]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20221; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-173-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the part number
and serial number of the left- and right-hand elevator assemblies,
performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary,
and re-protecting the elevator assembly. This proposed AD is prompted
by reports that areas on the top skin panel of the right-hand elevator
have disbonded due to moisture penetration. We are proposing this AD to
prevent disbonding of the elevator assembly, which could reduce the
structural integrity of the elevator and result in reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 3, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed 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.
[[Page 5074]]
By 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 proposed AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person 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. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20221; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-173-AD.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20221;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-173-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed 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 proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket website, 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.
Examining the Docket
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.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and
A340-300 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that operators have found
areas on the top skin panel of the right-hand elevator that have
disbonded due to moisture penetration. The disbonded areas were
adjacent to inboard actuator attach fittings. Investigation identified
a serial-number range of elevators that had not been tested for water
leaks in production. Disbonding of the elevator assembly, if not
corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the elevator, which
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Affected parts may be installed on either the left-or right-hand
elevator assembly. Thus, the left-hand elevator assembly may be subject
to the same unsafe condition revealed on the right-hand elevator
assembly.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-55-3032 (for Model A330
series airplanes) and A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003. Those service bulletins
describe procedures for investigative and corrective actions related to
inspecting/testing the left- and right-hand elevator assemblies for
evidence of moisture penetration. The inspection procedures include:
Performing an inspection of the inner skin of the upper
and lower elevator panels using an endoscope to detect damage (such as
a scratch, disbonding, or a tear) of the Tedlar film.
Performing a tap test to detect moisture penetration in
the inner side of the upper and lower elevator panels.
Performing a thermographic inspection to detect moisture
penetration in the upper and lower elevator panels.
If damage is detected, corrective actions include repeating the
thermographic inspection to determine the size of the damaged area,
performing a tap test around the areas where moisture is indicated, and
repairing the areas affected by moisture penetration. The service
bulletins specify contacting Airbus for repair instructions for certain
conditions.
The service bulletins also specify procedures for re-protecting the
elevator assembly, regardless of whether damage is detected. These
procedures include visually inspecting the drainage holes to determine
if they are clean, cleaning the drainage holes if necessary, inspecting
to determine the condition of the sealant covering the static
discharges contour, and reapplying sealant if necessary.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The
DGAC mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness
directive F-2004-118 R1, dated October 13, 2004, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed 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 we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require inspecting
to determine the part number and serial number of the left- and right-
hand elevator assemblies. This proposed AD also would require, if
necessary, performing the investigative/corrective actions specified in
the service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Among the Proposed AD, the French Airworthiness
Directive, and the Service Information.''
Differences Among the Proposed AD, the French Airworthiness Directive,
and the Service Information
The effectivity of the French airworthiness directive includes only
airplanes that have elevator assemblies having certain part number and
serial number combinations. This proposed AD would apply to all
airplanes of the affected models, and would require performing an
initial inspection to determine if elevator assemblies having
[[Page 5075]]
the part number and serial number combinations specified in the French
airworthiness directive are installed. (No further action would be
required if no elevator assembly having the subject part number and
serial number combination is installed.) We find that it is necessary
to expand the applicability to ensure that the related investigative
actions that would be required by this proposed AD are performed if an
elevator assembly having an affected part number and serial number
combination is installed in the future. (Paragraph (i) of this proposed
AD would prohibit installation of an elevator assembly having an
affected part number and serial number unless the related investigative
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.)
French airworthiness directive F-2004-118 R1 specifies an
inspection threshold of the earlier of 10 years or 12,000 flight cycles
since the first flight of the airplane. However, paragraph (g) of this
proposed AD specifies an inspection threshold of the earlier of 10
years after the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness
Certificate or the date of issuance of the original Export Certificate
of Airworthiness, or 12,000 total flight cycles. This decision is based
on our determination that ``first flight of the airplane'' may be
interpreted differently by different operators. We find that our
proposed terminology is generally understood within the industry, and
records will always exist that establish these dates with certainty.
The French airworthiness directive and the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced service bulletins specify that you may
contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this proposed AD would require you to repair those
conditions using a method that we or the DGAC (or its delegated agent)
approve. In light of the type of repair that would be required to
address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing bilateral
airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed
AD, a repair that we or the DGAC approve would be acceptable for
compliance with this proposed AD.
The French airworthiness directive and the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced service bulletins describe procedures
for submitting certain information to the manufacturer. This proposed
AD would not require that action.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the visual inspection of the drain holes and
the inspection to determine the condition of the sealant covering the
static discharges contour are referred to as ``general visual
inspections.'' We have included the definition for a general visual
inspection in a note in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed inspection to determine the part number and serial number
of installed elevator assemblies would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$1,300, or $65 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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
proposed AD.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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 proposed 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-20221; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
173-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by March 3, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and
A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports that areas on the top skin
panel of the right-hand elevator have disbonded due to moisture
penetration. We are issuing this AD to prevent disbonding of the
elevator assembly, which could reduce the structural integrity of
the elevator and result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
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.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
55-4029 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both dated
December 22, 2003, as applicable.
(1) Where the service bulletins recommend contacting Airbus for
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the condition
according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch,
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated
agent).
(2) Although the service bulletins specify submitting certain
information to the
[[Page 5076]]
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Determining Part Number, Serial Number
(g) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Perform an inspection to determine the part
number and serial number of the left- and right-hand elevator
assemblies. If neither elevator assembly has a part number and
serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD, no
further action is required by this paragraph. If either elevator
assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified
in Table 1 of this AD, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) Within 10 years after the date of issuance of the original
Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the original
Export Certificate of Airworthiness, or before the accumulation of
12,000 total flight cycles, whichever is first.
(2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
Table 1.--Affected Elevator Part Numbers and Serial Numbers
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Affected part Affected serial
Part numbers numbers
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Left-hand elevator assembly...... F55280000000, CG1002 through
F55280000004 CG1091 inclusive,
CG1093, CG1094,
CG2001.
Right-hand elevator assembly..... F55280000001, CG1002 through
F55280000005 CG1094 inclusive,
CG2001.
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Inspections
(h) If the left- or right-hand elevator assembly has a part
number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this
AD: Before further flight after accomplishing paragraph (g) of this
AD, do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this
AD, as applicable.
(1) Perform an endoscopic inspection to detect damage (such as a
scratch, disbonding, or a tear), and a tap test and a thermographic
inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the upper and
lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, in accordance
with the service bulletins.
(2) If any damage is found, before further flight, do all
applicable corrective actions (including but not limited to
repeating the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the
damaged area, and performing a tap test around the areas where
moisture is indicated), in accordance with the service bulletin.
(3) Re-protect the elevator assembly (including performing a
general visual inspection to determine if the drainage holes are
clean, a general visual inspection to determine the condition of the
sealant covering the static discharges contour, and applicable
corrective actions), in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, an elevator assembly having a part number and
serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD unless
the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) French airworthiness directive F-2004-118 R1, dated October
13, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1806 Filed 1-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P