[Federal Register: September 22, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 183)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 55529-55531]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22se05-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22486; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-219-AD;
Amendment 39-14287; AD 2005-19-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-322, -341, and -342
Airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (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 A330-322, -341, and -342 airplanes, and Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the left
and right ram air outlets of the two air conditioning packs. The
modification includes replacing the old air outlet assembly with a new
air outlet assembly, and modifying the web. This AD results from a
report of fatigue cracks that initiated in the duct structure of the
ram air outlet, which is adjacent to the hydraulics compartment. We are
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracks in the duct structure of the
ram air outlet, which could lead to hot air damage and consequent loss
of function of the hydraulics systems.
DATES: Effective October 7, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 7,
2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 21, 2005.
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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this 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:
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 for certain Airbus Model A330-322, -341, and
-342 airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The DGAC
advises that fatigue cracks have been found that initiated in the duct
structure of the ram air outlet, which is adjacent to the hydraulics
compartment. These fatigue cracks were found on airplanes that had been
modified with an ``adaptation solution'' that was intended to prevent
cracks and provide better thermal insulation. However, analyses showed
that the adaptation solution did not prevent cracks that initiate after
the 12,000 flight-cycle threshold. Cracks in the duct structure could
propagate, and certain rivet heads could shear from the inside. Either
condition could cause the air outlet to rupture and lead to hot air
being blown into the hydraulics bay. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in hot air damage and consequent loss of function of the
hydraulics systems.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the service bulletins listed in the following
table.
Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service bulletin-- Revision Dated For model--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-53-3132............................. 02 April 26, 2004............. A330-322, -341, and -342
airplanes.
A340-53-4139............................. 02 April 26, 2004............. A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes
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[[Page 55530]]
The service bulletins describe procedures for modifying the left
and right ram air outlets of the two air conditioning packs to provide
improved thermal insulation and fatigue resistance. The modification
includes replacing the old air outlet assembly with a new air outlet
assembly, and modifying the web. Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition. The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French
airworthiness directives F-2004-050 and F-2004-051, both dated April
14, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
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 we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracks in the
duct structure of the ram air outlet, which could lead to hot air
damage and consequent loss of function of the hydraulics systems. This
AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on
the U.S. Register in the future.
Estimated Costs
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Average labor rate
Action Work hours per hour Parts cost Cost per airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification................................ 32 $65 $55,710 $57,790
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FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register.
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
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 relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to the
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2005-22486; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-219-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that
might suggest a need to modify it.
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 that 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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket Management System
receives them.
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 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.
[[Page 55531]]
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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:
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-19-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-14287. Docket No. FAA-2005-22486;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-219-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-322, -
341, and -342 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312,
and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3132, Revision 02, dated April 26,
2004, and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4139, Revision 02, dated
April 26, 2004, as applicable.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of fatigue cracks that
initiated in the duct structure of the ram air outlet, which is
adjacent to the hydraulics compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent fatigue cracks in the duct structure of the ram air
outlet, which could lead to hot air damage and consequent loss of
function of the hydraulics systems.
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.
Modification
(f) Before the airplane accumulates 12,000 total flight cycles,
or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Modify the ram air outlet ducts of the two air
conditioning packs in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
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Model Airbus service bulletin Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-322, -341, and -342 airplanes...... A330-53-3132 02 April 26, 2004.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and - A340-53-4139 02 April 26, 2004.
313 airplanes.
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Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Issues of Service
Bulletins
(g) Actions accomplished in accordance with the service
bulletins listed in Table 2 of this AD are acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding action in this AD.
Table 2.--Previous Issues of Service Bulletins
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Airbus service bulletin Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-53-3132............................ 01......................... December 8, 2003.
A340-53-4139............................ Original................... July 25, 2003.
A340-53-4139............................ 01......................... December 8, 2003.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(i) French airworthiness directives F-2004-050 and F2004-051,
both dated April 14, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3132, Revision
02, dated April 26, 2004; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4139,
Revision 02, dated April 26, 2004; as applicable; to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the 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 September 13, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18781 Filed 9-21-05; 8:45 am]
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