[Federal Register: September 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 186)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56344-56347]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27se05-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22483; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-AD;
Amendment 39-14292; AD 2005-19-27]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 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 A330-200 series airplanes. This AD requires
inspecting to determine the serial numbers and flight cycles of the
fuel jettison valves and removing certain valves as applicable. This AD
also requires doing a one-time inspection for cracks of the remaining
jettison valves and removing any cracked valves. This AD also requires
modifying the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom
skin panel before installing a new or serviceable jettison valve. This
AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel jettison system
located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks from
the fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming
into contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.
DATES: Effective October 12, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 12,
2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 28, 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.
[[Page 56345]]
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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes.
The DGAC advises that there have been several reported cases of fuel
leaks in the fuel jettison system located on the wings. These leaks
were observed during refueling and during maintenance. Inspection of
the system revealed the presence of cracks and, in certain cases,
breaks at the jettison valve. The inspection also revealed several
partial disconnects of the valve inlet and/or outlet pipe. Analysis of
the inspection data showed that the use of maximum tolerances in
production when attaching the jettison valve to the wingbox bottom skin
can cause cracks due to static overloading. These cracks can grow under
the effect of fuel pressure loads during refueling operations and cause
the valve to rupture. A ruptured valve could cause the fuel pipes to
disconnect from the jettison valve and consequent fuel leaks from the
fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming into
contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated
August 4, 2004. The service bulletin specifies that operators should
discard any fuel jettison valve with certain serial numbers, or that
has accumulated more than 5,200 flight cycles since it was first
installed. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing a visual
inspection for cracks of the external surfaces of the mounting flange
of any remaining jettison valve, and an eddy current inspection for
cracks if the visual inspection shows no cracks. If any crack is
detected in the mounting flange during either inspection, the service
bulletin specifies that the jettison valve should be removed and
discarded. If no crack is detected after the eddy current inspection,
the service bulletin specifies that the jettison valve may be re-
installed. The service bulletin also describes procedures for modifying
the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom skin panel
before installing the same, uncracked, jettison valve after the
inspections, or before installing a new jettison valve after the
previous jettison valve has been discarded. The service bulletin also
describes procedures for an operational test of the fuel jettison
system to ensure that there are no fuel leaks. This test is done during
the installation of the jettison valve.
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 directive F-
2004-127, dated August 4, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in France.
The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service Bulletin
HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an additional
source of service information for doing a visual inspection of the
mounting flange of the jettison valve.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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 fuel leaks from the
fuel jettison outlets. This AD requires accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously.
Clarification of Inspection Language
Although the French airworthiness directive specifies that
operators ``inspect visually'' for cracks of the external surfaces of
the mounting flange, this AD refers to that inspection a ``detailed
inspection.'' We have included the definition for a detailed inspection
in a note in the AD.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average labor Cost per
Action Work hours rate per hour Parts cost airplane
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Inspection to determine serial number. 1 $65 None.................... $65
Modification.......................... 13 65 No Charge............... 845
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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.
[[Page 56346]]
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-
2005-22483; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-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.
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):
2005-19-27 Airbus: Amendment 39-14292. Docket No. FAA-2005-22483;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 12, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223,
and -243 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with fuel
jettison valve part number (P/N) HTE900169.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel
jettison system located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to
prevent fuel leaks from the fuel jettison outlets, which could
result in fuel vapors coming into contact with ignition sources, and
consequent fire or explosion.
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 Reference
(f) For the purposes of this AD the term ``service bulletin''
means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated August 4, 2004.
Note 1: The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service
Bulletin HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an
additional source of service information for doing a visual
inspection of the mounting flange of the jettison valve.
Inspection to Determine Serial Number and Flight Cycles
(g) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance
with the service bulletin.
(1) Inspect the fuel jettison valves, P/N HTE900169, to
determine whether any of the following serial numbers are installed:
FR092BC to FR099BC inclusive, FR001BD to FR030BD inclusive, FR031BE
to FR058BE inclusive, and M151VB292. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if
information can be conclusively determined from that review. If any
affected serial number is installed: Before further flight, remove
the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(2) Review airplane records to determine the number of flight
cycles accumulated on the fuel jettison valves since first
installation on the airplane. If any jettison valve has accumulated
5,200 total flight cycles or more, or if the number of flight cycles
cannot be determined: Before further flight, remove the jettison
valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Detailed and Eddy Current Inspections for Cracks of the Mounting Flange
(h) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, for
any jettison valve that was not removed in accordance with paragraph
(g) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the mounting
flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(1) If no crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before
further flight, do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the
mounting
[[Page 56347]]
flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin
and, whether a crack is found or not, before further flight, do the
modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD. If no crack is
found during the eddy current inspection, the inspected jettison
valve may be reinstalled during the modification required by
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) If any crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before
further flight, do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD and
do not reinstall the jettison valve.
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.''
Modification
(i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of
this AD: Modify the diameters of the six attachment holes in the
wing bottom skin panel, and install a new fuel jettison valve, or
reinstall a previously installed fuel jettison valve that has been
inspected and found to have no crack in accordance with paragraph
(h) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service
bulletin.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, a fuel jettison valve, P/N HTE900169, unless it has
been inspected and had corrective actions done in accordance with
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, 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
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-127, dated August 4,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision
01, dated August 4, 2004, 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 this
document 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 15, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18910 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P