[Federal Register: September 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 172)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 52410-52412]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06se06-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25722; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-141-AD;
Amendment 39-14749; AD 2006-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642
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 A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This AD requires a
one-time inspection of the anti-stall valve sleeve of the ram air
turbine (RAT) for proper installation, determining the part number of
the modification plate on the hydraulic pump of the RAT, and follow-on
corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of
failure of the anti-stall valve on the hydraulic pump of the RAT during
scheduled ground tests. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the RAT hydraulic pump to supply adequate pressure to activate the RAT,
and consequent loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and electrical
power in an emergency situation.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 21, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 21,
2006.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 6, 2006.
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,
[[Page 52411]]
for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
airworthiness authority for the European Union, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes. The EASA advises that operators have reported failure of the
anti-stall valve on the hydraulic pump of the ram air turbine (RAT)
during scheduled ground tests. Investigation revealed that this failure
was due to poor installation of the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a
shift in the anti-stall speed setting and leading to inability to
supply adequate pressure to activate the RAT. These conditions, if not
corrected, could result in loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and
electrical power in an emergency situation.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A340-29-5010, including Appendix
01, dated October 10, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures
for determining the part number of the modification plate on the
hydraulic pump of the ram air turbine (RAT), and follow-on corrective
actions. The follow-on corrective actions include a one-time inspection
of the anti-stall valve sleeve of the RAT for proper installation after
determining the part number of the modification plate on the hydraulic
pump of the RAT, reworking the anti-stall valve or replacing the RAT
with a new RAT, and doing an operational test of the new RAT.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated
the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0046,
dated February 16, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the European Union.
The Airbus service bulletin refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service
Bulletin ERPS33T-29-3, dated August 1, 2005, as an additional source of
service information for accomplishing the actions.
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. As described in FAA
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,''
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the EASA'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 failure of the RAT
hydraulic pump to supply adequate pressure to activate the RAT, and
consequent loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and electrical
power in an emergency situation. This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in the Airbus service information described
previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the AD and
the Airbus Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the AD and the Airbus Service Bulletin
Unlike the procedures described in the service bulletin, the intent
of the EASA airworthiness directive referenced in this AD is to mandate
the one-time inspection of the anti-stall valve sleeve of the RAT for
proper installation before determining the part number of the
modification plate on the hydraulic pump of the RAT. If, after
beginning the inspection, it is determined that the modification plate
is already marked with a 'B' showing that the inspection was
accomplished previously, no further action is required by this AD.
The service bulletin specifies returning any removed RAT to
Hamilton Sundstrand; however, this AD does not require that action.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this AD, the ``inspection'' specified in the service bulletin is
referred to as a ``general visual inspection.'' We have included the
definition for a general visual inspection in a note in the proposed
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.
If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future, the required actions would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be $80 per airplane.
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 an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
25722; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-141-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
[[Page 52412]]
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):
2006-18-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-14749. Docket No. FAA-2006-25722;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-141-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 21, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes,
certificated in any category; equipped with a ram air turbine (RAT)
module, Model ERPS33T, part number (P/N) 772722D or 772722E; serial
numbers 0001 through 0024 inclusive, and 0101 through 0166
inclusive, having a Parker hydraulic pump with P/N 4217701 or
4217702.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of failure of the anti-stall
valve on the hydraulic pump of the RAT during scheduled ground
tests. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the RAT
hydraulic pump to supply adequate pressure to activate the RAT, and
consequent loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and electrical
power in an emergency situation.
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.
Inspection/Follow-on Corrective Actions if Necessary
(f) Within 11 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
one-time general visual inspection of the anti-stall valve sleeve of
the RAT for proper installation, and determine the P/N of the
modification plate on the hydraulic pump of the RAT, by doing all
applicable actions, including all applicable follow-on corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-5010, dated October 10, 2005. All
corrective actions must be done before further flight. Although the
service bulletin specifies returning any removed RAT to Hamilton
Sundstrand, this AD does not require that action.
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
enhance visual access to all exposed 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.''
Note 2: The Airbus service bulletin refers to Hamilton
Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-3, dated August 1, 2005, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishing the
actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(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
(h) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness
directive 2006-0046, dated February 16, 2006, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-5010, excluding
Appendix 01, dated October 10, 2005, 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/[fxsp0]federal--
register/[fxsp0]code--of--federal--regulations/[fxsp0]ibr--
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 23, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14624 Filed 9-5-06; 8:45 am]
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