[Federal Register: December 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 249)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 78102-78105]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28de06-17]
[[Page 78102]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26707; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-157-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes and A340-
200 and -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 certain Airbus Model A330 airplanes and A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require
inspecting to determine the part number of certain S4- and MZ-type
spoiler servo-controls (SSCs). For certain other airplanes, this
proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the part number of
all SSCs. This proposed AD would also require replacing any affected
SSC with a new SSC. This proposed AD results from a new load duty cycle
defined by the manufacturer. Additional fatigue tests and calculations
done on this basis indicated that the spoiler valve manifold of the S4-
type SSCs, and, on certain airplanes, the maintenance cover of the MZ-
type SSCs, may crack during its service life due to pressure impulse
fatigue. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of
certain SSCs, which could result in hydraulic leakage and consequent
loss of SSC function and loss of the associated hydraulic system. These
conditions could affect all three hydraulic systems, which could result
in reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 29,
2007.
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.
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 proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26707; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-157-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 received 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
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.
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 A330 airplanes and
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The EASA advises that a new load
duty cycle has been defined by the manufacturer. Additional fatigue
tests and calculations done on this basis indicated that the spoiler
valve manifold of the S4-type spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) may crack
during its service life due to pressure impulse fatigue. The
maintenance cover of the MZ-type SSCs on Model A330-200 airplanes may
also crack during its service life due to pressure impulse fatigue.
This fatigue cracking, if not corrected, could result in hydraulic
leakage and consequent loss of SSC function and loss of the associated
hydraulic system. These conditions could affect all three hydraulic
systems, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated
June 13, 2006 (for Model A330 airplanes). The service bulletin
describes procedures for inspecting to determine the part number and
serial number of all S4- and MZ-type SSCs. For airplanes on which any
S4-or MZ-type SSC is installed, the service bulletin describes
procedures for replacing any affected SSC installed in positions 2
through 6 inclusive with a 138X-type SSC, and any affected SSC
installed in position 1 with a 138X-type SSC.
Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A340-27-4139, Revision 01,
dated June 12, 2006 (for Model A340-200 and -00 series airplanes). The
service bulletin describes procedures for inspecting to determine the
part number and serial number of all SSCs. For airplanes on which any
MZ-or 138X-type SSC is installed, no further action is necessary. For
airplanes on which any S4-type SSC is installed, the service bulletin
describes procedures for replacing any affected SSC installed in
positions 2 through 6 inclusive with a 138X-type SSC, and any affected
SSC installed in position 1 with a 138X-type SSC.
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 directives 2006-0158
and 2006-0159, both dated June 7, 2006, to
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ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
The Airbus service information refers to LIEBHERR Service
Information Letter SIL 142, Revision 2, dated September 28, 2005; and
SIL 190, dated September 27, 2005, as additional sources of service
information for accomplishing the specified actions.
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. 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 airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Among
Proposed AD, EASA Airworthiness Directives, and Airbus Service
Information.''
Differences Among Proposed AD, EASA Airworthiness Directives, and
Airbus Service Information
EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0159 (which supersedes French
airworthiness directive F-2003-357) requires identifying the part
number of all S4- or MZ-type SSCs installed on airplanes identified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, no later than
January 31, 2004. At the time French airworthiness directive F-2003-
357(B) was issued October 1, 2003, there were no Model A330-200
airplanes registered in the U.S., and those delivered since that time
were not equipped with the S4- or MZ-type SSCs on delivery.
EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0158 requires identifying the
part number of all SSCs installed on airplanes identified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-4139, Revision 01, no later than August 31,
2006.
This proposed AD would require identifying the part number for all
affected airplanes within 70 days after the effective date of this AD
for all affected airplanes. We find that a 70-day compliance time
represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to
continue to operate without compromising safety. This difference has
been coordinated with the EASA.
The EASA airworthiness directives do not specify a compliance time
for SSCs that have exceeded the total number of flight cycles
recommended since new. This proposed AD would require those SSCs be
replaced before further flight.
The Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus service bulletins
specify to provide LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE with the part number and serial
number of the cylinder housing of the SSC if the identification plate
is missing; however, this proposed AD does not require that action, but
would require obtaining the part number and serial number using a
method that we or the EASA (or its delegated agent) approve.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 27 airplanes of U.S. registry.
It would take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the
inspection to determine the part number, at an average labor rate of
$80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
inspection proposed by this AD for U.S. operators is $2,160, or $80 per
airplane.
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 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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-26707; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
157-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January
29, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223,
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes; certificated in any category; excluding airplanes on
which AIRBUS Modification 44670 has been embodied in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a new load duty cycle defined by the
manufacturer. Additional fatigue tests and calculations done on this
basis indicated that the spoiler valve manifold of the S4-type
spoiler servo-controls (SSCs), and, on certain airplanes, the
maintenance cover of the MZ-SSCs, may
[[Page 78104]]
crack during its service life due to pressure impulse fatigue. We
are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of certain SSCs,
which could result in hydraulic leakage and consequent loss of SSC
function and loss of the associated hydraulic system. These
conditions could affect all three hydraulic systems, which could
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.
Determine the Part Number of the SSCs/Replace if Necessary
(f) For Model A330-200 airplanes: Within 70 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part number of
all SSCs in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13,
2006.
(1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin: No further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If the part number is identified in Table 1 of paragraph
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs
(f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), and (f)(2)(iii) of this AD in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the
accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new,
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the
accumulation of 11,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new,
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceeds the total
flight cycles specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this
AD, as applicable, or on which the total flight cycles are unknown:
Before further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before
further flight, identify the part number of the cylinder housing of
the SSC by using a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)(or its delegated
agent). Before further flight after determining the part number,
accomplish the requirements in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this
AD, as applicable.
(g) For Model A330-300 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300
series airplanes: Within 70 days after the effective date of this
AD, inspect to determine the part number of all SSCs in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; or A340-27-4139,
Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; as applicable.
(1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin: No further action is required by this
paragraph.
(2) If the part number is identified in Table 1 of paragraph
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin.
(i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the
accumulation of 14,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new,
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the
accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new,
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceeds the total
flight cycles specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this
AD, as applicable, or if the total flight cycles are unknown: Before
further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
(3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before
further flight, identify the part number of the SSC cylinder housing
by using a method approved by either the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent). Before
further flight after determining the part number, accomplish the
requirements in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04,
dated June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12,
2006; refer to LIEBHERR Service Information Letters, SIL 142,
Revision 2, dated September 28, 2005; and SIL 190, dated September
27, 2005; respectively, as additional sources of service information
for accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of
this AD.
Action Not Required
(h) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated
June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006;
recommend providing LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE with the part number and
serial number of the cylinder housing of the SSC if the
identification plate is missing; this AD requires identifying the
part number of the SSC cylinder housing by using a method approved
by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA
(or its delegated agent).
Actions Done According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins
(i) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this
AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of that
paragraph if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance
with the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this
AD.
Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
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Service bulletin Revision level Date
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A330-27-3113.......................... Original........................... September 15, 2003.
A330-27-3113.......................... Revision 01........................ October 3, 2003.
A330-27-3113.......................... Revision 02........................ June 11, 2004.
A330-27-3113.......................... Revision 03........................ March 17, 2006.
A340-27-4139.......................... Original........................... March 17, 2006.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) 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.
(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
(k) EASA airworthiness directives 2006-0158 and 2006-0159, both
dated June 7, 2006, also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-22281 Filed 12-27-06; 8:45 am]
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