[Federal Register: August 14, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 156)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 45305-45308]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14au07-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
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[[Page 45305]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28159; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-257-AD;
Amendment 39-15156; AD 2007-16-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600 Series Airplanes
and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A300-600, A310-200, and
A310-300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspecting for
certain serial numbers on elevators, and doing a detailed inspection,
visual inspection with a low-angle light, and tap-test inspection of
the upper and lower surfaces of the external skins on certain
identified elevators for any damage (i.e., debonding of the graphite
fiber reinforced plastic/Tedlar film protection, bulges, debonding of
the honeycomb core to the carbon fiber reinforced plastic, abnormal
surface reflections, and torn-out plies), and doing corrective actions
if necessary. This new AD also requires inspecting for damage of the
identified elevators in accordance with a new repetitive inspection
program, at new repetitive intervals; and would provide an optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from
reports of damage caused by moisture/water inside the elevator. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct debonding of the skins on the
elevators, which could cause reduced structural integrity of an
elevator and reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 18, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 18,
2007.
On February 3, 2006 (70 FR 77301, December 30, 2005), the Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
Airbus All Operators Telex A300-600-55A6032, dated June 23, 2004; and
Airbus All Operators Telex A310-55A2033, dated June 23, 2004.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the ground floor of the
West Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2005-26-17, amendment
39-14438 (70 FR 77301, December 30, 2005). The existing AD applies to
certain Airbus Model A300-600, A310-200, and A310-300 series airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2007 (72 FR
27493). That NPRM proposed to continue to require inspecting for
certain serial numbers on elevators, and doing a detailed inspection,
visual inspection with a low-angle light, and tap-test inspection of
the upper and lower surfaces of the external skins on certain
identified elevators for any damage (i.e., debonding of the graphite
fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP)/Tedlar film protection, bulges,
debonding of the honeycomb core to the carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
abnormal surface reflections, and torn-out plies), and doing corrective
actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require inspecting for
damage of the identified elevators in accordance with a new repetitive
inspection program, at new repetitive intervals; and would provide an
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. No comments have been received on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the
change described previously. We have determined that this change will
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the
scope of the AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. We are currently considering
requiring the optional terminating action of replacing the external
GFRP/Tedlar film with an application of pore filler on the whole
elevator external surface, which would constitute terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 142 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following
table provides the estimated costs for U.S.
[[Page 45306]]
operators to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work hour.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Work hours Parts Cost per airplane Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for serial number 1.................... $0 $80................. $11,360.
(required by AD 2005-26-17).
Repetitive inspections (required 3.................... 0 $240, per inspection $34,080, per
by AD 2005-26-17). cycle. inspection cycle.
New repetitive inspection program Between 8 and 12..... 0 Between $640 and Between $90,880 and
(new action). $960, per $136,320, per
inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Replacement (optional terminating/ 48................... 90 $3,930.............. $558,060.
new action).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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
removing amendment 39-14438 (70 FR 77301, December 30, 2005) and by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2007-16-17 Airbus: Amendment 39-15156. Docket No. FAA-2007-28159;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-257-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 18, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-26-17.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes
and Model A310 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
equipped with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) elevator skin
panels, modified in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-
2019 or A300-55-6016 (Airbus Modification 10861) with graphite fiber
reinforced plastic (GFRP)/Tedlar film as external protection, with
part numbers (P/Ns) and serial numbers (S/Ns) identified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-55-6039 or A310-55-2040, both dated June 7,
2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of damage caused by moisture/
water inside the elevator. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct debonding of the skins on the elevators, which could cause
reduced structural integrity of an elevator and 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.
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2005-26-17
Inspection for Serial Number, Repetitive Inspections, and Corrective
Actions
(f) Within 600 flight hours after February 3, 2006 (the
effective date of AD 2005-26-17), inspect to determine if the S/N of
the elevator is listed in Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-600-
55A6032, dated June 23, 2004, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-
6039, dated June 7, 2006 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or
in Airbus AOT A310-55A2033, dated June 23, 2004, or Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-55-2040, dated June 7, 2006 (for Model A310 series
airplanes).
(1) If the S/N does not match any S/N on either AOT or service
bulletin S/N list, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If the S/N matches a S/N listed in an AOT or service
bulletin, before further flight, do the actions listed in Table 1 of
this AD, and any corrective action as applicable, in accordance with
Airbus AOT A300-600-55A6032, dated June 23, 2004; or Airbus AOT
A310-55A2033, dated June 23, 2004; as applicable. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours
until the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD is
accomplished. Do applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
[[Page 45307]]
Table 1.--Repetitive Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do a-- Of the-- For any--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection......... Elevator upper and Damage (i.e., breaks
lower external skin in the graphite
surfaces. fiber reinforced
plastic (GFRP)/
Tedlar film
protection,
debonded GFRP/
Tedlar film
protection, bulges,
torn-out plies).
Visual inspection with a low- Elevator upper and Differences in the
angle light. lower external skin surface reflection.
surfaces.
Tap-test inspection......... Upper and lower Honeycomb core that
external skin has debonded from
surfaces of the the carbon fiber
honeycomb core reinforced plastic
panels in the (CFRP).
elevator.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Repair Approval
(g) Where the AOTs specified in paragraph (f) of this AD say to
contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, or an alternative
inspection method: Before further flight, repair or do the
alternative inspection method according to a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Gonorale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC) (or its delegated agent), or the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
Parts Installation
(h) As of February 3, 2006, no carbon fiber elevator having part
number (P/N) A55276055000 (left-hand side) or P/N A55276056000
(right-hand side) may be installed on any airplane unless it is
inspected according to paragraph (f) of this AD; or according to
paragraph (j) of this AD.
No Reporting Required for AOT Inspections
(i) Although the AOTs referenced in paragraph (f) of this AD
specify to submit inspection reports to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
New Requirements of This AD
Revised Inspection Program
(j) For airplanes with affected serial numbers identified in
paragraph (f) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (k) of
this AD, within 2,000 flight cycles or 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, do a detailed inspection
of the external surfaces of the GFRP/Tedlar film protection on the
upper and lower skin panels to detect damage of the film, and a
thermographic inspection of the upper and lower skin panels to
detect any potential water indication inside the panel's honeycomb
core; do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions
before further flight; and repair the external GFRP/Tedlar film with
pore filler. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-6039 (for Model
A300-600 series airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-2040
(for Model A310 series airplanes); both including Appendix 01, both
dated June 7, 2006. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles or 18 months, whichever occurs
earlier. Where the service bulletin says to contact the manufacturer
for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair or do the
alternative inspection method according to a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or
its delegated agent). Doing the inspections in accordance with this
paragraph terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of
paragraph (f) of this AD.
(k) The maximum time between the inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD and the first inspection done in accordance
with paragraph (j) of this AD must be no greater than: For the
thermographic inspection, 2,500 flight hours after the last
thermographic inspection done in accordance with the applicable AOT
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD; and for the tap test, 600
flight hours after the last tap test inspection done in accordance
with the applicable AOT specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
Report
(l) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative)
of the inspections required by paragraph (j) of this AD to Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the information in Appendix 01 of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-55-6039 or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-
2040, both dated June 7, 2006, as applicable. Under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB
Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done prior to the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(m) Replacing the external GFRP/Tedlar film with an application
of pore filler on the whole elevator external surface in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-6040 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-2041 (for Model A310
series airplanes), both dated June 5, 2006, terminates the
repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD,
provided the replacement is done before further flight after
accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletins A310-55-2040 and A300-55-
6039, both dated June 7, 2006.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-26-17
are approved as AMOCs with the corresponding provisions of this AD.
Related Information
(o) EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0289, dated November 2,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(p) You must use the service documents identified in Table 2 of
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 45308]]
Table 2.--Required Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service information Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Operators Telex A300-600-55A6032... June 23, 2004.
All Operators Telex A310-55A2033....... June 23, 2004.
Service Bulletin A300-55-6039, June 7, 2006.
including Appendix 01.
Service Bulletin A310-55-2040, June 7, 2006.
including Appendix 01.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you accomplish the optional actions specified in this AD, you
must use the service documents identified in Table 3 of this AD to
perform those actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 3.--Optional Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service information Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin A300-55-6040.......... June 5, 2006.
Service Bulletin A310-55-2041.......... June 5, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the documents identified in Table 4 of
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Table 4.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service information Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin A300-55-6039, June 7, 2006.
including Appendix 01.
Service Bulletin A300-55-6040.......... June 5, 2006.
Service Bulletin A310-55-2040, June 7, 2006.
including Appendix 01.
Service Bulletin A310-55-2041.......... June 5, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) On February 3, 2006 (70 FR 77301, December 30, 2005), the
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of the service documents identified in Table 5 of this AD.
Table 5.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service information Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Operators Telex A300-600-55A6032... June 23, 2004.
All Operators Telex A310-55A2033....... June 23, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may
review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15589 Filed 8-13-07; 8:45 am]
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