[Federal Register: August 30, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 168)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50042-50046]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30au07-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29073; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-178-AD;
Amendment 39-15184; AD 2007-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 14,
2007.
On June 26, 2007 (72 FR 31973, June 11, 2007), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
other publications.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 1, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
[[Page 50043]]
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD 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. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.
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
On May 30, 2007, we issued AD 2007-12-10, Amendment 39-15088 (72 FR
31973, June 11, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2007-12-10, it has been determined that the
drive end bearing (DEB) failures did not occur instantly, and small
debris in the filter could be detected before collapse of the DEB. The
one-time inspection mandated by AD 2007-12-10 only detects large
debris.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2007-0188R1, dated July 24, 2007
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition.
Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the
root causes. It has been evidenced that for both events, this
unknown root cause initiates a collapse of the Drive End Bearing
(DEB) leading to an uncontained failure. Evidence shows also that
the DEB failures were not instantaneous, and therefore, the
detection of small debris could indicate early stage of DEB failure.
A one-time inspection for detection of large-scale debris in the
Generator Scavenge inlet screen (last chance filter) of the APU
allowing to identify APU Generator in a state close to failure has
been rendered mandatory by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0080-R1
[that AD corresponds to FAA AD 2007-12-10].
The original Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0188-E
mandated a repetitive inspection of the APU Generator Scavenge
filter element and filter housing and APU Generator Drain plug for
signs of small debris coming from the APU Generator and therefore to
detect any APU Generator failure in an early stage.
* * * * *
The corrective action includes retaining the requirements of the
existing AD (a one-time inspection of the inlet screen and, for certain
airplanes, a check of the differential pressure indicator button, and
applicable corrective actions). The corrective action adds repetitive
inspections of the APU Generator scavenge oil filter element and
housing and the APU Generator drain plug for signs of metallic debris,
and applicable corrective actions. Those corrective actions include
shipping the debris to Airbus or Goodrich. The corrective actions also
include the following:
Replacing the APU generator scavenge oil filter for
airplanes on which metallic debris is found.
Inspecting the inside filter element and outer diameter of
the filter housing for damage to the packing and replacing the packing
if damaged.
Cleaning the generator drain plug and reinstalling the
plug with a new seal for airplanes on which no metallic debris or
metallic debris within acceptable criteria is found.
Keeping the APU inoperative.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telexes (AOTs) A330-24A3044 and
A340-24A5021, both Revision 01, both dated July 20, 2007; and AOT A340-
24A4057, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2007. The actions described in
this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an
uncontained APU failure can lead to damage to the APU fire wall, which
might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly leading to an
uncontrolled fire. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-29073; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-178-
[[Page 50044]]
AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this AD because 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 we
receive about this AD.
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 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 this AD:
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.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15088 (72 FR
31973, June 11, 2007) and adding the following new AD:
2007-18-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15184. Docket No. FAA-2007-29073;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-178-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 14, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-12-10.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 and A340 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all certified models, all serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24:
Electrical power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabilizer compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition.
Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the
root causes. It has been evidenced that for both events, this
unknown root cause initiates a collapse of the Drive End Bearing
(DEB) leading to an uncontained failure. Evidence shows also that
the DEB failures were not instantaneous, and therefore, the
detection of small debris could indicate an early stage of DEB
failure.
A one-time inspection for detection of large-scale debris in the
Generator Scavenge inlet screen (last chance filter) of the APU
allowing to identify APU Generator in a state close to failure has
been rendered mandatory by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0080-R1
[that AD corresponds to FAA AD 2007-12-10].
The original Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0188-E
mandated a repetitive inspection of the APU Generator Scavenge
filter element and filter housing and APU Generator Drain plug for
signs of small debris coming from the APU Generator and therefore to
detect any APU Generator failure in an early stage.
The corrective action includes retaining the requirements of the
existing AD (a one-time inspection of the inlet screen and, for
certain airplanes, a check of the differential pressure indicator
button, and applicable corrective actions). The corrective action
adds repetitive inspections of the APU Generator scavenge oil filter
element and housing and the APU Generator drain plug for signs of
metallic debris, and applicable corrective actions. Those corrective
actions include shipping the debris to Airbus or Goodrich. The
corrective actions also include the following: Replacing the APU
generator scavenge oil filter for airplanes on which metallic debris
is found; inspecting the inside filter element and outer diameter of
the filter housing for damage to the packing and replacing the
packing if damaged; cleaning the generator drain plug and
reinstalling the plug with a new seal for airplanes on which no
metallic debris or metallic debris within acceptable criteria is
found; or keeping the APU inoperative.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-12-10
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is before
March 1, 2007: Within 63 days after June 26, 2007, in accordance
with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-
24A3042, A340-24A4056, or A340-24A5020, all Revision 02, all dated
April 12, 2007; as applicable: Inspect the inlet screen (last chance
filter) for the generator scavenge-oil pump for signs of debris and,
as applicable, apply all associated corrective actions before
further flight.
(2) For Model A330 aircraft operating under MMEL (master minimum
equipment list) Item 24-22-01 ``AC Main Generation'' or MMEL Item
36-11-01 ``Bleed Air Supply System Failure'' and on which the date
of issuance of the original French standard airworthiness
certificate or the date of issuance of the original French export
certificate of airworthiness is before March 1, 2007: As of June 26,
2007, before each flight, perform a check of the differential
pressure indicator button on the lube filter and the generator
scavenge filter in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT
A330-24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007, until
accomplishment of paragraph (g)(5) of this AD.
Note 1: The repetitive checks before each flight specified in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD are not required for airplanes operated
under
[[Page 50045]]
MMEL Item 36-11-01, provided the APU generator has been removed or
deactivated in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-
24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007.
(3) Actions done before June 26, 2007, in accordance with the
applicable Airbus service information in Table 1 of this AD are
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding provisions of
paragraph (f) of this AD.
Table 1.--Acceptable Earlier Revisions of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042.................. Original......... March 22, 2007.
A330-24A3042.................. 01............... March 29, 2007.
A340-24A4056.................. Original......... March 22, 2007.
A340-24A4056.................. 01............... March 29, 2007.
A340-24A5020.................. Original......... March 22, 2007.
A340-24A5020.................. 01............... March 29, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance
(g) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is on or
before July 1, 2007: Within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.1 of the
applicable Airbus service information specified in Table 2 of this
AD: Clean and inspect the APU Generator scavenge oil filter element
and housing and inspect the APU generator drain plug to detect
metallic debris, and apply all applicable associated corrective
actions before further flight.
Table 2.--Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4057................. 02.............. August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5021................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Within 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating hours,
whichever occurs later, after accomplishing the inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, in accordance with the instructions
of paragraph 4.2.2 of the applicable Airbus service information
specified in Table 2 of this AD: Inspect the APU generator scavenge
oil filter element and housing and the APU generator drain plug to
detect metallic debris; and apply all applicable associated
corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 450 aircraft flight hours or
200 APU operating hours, whichever occurs later.
(3) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is after
July 1, 2007: Within 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2 of the
applicable Airbus service information specified in Table 2 of this
AD: Inspect the APU generator scavenge oil filter element and
housing and the APU generator drain plug to detect metallic debris;
and apply all applicable associated corrective actions before
further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating hours,
whichever occurs later.
(4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD, in
accordance with the applicable Airbus service information in Table 3
of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Table 3.--Acceptable Earlier Revisions of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044................. Original........ July 5, 2007.
A340-24A4057................. Original........ July 5, 2007.
A340-24A4057................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
A340-24A5021................. Original........ July 5, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) For Model A330 aircraft operating under MMEL Item 24-22-01,
``AC Main Generation,'' or MMEL Item 36-11-01, ``Bleed Air Supply
System Failure'': Unless the APU generator has been deferred in
accordance with the MMEL by deactivation (quill shaft removed) or
removal, the inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) or (g)(3), as
applicable, of this AD must be performed prior to the first flight
of the specified MMEL repair time interval. Accomplishing the
actions in this paragraph terminates the actions required by
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
Note 2: For A330 aircraft, MMEL Item 24-22-01 (AC Main
Generation) and/or MMEL Item 36-11-01 (Bleed Air Supply System
Failure) require that the APU be used during the entire flight.
FAA AD Differences
Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 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.
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
[[Page 50046]]
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(i) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive (EAD) 2007-0188R1, dated July 24, 2007, and the AOTs
specified in Table 2 of this AD, for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the applicable Airbus service information
specified in Table 4 of this AD to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (Only the first page of these
documents contains the document number, revision level, and date; no
other pages of these documents contain this information.)
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the Airbus service information
specified in Table 5 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51.
(2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of the Airbus service information
specified in Table 6 of this AD on June 26, 2007 (72 FR 31973, June
11, 2007).
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(4) 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
.
Table 4.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
A330-24A3044................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4056................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
A340-24A4057................. 02.............. August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5020................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
A340-24A5021................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 5.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4057................. 02.............. August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5021................. 01.............. July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 6.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
A340-24A4056................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
A340-24A5020................. 02.............. April 12, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2007.
Daniel I. Cheney,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-17011 Filed 8-29-07; 8:45 am]
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