FR Doc E7-22925

[Federal Register: November 26, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 226)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 65906-65909]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26no07-8]

[[Page 65906]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0230; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 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 supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300,
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently
requires an accelerated schedule of repetitive testing of the elevator
servo control loops, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed
AD would retain the existing requirements, reduce the applicability of
the existing AD, and add terminating actions. This proposed AD results
from reports of failed elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls
during certain phases of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced
loss of elevator control and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 26,
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Management Facility

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.

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 send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0230;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We

will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

On October 31, 2005, we issued AD 2005-23-10, amendment 39-14368
(70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-
300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. That AD requires an
accelerated schedule of repetitive testing of the elevator servo
control loops, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD resulted
from reports of failed elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We
issued that AD to ensure proper functioning of the elevator servo
controls. Failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases
of takeoff could result in an unannounced loss of elevator control and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

The preamble to AD 2005-23-10 explains that we consider the
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued Revision 02 of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-
3138 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes) and A340-27-4137
(for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated May 30,
2006. These service bulletins supersede, respectively, Revision 01 of
Airbus All Operator Telexes (AOT) A330-27A3138 and A340-27A4137, both
dated October 3, 2005. The AOTs are referenced in AD 2005-23-10 as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
required testing of the elevator servo control loops, and corrective
actions if necessary. The procedures specified in Revision 02 of the
service bulletins are identical to those in Revision 01 of the AOTs. No
additional work is necessary for airplanes on which the actions
specified in Revision 01 of the applicable AOT have been done.
Airbus also has issued the following service bulletins:

Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe procedures
Airbus service bulletins-- for-- And refer to--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3136, Revision 01, Modification of four Goodrich Actuation
dated July 19, 2006 (for elevator servo Systems Service
Model A330-200 and -300 controls by Bulletin SC4800-27-
series airplanes); and A340- installing a new 18, Revision 1,
27-4135, dated January 12, plug-guide assembly. dated May 19, 2006,
2006 (for Model A340-200 as an additional
and -300 series airplanes). source of service
information for
accomplishing the
modification.

[[Page 65907]]

A330-27-3134, Revision 01, Modification of four Goodrich Actuation
dated May 12, 2006 (for elevator servo Systems Service
Model A330-200 and -300 controls by Bulletin SC4800-27-
series airplanes); and A340- replacing the o- 17, Revision 2,
27-4132, dated October 13, ring of the dated May 19, 2006,
2005 (for Model A340-200 solenoid valves as an additional
and -300 series airplanes). with a new o-ring. source of service
information for
accomplishing the
modification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accomplishing the modification specified in the service bulletins
eliminates the need for the repetitive inspection requirements of AD
2005-23-10 and is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, mandated the
service information and issued airworthiness directive 2007-0008, dated
January 9, 2007, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the European Union.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

These airplanes 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 AD action is
necessary for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
This proposed AD would supersede AD 2005-23-10 and would retain the
requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD also would require
accomplishing the actions specified in service information described
previously. Accomplishing the modification specified in the service
bulletins described previously eliminates the need for the retained
requirements of 2005-23-10. This proposed AD also would remove
airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD.

Costs of Compliance

The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
of the affected Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes to comply
with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Work Average U.S.-
Action hour(s) labor rate Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2005-23- 1 $80 None.................... $80, per inspection 18 $1,440, per inspection
10). cycle. cycle.
Modifications (new proposed actions). 28 $80 The manufacturer states $2,240................. 18 $40,320.
that it will supply
required parts to the
operators at no cost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Currently, there are no affected Model A340-200 and A340-300 series
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane is
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the proposed
modification would take about 10 work hours, at an average labor rate
of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that it would supply
required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD for Model A340-200 and A340-300
series airplanes to be $800 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

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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
removing amendment 39-14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005) and adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-0230; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
043-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December
26, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-23-10.

Applicability

Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excluding those
Airbus model-- airplanes on which any Has been
of the following-- installed--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, Airbus modification In production.
and A340-300 series airplanes. 54833.
Airbus Service In service.
Bulletin A330-27-
3136, Revision 01,
dated July 19, 2006.
Airbus Service In service.
Bulletin A340-27-
4135, dated January
12, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from reports of failed elevator servo
controls due to broken guides. We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases of
takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator
control and consequent 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.

Requirements of AD 2005-23-10

Service Information

(f) The term ``AOT,'' as used in paragraphs (g) through (i) of
this AD, means section 4.2. ``Description'' of the following service
information, as applicable:
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All
Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005;
and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All
Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.

Initial and Repetitive Elevator Servo-Loop Tests

(g) Within 200 flight hours after November 29, 2005 (the
effective date of AD 2005-23-10): Test the elevator servo-loops, in
accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this
AD. If the test of the elevator servo-loops passes, repeat the test
at intervals not to exceed 140 flight hours or 8 days, whichever
occurs first.

Failed Tests

(h) If any test of the elevator servo-loops required by
paragraph (g) of this AD fails: Before further flight, troubleshoot
the cause of the test failure, and do the applicable corrective
actions; in accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph
(j) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the test at the times specified
in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Reporting Requirement

(i) Following each test required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
submit a report of the findings of only failed elevator servo-loop
tests to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical
Support, Attention: Mr. J. Laurent, SEE53, fax +33/(0)5.61.93.44.25;
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of
this AD. The report must include the description of the failure
experienced during the test, the identified cause of the failure,
and the number of flight hours and flight cycles on the airplane.
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (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 test was done after November 29, 2005: Submit the
report within 10 days after the test.
(2) If the test was done prior to November 29, 2005: Submit the
report within 10 days after November 29, 2005.

New Requirements of This AD

New Service Information for Testing

(j) As of the effective date of this AD, do the actions required
by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as
applicable.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3138, Revision 02, dated May 30, 2006; and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-27-4137, Revision 02, dated May 30, 2006.

Terminating Actions

(k) Within 17 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the four elevator servo controls in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136,
Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135, dated January
12, 2006 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as
applicable.

Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3136 and A340-27-4135
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-18,
Revision 1, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph
(k) of this AD.

(l) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3136, dated January 12, 2006, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(m) Concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (k)
of this AD, modify the four elevator servo controls in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3134, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2006 (for Model A330-200
and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132,
dated October 13, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes); as applicable.

Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3134 and A340-27-4132
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-17,
Revision 2, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph
(m) of this AD.

(n) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3134, dated October 13, 2005, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (m) of this
AD.
(o) Accomplishment of the modifications required by paragraphs
(k) and (m) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the

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requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of this AD.

Parts Installation

(p) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, an elevator servo control, unless it has been
modified in accordance with paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(q)(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) 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.

Related Information

(r) EASA airworthiness directive 2007-0008, dated January 9,
2007, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22925 Filed 11-23-07; 8:45 am]

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