[Federal Register: May 1, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 83)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 23765-23767]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01my07-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27014; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-253-AD;
Amendment 39-15041; AD 2007-09-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes and Model
A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority
of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as un-damped
extension of the main landing gear (MLG), potentially leading to loss
of side stay integrity and then MLG collapse. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 5, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 5, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to allow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 26, 2007 (72
FR 3759). That NPRM proposed to require replacement of the retraction
link assembly. The MCAI states that during full-scale fatigue tests,
the retraction link failed on the latest growth production standard MLG
(main landing gear) prior to its expected life limit. Investigations
confirm that the root cause of this premature fracture is due to high
lug stress. The retraction link is included in the ALS (Airworthiness
Limitation section) Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Item--
and is currently limited to 35,200 flight cycles (FC). Its fracture
causes un-damped extension of the MLG, potentially leading to loss of
side stay integrity and
[[Page 23766]]
then MLG collapse, which constitutes an unsafe condition. The aim of
the MCAI is to mandate the reduced retraction link life limit and
replacement of any retraction link that has exceeded this new limit.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This 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 a U.S. court of
law. 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 our FAA policies. Any such differences
are described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements, if
any, take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 28 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product to
comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the service
information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty,
we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do
not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may
incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $22,400, or
$800 per product.
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 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 adding the following new AD:
2007-09-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-15041. Docket No. FAA-2007-27014;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-253-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 5,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 airplanes, and Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category;
all serial numbers fitted with MLG (main landing gear) retraction
link Part Number (PN) 201489311 (LH (left-hand) side) or PN
201489312 (RH (right-hand) side).
Reason
(d) The MCAI states that during full-scale fatigue tests, the
retraction link failed on the latest growth production standard MLG
(main landing gear) prior to its expected life limit. Investigations
confirm that the root cause of this premature fracture is due to
high lug stress. The retraction link is included in the ALS
(Airworthiness Limitation section) Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness
Limitation Item--and currently limited to 35,200 flight cycles (FC).
Its fracture causes un-damped extension of the MLG, potentially
leading to loss of side stay integrity and then MLG collapse, which
constitutes an unsafe condition. The aim of the MCAI is to mandate
the reduced retraction link life limit and replacement of any
retraction link that has exceeded this new limit.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 8,300 total landings on the
retraction link assembly or within 39 days after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the retraction link
assembly in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus All
Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All
Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable.
(2) Within 39 days after the effective date of this AD, report
to Airbus the life accumulation information of each retraction link
assembly affected by this AD in accordance with Airbus All Operators
Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators
Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable.
Note 1: This reduced life limit will be incorporated within the
next revision of the Airbus A330/A340 ALS Part 1.
[[Page 23767]]
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
ATTN: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057-3356, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. 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.
(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
(g) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0324-E, dated October 20, 2006; and
Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; and
Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006, for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated
October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated
October 18, 2006; as applicable, to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) 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 April 23, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-8170 Filed 4-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P