[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42589-42592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17064]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0003; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-251-AD;
Amendment 39-16368; AD 2010-15-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes, and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 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) 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:
Several cases of corrosion and damage on the Down Drive Shafts
(DDS), between the Down Drive Gear Box (DDGB) and the Input Gear Box
(IPGB), on all 10 Flap Tracks (5 per wing), have been reported by
AIRBUS Long Range Operators.
Investigations have revealed that corrosion and wear due to
absence of grease in the spline interfaces could cause [DDS]
disconnection which could result in a free movable flap surface,
potentially leading to aircraft asymmetry or even flap detachment.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to
maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 26, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 26,
2010.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified
products. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register
on March 29, 2010 (75 FR 15353). That supplemental NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the products listed above.
Explanation of Revised Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision
03, including Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 22, 2010. Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision 02, dated September
23, 2008, is referred to as the appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing certain actions in the supplemental NPRM.
The changes in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-
[[Page 42590]]
3152, Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010, are minor and no additional
work is necessary for airplanes on which the actions specified in
Revision 02 of this service bulletin were done.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Comments
Delta supports the proposed actions in the supplemental NPRM and
asks that we include Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152,
Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010, as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing certain actions. Delta also asks
that we give credit for Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152,
Revision 02, dated September 23, 2008.
As stated previously, Airbus issued Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330-27-3152, Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010. We have cited
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision 03, dated
February 22, 2010, as the appropriate source of service information for
accomplishing the required actions and have changed the service
bulletin references in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
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 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 highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about 41 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it takes 65 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
the AD on U.S. operators to be $226,525, or $5,525 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 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
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 Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) 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:
2010-15-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16368. Docket No. FAA-2009-0003;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-251-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
26, 2010.
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
series airplanes, A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series
airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any
category; all certified models, all manufacturer serial numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Several cases of corrosion and damage on the Down Drive Shafts
(DDS), between the Down Drive Gear Box (DDGB) and the Input Gear Box
(IPGB), on all 10 Flap Tracks (5 per wing), have been reported by
AIRBUS Long Range Operators.
Investigations have revealed that corrosion and wear due to
absence of grease in the spline interfaces could cause [DDS]
disconnection which could result in a free movable flap surface,
potentially leading to aircraft asymmetry or even flap detachment.
Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2007-0222-E mandated on
all aircraft older than 6 years since AIRBUS original delivery date
of the aircraft, an initial inspection of all DDS and IPGB for
corrosion and wear detection in order to replace any damaged part.
Revision 1 of EAD 2007-0222-E aimed for clarifying the
compliance instructions.
[[Page 42591]]
[EASA AD 2008-0026] supersedes the EAD 2007-0222R1-E and
mandates repetitive inspections every 6 years for all the fleet.
The unsafe condition could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to
maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. The corrective
actions include replacing damaged parts.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Actions
(g) Do the applicable inspections and corrective actions
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance
with the instructions of the applicable service information
specified in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Service Information
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Use Airbus Mandatory
For model-- Service Bulletin-- For actions specified in paragraph--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and -300 series A330-27-3151, (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
airplanes. Revision 01, dated
March 19, 2008.
A330-200 and -300 series A330-27-3152, (g)(1)(iv) and (g)(2) of this AD.
airplanes. Revision 03, dated
February 22, 2010.
A340-200 and -300 series A340[dash]27[dash]41 (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
airplanes. 51, Revision 01,
dated March 19,
2008.
A340-200 and -300 series A340-27-4152, (g)(1)(iv) and (g)(2) of this AD.
airplanes. Revision 02, dated
September 23, 2008.
A340-541 and -642 airplanes...... A340-27-5040, (g)(2) of this AD.
Revision 02, dated
September 23, 2008.
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(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, up to and
including manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0420, and Model A340-200
and -300 series airplanes, up to and including MSN 0415, except MSNs
0385 and 0395: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs
(g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(1)(iii), and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD at the
applicable time specified.
(i) For airplanes on which less than 10 years have accumulated
since the date of issuance of the original French standard
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original
French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the
IPGB and of the DDS on all flap tracks on both wings for corrosion
and wear detection and do all applicable corrective actions. For
Type 3 damaged parts, do all applicable corrective actions before
further flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable
corrective actions within 18 months after doing the inspection.
(ii) For airplanes on which 10 or more years have accumulated
since the date of issuance of the original French standard
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original
French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 4 months after the effective date
of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the
IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 2 and 4 on both wings for
corrosion and wear detection. For any Type 3 damaged parts on flap
tracks 2 and 4, do all applicable corrective actions before further
flight. For any Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks 2 and 4, do
all applicable corrective actions within 18 months after doing the
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(A) For wings on which Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of flap
track 2 or 4, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of
the IPGB and of the DDS on flap track 3 on both wings for corrosion
and wear detection. For Type 3 damaged parts on flap track 3, do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2
damaged IPGB parts, on flap track 3, do all applicable corrective
actions within 18 months after doing the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD.
(1) For wings on which Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of flap
track 3, before further flight, perform simultaneous detailed visual
inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 1 and 5 on
both wings for corrosion and wear detection. For Type 3 damaged
parts on flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks
1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions within 18 months after
doing the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A)(1) of this
AD.
(2) For wings on which no Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of
flap track 3, within 18 months after doing the inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed
visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 1 and 5
on both wings for corrosion and wear detection. For any Type 3
damaged parts on flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight. For any Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on
flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions within 18
months after doing the inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this AD.
(B) For wings on which no Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of
flap track 2 and 4: Within 18 months after doing the inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, perform simultaneous
detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap
tracks 1, 3, and 5 on both wings for corrosion and wear detection.
For any Type 3 damaged parts on flap tracks 1, 3, and 5, do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2
damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks 1, 3, and 5, do all applicable
corrective actions within 18 months after doing the inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(iii) Within 30 days after performing an initial inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, or within
30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
report the initial inspection results only, whatever they are, to
Airbus as specified in the reporting sheet of the applicable service
information listed in Table 1 of this AD.
(iv) Within 6 years after performing the applicable inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 years: Perform simultaneous
detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on all flap
tracks on both wings for corrosion and wear detection and do all
applicable corrective actions. For Type 3 damaged parts, do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2
damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable corrective actions within 18
months after doing the inspection.
(2) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD: Within 6 years after issuance of the original
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of
the original French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness, or
within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later; and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 years;
perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of
the DDS on all flap tracks on both wings for corrosion and wear
detection and do all applicable corrective actions. For Type 3
damaged parts, do all applicable corrective actions before further
flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable corrective
actions within 18 months after doing the inspection.
(3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the applicable service information specified in
Table 2 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
Table 2--Credit Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus mandatory service bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3151............................ Original................... August 9, 2007.
A330-27-3152............................ Original................... August 9, 2007.
[[Page 42592]]
A330-27-3152............................ 01......................... March 19, 2008.
A330-27-3152............................ 02......................... September 23, 2008.
A340-27-4151............................ Original................... August 9, 2007.
A340-27-4152............................ Original................... August 9, 2007.
A340-27-4152............................ 01......................... March 19, 2008.
A340-27-5040............................ Original................... August 9, 2007.
A340-27-5040............................ 01......................... March 19, 2008.
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Note 1: Airbus should be contacted in order to get appropriate
information for airplanes on which the original delivery date of the
airplane is unknown to the operator.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: 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, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector,
your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval
letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0026, dated
February 12, 2008, and the service information specified in Table 1
of this AD, for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus mandatory service bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3151, including Appendix 1............ 01 March 19, 2008
A330-27-3152, including Appendices 1 and 2.... 03 February 22, 2010
A340-27-4151, including Appendix 1............ 01 March 19, 2008
A340-27-4152, including Appendices 1 and 2.... 02 September 23, 2008
A340-27-5040, including Appendix 1............ 02 September 23, 2008
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(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 SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80, e-mail [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 2010.
Todd G. Dixon,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-17064 Filed 7-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P