[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50867-50869]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19839]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0278; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-255-AD;
Amendment 39-16399; AD 2010-17-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and
-323 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
During accomplishment of Damage Tolerant--Airworthiness
Limitation Item task 712106-01-01 from A330 ALS Part 2, an A330
operator found a Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) indication
in the head of the shank filet radius in one of the Pratt & Whitney
(PW) forward (FWD) engine mount pylon bolts.
* * * * *
Dual-bolt fractures could lead to inability for mount assembly
to sustain loads which may lead to an engine mount failure and
consequently to engine separation from the aeroplane during flight,
which would constitute an unsafe condition.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 22, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 22,
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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
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 April 2, 2010 (75 FR
16696). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During accomplishment of Damage Tolerant--Airworthiness
Limitation Item task 712106-01-01 from A330 ALS Part 2, an A330
operator found a Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) indication
in the head of the shank filet radius in one of the Pratt & Whitney
(PW) forward (FWD) engine mount pylon bolts.
Investigation has confirmed that this FPI indication was due to
a quality manufacturing process issue which led to a bolt non-
conformance and is also applicable to aftward (AFT) mount pylon
bolts.
Dual-bolt fractures could lead to inability for mount assembly
to sustain loads which may lead to an engine mount failure and
consequently to engine separation from the aeroplane during flight,
which would constitute an unsafe condition.
This AD requires a one time detailed visual inspection of the
FWD and AFT mount pylon bolts on all A330 aeroplanes fitted with PW
engines (8 bolts per engine) and replacement of any affected bolt.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Requests To Refer to the Latest Pratt & Whitney Service Information
Delta Airlines and Pratt & Whitney--Cheshire Engine Center request
that we revise the NPRM to refer to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin
PW4G-100-71-35, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009, for determining
suspect bolts, rather than Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-
71-35, dated March 14, 2008, which was referenced in the NPRM as the
appropriate source for determining suspect bolts. The
[[Page 50868]]
commenters state that Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35,
Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009, corrected suspect bolt serial
numbers, and the serial number range of suspect bolts was reduced.
We agree with the requests. Since fewer parts are listed and no
parts are added in Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35,
Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009, we have revised paragraph (h) of
this AD to refer to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35,
Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009, as the appropriate source for
determining suspect bolts. We have also revised paragraph (h) of this
AD to provide credit to operators that used Pratt & Whitney Service
Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35, dated March 14, 2008, to determine suspect
bolts before the effective date of this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments 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 will affect 41 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $16,672 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 $707,947, or $17,267 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:
2010-17-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16399. Docket No. FAA-2010-0278;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-255-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 22, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -
323 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71:
Powerplant.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During accomplishment of Damage Tolerant--Airworthiness
Limitation Item task 712106-01-01 from A330 ALS Part 2, an A330
operator found a Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) indication
in the head of the shank filet radius in one of the Pratt & Whitney
(PW) forward (FWD) engine mount pylon bolts.
Investigation has confirmed that this FPI indication was due to
a quality manufacturing process issue which led to a bolt non-
conformance and is also applicable to aft ward (AFT) mount pylon
bolts.
Dual-bolt fractures could lead to inability for mount assembly
to sustain loads which may lead to an engine mount failure and
consequently to engine separation from the aeroplane during flight,
which would constitute an unsafe condition.
This AD requires a one time detailed visual inspection of the
FWD and AFT mount pylon bolts on all A330 aeroplanes fitted with PW
engines (8 bolts per engine) and replacement of any affected bolt.
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.
[[Page 50869]]
Actions
(g) Do a detailed inspection to determine the part number,
serial number, and lot number of the forward and aft mount pylon
bolts on both engines, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-71-3020,
dated June 10, 2009. Inspect at the later of the times specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles or
24,000 total flight hours since first flight of the airplane,
whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) If the identified part number, serial number, or lot number
corresponds to suspect bolts identified in Pratt & Whitney Service
Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009, before
further flight remove the affected bolt and replace with a
serviceable bolt, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-71-3020, dated June 10,
2009. Identifying part numbers, serial numbers or lot numbers before
the effective date of this AD according to Pratt & Whitney Service
Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35, dated March 14, 2008, is considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in
this AD.
(i) If the bolt part number, serial number, or lot number is
unreadable, before further flight, remove the affected bolt and
replace with a serviceable bolt, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330-71-3020, dated June 10, 2009.
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any forward or aft mount pylon bolt on any airplane, unless this
bolt has been identified as a non-suspect bolt, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330-71-3020, dated June 10, 2009.
(k) Although Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-71-3020,
dated June 10, 2009, specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI or service information tells you to
submit information to the manufacturer, paragraph (k) of this AD
specifies that such submittal is not required.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(l) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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.
Related Information
(m) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2009-0240, dated November 5, 2009; Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-71-3020, dated June 10, 2009; and Pratt &
Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35, Revision 1, dated December
4, 2009; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-71-3020,
excluding Appendix 1, dated June 10, 2009; and Pratt & Whitney
Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-35, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2009;
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 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 August 4, 2010.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-19839 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P