[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19207-19209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8180]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0282; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-140-AD;
Amendment 39-16262; AD 2010-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 340-500 and -600 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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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:
Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed a hydraulic
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP)
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame
20.
This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be
an unsafe condition.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 29, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 29,
2010.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 1, 2010.
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 W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 this AD, 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.
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0130, dated June 23, 2009 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed a hydraulic
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP)
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame
20.
This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be
an unsafe condition.
This AD requires the repetitive [detailed] inspection [for
damage (e.g., chafing)] of the Yellow HP hydraulic line from frame
17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, the application of the
associated corrective actions, as necessary, and the repetitive
performance of a bleeding of the NWS system to verify the correct
installation and condition of the HP hydraulic line.
Required actions also include a detailed inspection for missing or
damaged P-clamps including their grommets. Corrective actions include
replacing damaged or missing P-clamp grommets and replacing P-clamps.
If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged, inspecting the
hydraulic pipe under damaged P-clamps for chafing is required. You may
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October
14, 2008. 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.
There are no products of this type currently registered in the
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these
[[Page 19208]]
products are placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
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
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product,
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
unnecessary.
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-2010-0282; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-140-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://www.regulations.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 adding the following new AD:
2010-08-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16262. Docket No. FAA-2010-0282;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-140-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
29, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29:
Hydraulic power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed an hydraulic
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP)
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame
20.
This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be
an unsafe condition.
This AD requires the repetitive [detailed] inspection [for
damage (e.g., chafing)] of the Yellow HP hydraulic line from frame
17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, the application of the
associated corrective actions, as necessary, and the repetitive
performance of a bleeding of the NWS system to verify the correct
installation and condition of the HP hydraulic line.
Required actions also include a detailed inspection for missing or
damaged P-clamps including their grommets. Corrective actions
include replacing damaged or missing P-clamp grommets and replacing
P-clamps. If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged,
inspecting the hydraulic pipe under damaged P-clamps for chafing is
required.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or
(f)(1)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for missing or
damaged P-clamps, including their grommets, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated
October 14, 2008.
(i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or
more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged during
the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Perform a
detailed inspection of the
[[Page 19209]]
hydraulic pipe under the damaged P-clamp for signs of damage
(including bulging and chafing) in accordance with the instructions
of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
If the damage exceeds the applicable tolerance specified in
paragraph (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, repair before further
flight in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014,
dated October 14, 2008.
Note 1: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under
the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is
in AMM Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance
Manual.
(i) For sharp-bottomed damage: 0.033 mm (0.001 inch) maximum
depth.
(ii) For round-bottomed damage: 0.066 mm (0.003 inch) maximum
depth.
(3) If any P-clamp or grommet is found missing or damaged during
the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before
further flight, replace the P-clamp, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated
October 14, 2008.
(4) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i) or
(f)(4)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect
damage (including bulging and chafing) of the yellow high pressure
hydraulic line from frame 17 to the elbow connection near frame 20,
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex
A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008. If any damage is detected,
before further flight, repair the pipeline in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated
October 14, 2008.
Note 2: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under
the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is
in Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or
more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(5) At the same time as accomplishing the actions required by
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(4) of this AD: Perform a bleeding of the
nose wheel steering system, in accordance with the instructions of
Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
(6) Repeat the inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) and
(f)(4) of this AD and the bleeding of the nose wheel steering system
required by paragraph (f)(5) of this AD at intervals not to exceed
500 flight cycles.
(7) At the applicable time in paragraph (f)(7)(i) or (f)(7)(ii)
of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and
negative) of the inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and
(f)(4) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and
Technical Support, ATTN: Mr. C. DUPHIL, SEEL4, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33/(0)5 61 93 40
05; fax: +33/(0)5 61 67 19 12 05; e-mail:
[email protected].
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI does not tell you to submit
information to Airbus, paragraph (f)(7) of this AD specifies that
such submittal is required.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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.
(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
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0130, dated June 23, 2009; and Airbus
All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated
October 14, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise. (The issue date of Airbus All Operators
Telex A340-29A5014 is indicated only on the first page of the
document.)
(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 April 1, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-8180 Filed 4-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P