[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 421-423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32987]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD;
Amendment 39-16559; AD 2011-01-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to 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 High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work,
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 9, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 9,
2011.
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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; 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 September 23, 2010
(75 FR 57880), and proposed to supersede AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-
14909 (72 FR 3708, January 26, 2007). That NPRM proposed to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work,
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
For the reason described above, this AD requires repetitive
inspections of the flap transmission system and associated
components [for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed
rubber gaiter, wiper rings and straps], and corrective action(s),
depending on findings. [The corrective action is replacing missing,
damaged, or incorrectly installed components.]
This [EASA] AD has been revised to correct the compliance time
of 400 flight cycles in paragraph (3) into 400 flight hours. In
addition, paragraph (4) has been introduced to clarify that the
corrective actions do not end the requirement to continue the
repetitive inspections, and some editorial changes for reasons of
standardization. These do not affect the requirements of this AD as
originally intended.
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 comment received.
Request To Clarify Compliance Times in Paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of
the NPRM
FedEx (FedEx) requested that we clarify the compliance times in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the NPRM. FedEx stated that paragraph
(h)(1) establishes the deadline for replacing defective components
found before the effective date of the AD, and pointed out that
paragraph (h)(2) should establish the deadline for replacing the
defective components found after the effective date of the AD.
We agree with the commenter. We removed ``not'' from paragraph
(h)(2) of this final rule so that it now establishes the deadline for
replacing the defective components after the effective date of the AD.
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 change described previously. We determined that this change
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
[[Page 422]]
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 46 products of U.S.
registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2007-02-22 and retained in this
AD take about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85
per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
currently required actions is $255 per product.
We estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $11,730, or $255 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 removing Amendment 39-14909 (72 FR
3708, January 26, 2007) and adding the following new AD:
2011-01-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-16559. Docket No. FAA-2010-0854;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February
9, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -
222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any
category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work,
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
* * * * *
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.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-02-22, With Revised Service
Information and Reduced Compliance Time for Corrective Action
Initial and Repetitive Inspections
(g) Within 2,500 flight cycles after March 2, 2007 (the
effective date of AD 2007-02-22): Do a detailed inspection for any
missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the
splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; and a detailed
inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber
gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the
flap transmission; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February
17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099,
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. Repeat the inspections thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles. After the effective
date of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-
2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Corrective Actions
(h) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper
rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time in
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the applicable
component with a serviceable component in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099,
dated February 17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. After the effective date
of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory
[[Page 423]]
Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD has been done before the effective date of this AD:
Within 400 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD has been done on or after the effective date of this
AD: Within 400 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Actions
(i) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) do
not terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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. AMOCs approved
previously in accordance with AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909, are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g)
and (h) of 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: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
Related Information
(k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2006-0111R1, dated August 26, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008;
for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099,
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008, 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 Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008, under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; 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 December 17, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-32987 Filed 1-4-11; 8:45 am]
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