[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 441-444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32995]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1278; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-260-AD;
Amendment 39-16567; AD 2011-01-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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[[Page 442]]
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 a routine maintenance check on an A300-600 aeroplane, the
operator found the pitch uncoupling unit installed at an incorrect
location. The pitch uncoupling unit was inverted with the rod
assembly.
After a complete inspection of all A300-600 aeroplanes of its
fleet, the operator identified the same incorrect installation on
another aeroplane.
* * * * *
This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination
with particular failure modes, could lead to loss of control of the
aeroplane during the takeoff phase.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 20, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of January 20,
2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by February 22, 2011.
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: 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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2010-0239-E, dated November 19, 2010
[Corrected November 23, 2010] (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''),
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
During a routine maintenance check on an A300-600 aeroplane, the
operator found the pitch uncoupling unit installed at an incorrect
location. The pitch uncoupling unit was inverted with the rod
assembly.
After a complete inspection of all A300-600 aeroplanes of its
fleet, the operator identified the same incorrect installation on
another aeroplane.
Had this routine maintenance check, which was accomplished for other
purposes, not been carried out, the incorrect installation could
only have been detected during the accomplishment of the pitch
uncoupling functional test.
Note: Another maintenance task, the pitch uncoupling
operational test, scheduled at intervals not to exceed 2,000 FH or
36 months, whichever occurs first (MPD task 273100-01-1), only
validates the condition of the pitch uncoupling solenoid.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination
with particular failure modes, could lead to loss of control of the
aeroplane during the takeoff phase.
For the reason described above, this AD requires a one time
visual inspection, to detect any incorrect installation of the pitch
uncoupling unit,and, depending on findings, to take corrective
actions.
This [EASA] AD was republished to correct the compliance time.
Corrective actions include removing and re-installing the pitch
uncoupling unit and rod assembly at the correction location and doing a
functional test to verify correct operation. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A300-600 All Operators Telex 27A6068, Revision
01, dated November 18, 2010. 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.
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
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a
pitch uncoupling unit was found to be installed at an incorrect
location. The pitch uncoupling unit was inverted with the rod assembly.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination with
other failure modes, could lead to loss of control of the airplane
during the take-off phase. Therefore, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer
than 30 days.
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-2010-1278; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-260-
[[Page 443]]
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:
2011-01-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-16567. Docket No. FAA-2010-1278;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-260-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
20, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, except
for airplanes on which the pitch uncoupling functional test has
already been performed in service since new.
Note 1: The pitch uncoupling functional test is described in
Section 3.D.(2) of task 27-31-00, Page Block 501 of Airbus A300-600
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) [Maintenance Planning Document
(MPD) task 273100-02-1].
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During a routine maintenance check on an A300-600 aeroplane, the
operator found the pitch uncoupling unit installed at an incorrect
location. The pitch uncoupling unit was inverted with the rod
assembly.
After a complete inspection of all A300-600 aeroplanes of its
fleet, the operator identified the same incorrect installation on
another aeroplane.
* * * * *
This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination
with particular failure modes, could lead to loss of control of the
aeroplane during the takeoff phase.
* * * * *
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.
Inspection, Re-Installation, and Functional Test
(g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection for correct location of the pitch
uncoupling unit, in accordance with paragraph 4.2 of Airbus A300-600
All Operators Telex (AOT) 27A6068, Revision 01, dated November 18,
2010. If the pitch uncoupling unit is found inverted with the rod
assembly, before further flight, remove and re-install the
uncoupling unit and the rod assembly at their correct locations and
do a functional test of the pitch uncoupling unit to verify correct
operation, in accordance with paragraph 4.2 of Airbus A300-600 AOT
27A6068, Revision 01, dated November 18, 2010.
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, 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.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
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: 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
[[Page 444]]
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
(i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0239-E, dated November 19, 2010
[Corrected November 23, 2010]; and Airbus A300-600 AOT 27A6068,
Revision 01, dated November 18, 2010; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Airbus A300-600 All Operators Telex 27A6068,
Revision 01, dated November 18, 2010, 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--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 22, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-32995 Filed 1-4-11; 8:45 am]
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