[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 25, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4219-4221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1225]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0029; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-279-AD;
Amendment 39-16583; AD 2011-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes;
Model A330-300 Series Airplanes; Model A340-200 Series Airplanes; and
Model A340-300 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:
When there are significant differences between all airspeed
sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330 or A340 aeroplane
will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust
(A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the Flight Directors (FD) bars
are automatically removed.
It has been identified that, after such an event, if two
airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight
guidance computers will:
--Display FD bars again, and
--Enable autopilot and auto-thrust re-engagement
However, in some cases, the autopilot orders may be
inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is the potential for abrupt pitch command which
may lead to unexpected maneuvers of the airplane and cause injuries of
the crew and passengers, as well as reduced controllability of the
airplane, and increased pilot workload. This AD requires actions that
are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 9, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 9,
2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 11, 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: 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 2010-0271, dated December 22, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
When there are significant differences between all airspeed
sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330 or A340 aeroplane
will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust
(A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the Flight Directors (FD) bars
are automatically removed.
It has been identified that, after such an event, if two
airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight
guidance computers will:
--Display FD bars again, and
--Enable autopilot and auto-thrust re-engagement
However, in some cases, the autopilot orders may be
inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command.
[[Page 4220]]
In order to prevent such event which may, under specific
circumstances, constitute an unsafe condition, this AD requires an
amendment of the Flight Manual to ensure that flight crews apply the
appropriate operational procedure.
The unsafe condition is the potential for abrupt pitch command which
may lead to unexpected maneuvers of the airplane and cause injuries of
the crew and passengers, as well as reduced controllability of the
airplane and increased pilot workload. Required actions include
revising the limitations and abnormal sections of the airplane flight
manual to include a procedure for when the autopilot and auto-thrust
are automatically disconnected and flight controls have reverted to
alternate law. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI
in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A330/A340 Temporary Revisions TR149 and TR150,
both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340
Airplane Flight Manual. 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 of
the potential for abrupt pitch command which may lead to unexpected
maneuvers of the airplane and cause injuries of the crew and
passengers, as well as reduced controllability of the airplane, and
increased pilot workload. 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-2011-0029; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-279-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
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:
2011-02-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-16583. Docket No. FAA-2011-0029;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-279-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February
9, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223,
-223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and
-313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
[[Page 4221]]
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22: Auto
Flight.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
When there are significant differences between all airspeed
sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330 or A340 aeroplane
will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust
(A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the Flight Directors (FD) bars
are automatically removed.
It has been identified that, after such an event, if two
airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight
guidance computers will:
--Display FD bars again, and
--Enable autopilot and auto-thrust re-engagement
However, in some cases, the autopilot orders may be
inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is the potential for abrupt pitch command which
may lead to unexpected maneuvers of the airplane and cause injuries
of the crew and passengers, as well as reduced controllability of
the airplane and increased pilot workload.
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) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus
A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following
statement and operate the airplane according to these limitations
and procedures. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in
the AFM.
``PROCEDURE:
When autopilot and auto-thrust are automatically disconnected
and flight controls have reverted to alternate law:
--Do not engage the AP and the A/THR, even if FD bars have
reappeared
--Do not follow the FD orders
--ALL SPEED INDICATIONS--X-CHECK
If unreliable speed indication is suspected:
--UNRELIABLE SPEED INDIC/ADR CHECK PROC--APPLY
If at least two ADRs provide reliable speed indication
for at least 30 seconds, and the aircraft is stablised on the
intended path:
AP/FD and A/THR--As required''
Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the
Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the AFM, the general revisions
may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed
from the AFM.
(2) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus
A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the information in
Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision (TR) TR149 (for Model A330
airplanes) or TR150 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes),
both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010. These TRs introduce
procedures for operation of the auto pilot and auto-thrust
disconnect. Operate the airplane according to the limitations and
procedures in the TRs.
Note 2: This may be done by inserting copies of Airbus A330/A340
TR TR149 or TR150, both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010; as
applicable; in the Airbus A330/A340 AFM. When these TRs have been
included in general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may
be inserted in the AFM, and the TRs may be removed.
FAA AD Differences
Note 3: 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:
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.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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 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 (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0271, dated December 22, 2010; and
Airbus A330/A340 TR TR149 and TR150, both Issue 1.0, both dated
December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 AFM; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR149,
Issue 1.0, dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane
Flight Manual; and Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR150, Issue
1.0, dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane
Flight Manual; 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 January 12, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-1225 Filed 1-24-11; 8:45 am]
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