[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20496-20498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8278]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0263; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-105-AD;
Amendment 39-16653; AD 2011-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642
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:
An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward]
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH)
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The cracks extended by approximately
15 millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
* * * Cracks on the NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected,
could lead to the loss in flight of the door, possibly resulting in
injury to persons on the ground or aeroplane damages.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 28, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 28,
2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by May 31, 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 (phone: 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 2010-0028, dated February 23, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward]
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH)
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The crack extended by approximately 15
millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
Investigation has revealed that these cracks have initiated due
to fatigue loads and propagated under bending load. Cracks on the
NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected, could lead to the loss in
flight of the door, possibly resulting in injury to persons on the
ground or aeroplane damages.
Consequently, in order to maintain the structural integrity of
the NLG aft door aft hinge attachment fittings, this AD requires
repetitive [detailed] inspections [for cracking] of the area and
fittings replacement in case of finding [including repetitive high
frequency eddy current inspections or fluorescent penetrant
inspections for cracking of the area for certain findings until the
replacement is done].
Required actions also include, for airplanes on which the forward
fitting of the NLG aft door aft hinge is replaced, repetitive detailed
inspections for cracking of the replaced fitting; and if any cracking
is found, replacement of both forward and aft fittings by new fittings
on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016,
including Appendices 01 and 02, Revision 02, dated August 25, 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
[[Page 20497]]
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 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-2011-0263; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-105-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 that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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:
2011-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16653. Docket No. FAA-2011-0263;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-105-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
28, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward]
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH)
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The cracks extended by approximately
15 millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
* * * Cracks on the NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected,
could lead to the loss in flight of the door, possibly resulting in
injury to persons on the ground or aeroplane damages.
* * * * *
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
(g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1),
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the
aft hinge forward attachment fittings of the right and left NLG aft
doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August
25, 2010.
(1) For airplanes having accumulated less than 1,000 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the
accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles or within 100 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes having accumulated 1,000 or more total flight
cycles, but less than 2,500 total flight cycles as of the effective
date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date
of this AD.
(3) For airplanes having accumulated 2,500 or more total flight
cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 50 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD.
Repetitive Inspection
(h) If no cracking is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, repeat the detailed inspection specified
in paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed
500 flight cycles.
(i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, perform a
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the
forward and aft attachment fittings of the aft hinge on the affected
aft
[[Page 20498]]
NLG door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated
August 25, 2010.
Repair
(j) If an additional crack finding is made during any HFEC
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, before further
flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on
the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(k) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the HFEC
inspection specified in paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 10 flight cycles; or perform a fluorescent
penetrant inspection for cracking thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 3 flight cycles, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016,
Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010, until the replacement required
by paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD is done.
(1) If an additional crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, replace
both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of
the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016,
Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(2) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or repetitive HFEC
inspection or fluorescent penetrant inspection required by paragraph
(k) of this AD: Within 20 flight cycles after finding a crack during
the most recent inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this
AD, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the
aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(l) For airplanes on which the forward fitting of the aft hinge
of the NLG aft door is replaced in accordance with paragraph (j) or
(k) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 flight cycles on
the forward fitting, perform the detailed inspection required in
paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter the applicable repetitive
inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, and apply the
applicable actions required in paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this
AD.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(m) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this
AD according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016,
dated February 1, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-
52-5016, Revision 01, dated March 30, 2010; are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in
this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The MCAI does not specify corrective action if cracking
is found during a fluorescent penetrant inspection. This AD
specifies replacing both forward and aft fittings with new fittings
on the aft hinge of the affected nose landing gear aft door, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(n) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it 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.
Related Information
(o) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0028, dated
February 23, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(p) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016,
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, Revision 02, dated
August 25, 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--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 March 25, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-8278 Filed 4-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P