[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22308-22310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9277]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0310; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-133-AD;
Amendment 39-16663; AD 2011-09-01]
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
* * * * *
* * * [S]ome Allowable Damage Limits and Repairs published in
SRM Chapters 57-61-12 PB101 and 57-61-12 PB201 were de-validated
starting from the SRM revision issued on January 2009. The
terminology ``De-validated SRM'' used in this AD text refers to the
SRM chapters mentioned above.
In order to prevent complete inner aileron split due to possible
failure or disbonding of the repairs on the inner aileron panels
performed as per ``devalidated SRM'', which may result in flutter
coupling of the free aileron part, this AD requires a one time
inspection of the inner aileron panels to identify the presence of
``de-validated SRM'' repairs and, if necessary, to apply the
associated corrective actions [repair].
The flutter coupling of the free aileron part might result in
separation of the aileron from the airplane, degradation of airplane
control, and increased workload for the flight crew. This AD requires
actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 6, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 6, 2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 6, 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
[[Page 22309]]
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 2010-0056, dated March 29, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Following a Structural Repair Manual (SRM) repair strength re-
valuation, some Allowable Damage Limits (ADL) and Repairs of holes
and delaminations in composite panels have been found to be no more
compliant with certification requirements for A340-500/-600 inner
aileron.
Therefore, some Allowable Damage Limits and Repairs published in
SRM Chapters 57-61-12 PB101 and 57-61-12 PB201 were de-validated
starting from the SRM revision issued on January 2009. The
terminology ``De-validated SRM'' used in this AD text refers to the
SRM chapters mentioned above. In order to prevent complete inner
aileron split due to possible failure or disbonding of the repairs
on the inner aileron panels performed as per ``devalidated SRM'',
which may result in flutter coupling of the free aileron part, this
AD requires a one time inspection [tap test and detailed visual
inspection or thermography inspection] of the inner aileron panels
to identify the presence of ``de-validated SRM'' repairs and, if
necessary, to apply the associated corrective actions [repair].
The flutter coupling of the free aileron part may result in separation
of the aileron from the airplane, degradation of airplane control, and
increased workload for the flight crew. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026,
including Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 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.
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-2011-0310; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-133-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.
[[Page 22310]]
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:
2011-09-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-16663. Docket No. FAA-2011-0310;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-133-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 6,
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 57: Wings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
* * * * *
* * * [S]ome Allowable Damage Limits and Repairs published in
SRM Chapters 57-61-12 PB101 and 57-61-12 PB201 were de-validated
starting from the SRM revision issued on January 2009. The
terminology ``De-validated SRM'' used in this AD text refers to the
SRM chapters mentioned above.
In order to prevent complete inner aileron split due to possible
failure or disbonding of the repairs on the inner aileron panels
performed as per ``devalidated SRM'', which may result in flutter
coupling of the free aileron part, this AD requires a one time
inspection of the inner aileron panels to identify the presence of
``de-validated SRM'' repairs and, if necessary, to apply the
associated corrective actions [repair].
The flutter coupling of the free aileron part may result in
separation of the aileron from the airplane, degradation of airplane
control, and increased workload for the flight crew.
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) Within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
do a tap test and detailed inspection or a thermography inspection
of the affected inner aileron panels at the left and right wings to
detect any previously accomplished repairs performed in accordance
with any de-validated structural repair manual (SRM) defined in
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1,
2010; do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026,
dated February 1, 2010.
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.''
(h) A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD if the
repairs performed in accordance with de-validated SRM, defined in
Airbus service bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010 (SRM
revisions dated before January 2009), can be conclusively identified
from that review.
Repair
(i) If any de-validated SRM repairs are found during any actions
required by this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance
with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch,
ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European
Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent).
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an inner aileron panel having a de-validated SRM repair as defined
in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1,
2010, unless it is inspected as specified in paragraph (g) of this
AD and all applicable corrective actions are done.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(k) 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.
(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
(l) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0056, dated March 29, 2010;
and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February
1, 2010; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026,
excluding Appendix 1 and including Appendix 2, dated February 1,
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 April 8, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9277 Filed 4-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P