[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19071-19074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7008]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0292; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-056-AD;
Amendment 39-16991; AD 2012-06-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 certain
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series
airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracked and
missing nuts, and replacement of cracked or missing nuts with new nuts
having the same part number. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked
nuts detected during production. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracked or missing nuts, and replace all affected nuts in
multiple locations (including fuel tank areas) that could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 16,
2012.
We must receive comments on this AD by May 14, 2012.
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.
[[Page 19072]]
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 W12-140, 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 2010-0252, dated November 29, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During structural part assembly in Airbus production line, some
nuts Part Number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 were found cracked.
Investigations were performed to determine batches of the
affected nuts.
Static, fatigue and corrosion tests were performed and
demonstrated that no immediate maintenance action is necessary.
However, due to the large number of these nuts fitted on primary
structural elements, this condition, if not corrected, could impair
the structural integrity of the affected aeroplanes.
This [EASA] AD requires detailed inspection [for cracked and
missing nuts] and replacement of nuts P/N ASNA2531-4 with new ones
having the same P/N, in order to restore the structural integrity of
the affected aeroplanes, and the accomplishment of the applicable
corrective actions. [If no missing or cracked nut is found, replace
with new nut.]
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183,
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-53-5056, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010
(for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes). 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
This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as
follows: The MCAI and the service information include a reporting
requirement. This AD does not require reporting of the inspection
results to the airplane manufacturer.
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-2012-0292; Directorate
Identifier 2011-NM-056-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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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 19073]]
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:
2012-06-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-16991. Docket No. FAA-2012-0292;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-056-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 16,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302,-303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, manufacturer serial
numbers 0895, 0898 through 0900 inclusive, 0903 through 0909
inclusive, 0911, 0913 through 0916 inclusive, 0918 through 0920
inclusive, 0922, 0923, 0926, 0927, 0930 through 0932 inclusive, 0934
through 0936 inclusive, 0940, and 0951.
(2) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, manufacturer serial
numbers 0846, 0848, 0894, 0897, 0902, 0910, 0912, 0917, and 0929.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked nuts detected during
production. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked or
missing nuts, and replace all affected nuts in multiple locations
(including fuel tank areas) that could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action in Fuel Tank Areas
For nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel
tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first
flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or
cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas
overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October
7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace
the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes);
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and
-600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before
further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action in Fuel Tank Areas
For nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel
tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first
flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or
cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas
overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October
7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace
the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes);
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and
-600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before
further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(h) Inspection and Corrective Action in Areas Other Than Fuel Tank
Areas
For nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4 not located in fuel tank areas:
Within 72 months since first flight of airplane or 6 months after
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed
inspection for missing or cracked nuts, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30,
2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and
02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series
airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116; or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace
that nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes);
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and
-600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before
further flight, replace that nut with a new nut having the same part
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
[[Page 19074]]
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, 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 emailed 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.
(j) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-
0252, dated November 29, 2010, and the service information
identified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD for related
information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010.
(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; email [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 8, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7008 Filed 3-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P