[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40830-40832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16966]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump
failure. This proposed AD would require inspecting the RAT pump anti-
stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump,
performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT
pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump,
which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 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.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review copies of the referenced 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.
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 proposed 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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0719;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on 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 proposed AD.
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 2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During a test flight before delivery from production, an A330
aeroplane experienced a RAT [ram air turbine] pump failure, as a
result of which, the green hydraulic system could not be fully
pressurized.
Investigations concluded that this malfunction was due to poor
installation of the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a shift in the
anti-stall speed setting and leading to an inability of the
hydraulic pump Part Number (P/N) 5909522 to provide enough hydraulic
pressure.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
in-flight loss of the RAT-Pump pressurization which, in case of a
total engine flame out, could have consequences for the hydraulic
circuits, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
A340-500/-600 series aeroplanes are not affected by this issue
because they are fitted with a different hydraulic pump P/N.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a check
to ensure correct setting of the RAT anti-stall valve in the pump
housing, followed by a RAT functional ground test, and
accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions, depending on
findings.
Corrective actions include replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly
with a serviceable part. Required actions include reporting the
findings of the inspection. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated
July 19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); and Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model A340 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 Proposed 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
[[Page 40831]]
of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all
pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 59 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $20,060, or $340 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing up to $405,143, for a
cost of up to $405,738 per product. We have no way of determining the
number of products that may need these actions.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
240-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 27, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: Hydraulic
Power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump
failure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of
the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump
pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control 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) Actions
(1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1
of this AD, as applicable, check the RAT pump anti-stall valve for
correct setting, re-identify the RAT pump, and do a functional
ground test of the RAT, except as required by paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes).
Table 1--Compliance Times
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Affected airplanes Compliance time
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For airplanes on which the A330 Within 3,000 flight hours or 7
(certification maintenance months, whichever occurs first
requirements) CMR Task 292000-00001-1- after the effective date of
C, or A340-200/-300 CMR Task 292000- this AD.
A0001-1-C, or A330/A340 (maintenance
review board report) MRBR Task
29.20.00/06, as applicable to the
airplane type, has not been
accomplished as of the effective date
of this AD.
For airplanes on which the A330 CMR Within 24 months after the last
Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-200/- accomplishment of A330 CMR
300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-1-C, or A330/ Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-
A340 MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as 200/-300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-
applicable to the airplane type, has 1-C, or A330/A340 MRBR Task
already been accomplished as of the 29.20.00/06, applicable to the
effective date of this AD. airplane type, or 30 days
after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs
later.
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[[Page 40832]]
(2) If the functional ground test of the RAT, as required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is not successful (as defined by the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD): Before
further flight, replace the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i)
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(3) Any airplane equipped with a RAT hydraulic pump marked with
an ``X'' or a date (month/year) in the amendment cell C of the
identification plate, which has been successfully tested (as defined
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD)
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD prior to the effective date of this AD, is considered
compliant with the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD.
(h) Parts Installation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly unless it has been inspected,
corrected, and successfully tested (as defined by the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD) in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, on any airplane.
(i) Definition
A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly that
has been inspected, corrected, and successfully tested (as defined
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD),
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
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 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive
2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011, and the service bulletins
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for
related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011.
(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. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16966 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
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