[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58336-58338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23147]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0939; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-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
certain Airbus Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and
-343 airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have
deviations in quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore
holes, improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness.
This proposed AD would require inspecting to identify the part and
serial numbers of the forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the
affected cargo doors. We are proposing this AD to prevent the degraded
structural capability of the cargo door, a primary structure, from
leading to failure of the door, which could lead to a breach through
the door or the door detaching from the airplane, resulting in
potential rapid decompression.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5,
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-2012-0939;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-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 2011-0177, dated September 15, 2011 (corrected
September 28, 2011) (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Investigations have shown that a specific batch of cargo doors
might have deviations in
[[Page 58337]]
quality, such as irregular bore holes, improper application of
sealant and paint or cleanliness. These production deviations are
related to the quality of the door structure.
This condition, if not corrected, may degrade the structural
integrity of the affected Forward (Fwd) and Aft cargo doors.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection to identify the [part and serial numbers of the] Fwd
and Aft cargo doors, and replacement of the affected cargo doors.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is the degraded structural capability of the cargo
door, a primary structure, which could lead to failure of the door,
which could detach from the airplane or have a breach through the door,
resulting in potential decompression. Required actions include
contacting the FAA, or EASA (or its delegated agent), for repair
instructions for any door part/serial number that cannot be identified
for a specified airplane. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A330-52-3083 (for
affected Model A330 airplanes) and A340-52-4093 (for Model A340-313
airplanes), both dated May 31, 2011. 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 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 6 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 2 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 $1,020, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 52 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of
$4,420 per product; the manufacturer has agreed to reimburse these
labor costs. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. 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-2012-0939; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
200-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 5, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0796, 0832, 0840, 0845,
0849, 0853, 0855, 0861, 0862, 0866, 0868, 0871, 0873, 0876, 0879,
0882, 0885, 0887, 0889, 0891, 0892, 0896, 0898, 0899, 0903, 0904,
0905, 0907, 0913, 0927, 0930, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0940, 0943, 0944,
0946, 0949, 0952, 0954, 0964, 0971, 0975, 0982 through 0986
inclusive, 0988, 0989, 0990, 0992, 0994, 0995, 0997, 0998, 0999,
1001, 1002, 1003, 1006, 1007, 1009 through 1016 inclusive, 1018,
1020, 1022, 1023, 1026, 1028, 1029, 1037, 1045, 1049, 1052, 1053,
1055, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1065 through 1067 inclusive, 1071 through
1075 inclusive, 1077, 1080, and 1082.
(2) Model A340-313 airplane, MSN 0955.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo
doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure,
such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and
paint, or uncleanliness. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary
structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could detach
from the airplane or have a breach through the door, resulting in
potential rapid decompression.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the
[[Page 58338]]
compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been
done.
(g) Inspection
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Inspect to identify the part number and serial
number of the airplane's forward and aft cargo doors, as applicable
to MSN, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for
Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes). A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number and serial number of the door can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 7,400 total flight cycles, or
72 months after the airplane's first flight, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Replacement
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
the part number and serial number of the airplane's forward and/or
aft cargo doors, as applicable to airplane MSN, are identified in
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011
(for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Before
further flight, replace the affected door with a new or serviceable
door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011; or
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011;
as applicable.
(i) Repair
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
there is any discrepancy between the installed forward and/or aft
cargo doors part/serial number and the airplane MSN, as that part/
serial number and MSN are identified in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated
May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Within 10 days after
accomplishing the inspection, contact the FAA, or the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent), for further
instructions and time limits, and accomplish those instructions
within the specified time limits.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on
any airplane a forward or aft cargo door that was removed from any
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(k) 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.
(l) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0177, dated
September 15, 2011 (corrected September 28, 2011), and the service
information identified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD,
for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May
31, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May
31, 2011.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23147 Filed 9-19-12; 8:45 am]
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