[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 211 (Wednesday, October 31, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65812-65815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26192]
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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;
Amendment 39-17235; AD 2012-21-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and -
300
[[Page 65813]]
series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump failure. This AD
requires 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 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.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 5, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 5,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 11, 2012 (77 FR
40830). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(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 [European Aviation Safety
Agency] 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 40830, July 11,
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed--except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 40830, July 11, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 40830, July 11, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the 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 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 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.
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 the NPRM (77 FR 40830, July 11, 2012),
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.
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:
[[Page 65814]]
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:
2012-21-19 Airbus: Amendment 39-17235. Docket No. FAA-2012-0719;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 5,
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
to paragraph (g)(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 provided 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.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD--Compliance Times
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Affected airplanes Compliance time
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For airplanes on which Airbus A330 Within 3,000 flight hours or 7
certification maintenance months, whichever occurs first
requirements (CMR) Task 292000- after the effective date of this
00001-1-C, or Airbus A340-200/-300 AD.
CMR Task 292000-A0001-1-C, or
Airbus 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 Airbus Within 24 months after the last
A330 CMR Task 292000-00001-1-C, or accomplishment of Airbus A330 CMR
Airbus A340-200/-300 CMR Task Task 292000-00001-1-C, or Airbus
292000-A0001-1-C, or Airbus A330/ A340-200/-300 CMR Task 292000-
A340 MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as A0001-1-C, or Airbus A330/A340
applicable to the airplane type, MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, applicable
has already been accomplished as to the airplane type, or 30 days
of the effective date of this AD. after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
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(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A330 series airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A340 series airplanes).
(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 Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly on any airplane 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
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011, and the service
bulletins specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD, for
related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this
[[Page 65815]]
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26192 Filed 10-30-12; 8:45 am]
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