[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 7, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66764-66766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27125]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1160; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-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 Model A330-200, -300 and -200 Freighter series airplanes; and
all Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that the bonding lead from a certain
isolation valve to a frame was too close to an electrical harness,
which might cause chafing between the electrical harness and the
associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to a short circuit of
the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation valve,
which would prevent the air-flow to be shut-off in case of fire. This
proposed AD would require modifying the bonding lead installation of
the isolation valve. We are proposing this AD to prevent such chafing,
which could result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the event
of a fire and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to its
occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24,
2012.
[[Page 66765]]
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, WA. 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, WA 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-2012-1160;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-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 2012-0090, dated May 22, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
It was noticed in production that the bonding lead from the
isolation valve 283HN to Frame (FR) 64, between Stringer (STGR) 33
and STGR 34, was too close to the electrical harness 5871VB. The
results of the technical investigations carried out by Airbus
determined that this insufficient clearance may cause chafing
between the electrical harness 5871VB and the associated bonding
lead.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a short circuit
of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation
valve 283HN, which would prevent the air flow to be shut-off in case
of fire, potentially resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury
to its occupants.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
installation of a new bonding bracket and new bonding lead at
STGR33, between FR64 and FR65 introduced by Airbus modification
(mod.) 201500, or mod. 201681 in production, or Airbus Service
Bulletin (SB) A330-21-3165, SB A330-21-3160 or SB A340-21-4152 in
service.
In addition, for aeroplanes already modified in accordance with
the instructions of Airbus SB A330-21-3165 or SB A340-21-4152 at
original issue or Revision 01, it [this EASA AD] requires
accomplishment of the additional work (additional wiring connected
to the structure of the aeroplane).
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 4,
2011.
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02, dated
March 29, 2012.
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 02,
dated March 29, 2012.
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 58 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $66 per product. 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. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $33,408, or $576 per product.
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.
[[Page 66766]]
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-2012-1160; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
096-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 24, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer
serial numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification
201500 has been embodied in production.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes, all manufacturer serial
numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification 201681
has been embodied in production.
(3) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air
conditioning.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that the bonding lead
from a certain isolation valve to a frame was too close to an
electrical harness, which might cause chafing between the electrical
harness and the associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to
a short circuit of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of
the isolation valve, which would prevent the air-flow to be shut-off
in case of fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent such chafing,
which could result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the
event of a fire and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to
its occupants.
(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) Bonding Lead Installation Modification
Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
bonding lead installation of isolation valve 283HN, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this
AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 02,
dated March 29, 2012 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August
4, 2011 (for Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes).
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 02,
dated March 29, 2012 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312,
and -313 airplanes).
(h) Bonding Lead Additional Work Modification
For airplanes that have already been modified, prior to the
effective date of this AD, as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-21-3165, dated September 27, 2011; or Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011;
or according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152,
dated September 27, 2011; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-
21-4152, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011: Within 48 months
after the effective date of this AD, perform the ``Additional
Work,'' as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02, dated March 29,
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision
02, dated March 29, 2012; as applicable.
(i) 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,
WA 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
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2012-0090, dated May 22, 2012, and the following service
information, for related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August
4, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02,
dated March 29, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision
02, dated March 29, 2012.
(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 October 30, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27125 Filed 11-6-12; 8:45 am]
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