[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12988-12991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04339]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0094; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-160-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 A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports that certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer
actuators (THSA) were found with corrosion that affected the ballscrew
lower splines between the tie-bar and screw-jack. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections of the THSA; ballscrew integrity
tests, if necessary; and replacement of affected THSAs. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the ballscrew
lower splines, which, if the ballscrew ruptured, could lead to
transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar,
prompting THSA blowback, and possible loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 12, 2013.
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 Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet
http://www.airbus.com. For Goodrich service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Actuation Systems,
Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton WV10 7EH, England; telephone
+44 (0) 1902 624938; fax +44 (0) 1902 788100; email
[email protected]; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.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: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405;
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-2013-0094;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-160-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 2012-0175, dated September 7, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Some Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuators (THSA), Part Number
(P/N) 47147-500 fitted on A330/A340 aeroplanes have been found with
corrosion, affecting the ballscrew lower splines between the tie bar
and the screw-jack. The affected ballscrew is made of steel and anti-
corrosion protection is ensured, except on both extremities (upper and
lower splines) where Molykote is applied.
The results of the technical investigations have identified that
the corrosion was caused by a combination of:
--contact/friction between the tie bar and the inner surface of the
ballscrew, leading to the removal of Molykote (corrosion protection) at
the level of the tie bar splines,
--humidity ingress initiating surface oxidation starting from areas
where Molykote is removed, and
--water retention in THSA lower part leading to corrosion spread out
and to the creation of a brown deposit (iron oxide).
The results of the technical investigations have also concluded
that A320 family THSA P/N 47145-XXX (where XXX stands for any numerical
[[Page 12989]]
value) ballscrews might be affected by this corrosion issue.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead, in case of
ballscrew rupture, to loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from
the ballscrew to the tie-bar, prompting THSA blowback, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive
detailed inspections of the ballscrew lower splines of THSAs having P/N
47145-XXX to detect corrosion and, depending on findings, the
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.
The required action is repetitive detailed inspections of the gaps
between the ballscrew shaft and tie-rod splines of the affected THSAs
to determine the corrosion category. Depending on the corrosion
category, additional actions include a ballscrew shaft integrity test
and replacing the THSA with a new THSA if necessary. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, including Appendix
01, dated February 23, 2012; and Goodrich has issued Service Bulletin
47145-27-16, dated November 7, 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 755 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 $256,700, or $340 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 15 work-hours and require parts costing $2,203, for a cost
of $3,478 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
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:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0094; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
160-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 12, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131,
-132, and -133 airplanes; Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -
231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that certain trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA) were found with corrosion
that affected the ballscrew lower splines between the tie-bar and
screw-jack. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion
in the ballscrew lower splines, which, if the ballscrew ruptured,
could lead to transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew
to the tie-bar, prompting THSA blowback, and possible loss of
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) Explanation of THSA First Flight
For the purposes of this AD, the definition of THSA first flight
is the THSA ``entry into service date,'' as identified in Goodrich
Service Bulletin 47145-27-16, dated November 7, 2011. If the THSA
part number (P/N) is not identified in Goodrich Service Bulletin
47145-27-16, dated November 7, 2011, the THSA first flight is the
manufacturing date engraved on the THSA identification plate.
[[Page 12990]]
(h) Repetitive Inspections
At the later of the times in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of
this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the gaps between the ballscrew
shaft and tie-rod splines on any THSA having P/N 47145-XXX (where
XXX stands for any numerical value) to determine if the corrosion
category is Type I, Type II, or Type III, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214,
including Appendix 01, dated February 23, 2012; and the
Accomplishment Instructions and the flowchart following the
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 47145-27-
16, dated November 7, 2011. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 24 months.
(1) Within 22 years accumulated by the THSA since the THSA's
first flight, but no earlier than 20 years accumulated by the THSA
since its first flight.
(2) Within three months after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Ballscrew Integrity Test and Corrective Actions
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
it is determined that a THSA has Type II or Type III corrosion:
Before further flight, do a ballscrew integrity test, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-27-1214, including Appendix 01, dated February 23, 2012; and
the Accomplishment Instructions and the flowchart following the
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service Bulletin 47145-27-
16, dated November 7, 2011. If Type I corrosion is found, no action
is required by this paragraph.
(1) For THSAs having Type II or Type III corrosion and for which
the results of the ballscrew integrity test are not correct, as
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, including
Appendix 01, dated February 23, 2012: Before further flight, replace
the affected THSA with a new THSA, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214,
including Appendix 01, dated February 23, 2012.
(2) For THSAs having Type III corrosion and on which the results
of the ballscrew integrity test are correct, as specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320 27-1214, including Appendix 01, dated February
23, 2012: Within 10 days after the most recent inspection, replace
the THSA with a new THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, including
Appendix 01, dated February 23, 2012.
(3) For THSAs having Type II corrosion and on which the results
of the ballscrew integrity test are correct, as specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320 27-1214, including Appendix 01, dated February
23, 2012: Within 24 months or 5,000 flight cycles after the most
recent inspection, whichever occurs first, replace the THSA with a
new THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, including Appendix 01, dated
February 23, 2012.
(j) Replacement of a THSA Is Not Terminating Action
Replacement of a THSA, as required by paragraph (i) of this AD,
does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(k) Reporting Requirement
If any corrosion type is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable time in paragraph (k)(1)
or (k)(2) of this AD, report the findings to Airbus, Customer
Services Engineering--SEEL5, Flight Control Systems A320 Family, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax +33 5
61 93 44 25. The report must include the information specified in
Appendix 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, dated February
23, 2012.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Within 90 days after that inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(l) Parts Installation Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
THSA having P/N 47145-XXX (where XXX stands for any numerical
value), on any airplane, unless that THSA meets the criteria
specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD.
(1) The THSA has not accumulated 20 years since the THSA's first
flight, or the THSA has been inspected as required by paragraph (h)
of this AD and it has been determined that the THSA had Type I
corrosion (no corrosion) at the time of installation; and
(2) The THSA is thereafter inspected as required by paragraph
(h) of this AD, and any applicable actions specified in paragraph
(i) of this AD are accomplished.
(m) 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: Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; 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.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing, and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(n) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane
can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), provided that, if
any THSA corrosion is found during any action required by paragraph
(h) of this AD, that corrosion is classified as Type I or Type II,
as defined in Goodrich Service Bulletin 47145-27-16, dated November
7, 2011.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0175,
dated September 7, 2012, and the service information specified in
paragraphs (o)(1)(i) and (o)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1214, including Appendix 01,
dated February 23, 2012.
(ii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 47145-27-16, dated November 7,
2011.
(2) For Airbus service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com. For Goodrich service information
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Actuation
Systems, Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton WV10 7EH, England;
telephone +44 (0) 1902 624938; fax +44 (0) 1902 788100; email
[email protected]; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW.,
[[Page 12991]]
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-04339 Filed 2-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P