[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 85 (Thursday, May 2, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25664-25666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10366]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-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 A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture
could occur on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators
(THSAs). This proposed AD would require repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft
integrity tests, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD
to detect and correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on
the ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA
blowback, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 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 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, 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-2013-0335;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-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 2012-0210, dated October 11, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the
[[Page 25665]]
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
Since the issuance of EASA AD 2012-0061 which addresses the
corrosion identified in service on THSA [part number] P/N 47147-500
and P/N 47147-700 at the level of the ballscrew lower splines,
further analyses have been conducted to determine the need for any
additional action.
The ballscrew lower splines are not loaded in normal operation,
only in case of ballscrew rupture. Analysis results have shown that
such rupture could happen during the current inspection interval
imposed by the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), task 274000-
12.
Corrosion on the lower splines, in case of ballscrew rupture,
may lead to loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the
ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA blowback, which could
result in loss of control of the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
reduction of the check interval of MRBR task 274000-12.
Required actions include repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity
tests. Corrective actions include replacement of the THSA. You may
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins. The actions
described in this service information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June
7, 2012.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June
7, 2012.
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 30 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 7 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 $17,850, or $595 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing up to $722,556, for a
cost of up to $723,236 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-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
187-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 17, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212,
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category;
all manufacturer serial numbers; if fitted with a trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) having part number (P/N)
47147-500 or P/N 47147-700.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture
could occur on certain THSAs. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the
ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA
blowback, which could result in 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) Repetitive Integrity Tests
At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, do a THSA ballscrew shaft
integrity test, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7,
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June
7, 2012; as applicable. Repeat the integrity test thereafter at
intervals not to exceed
[[Page 25666]]
12,000 flight hours or 4,400 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
(1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i),
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Within 12,000 flight hours since the airplane's first
flight; or
(ii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done as specified in maintenance
review board report (MRBR) Task 274000-12; or
(iii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3179 or Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins
specify testing in case of type II or type III findings).
(2) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, but without exceeding the latest of the times specified in
paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) 16,000 flight hours since the airplane's first flight.
(ii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in MRBR task 274000-12.
(iii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-27-3179, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins specify
testing in case of type II or type III findings).
(h) Replacement
If the result from any test required by paragraph (g) of this AD
is not correct, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 2012;
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 7,
2012; as applicable: Before further flight, replace the THSA with a
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7,
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June
7, 2012; as applicable. Replacement of a THSA, as required by this
paragraph, with a THSA having P/N 47147-500 or P/N 47147-700, is not
terminating action for the repetitive tests required by paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(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,
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0210, dated October 11, 2012, and the service bulletins specified in
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June
7, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June
7, 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 April 23, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-10366 Filed 5-1-13; 8:45 am]
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