[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 104 (Thursday, May 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32347-32349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12519]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1162; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-002-AD;
Amendment 39-17459; AD 2013-10-06]
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, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by
several reports of a burning smell and/or smoke in the cockpit during
cruise phase leading, in some cases, to diversion to alternate
airports. This AD requires an inspection to identify the installed
windshields and replacement of any affected windshield. We are issuing
this AD to prevent significantly increased workload for the flightcrew,
which could, under some flight phases and/or circumstances, constitute
an unsafe condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 5, 2013.
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, WA 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 November 7, 2012 (77
FR 66760). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community,
has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0242, dated December 19,
2011 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) states:
Several operators have reported cases of burning smell and/or
smoke in the cockpit during cruise phase leading in some cases to
diversion.
Findings have shown that the cause of these events is the
burning of the Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) windshield connector
terminal block.
This condition, if not corrected, could significantly increase
the flight crew workload which would, under some flight phases and/
or circumstances, constitute an unsafe condition.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
identification of the installed windshields and replacement of the
affected part.
* * * * *
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Revised Service Information
Since the NPRM (77 FR 66760, November 7, 2012) was published, we
have received the following service information:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision
02, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012;
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012; and
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
We have determined that these service bulletins do not add any
additional actions to those proposed in the NPRM. Therefore, we have
revised paragraphs (g), (h), and (j) of this AD to refer to these
service bulletins, and have revised paragraph (i) of this AD to provide
credit for actions performed before the effective date of this AD using
the previous revisions of those service bulletins.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received. The Air Line Pilots
Association (ALPA) stated that it supports the NPRM (77 FR 66760,
November 7, 2012).
Request To Revise Applicability
Airbus requested that the applicability stated in the NPRM (77 FR
66760, November 7, 2012) be revised to state the generic Model ``A330-
200/-300'' and ``A340-500/-600'' series airplanes instead of the
specific airplane models. Airbus stated that the actions of the NPRM
are actually required for all the series airplanes instead of only the
models stated in the NPRM.
We disagree. The models stated in paragraph (c) of the NPRM (77 FR
66760, November 7, 2012) correspond to the model and series airplanes
validated by the FAA and identified in an FAA type certificate data
sheet (TCDS). Some series airplanes that were identified in the MCAI
are not listed on any FAA TCDS and cannot be imported and placed on the
U.S. register until that model is validated and identified on an FAA
TCDS. If a model identified in the MCAI is identified on an FAA TCDS in
the future, we might consider additional rulemaking. We have not
changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 66760, November 7, 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 66760, November 7, 2012).
[[Page 32348]]
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 55 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 2 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 $9,350, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of
$850 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. 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 66760, November 7,
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.
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:
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:
2013-10-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-17459. Docket No. FAA-2012-1162;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-002-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 5,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer
serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F,
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541,
and -642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by several reports of a burning smell and/
or smoke in the cockpit during cruise phase leading, in some cases,
to diversion to alternate airports. We are issuing this AD to
prevent significantly increased workload for the flightcrew, which
could, under some flight phases and/or circumstances, constitute an
unsafe condition.
(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) Inspection
Within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
inspect to identify the manufacturer, the part number, and the
serial number of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) windshields
installed on the airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information identified
in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. A review of
airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
this inspection if the manufacturer, part number, and serial number
of the installed windshields can be conclusively determined from
that review.
(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02,
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes: Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
dated February 8, 2012.
(h) Replacement
If it is found, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, that any installed LH or RH windshield was manufactured
by Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) and the part number and serial number
are identified in the applicable Airbus service information
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Within
9 months or 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, replace all affected LH and RH windshields,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
Airbus service information identified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2),
or (h)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02,
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes: Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin
[[Page 32349]]
A340-56-5002, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8,
2012.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service
information identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this
AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, dated May 4, 2010 (for
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 01, dated
January 27, 2011 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243,
-243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, dated May 4, 2010 (for
Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes).
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, dated May 4, 2010 (for
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes).
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on an
airplane any affected windshield from SGS having a part number and
serial number identified in the applicable service information
identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD,
unless a suffix ``U'' is present at the end of the serial number.
(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02,
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes: Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
dated February 8, 2012.
(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,
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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011-0242,
dated December 19, 2011 (corrected February 15, 2012), and the
service information identified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through
(l)(1)(iii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02,
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 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, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this 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 A330-56-3009, Revision 02,
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012.
(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 May 16, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-12519 Filed 5-29-13; 8:45 am]
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