[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52405-52407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19161]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-AD;
Amendment 39-17549; AD 2013-16-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture could occur on
certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs). This AD
requires repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity tests, and
replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the ballscrew lower
splines, may lead to
[[Page 52406]]
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: This AD becomes effective September 27, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 27,
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, 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.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2013 (78 FR
25664). The 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 AD 2012-0210, dated October 11, 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:
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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013)
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 this 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 (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 30 products of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it takes 7 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 the AD on U.S.
operators to be $17,850, or $595 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions 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 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 this AD, the MCAI, 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:
2013-16-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17549. Docket No. FAA-2013-0335;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-AD.
[[Page 52407]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September
27, 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 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
paragraph (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
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0210, dated
October 11, 2012, for related information, which can be found in the
AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
(k) 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 A330-27-3191, dated June
7, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June
7, 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 August 1, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19161 Filed 8-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P