[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 71 (Monday, April 14, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20839-20841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08319]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0228 Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-216-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 A330-200 Freighter, A330-200 and -300, and A340-200, -300,
-500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
reassessment of an unsafe condition related to MZ-type spoiler servo-
controls (SSCs) that did not remain locked in the retracted position
(hydraulic locking function) after manual depressurization of the
corresponding hydraulic circuit. This reassessment resulted in the
determination that performing repetitive operational tests of all SSC
types is necessary. This proposed AD would require repetitive
operational tests of the hydraulic locking function on each SSC
installed on the blue or yellow hydraulic circuits, and replacing any
affected SSC with a serviceable SSC. We are proposing this AD to detect
and correct loss of the hydraulic locking function during take-off,
which, in combination with one inoperative engine, could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 29, 2014.
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 view this 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
[[Page 20840]]
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-2014-0228;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-216-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 2013-0251 dated October 15, 2013; Correction
dated October 16, 2013 (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:
During post-flight maintenance checks accomplished on an A330
and on an A340 airplane, it was identified that seven spoiler servo-
controls MZ series had lost their hydraulic locking function. The
results of the subsequent technical investigation accomplished in-
shop by the part supplier confirmed the system failure was due to a
sheared seal on the blocking valve, ensuring the blocking function
of the spoiler. It is suspected that the seal damage may have
occurred during accomplishment of a modification to fit a new design
of maintenance cover on wing, required by EASA AD 2008-0160 [(http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2008_0160.pdf/AD_2008-0160)],
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR
46313, September 9, 2009)].
This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination
with one engine inoperative at take-off, could result in reduced
control of the aeroplane.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued All Operators Telex
(AOT) A330-27A3185 and AOT A340-27A4181 to request a one-time
operational test of the Hydraulic Locking Function for aeroplanes on
which MZ type Spoiler Servo Control (SSC) Part Number (P/N)
MZ4339390-12 or P/N MZ4306000-12 are fitted, and EASA issued AD
2012-0009 http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2012_0009.pdf/AD_2012-0009 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2012-25-10, Amendment 39-
17291 (77 FR 76228, December 27, 2012)] to require accomplishment of
this test.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus re-assessed the
situation and determined that it is necessary to introduce
repetitive inspections [operational tests] of the SSC, irrespective
of SSC type. Airbus issued three SBs for those repetitive
inspections [operational tests] on all A330, A340, and A340-500/600
aeroplanes.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive operational tests of the hydraulic locking function of
the SSC installed on the Blue and Yellow hydraulic circuits,
irrespective of the SSC type, and, depending on test results,
replacement of the SSC.
This [EASA] AD has been republished to correct the date of
publication.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2014-0228.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service information. The actions
described in this service information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3195, dated
December 7, 2012.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4188, dated
December 7, 2012.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5059, dated
April 10, 2013.
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
We estimate that this proposed AD affects about 77 airplanes 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. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $39,270, or $510
per product.
We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to do
any necessary SSC replacement that would be required based on the
results of the proposed operational test. Required parts would cost
about $35,000 per SSC. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements.
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 proposed 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);
[[Page 20841]]
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.
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0228; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
216-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 29, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, 303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in
any category; all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reassessment of an unsafe condition
related to MZ-type spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) that did not remain
locked in the retracted position (hydraulic locking function) after
manual depressurization of the corresponding hydraulic circuit. This
reassessment resulted in the determination that performing
repetitive operational tests of all SSC types is necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the hydraulic locking
function during take-off, which, in combination with one inoperative
engine, could result in reduced controllability 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 Operational Tests
(1) At the time specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD:
Accomplish an operational test of the hydraulic locking function on
each SSC (any type), when fitted on the Blue or Yellow hydraulic
circuits, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i),
(g)(1)(ii) or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD. Repeat the operational test
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 48 months.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3195, dated
December 7, 2012 (for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200 and -300
series airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4188, dated
December 7, 2012 (for Model A340-200, and -300 series airplanes).
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5059, dated
April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(2) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs
(g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, do the
operational test specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Within 48 months since first flight of the airplane.
(ii) Within 48 months since accomplishing the most recent
operational test specified in the applicable Airbus All Operator
Telex (AOT) A330-27A3185 or AOT A340-27A4181, both dated January 4,
2012.
(iii) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Replacement of Affected SSCs
If, during any operational test required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, the hydraulic locking function of an SSC fails the test,
before further flight, replace the affected SSC with a serviceable
part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i),
(g)(1)(ii) or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(i) No Terminating Action
Doing the replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD is
not terminating action for the repetitive operational tests required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) 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, use these actions if they
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its
delegated agent, or the DAH with a State of Design Authority's
design organization approval). For a repair method to be approved,
the repair approval must specifically refer to this AD. You are
required to ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to
service.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-0251
dated October 15, 2013; Correction dated October 16, 2013, for
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0228.
(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 view this 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 4, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-08319 Filed 4-11-14; 8:45 am]
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