[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23909-23912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09412]
[[Page 23909]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0255; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-056-AD;
Amendment 39-17840; AD 2014-09-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and
-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of
certain sidestay upper cardan pins of the main landing gear (MLG), and
associated nuts and retainer assemblies, and pin replacement if
necessary. This AD also provides for an optional measurement of the
cardan pin clearance dimensions (gap check) and corrective actions if
necessary, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This AD
was prompted by a report of a sidestay upper cardan pin of the MLG
migrating out of position. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which could result in
disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure,
and could result in a landing gear collapse and consequent damage to
the airplane and injury to occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 14, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 14,
2014.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 13, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0255; 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 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, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 2014-0066, (correction) dated March 20, 2014
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
An A330 aeroplane equipped with Basic (main landing gear) MLG
was rolling out after landing when it experienced a nose wheel
steering fault (unrelated to the safety subject addressed by this
[EASA] AD), which resulted in the crew stopping the aeroplane on the
taxiway after vacating the runway.
The subsequent investigation revealed that the right-hand MLG
sidestay upper cardan pin had migrated out of position. The sidestay
upper cardan nut and retainer were found in the landing gear bay
detached from the upper cardan pin. The nut and the retainer were
still bolted together.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a
complete migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin and a
disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the aeroplane
structure, possibly resulting in MLG collapse with consequent damage
to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
To address this potential condition, Airbus published Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A32L003-14, providing inspection
instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
accomplishment of repetitive [detailed inspections for visible
chrome] of the MLG upper cardan pin, nut and retainer [and pin
replacement if necessary. This [EASA] AD also requires
accomplishment of a gap check between wing rear spar fitting lugs
and the bush flanges [and corrective actions if necessary.
Corrective actions include repair or replacement of the cardan pin
assembly].
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0255.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
A32L003-14, dated March 10, 2014, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3 (the
issue date is not specified on the appendices). The actions described
in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe
condition identified in the MCAI.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-0066, (correction)
dated March 20, 2014, specifies that accomplishment of the gap check
and corrective actions constitute terminating action for the AD. We
consider the replacement of the cardan pin assembly as specified in
paragraph (g)(3) to be terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or
[[Page 23910]]
develop on other products of these same type designs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin and disconnection of the
sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure, could result in a
landing gear collapse and consequent damage to the airplane and injury
to occupants. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0255; Directorate
Identifier 2014-NM-056-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.
Interim Action
This AD is considered to be interim action. We are currently
considering requiring a measurement of the cardan pin clearance
dimensions (gap check) to determine that no gap exists between wing
rear spar fitting lugs and the associated bush flanges of the left-hand
and right-hand main landing gear (MLG), and applicable corrective
actions, which will constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by this AD action. However, the planned compliance
time for the measurement would allow enough time to provide notice and
opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the measurement
and applicable corrective actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 83 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour 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 on U.S. operators to be $7,055, or $85 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $7,530, for a cost of
$7,870 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these actions.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. 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.
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2014-09-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-17840. Docket No. FAA-2014-0255;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-056-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 14, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-
243, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323,
A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial
numbers (MSNs), equipped with basic (201252 series) main landing
gear (MLG), or growth (201490 series) MLG.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-
312, and A340-
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313 airplanes, all MSNs, equipped with basic (201252 series) MLG or
growth (201490 series) MLG.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a sidestay upper cardan pin
of the MLG migrating out of position. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which
could result in disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the
airplane structure, and which could result in a landing gear
collapse and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Detailed Inspections
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD on which the affected MLG has exceeded 8 years
since first overhaul, as of the effective date of this AD, except
those MLG that have had a second overhaul: Within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, accomplish a detailed inspection for
visible chrome of each affected MLG sidestay upper cardan pin, and
associated nut and retainer assembly, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32L003-
14, dated March 10, 2014, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3 (the
issue date is not specified on the appendices).
(i) Airplanes equipped with any MLG sidestay upper cardan pin
subassembly part number (P/N) 201267202 (on 201252 series MLG).
(ii) Airplanes equipped with any MLG sidestay upper cardan pin
subassembly P/N 201483202 (on 201490 series MLG).
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, no pin chrome is visible inboard of the wing rear spar
fitting lug, repeat the detailed inspection for visible chrome
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 10 days.
(3) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD, pin chrome is visible inboard of the wing rear
spar fitting lug, before further flight, replace the affected cardan
pin assembly, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT
A32L003-14, dated March 10, 2014, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3
(the issue date is not specified on the appendices). Replacement of
the affected cardan pin assembly terminates the need for repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: MLG sidestay upper cardan
pin subassembly P/N 201267202 (found in Airbus Illustrated Parts
Catalogue (IPC) as item 32-11-18-01) includes the cardan pin P/N
201267600. MLG sidestay upper cardan pin subassembly P/N 201483202
(found in Airbus IPC as item 32-11-18-01) includes the cardan pin P/
N 201483600.
(h) Optional Terminating Action--Gap Check
Measuring the cardan pin clearance dimensions (gap check) and
doing the applicable corrective action specified in paragraph (h)(1)
or (h)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections required
by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD for that sidestay upper
cardan pin, nut, and retainer only. The measurement must be done in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A32L003-14, dated
March 10, 2014, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3 (the issue date is
not specified on the appendices).
(1) If the total clearance dimension (gap check result) is equal
to or greater than 1.5 mm, replace the cardan pin assembly, in
accordance with Airbus AOT A32L003-14, dated March 10, 2014,
including Appendices 1, 2, and 3 (the issue date is not specified on
the appendices).
(2) If the total clearance dimension (gap check) is less than
1.5 mm but greater than 0.6 mm, do the actions specified in
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Send the information (Appendix 2 proforma, photographs, and
the movement traceability sheet) specified in paragraph 4.2.3,
``Findings'' of Airbus AOT A32L003-14, dated March 10, 2014,
including Appendices 1, 2, and 3, to Airbus at the address specified
in Appendix 2 of Airbus AOT A32L003-14, dated March 10, 2014.
(ii) Repair using a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent,
or the Design Approval Holder with EASA's design organization
approval, as applicable).
(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,
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, 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, as applicable). You are required to
ensure 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.
(j) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-0066,
(correction) dated March 20, 2014, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0255.
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32L003-14, dated
March 10, 2014, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3 (the issue date is
not specified on the appendices).
(ii) Reserved.
(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 view this 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.
[[Page 23912]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 16, 2014.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09412 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P