[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27814-27817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-11187]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0251; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-179-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, A330-300, A340-200, -300, -
500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a
determination that the service life limits of the cabin pressure
control system (CPCS) safety valves installed on the aft pressure
bulkhead were being exceeded. This proposed AD would require repetitive
replacement of the CPCS safety valves with serviceable valves. We are
proposing this AD to prevent exceeding the service life limits of the
CPCS safety valves, which, in the event of a failure, could result in
excessive positive or negative differential pressure in the fuselage
and consequent
[[Page 27815]]
incapacitation or injuries to airplane occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 30, 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 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 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-
0251; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2014-0251;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-179-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 2013-0201, dated September 4, 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:
Investigation results on the Cabin Pressure Control System
(CPCS) safety valve demonstrate that this part is subject to
repetitive restoration every 50,000 flight hours (FH) or 12 years,
but this airworthiness instruction is not yet reflected in the
instructions for continuing airworthiness. Moreover, this safety
valve, part of the CPCS, is not failure monitored.
In order to maintain the required safety objectives, the CPCS
safety valves must be replaced by a serviceable part no later than
the above values.
For the reasons describe above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive replacement of CPCS safety valves.
Exceeding the service life limits of the CPCS safety valve, in the
event of a failure, could result in excessive positive or negative
differential pressure in the fuselage, and consequent incapacitation or
injuries to airplane occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0251.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service information:
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, Revision 01,
dated April 10, 2013.
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, Revision 01,
dated April 10, 2013.
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, Revision 01,
dated April 10, 2013.
Task 21-31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for Restoration, of
Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and Power-plant
Section of the A330 Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated
June 2013.
Task 21-31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for Restoration, of
Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C, Systems and Power-plant
Section of the A340 Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated
June 2013.
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
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 77 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 25 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $9,784
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $916,993, or $11,909 per product,
per replacement cycle.
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
[[Page 27816]]
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0251; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
179-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 30, 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, -313
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in
any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air
conditioning.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that the service life
limits of the cabin pressure control system (CPCS) safety valves
installed on the aft pressure bulkhead were being exceeded. We are
issuing this AD to prevent exceeding the service life limits of the
CPCS safety valve, which, in the event of a failure, could result in
excessive positive or negative differential pressure in the
fuselage, and consequent incapacitation or injuries to airplane
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement of CPCS Safety Valves
(1) For airplanes on which the total number of flight hours
accumulated on the CPCS safety valves are known: Replace the CPCS
safety valve with a serviceable valve at the later of the times
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. Replace
the valve in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(3)(i),
(g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD. Repeat the replacement at
intervals not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12 years accumulated
on the CPCS safety valve, whichever occurs first.
(i) Before the safety valve accumulates 50,000 total flight
hours or 12 years since first installation or since the last
restoration, as applicable, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the total number of flight hours
accumulated on the CPCS safety valve are unknown: Replace the CPCS
safety valve with a serviceable valve within 26 months after the
effective date of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD. Repeat
the replacement at intervals not to exceed 50,000 flight hours or 12
years accumulated on the CPCS safety valve, whichever occurs first.
(3) Use the applicable service information identified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), or (g)(3)(iii) of this AD to
accomplish the specified actions in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, Revision 01,
dated April 10, 2013 (for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, Revision
01, dated April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes).
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, Revision
01, dated April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series
airplanes).
(h) Definition of Serviceable Valves
For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable CPCS safety valve is
a safety valve which has not exceeded the following service life
limits, as applicable: 12 years since its manufacturing date, or
50,000 total flight hours since first installation on an airplane,
whichever occurs first; or 12 years since its last restoration, or
50,000 total flight hours since its last restoration, whichever
occurs first.
(i) Optional Method of Compliance
Accomplishment of Task 21.31.00/09, Remove Safety Valve for
Restoration, of Section C-21, Air Conditioning, of Section C,
Systems and Power-plant Section of the Airbus A330 Maintenance
Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; or Airbus A340
Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 14, dated June 2013; as
applicable; constitutes compliance with any replacement required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service
information identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of
this AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3154, dated
November 17, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4150, dated
November 17, 2011.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-5044, dated
November 17, 2011.
(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, 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). For a repair method to be approved,
the repair approval must
[[Page 27817]]
specifically refer to this AD. You are required to ensure the
product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2013-0201, dated September 4, 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 Docket
No. FAA-2014-0251.
(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 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 14, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-11187 Filed 5-14-14; 8:45 am]
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