[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31844-31848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11575]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0006; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-147-AD;
Amendment 39-18519; AD 2016-10-08]
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
the results of endurance qualification tests on the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), which revealed a partial loss of
the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency in specific load conditions. This AD
requires inspecting certain THSAs to determine the number of total
flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and replacing the THSA if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct premature wear
of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA. Such a condition
could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions
and, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep
the ball screw in its last commanded position, could result in
uncommanded movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) and
loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 24, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 24,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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. It is also available on the Internet
[[Page 31845]]
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2014-0006.
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-
0006; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
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 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus
Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-
500, and A340-600 series airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal
Register on December 23, 2015 (80 FR 79738) (``the SNPRM''). We
preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that
published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2014 (79 FR 6104)
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting certain THSAs
to determine the number of total flight cycles the THSA has
accumulated, and replacing the THSA if necessary. The NPRM was prompted
by the results of endurance qualification tests on the THSA, which
revealed a partial loss of the NBB efficiency in specific load
conditions. The SNPRM proposed to revise the NPRM by adding airplanes
to the proposed applicability, reducing the proposed compliance times
for replacing affected TSHAs, and revising the definition of a
serviceable THSA. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA.
Such a condition could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain
load conditions and, in conjunction with the inability of the power
gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could
result in uncommanded movements of the THS and loss of control of the
airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0257R1, dated May 29, 2015 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330-
200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes. The MCAI
states:
During endurance qualification tests on Trimmable Horizontal
Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) of another Airbus aeroplane type, a
partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency was experienced.
Due to THSA design similarity on the A330/A340 fleet, a similar
partial loss of the NBB efficiency was identified on THSA Part
Number (P/N) 47147 as installed on A330-300 and A340-200/-300
aeroplanes, on THSA P/N 47172 as installed on A330-200/-300 and
A340-200/-300 aeroplanes, and on THSA P/N 47175 as installed on
A340-500/600 aeroplanes.
Investigation results concluded that this partial loss of
braking efficiency in some specific aerodynamic load conditions was
due to polishing and auto-contamination of the NBB carbon friction
disks.
This condition, if not detected and corrected and in conjunction
with the power gear train not able to keep the ball screw in its
last commanded position, could lead to uncommanded movements of the
THS, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2013-
0144 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0144.zip/AD_2013-0144R1_2] to require replacement of each THSA that has exceeded
16,000 flight cycles (FC) in service, to be sent in shop for NBB
carbon disk replacement.
Since that AD was issued, a need for clarification has been
demonstrated, regarding the identification of the THSA `affected' by
this requirement.
For this reason, EASA AD 2013-0144 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0144.zip/AD_2013-0144R1_2] was revised, confirming
that this AD only affected those THSA identified by Part Number (P/
N) in Airbus Alert Operator Transmission (AOT) A27L005-13. In
addition, a note was added to make clear that the life limits as
specified in the current revision of ALS Part 4 are still relevant
for the affected THSA, as applicable to aeroplane model and THSA P/
N.
Since EASA AD 2013-0144R1 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0144R1] was issued, further assessment of the ageing/endurance issue
has resulted in the conclusion that there is a need to replace the
NBB installed on the THSA.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0257 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/EASA_AD_2014_0257_R1.pdf/AD_2014-0257R1_1]
which retained the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0144R1, which was
superseded, and required removal from service of affected THSA. THSA
should be sent in shop for NBB carbon disk replacement. This [EASA]
AD affected additional THSA P/Ns when compared to EASA AD 2013-
0144R1 and Airbus AOT A27L005-13.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that it is
necessary to consider that the THSA removal for NBB disks
replacement could also be calculated since last NBB disk replacement
which was done in-shop.
This AD also adds Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes to the
applicability. 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-2014-0006.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination
of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant 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
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the SNPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following service information, all dated July
15, 2014.
Service Bulletin A330-27-3199 (for Model A330 series
airplanes);
Service Bulletin A340-27-4190 (for Model A340-200 and -300
series airplanes); and
Service Bulletin A340-27-5062 (for Model A340-500 and -600
series airplanes).
The service information describes procedures for inspecting the
THSA to determine the part number and replacing THSAs having certain
part numbers with a new or serviceable part. This service information
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 94 airplanes of U.S. registry.
[[Page 31846]]
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $23,970
hour = $255.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that will be required based on the results of the required inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement.................................. 23 work-hour x $85 per hour = $722,556 $724,511
$1,955.
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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):
2016-10-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18519. Docket No. FAA-2014-0006;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-147-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 24, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the results of endurance qualification
tests on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), which
revealed a partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency in
specific load conditions. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of
the THSA. Such a condition could lead to reduced braking efficiency
in certain load conditions and, in conjunction with the inability of
the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded
position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection To Determine THSA Part Number and Accumulated Total
Flight Cycles
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the
THSA to determine if it has a part number that is specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, and to determine the total
number of flight cycles accumulated since the THSA's first
installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the THSA
can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200
and A340-300 series airplanes: Part number (P/N) 47147-500, 47147-
700, 47172-300, 47172-500, 47172-510, or 47172-520.
(2) For Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes: P/N 47175-200,
47175-300, 47175-500, or 47175-520.
[[Page 31847]]
(h) THSA Replacement for Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200,
A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
For Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: At the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, replace
each affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199,
dated July 15, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated
July 15, 2014; as applicable.
Note 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD: The THSA
life limits specified in Part 4--Aging System Maintenance of the
Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Sections are still
relevant, as applicable to airplane model and THSA part number.
(1) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 20,000 total
flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or
since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 16,000 total
flight cycles, but less than 20,000 total flight cycles since the
THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent
NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date of
this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i)
and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series
airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD but
without exceeding 20,000 total flight cycles.
(ii) For Model A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes: Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD but without exceeding
20,000 total flight cycles.
(3) For a THSA that has accumulated less than 16,000 total
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the
most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective
date of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)
of this AD.
(i) Replacement Times for Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200,
A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes With THSAs Having
Less Than 16,000 Total Flight Cycles as of the Effective Date of This
AD
The requirements of this paragraph apply to Airbus Model A330-
200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD that has accumulated less than 16,000 total flight
cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the most
recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date
of this AD. Not later than the date specified in paragraphs (i)(1),
(i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable: For any THSA having
reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding number of total
flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3)
of this AD, as applicable, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014; as applicable.
(1) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD: The
THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or
since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 16,000 total
flight cycles.
(2) As of July 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 14,000 total flight cycles.
(3) As of July 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 12,000 total flight cycles.
(j) THSA Replacement for Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 Series
Airplanes
For Airbus Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes having a
THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD:
Not later than the date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2),
(j)(3), and (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, for any THSA having
reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding number of total
flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), and
(j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, replace each affected THSA with a
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.
(1) As of the effective date of this AD: The THSA flight-cycle
limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB
replacement, whichever occurs later) is 6,000 total flight cycles.
(2) As of April 30, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 5,200 total flight cycles.
(3) As of April 30, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 4,400 total flight cycles.
(4) As of April 30, 2019: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 3,500 total flight cycles.
(k) THSA Replacement Intervals for All Airbus Airplanes Identified in
Paragraph (c) of This AD
For any part installed, as required by this AD, having a part
number identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: From the
dates specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD, as applicable,
and prior to exceeding the accumulated number of total flight cycles
corresponding to each time, replace each affected THSA with a
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs
(k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.
(l) Definition of Serviceable THSA
For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable THSA is a THSA:
(1) Having a part number identified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD that has not exceeded any of the total accumulated
flight cycles identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of this
AD, or paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable;
or
(2) Having a part number that is not identified in paragraph
(g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(m) Parts Installation Limitation
From each date specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and
(i)(3) of this AD, and paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD,
as applicable, a THSA having a part number identified in paragraph
(g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD may be installed on any airplane,
provided the THSA has not exceeded the corresponding number of
accumulated total flight cycles.
(n) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can
[[Page 31848]]
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(o) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0257R1, dated May 29, 2015, 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-2014-0006.
(p) 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 Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 9, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11575 Filed 5-19-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P