[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66861-66864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26682]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0834; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directives AD 2003-14-
11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2008-06-07, and AD
2012-04-07 that apply to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series
airplanes. AD 2003-14-11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14,
AD 2008-06-07, and AD 2012-04-07 required revising the maintenance
program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations; replacing certain flap rotary actuators;
repetitively inspecting elevator servo-controllers and pressure relief
valves of the spoiler servo controls (SSCs); repetitively testing the
elevator servo control loops, modifying the elevator servo controls,
and repetitively replacing certain retraction brackets of the main
landing gear; and revising the airplane flight manual. Since we issued
those ADs, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed
AD would require revising the maintenance program to incorporate
certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. The
proposed AD also removes Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600
series airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to
address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could
change the characteristics leading to an increased potential for
failure, which, in isolation or in combination with one or more other
specific failures or events, could result in failure of certain life
limited parts, which could reduce the structural integrity of the
airplane or reduce the controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 23,
2013.
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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. 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 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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be
[[Page 66862]]
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-2013-0834;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-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 because of 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
On July 7, 2003, we issued AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR
41521, July 14, 2003), for all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series
airplanes. AD 2003-14-11 required revising the Airworthiness
Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to
incorporate life limits for the servo-controls located on the ailerons
and replacement of the servo-controls with new servo-controls when they
have reached their operational life limits. AD 2003-14-11 resulted from
a revision of Airbus airworthiness limitations which introduced more
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We
issued AD 2003-14-11 to prevent hydraulic leakage and failure of the
servo-controls due to cracks in the end caps and along the barrel,
which could result in loss of the ailerons and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
On May 20, 2004, we issued AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR
31874, June 8, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and
A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2004-11-08 required replacement of flap
rotary actuators with modified flap rotary actuators. AD 2004-11-08
resulted from reports of fatigue failure of rotary actuator levers. We
issued AD 2004-11-08 to prevent fatigue failure of the rotary actuator
lever for the flaps, which could result in loss of the flap surface and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
On June 24, 2004, we issued AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69
FR 41394, July 9, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and
A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2004-13-25 required repetitive
inspections to check the play of the eye-end of the piston rod of the
elevator servo-controls and corrective actions if necessary, and
replacement of certain elevator servo-controls with new, improved
servo-controls. We issued AD 2004-13-25 to detect and correct excessive
play of the eye-end of the piston rod of the elevator servo controls,
which could result in failure of the elevator servo-control.
On October 19, 2004, we issued AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793
(69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330 and
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2004-18-14 required revising the
Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to ensure that
the flightcrew is advised of the proper procedures in the event of
uncommanded movement of a spoiler during flight; inspecting the
function of the pressure relief valves of each SSC, and performing
corrective action if necessary; and eventually modifying the SSCs,
which terminated the AFM revision. AD 2004-18-14 resulted from several
reports of incidents where an SSC was not locked in the retracted
position during flight. We issued AD 2004-18-14 to prevent uncommanded
movement of a spoiler during flight, which could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane and consequent significant increased
fuel consumption during flight, which could necessitate an in-flight
turn-back or diversion to an unscheduled airport destination.
On March 3, 2008, we issued AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73
FR 13103, March 12, 2008), for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300,
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. A correction of AD 2008-06-07
was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367).
AD 2008-06-07 required revising an accelerated schedule of repetitive
testing of the elevator servo control loops, and doing corrective
actions if necessary. AD 2008-06-07 resulted from reports of failed
elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We issued AD 2008-06-07
to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases
of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator
control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
On February 14, 2012, we issued AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963
(77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012), for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300,
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2012-04-07 required
replacement of certain retraction brackets of the main landing gear
(MLG). AD 2012-04-07 resulted from reports of retraction brackets
failures during fatigue testing before accumulation of the life limit
of the MLG. We issued AD 2012-04-07 to prevent failure of the
retraction bracket, which could result in a MLG extension with no
damping, and consequent structural damage of the MLG.
Actions Since Existing ADs Were Issued
Since we issued AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521,
July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8,
2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004);
AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004); AD
2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008); and AD
2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012); we have
determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations are necessary.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0020, dated January 30, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations
applicable to the Ageing Systems Maintenance (ASM) are specified in
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4, which is approved by the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA).
The revision 03 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 introduces more
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness
limitations. Failure to comply with the instructions of ALS Part 4
could result in an unsafe condition.
This [EASA] AD requires the implementation of the maintenance
requirements and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus
A330 ALS Part 4 revision 03, approved on 09 September 2011. In
addition, this [EASA] AD supersedes DGAC [Directorate General for
Civil Aviation] France ADs and EASA ADs listed in the
``Supersedure'' section above, whose requirements have been
transferred into Airbus A330 ALS Part 4.
The unsafe condition is the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such
aging
[[Page 66863]]
effects could change the characteristics leading to an increased
potential for failure, which, in isolation or in combination with one
or more other specific failures or events, could result in failure of
certain life limited parts, which could reduce the structural integrity
of the airplane or reduce the controllability of the airplane. You may
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated September 09,
2011. The airworthiness limitations introduce mandatory instructions
and more restrictive maintenance requirements.
Related Rulemaking
We have issued AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 (78 FR 64156,
October 28, 2013), for all Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes, to require revising the
maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations. AD 2013-20-06 terminates the requirements of
the following ADs for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes only (this
proposed AD supersedes the following ADs):
AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14,
2003);
AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8,
2004);
AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9,
2004);
AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September
14, 2004);
AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12,
2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)); and
AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5,
2012).
Because AD 2013-20-06 terminates the requirements of the preceding
ADs for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes, we have not included Airbus
Model A340 series airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD.
The applicability of this proposed AD is Airbus Model A330 series
airplanes as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
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.
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of the
following ADs:
AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14,
2003);
AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8,
2004);
AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9,
2004);
AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September
14, 2004);
AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12,
2008);
AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5,
2012).
This proposed AD would require implementation of certain
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed
AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
This NPRM proposes to incorporate Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging
Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated September 9, 2011, including
the compliance times for the actions; however, the compliance times for
certain initial actions is different from those specified in Airbus
A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated
September 9, 2011, because the actions were required by AD 2003-14-11,
AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2008-06-07, and AD
2012-04-07; therefore, the initial compliance time is relative to the
effective date of the applicable superseded AD, as specified in
paragraph (h) of this NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 71 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise maintenance program........ 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $12,070
hour = $170.
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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 have 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 that the 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
[[Page 66864]]
(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 is revised 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directives AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230
(68 FR 41521, July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR
31874, June 8, 2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394,
July 9, 2004); AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326,
September 14, 2004); AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103,
March 12, 2008); AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March
5, 2012); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0834;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 23,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1)
through (b)(6) of this AD.
(1) AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14,
2003).
(2) AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8,
2004).
(3) AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9,
2004).
(4) AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September
14, 2004).
(5) AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12,
2008).
(6) AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5,
2012).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -341, -342, and -
343 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are
issuing this AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems.
Such aging effects could change the characteristics leading to an
increased potential for failure, which, in isolation or in
combination with one or more other specific failures or events,
could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which could
reduce the structural integrity of the airplane or reduce the
controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance Program Revision
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance program by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance,
Revision 03, dated September 09, 2011. The initial compliance times
for the actions are within the applicable compliance times specified
in the Record of Revisions pages of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4, Revision
03, dated September 09, 2011, or within 6 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever is later, except as required by paragraph
(h).
(h) Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times
(1) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for
elevator servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, SC4800-3,
SC4800-4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as August 31, 2004, the
calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months after the
effective date of AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394,
July 9, 2004)).
(2) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for
spoiler servo-controls (SSC) having P/N 1386A0000-01, P/N 1386B0000-
01, P/N 1387A0000-01 or P/N 1387B0000-01 as December 31, 2003, the
calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months after the
effective date of AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326,
September 14, 2004)).
(3) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for
elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, SC4800-103
and SC4800-113 as June 30, 2008, the calendar compliance time is
September 16, 2009 (17 months after the effective date of AD 2008-
06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008)).
(4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the
retraction brackets of the MLG having a part number specified in
paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (4)(h)(xvi) of this AD is before the
accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the affected retraction
brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours after April 9, 2012
(the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR
12989, March 5, 2012), whichever occurs later.
(i) 201478303
(ii) 201478304
(iii) 201478305
(iv) 201478306
(v) 201478307
(vi) 201478308
(vii) 201428380
(viii) 201428381
(ix) 201428382
(x) 201428383
(xi) 201428384
(xii) 201428385
(xiii) 201428378
(xiv) 201428379
(xv) 201428351
(xvi) 201428352
(i) Alternative Intervals or Limits
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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].
(2) 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.
(k) Related Information
Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2012-0020, dated January 30, 2012, for related
information. The mandatory continuing airworthiness information may
be viewed on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26682 Filed 11-6-13; 8:45 am]
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