[Federal Register: November 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 216)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64836-64839]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no04-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-246-AD; Amendment 39-13854; AD 2004-22-26]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for evidence of
corrosion and sheared attachment bolts of the sensor struts at flap
track 4 on the left and right sides of the airplane; related
[[Page 64837]]
investigative and corrective actions as necessary; and a terminating
action for the repetitive inspections, by requiring the eventual
replacement of all sensor struts with new, improved sensor struts that
are less sensitive to corrosion. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent loss of the sensor strut function, resulting in the
inability to detect flap drive disconnection at flap track stations 4
and 5, which could lead to separation of the outboard flap from the
airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective December 14, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 14, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes, was published as a supplemental
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on
September 2, 2004 (69 FR 53658). That action proposed to require
repetitive inspections for evidence of corrosion and sheared attachment
bolts of the sensor struts at flap track 4 on the left and right sides
of the airplane; related investigative and corrective actions as
necessary; and a terminating action for the repetitive inspections, by
requiring the eventual replacement of all sensor struts with new,
improved sensor struts that are less sensitive to corrosion. That
action also proposed to change the threshold for the initial inspection
and reduce the compliance time for the terminating action of the
original NPRM.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Change to This Final Rule
The date of the original issue of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3091 has been corrected in paragraph (e) of this AD. The date on the
actual original issue of the service bulletin is February 6, 2002. The
revision history in Revisions 01, 02, and 03 of the service bulletin,
and the dates on those revisions, indicate that the date of the
original issue of the service bulletin is February 2, 2002. The wrong
date was inadvertently cited in the NPRM and supplemental NPRM.
Conclusion
We have determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule with the change described previously. This
change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator not
increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 9 Airbus Model A330 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD.
It will take 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the repetitive
inspections, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the inspections on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $585, or $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
If required, it will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane
to accomplish the replacement of discrepant sensor struts and
attachment bolts, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The
cost for required parts will be nominal. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the replacement of sensor struts will be $195 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the installation of the new, improved sensor struts, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost of required parts will be
$8,400. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the installation on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $76,770, or $8,530 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Currently, there are no Airbus Model A340 series airplanes on the
U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 1
work hour per airplane to accomplish the inspection, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the inspection for Model A340 operators will be $65 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
Should an Airbus Model A340 series airplane be imported and placed
on the U.S. Register in the future and have affected sensor struts and
attachment bolts replaced, it will take approximately 3 work hours, at
an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost for required parts
will be nominal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
replacement of sensor struts for Model A340 operators will be $195 per
airplane.
Should an Airbus Model A340 series airplane be imported and placed
on the U.S. Register in the future and have new, improved sensor struts
installed, it would take approximately 2 work hours, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost for required parts will be
$8,400. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the installation for
Model A340 operators would be $8,530 per airplane.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities
[[Page 64838]]
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final
evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-22-26 Airbus: Amendment 39-13854. Docket 2002-NM-246-AD.
Applicability: Model A330 series airplanes; and Model A340-200
and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; except
those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 48579 was incorporated
in production.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent loss of the sensor strut function, resulting in the
inability to detect flap drive disconnection at flap track stations
4 and 5, which could lead to separation of the outboard flap from
the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane; accomplish the following:
Inspection
(a) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1),
(a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD: Do an inspection, by applying hand
force to the piston of the sensor struts and moving the sensor
struts longitudinally, for evidence of corrosion in the sensor
struts at flap track 4, on the left and right sides of the airplane,
by doing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3091, Revision 03
(for Model A330 series airplanes); or Service Bulletin A340-27-4097,
Revision 03 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both
dated January 16, 2004; as applicable. If the longitudinal travel
range is 60.0 millimeters (2.36 inches) or more: Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months, until
the requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD are accomplished.
(1) Within 18 months since the date of issuance of the original
Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the original
Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 2,800 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(b) If the result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of
this AD is a longitudinal travel range of less than 60.0 mm (2.36
inches): Before further flight, remove all affected sensor struts,
and measure the axial force of any affected sensor struts, by doing
all of the applicable actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3091, Revision 03 (for Model A330
series airplanes); or Service Bulletin A340-27-4097, Revision 03
(for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated January
16, 2004; as applicable.
(1) If the axial force F is less than or equal to 50 daN (112.41
lbf.): Clean and re-install the sensor struts per the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 18 months, until the requirements of
paragraph (d) of this AD are accomplished.
(2) If the axial force F is more than 50 daN (112.41 lbf.):
Before further flight, do a detailed inspection for cracking and/or
deformation of the adjacent structure and attachment parts per the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.
(i) If no cracking and/or deformation is found: Re-install the
sensor struts and within 25 flight cycles after the inspection
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, replace the sensor struts and
attachment bolts per the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin. Repeat the inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18
months, until the requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD are
accomplished.
(ii) If any cracking and/or deformation is found: Before further
flight, repair any cracked or deformed structure and attachment
parts per a method approved by either the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its
delegated agent); and replace the sensor struts and attachment bolts
per the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months, until the
requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD are accomplished.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Concurrent Requirements
(c) The actions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD
must be done before or concurrently with the requirements of
paragraph (d) of this AD. Replacement of any sensor strut with a
sensor strut having part number (P/N) F5757492600000, during
accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD, is acceptable for
compliance with paragraph (d) of this AD, for that strut.
Terminating Action
(d) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD:
Replace all existing sensor struts with new, improved sensor struts
having P/N F5757492600000 per the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3092 (for Model A330 series
airplanes); or Service Bulletin A340-27-4098 (for Model A340-200 and
-300 series airplanes); both dated February 14, 2003; as applicable.
Accomplishment of this replacement constitutes terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of
this AD.
Actions Done per Previous Issue of Service Bulletins
(e) Accomplishment of the specified actions before the effective
date of this AD per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3091, dated
February 6, 2002, Revision 01, dated May 17, 2002, or Revision 02,
dated September 5, 2002; or A340-27-4097, dated February 6, 2002,
Revision 01, dated May 17, 2002, or Revision 02, dated September 5,
2002; as applicable; is considered acceptable for compliance with
the applicable requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
Submission of Information Not Required
(f) Although the service bulletins specify to send inspection
results to the manufacturer, that action is not required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with the applicable Airbus service bulletins
listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Service Bulletins Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date
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A330-27-3091.................... 03............. Jan. 16, 2004.
A330-27-3092.................... Original....... Feb. 14, 2003.
A340-27-4097.................... 03............. Jan. 16, 2004.
A340-27-4098.................... Original....... Feb. 14, 2003.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
[[Page 64839]]
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives F-2003-425 and F-2003-426, both dated
December 10, 2003.
Effective Date
(i) This amendment becomes effective on December 14, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24625 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am]
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