[Federal Register: December 3, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 231)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67845-67847]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03de07-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0269; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-158-AD;
Amendment 39-15287; AD 2007-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 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 the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg]
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation
hardening.
This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts. * *
*
The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser unit
from the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability and
possible damage to the airplane. This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication, listed in the AD as of December 18,
2007.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 2, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
[[Page 67846]]
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2797; 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 2007-0166, dated June 15, 2007 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg]
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation
hardening.
This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts.
Consequently, the 2/2 sleeve and affected pin on the TRU hinge
n[deg] 5 must be removed from service by means of this AD.
The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser unit
from the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability and
possible damage to the airplane. The corrective action is removing the
affected sleeves and pins and replacing them with new, properly
hardened sleeves and pins. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision 01, dated
May 3, 2007. 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 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 develop on other products of the same
type design.
There are no products of this type currently registered in the
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product,
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
unnecessary.
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-2007-0269; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-158-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 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.
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 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); and
3. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2007-25-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-15287. Docket No. FAA-2007-0269;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-158-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
18, 2007.
[[Page 67847]]
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -
343 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers,
except those on which Airbus modification 56129 has been embodied in
production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017 has been embodied
in service.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine
Exhaust.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg]
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation
hardening.
This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts.
Consequently, the 2/2 sleeve and affected pin on the TRU hinge
n[deg] 5 must be removed from service by means of this AD.
The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser
unit from the airplane, which could result in reduced
controllability and possible damage to the airplane. The corrective
action is removing the affected sleeves and pins and replacing them
with new, properly hardened sleeves and pins.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Within 13 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already done, do the following actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017,
Revision 01, dated May 3, 2007. Actions done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-
3017, dated January 24, 2007, are considered acceptable for
compliance with this paragraph.
(1) Replace all sleeves of the thrust reverser unit hinge number
5 (left- and right-hand (LH and RH)) with new, properly hardened
sleeves.
(2) Identify and replace all affected pins of the thrust
reverser unit hinge number 5 (LH and RH) with new, properly hardened
pins.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0166, dated June 15, 2007;
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, dated January 24, 2007; Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision 01, dated May 3, 2007; and
Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-78-AF273, dated January 2,
2007, for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision
01, dated May 3, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23343 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
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