[Federal Register: November 6, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 214)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 62566-62568]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06no07-5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28925; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-123-AD;
Amendment 39-15248; AD 2007-23-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
During ground inspection of an A340-311 aircraft, it has been
discovered that 5 fasteners were missing between Frame (FR) 18 and
FR19 on longitudinal joint at stringer 28RH (right hand).
Further investigations have revealed that the missing fasteners
have not been installed in production due to incorrect production
instructions.
[[Page 62567]]
If not corrected, this situation could affect the structural
integrity of the aircraft in the area of stringer 28 between FR18
and FR19 at longitudinal joint.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 11,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 16, 2007 (72
FR 45970). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During ground inspection of an A340-311 aircraft, it has been
discovered that 5 fasteners were missing between Frame (FR) 18 and
FR19 on longitudinal joint at stringer 28RH (right hand).
Further investigations have revealed that the missing fasteners
have not been installed in production due to incorrect production
instructions.
If not corrected, this situation could affect the structural
integrity of the aircraft in the area of stringer 28 between FR18
and FR19 at longitudinal joint.
In order to re-establish the structural strength of the
aircraft, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) renders mandatory the
inspection of the longitudinal joint at stringer 28 RH between FR18
and FR19 [for missing fasteners].
For airplanes on which any fastener is missing, the corrective actions
include doing a detailed visual inspection for cracking of the adjacent
fastener area from the outside, without removing the fasteners; and if
no crack is found, doing a rotating probe inspection for cracks of the
adjacent fastener holes after removing the fasteners, and replacing any
missing fastener. The corrective actions also include contacting Airbus
for repair instructions and repair if fasteners are not at nominal
diameter or if any crack is found. You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This 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 our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 9 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,880, or $320 per
product.
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.
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 the NPRM, 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.
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:
[[Page 62568]]
2007-23-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-15248. Docket No. FAA-2007-28925;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-123-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
11, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes; certificated
in any category; all manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN) up to MSN
0402 included, except MSN 051.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53:
Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During ground inspection of an A340-311 aircraft, it has been
discovered that 5 fasteners were missing between Frame (FR) 18 and
FR19 on longitudinal joint at stringer 28RH (right hand).
Further investigations have revealed that the missing fasteners
have not been installed in production due to incorrect production
instructions.
If not corrected, this situation could affect the structural
integrity of the aircraft in the area of stringer 28 between FR18
and FR19 at longitudinal joint.
In order to re-establish the structural strength of the
aircraft, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) renders mandatory the
inspection of the longitudinal joint at stringer 28 RH between FR18
and FR19 [for missing fasteners].
For airplanes on which any fastener is missing, the corrective
actions include doing a detailed visual inspection for cracking of
the adjacent fastener area from the outside, without removing the
fasteners; and if no crack is found, doing a rotating probe
inspection for cracks of the adjacent fastener holes after removing
the fasteners, and replacing any missing fastener. The corrective
actions also include contacting Airbus for repair instructions and
repair if fasteners are not at nominal diameter or if any crack is
found.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Before the accumulation of 14,000 flight cycles from the
first flight of the aircraft, or within 1,500 flight cycles
following the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
unless already done, do the following actions: Perform a detailed
visual inspection of the longitudinal joint at stringer 28 RH
between FR18 and FR19 for missing fasteners, and do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight, in accordance with the
instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3170 or
A340-53-4175, both dated March 27, 2007.
FAA AD Differences
Note: 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, 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2007-0125, dated May 4, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletins
A330-53-3170 and A340-53-4175, both dated March 27, 2007, for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of
this AD 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
.
Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-53-3170, excluding Appendix 01................. March 27, 2007.
A340-53-4175, excluding Appendix 01................. March 27, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 27, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-21686 Filed 11-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P