[Federal Register: April 3, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 64)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 16225-16227]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03ap03-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-02-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A330 and A340
series airplanes. This proposal would require 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. This
action is necessary 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. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 5, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-02-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-02-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or
ASCII text.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NM-02-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2002-NM-02-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the
[[Page 16226]]
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all Airbus A330 and A340 series airplanes. The
DGAC advises that the operational life limits for the servo-controls
located on the ailerons, which are listed in Revision 8, chapter 05-11-
00, configuration 1, of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), dated
September 15, 1999, are not addressed by section 9 of the Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS), which replaces chapter 05-11-00 of the AMM.
When the servo-controls have reached their operational life limits, it
is necessary to remove and replace them with new servo-controls to
prevent hydraulic leakage and failure 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.
Explanation of Action Taken by the DGAC
The DGAC issued French airworthiness directives 2001-529(B) and
2001-530(B), both dated November 14, 2001, to require operational life
limits for the inboard and outboard aileron servo-controls operating in
the active mode. The French airworthiness directives also require the
replacement of the servo-controls with new servo-controls when the
operational life limits have been reached.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require a revision to the
ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate life
limits for servo-controls located in the ailerons and replacement of
the servo-controls with new servo-controls when the operational life
limits have been reached.
Clarification of Compliance Time
French airworthiness directives 2001-529(B) and 2001-530(B) both
include a note that provides a formula for calculating the remaining
life (in the present configuration) for parts that have been used in
several airplane models or type configurations. This proposed AD
mirrors the compliance times specified in paragraphs (A) and (B) of the
French airworthiness directives, but does not provide the formula
specified in the note of the French airworthiness directives. However,
we would consider a request for approval to use the specified formula,
under the provisions of paragraph (d) of this proposed AD, provided
that appropriate substantiating data accompany the request.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 9 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would be provided to the operators at no cost. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of Model
A330 series airplanes is estimated to be $2,700, or $300 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in
the future if this proposed 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 would require
approximately 5 work hours to accomplish the proposed actions, at an
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be
provided to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of this AD for Model A340 operators would be $300 per airplane.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Airbus: Docket 2002-NM-02-AD.
Applicability: All Model A330 and A340 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with
these inspections is required by 14 CFR Part 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be
able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In
this situation, to comply with 14 CFR part 91.403(c), the operator
must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in
accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include
a description of changes to the required inspections that will
ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The
FAA has provided
[[Page 16227]]
guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25-1529.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent hydraulic leakage and failure of the servo-controls
located on the ailerons 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, accomplish the following:
Airworthiness Limitations Revision and Replacement of Servo-
Control Units
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness by inserting a copy of this AD into the ALS.
(b) Replace the servo-control units operating in the active mode
at the times specified in the following table, counted from the date
of initial installation on the airplane, as applicable:
Table--Part Numbers and Replacement Life Limits
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Replace servo-controls
having the following part
For model-- numbers with new parts Replace before
having the same part
numbers:
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(1) A330 series airplanes............... (i) 3337457-21, -22, and - 6,000 flight hours.
23 (inboard).
(ii) 3337457-25, -26, and - 18,000 flight hours.
27 (inboard).
(iii) 3337457-30, -31, -34, 21,000 flight cycles or 32,000 flight
-35, -36, -37, and -38 hours, whichever occurs first.
(inboard).
(iv) 3337457-59 and -60 60,000 flight hours. This is a temporary
(inboard). and life limit; if the operator wants to
use the parts beyond 60,000 flight hours
the accumulated flight hours of the
parts since their origin must be tracked
and a request submitted for an
alternative method of compliance in
accordance with paragraph (d) of this
AD.
(v) 3337458-30, -31, -34, - 21,000 flight cycles or 32,000 flight
35, -36, -37, and -38 hours, whichever occurs first.
(outboard).
(vi) 3337458-59 and -60 60,000 flight hours. This is a temporary
(outboard). life limit; if the operator wants to use
the parts beyond 60,000 flight hours the
accumulated flight hours of the parts
since their origin must be tracked and a
request submitted for an alternative
method of compliance in accordance with
paragraph (d) of this AD.
(2) A340 series airplanes............... (i) 3337457-21, -22, and - 9,000 flight hours.
23 (inboard).
(ii) 3337457-25, -26, and - 27,000 flight hours.
27 (inboard).
(iii) 3337457-30, -31, -34, 16,400 flight cycles or 65,600 flight
-35, -36, -37, and -38 hours, whichever occurs first.
(inboard).
(iv) 3337457-59 and -60 80,000 flight hours. This is a temporary
(inboard). and life limit; if the operator wants to
use the parts beyond 80,000 flight hours
the accumulated flight hours of the
parts since their origin must be tracked
and a request submitted for an
alternative method of compliance in
accordance with paragraph (d) of this
AD.
(v) 3337458-30, -31, -34, - 16,400 flight cycles or 65,600 flight
35, -36, -37, and -38 hours, whichever occurs first.
(outboard).
(vi) 3337458-59 and -60 80,000 flight hours. This is a temporary
(outboard). and life limit and if the operator wants
to use the parts beyond 80,000 flight
hours must track the accumulated flight
hours of the parts since their origin
and request approval for an alternative
method of compliance in accordance with
paragraph (d) of this AD.
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(c) Except as provided by paragraph (d) of this AD: After the
actions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD have been
accomplished, no alternative life limits may be approved for the
components specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 2001-529(B) and 2001-530(B), both dated
November 14, 2001.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2003.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-8065 Filed 4-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P