Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -323 Airplanes, 28250-28254 [06-4504]
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28250
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Need for the Correction
[Docket No. FAA–2005–21275; Directorate
Identifier 2005–CE–28–AD; Amendment 39–
14515; AD 2006–01–11 R1]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna
Aircraft Company Models 208 and
208B Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
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SUMMARY: This document makes a
correction to Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2006–01–11 R1, which published
in the Federal Register on March 16,
2006 (71 FR 13538), and applies to all
The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna)
Models 208 and 208B airplanes. AD
2006–01–11 R1 requires the installation
of a pilot assist handle and deicing
boots on the cargo pod and landing gear
fairings; and the incorporation of
changes to the Pilot’s Operating
Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). Current
language in paragraph (e)(4) of AD
2006–01–11 R1 regarding the placard
requirement inadvertently states: ‘‘You
may insert a copy of this AD into the
appropriate sections of the POH to
comply with this action.’’ This does not
meet the intent of the AD. This
document corrects that paragraph by
removing the language referenced
above.
DATES: The effective date of this AD
(2006–01–11 R1) remains February 22,
2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert P. Busto, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office,
FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946–
4157; facsimile: (316) 946–4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On March 10, 2006, the FAA issued
AD 2006–01–11 R1, Amendment 39–
14515 (71 FR 13538, March 16, 2006),
which applies to all Cessna Models 208
and 208B airplanes. AD 2006–01–11 R1
requires the installation of a pilot assist
handle and deicing boots on the cargo
pod and landing gear fairings; and the
incorporation of changes to the Pilot’s
Operating Handbook (POH) and FAAapproved Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM). Current language in paragraph
(e)(4) of AD 2006–01–11 R1 regarding
the placard requirement inadvertently
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:11 May 15, 2006
states: ‘‘You may insert a copy of this
AD into the appropriate sections of the
POH to comply with this action.’’ This
does not meet the intent of the AD.
Jkt 208001
This correction is needed to not allow
a method of compliance that was
inadvertently included in the AD and
does not address the unsafe condition.
Correction of Publication
Accordingly, the publication of March
16, 2006 (71 FR 13538), of Amendment
39–14515; AD 2006–01–11 R1, which
was the subject of FR Doc. 06–2546, is
corrected as follows:
I
§ 39.13
[Corrected]
On page 13540, in § 39.13 [Amended],
in paragraph (e)(4), in the Procedures
column, remove the following text:
‘‘You may insert a copy of this AD into the
appropriate sections of the POH to comply
with this action.’’
Action is taken herein to correct this
reference in AD 2006–01–11 R1 and to
add this AD correction to § 39.13 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39.13).
The effective date remains February
22, 2006.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 5,
2006.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–4424 Filed 5–15–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2004–19982; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–142–AD; Amendment
39–14597; AD 2006–10–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–223, –321, –322, and –323
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–223, –321, –322,
and –323 airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of the firewall of
the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD
also provides an optional terminating
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action for the repetitive inspections.
This AD results from reports of cracking
of the LAPF firewall. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct this cracking,
which could reduce the effectiveness of
the firewall and result in an
uncontrolled engine fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
20, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of June 20, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
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:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Model A330–223,
–321, –322, and –323 airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on January 4, 2005 (70 FR 317).
That NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections of the firewall of
the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF), and
corrective actions if necessary.
Explanation of New Relevant Service
Information
Since we issued the NRPM, Airbus
has issued Service Bulletin A330–54–
3022, dated May 25, 2005. That service
bulletin describes procedures for
replacing the existing LAPF assemblies
with improved parts. Doing this
replacement eliminates the need for the
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
inspections that were proposed in the
NPRM. Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
54–3022 refers to Pratt & Whitney
Service Bulletin PW4G–100–54–7, dated
July 1, 2005, as an additional source of
service information for modifying the
LAPF assemblies.
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, has
issued French airworthiness directive
F–2004–028 R2, dated October 26, 2005.
(The NPRM refers to French
airworthiness directive F–2004–028 R1,
dated September 15, 2004, as the
parallel French action.) French
airworthiness directive F–2004–028 R2
adds replacement of the LAPF
assemblies with improved assemblies as
an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections of the LAPF
firewall. Accordingly, we have added a
new paragraph (i) to this AD to provide
for doing Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
54–3022 as an optional terminating
action for the repetitive inspections
required by this AD. We have also
revised various other paragraphs to refer
to paragraph (i) of this AD. We have also
not included Note 4 of the NPRM in this
AD. (Note 4 of the NPRM states that
there is no terminating action for the
inspections specified in the NPRM.)
Airbus has also issued Service
Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16,
2004. (The NPRM refers to Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–54–3021, dated
February 4, 2004, as the appropriate
source of service information for the
actions specified in the NPRM.)
Revision 01 of the service bulletin adds
airplanes with certain serial numbers to
the effectivity listing and incorporates
various other editorial changes. We have
revised paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (j) of
this AD to refer to Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01, as
the appropriate source of service
information for doing the actions
required by those paragraphs. We have
also added a new paragraph (k) to give
credit for actions done before the
effective date of this AD in accordance
with the original issue of that service
bulletin.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–
3021, Revision 01, refers to Pratt &
Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G–
100–A54–5, currently at Revision 1,
dated June 30, 2004, as an additional
source of service information. We have
revised Note 2 of this AD to
acknowledge that the Pratt & Whitney
service bulletin is currently at Revision
1.
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15:11 May 15, 2006
Jkt 208001
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
One commenter, the Air Line Pilots
Association, supports the NPRM.
Request To Allow Flight With Repaired
Crack
Two commenters, Airbus and Pratt &
Whitney (P&W, the engine
manufacturer), request that we revise
the NPRM to allow continued flight (for
a limited period of time) with a known
crack that exceeds 1.2 inches.
The French airworthiness directive
and Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–
3021 provide for stop-drilling and
sealing a crack that is longer than 1.2
inches, then repairing the firewall
within 500 flight hours. The NPRM
would require repair or replacement of
the firewall before further flight if any
crack longer than 1.2 inches is found.
Under ‘‘Differences Among Proposed
AD, DGAC Action, and Airbus Service
Bulletin’’ in the NPRM, we note that we
do not have data showing that the
fireproof capability of the firewall is
adequate with a crack greater than 1.2
inches long.
Airbus comments that it considers the
firewall having a crack greater than 1.2
inches to be adequately fireproof if the
crack is stop-drilled and filled with
fireproof sealant. Airbus recommends
that operation with such a crack be
allowed to continue for 500 flight hours,
as given in the French airworthiness
directive and the referenced service
bulletin.
P&W states, based on its knowledge of
the LAPF assembly and its engineering
judgment, that stop-drilling a crack that
is longer than 1.2 inches and filling it
with sealant will be adequate to
maintain the fire safety and capability of
the firewall for up to 500 flight hours.
P&W points out that the proposed
requirement to repair or replace the
firewall before further flight if a crack
exceeds 1.2 inches could cause undue
hardships for operators. P&W notes that
it is not possible to repair the firewall
quickly, nor is it possible to replace the
firewall in situ. It is also not common
for operators to have a spare firewall.
We partially agree with the
commenters’ request. We agree that the
LAPF firewall is a fire barrier and is not
intended to carry significant structural
loads. Airbus and P&W state that
fireproof capability is maintained with a
crack longer than 1.2 inches, but neither
present test data that substantiate this.
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Airbus informs us, however, that the fire
test was performed on a firewall with an
unrepaired 1.2-inch crack, and the test
results show that fireproof capability
was adequately maintained even
without the crack being stop-drilled and
sealed. Airbus also notes that there have
been no findings of multiple cracks, and
the maximum length of any crack was
1.5 inches. Based on these data, and the
expected improvement in fireproof
capability if the crack is stop-drilled and
sealed, we agree to allow continued
operation for up to 500 flight hours with
a crack between 1.2 inches and 1.5
inches that has been stop-drilled and
sealed. However, any crack that exceeds
1.5 inches must be addressed through
repair or replacement of the firewall
before further flight in accordance with
paragraph (h) of this AD, or in
accordance with an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC) approved in
accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. We
have added a new paragraph (g)(2) to
this AD and have reidentified paragraph
(g)(2) from the NPRM as paragraph (g)(3)
in this AD. We have also revised Note
3 of this AD.
Request To Address Multiple Cracks
Paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of the NPRM states
that, during any repeat inspection, if
any crack that was previously less than
or equal to 1.2 inches long is found to
have extended to be greater than 1.2
inches long, or if an additional crack is
found, the firewall must be repaired or
replaced before further flight. Northwest
Airlines (NWA) requests that additional
cracks be allowed as long as the total
combined length of all cracks is less
than 1.2 inches. NWA proposes a
scenario in which a 0.25-inch crack is
found during the initial inspection, and
another 0.25-inch crack is found during
a repeat inspection.
We agree with NWA’s request.
Although Airbus tells us that there have
been no findings to date of multiple
cracks in service, it is possible that
multiple cracks could be found. We
have determined that there would be no
difference in the level of safety between
one crack of 1.2 inches or shorter, and
multiple cracks that are a combined
total of 1.2 inches or shorter. We have
revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
accordingly.
Request To Clarify Repetitive
Inspections of Repaired Firewall
NWA also requests that we revise
paragraph (h) of the NPRM to require
inspections of repaired firewalls. While
paragraph (h) would require that a
replaced firewall be inspected within
3,000 flight hours after replacement,
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that paragraph states no such
requirement for repaired firewalls. NWA
believes that repaired firewalls should
be inspected within 1,000 flight hours
after the repair.
We partially agree with the
commenter’s request. The last sentence
of paragraph (h) of the NPRM should
have specified inspecting the firewall
within 3,000 flight hours after repair or
replacement. We inadvertently omitted
the words ‘‘repair or’’ before
‘‘replacement’’ in that sentence.
However, we do not agree with the
commenter’s belief that repaired
firewalls must be inspected within
1,000 flight hours after the repair.
Airbus has confirmed that, for the
purposes of this AD, repairing the
firewall using the instructions in P&W
Alert Service Bulletin PW4G–100–A54–
5, in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01,
restores the repaired firewall to the
status of a new firewall of the same part
number. Thus, a repaired firewall must
be inspected within 3,000 flight hours
after repair, just as a replaced firewall of
the same part number must be inspected
within 3,000 flight hours after
replacement, as we specified in
paragraph (h) of the NPRM. We find that
a compliance time of 3,000 flight hours
for the initial inspection after repair will
provide an acceptable level of safety.
Accordingly, we have revised the last
sentence of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD
to state, ‘‘within 3,000 flight hours after
repair or replacement of the LAPF
firewall, inspect the firewall in
accordance with paragraph (f) of this
AD.’’ We find that this change does not
expand the scope of the NPRM because
our intent that a repaired firewall must
be inspected should have been obvious
considering the statement in Note 4 of
the NPRM that, ‘‘There is no terminating
action at this time for the inspections
required by this AD.’’ (As explained
previously, we have not included Note
4 of the NPRM in this AD because a
terminating action is now available and
is provided as an option in paragraph (i)
of this AD.)
Request To Correct Compliance Time
Airbus and NWA request that we
revise paragraph (g)(1)(i) to change the
compliance time from 4,600 flight
cycles to 4,600 flight hours. NWA points
out that this change will make the
NPRM consistent with the French
airworthiness directive and the
referenced service bulletins.
We agree. A typographical error
resulted in the compliance time being
specified in flight cycles not flight
hours. We find that this change does not
expand the scope of the NPRM because
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15:11 May 15, 2006
Jkt 208001
the error was obvious; all other
compliance times in this AD are stated
in terms of flight hours, not flight
cycles, and we did not state that we
intended to differ in this regard from
either the French airworthiness
directive or the referenced service
bulletins. We have revised paragraph
(g)(1)(i) in this AD accordingly.
Request To Revise Inspection Intervals
To Match Maintenance Schedule
US Airways requests that we revise
the grace period in paragraph (f) of the
NPRM from 500 flight hours to 600
flight hours to align with its A-check
interval. For the same reason, U.S.
Airways requests that we revise the
repeat inspection interval for an
uncracked firewall from 1,000 flight
hours to 1,200 flight hours, and the
repeat interval for a cracked firewall
from 500 flight hours to 600 flight
hours.
We do not agree with US Airways
request to extend the grace periods and
repetitive intervals in this AD. We have
determined that the specified times
represent the maximum interval of time
allowable for the affected airplanes to
continue to safely operate between
inspections. Since maintenance
schedules vary among operators,
revising the grace period and repetitive
intervals would not ensure that all
operators would be able to inspect their
airplanes during a scheduled
maintenance visit. We have not changed
the AD in this regard.
Explanation of Additional Change to
This AD
We have revised Note 1 of this AD to
clarify the definition of a detailed
inspection.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised paragraph (l) of this
AD to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector
before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC
applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that
these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 20 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The required actions will
take about 2 work hours per airplane, at
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an average labor rate of $65 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the inspections
required by this AD for U.S. operators
is $2,600, or $130 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
The optional terminating action, if
done, will take about 14 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Required parts will cost
$120,000. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the optional
terminating action provided by this AD
is $120,910 per airplane.
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 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 that this AD:
(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
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.
See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2006–10–13 Airbus: Amendment 39–14597.
Docket No. FAA–2004–19982;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–142–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective June 20,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A330–223, –321, –322, and –323 airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of cracking
of the firewall of the lower aft pylon fairing
(LAPF). We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct this cracking, which could reduce the
effectiveness of the firewall and result in an
uncontrolled engine fire.
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Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Inspections
(f) Prior to the accumulation of 3,000 total
flight hours on the LAPF, or within 500 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later: Perform a detailed
inspection for cracking of the LAPF firewall,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
54–3021, Revision 01, including Appendix
01, dated June 16, 2004. If no cracking is
found, repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours,
until paragraph (i) of this AD is
accomplished.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive
examination of a specific item, installation,
or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good
15:11 May 15, 2006
Jkt 208001
Note 3: This AD does not allow continued
flight with a known crack that is greater than
1.5 inches long or with multiple cracks
having a combined total length greater than
1.5 inches.
Repair or Replacement of Firewall
Corrective Actions and Repetitive
Inspections (Cracking Found)
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
VerDate Aug<31>2005
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate.
Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be
required.’’
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–
3021, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
dated June 16, 2004, refers to Pratt & Whitney
Alert Service Bulletin PW4G–100–A54–5,
currently at Revision 1, dated June 30, 2004,
as an additional source of service information
for doing the inspection and corrective
actions.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
§ 39.13
28253
(g) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this
AD, do paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the crack is less than or equal to 1.2
inches long, or if multiple cracks are found
with a combined total length less than or
equal to 1.2 inches: Before further flight,
stop-drill the crack or cracks and apply
sealants, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004,
or do paragraph (h) of this AD. If the crack
is stop-drilled and sealants applied, then
repeat the inspection required by paragraph
(f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500
flight hours, and do paragraph (g)(1)(i) or
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) During the repeat inspections required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if the existing
crack does not extend to be longer than 1.2
inches, and the combined total length of all
cracks is less than or equal to 1.2 inches:
Within 4,600 flight hours after the crack is
initially found, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(ii) During any repeat inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if any crack
that was previously less than or equal to 1.2
inches long is found to have extended to be
greater than 1.2 inches long but less than or
equal to 1.5 inches long; or if the total length
of all cracks is greater than 1.2 inches but less
than or equal to 1.5 inches long: Within 500
flight hours, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(iii) During any repeat inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if any crack
that was previously less than or equal to 1.5
inches long is found to have extended to be
greater than 1.5 inches long; or if the total
length of all cracks is greater than 1.5 inches:
Before further flight, do paragraph (h) of this
AD.
(2) If the crack is less than or equal to 1.5
inches long, or if multiple cracks are found
with a combined total length less than or
equal to 1.5 inches: Before further flight,
stop-drill the crack or cracks and apply
sealants, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004.
Then, within 500 flight hours after the stopdrilling and sealing of the crack or cracks, do
paragraph (h) of this AD.
(3) If any crack is greater than 1.5 inches
long, or if multiple cracks are found with a
combined total length greater than 1.5 inches:
Before further flight, do paragraph (h) of this
AD.
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(h) If any crack is found: At the applicable
time specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, do
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Repair the LAPF firewall or replace the
LAPF firewall with a new firewall, as
applicable, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004.
Then, within 3,000 flight hours after repair
or replacement of the LAPF firewall, inspect
the firewall in accordance with paragraph (f)
of this AD.
(2) Do paragraph (i) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(i) Replacing the LAPF assembly with an
improved LAPF assembly, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–3022,
dated May 25, 2005, terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–
3022 refers to Pratt & Whitney Service
Bulletin PW4G–100–54–7, dated July 1, 2005,
as an additional source of service information
for modifying the LAPF assemblies.
Reporting Requirement
(j) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD: Submit a
report of the findings to Airbus, Department
AI/SE–E5, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Submit the
report at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The
report must include the inspection results, a
description of any discrepancies found, the
airplane serial number, and the number of
landings and flight hours on the airplane.
Submitting Appendix 01 of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–54–3021, Revision 01, dated
June 16, 2004, is an acceptable means of
accomplishing this requirement. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements contained in this AD and has
assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
Actions Accomplished Previously
(k) Inspections and corrective actions done
before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–54–3021, including Appendix 01,
dated February 4, 2004, are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (j)
of this AD.
E:\FR\FM\16MYR1.SGM
16MYR1
28254
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 16, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1)(l) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
the appropriate principal inspector in the
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding
District Office.
Related Information
(m) French airworthiness directive F–
2004–028 R2, dated October 26, 2005, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–54–3021, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004, to perform
the actions that are required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. If you do
the optional terminating action, you must use
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–54–3022,
dated May 25, 2005, to perform that action.
The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of these
documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., room PL–401, Nassif Building,
Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741–6030,
or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8,
2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–4504 Filed 5–15–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24104; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–231–AD; Amendment
39–14595; AD 2006–10–11]
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A310–200 and –300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:11 May 15, 2006
Jkt 208001
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A310–200 and –300 series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for cracking of the flap
transmission shafts, and replacing the
transmission shafts if necessary. This
AD also provides an optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. This AD results from
reports of longitudinal cracks due to
stress corrosion in the transmission
shafts between the power control unit
(PCU) and the torque limiters of the flap
transmission system. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct cracking of the
flap transmission shaft, which could
compromise shaft structural integrity
and lead to a disabled flap transmission
shaft and reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
20, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of June 20, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus Model A310–
200 and –300 series airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 9, 2006 (71 FR
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
12152). That NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
flap transmission shafts, and replacing
the transmission shafts if necessary. The
NPRM also proposed to provide an
optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Change to NPRM
We inadvertently deleted reference to
the reporting requirement stated in the
´ ´
Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile
(DGAC) Airworthiness Directive and the
Airbus service bulletin. This AD does
not require reporting the results of the
inspection to Airbus, which is a
difference among the DGAC
Airworthiness Directive, the service
bulletin, and this AD. We have added
our non-requirement as paragraph (j) of
this AD and reidentified subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data and determined that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD with the change
described previously. We have
determined that this change will neither
increase the economic burden on any
operator nor increase the scope of the
AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD will affect about 59 airplanes
of U.S. registry. The required
inspections will take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the AD for
U.S. operators is $3,835, or $65 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
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
E:\FR\FM\16MYR1.SGM
16MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28250-28254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4504]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19982; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-142-AD;
Amendment 39-14597; AD 2006-10-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and
-323 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of the firewall of the lower aft pylon fairing
(LAPF), and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD
results from reports of cracking of the LAPF firewall. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could reduce the
effectiveness of the firewall and result in an uncontrolled engine
fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 20, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 20, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
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:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A330-
223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on January 4, 2005 (70 FR 317). That NPRM proposed to
require repetitive inspections of the firewall of the lower aft pylon
fairing (LAPF), and corrective actions if necessary.
Explanation of New Relevant Service Information
Since we issued the NRPM, Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-
54-3022, dated May 25, 2005. That service bulletin describes procedures
for replacing the existing LAPF assemblies with improved parts. Doing
this replacement eliminates the need for the
[[Page 28251]]
inspections that were proposed in the NPRM. Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-54-3022 refers to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-54-7,
dated July 1, 2005, as an additional source of service information for
modifying the LAPF assemblies.
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, has issued French
airworthiness directive F-2004-028 R2, dated October 26, 2005. (The
NPRM refers to French airworthiness directive F-2004-028 R1, dated
September 15, 2004, as the parallel French action.) French
airworthiness directive F-2004-028 R2 adds replacement of the LAPF
assemblies with improved assemblies as an optional terminating action
for the repetitive inspections of the LAPF firewall. Accordingly, we
have added a new paragraph (i) to this AD to provide for doing Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-54-3022 as an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by this AD. We have also revised
various other paragraphs to refer to paragraph (i) of this AD. We have
also not included Note 4 of the NPRM in this AD. (Note 4 of the NPRM
states that there is no terminating action for the inspections
specified in the NPRM.)
Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004. (The NPRM refers to Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, dated February 4, 2004, as the
appropriate source of service information for the actions specified in
the NPRM.) Revision 01 of the service bulletin adds airplanes with
certain serial numbers to the effectivity listing and incorporates
various other editorial changes. We have revised paragraphs (f), (g),
(h), and (j) of this AD to refer to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-
3021, Revision 01, as the appropriate source of service information for
doing the actions required by those paragraphs. We have also added a
new paragraph (k) to give credit for actions done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with the original issue of that service
bulletin.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01, refers to Pratt
& Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A54-5, currently at Revision
1, dated June 30, 2004, as an additional source of service information.
We have revised Note 2 of this AD to acknowledge that the Pratt &
Whitney service bulletin is currently at Revision 1.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
One commenter, the Air Line Pilots Association, supports the NPRM.
Request To Allow Flight With Repaired Crack
Two commenters, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney (P&W, the engine
manufacturer), request that we revise the NPRM to allow continued
flight (for a limited period of time) with a known crack that exceeds
1.2 inches.
The French airworthiness directive and Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-54-3021 provide for stop-drilling and sealing a crack that is
longer than 1.2 inches, then repairing the firewall within 500 flight
hours. The NPRM would require repair or replacement of the firewall
before further flight if any crack longer than 1.2 inches is found.
Under ``Differences Among Proposed AD, DGAC Action, and Airbus Service
Bulletin'' in the NPRM, we note that we do not have data showing that
the fireproof capability of the firewall is adequate with a crack
greater than 1.2 inches long.
Airbus comments that it considers the firewall having a crack
greater than 1.2 inches to be adequately fireproof if the crack is
stop-drilled and filled with fireproof sealant. Airbus recommends that
operation with such a crack be allowed to continue for 500 flight
hours, as given in the French airworthiness directive and the
referenced service bulletin.
P&W states, based on its knowledge of the LAPF assembly and its
engineering judgment, that stop-drilling a crack that is longer than
1.2 inches and filling it with sealant will be adequate to maintain the
fire safety and capability of the firewall for up to 500 flight hours.
P&W points out that the proposed requirement to repair or replace the
firewall before further flight if a crack exceeds 1.2 inches could
cause undue hardships for operators. P&W notes that it is not possible
to repair the firewall quickly, nor is it possible to replace the
firewall in situ. It is also not common for operators to have a spare
firewall.
We partially agree with the commenters' request. We agree that the
LAPF firewall is a fire barrier and is not intended to carry
significant structural loads. Airbus and P&W state that fireproof
capability is maintained with a crack longer than 1.2 inches, but
neither present test data that substantiate this. Airbus informs us,
however, that the fire test was performed on a firewall with an
unrepaired 1.2-inch crack, and the test results show that fireproof
capability was adequately maintained even without the crack being stop-
drilled and sealed. Airbus also notes that there have been no findings
of multiple cracks, and the maximum length of any crack was 1.5 inches.
Based on these data, and the expected improvement in fireproof
capability if the crack is stop-drilled and sealed, we agree to allow
continued operation for up to 500 flight hours with a crack between 1.2
inches and 1.5 inches that has been stop-drilled and sealed. However,
any crack that exceeds 1.5 inches must be addressed through repair or
replacement of the firewall before further flight in accordance with
paragraph (h) of this AD, or in accordance with an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC) approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. We have added a new paragraph
(g)(2) to this AD and have reidentified paragraph (g)(2) from the NPRM
as paragraph (g)(3) in this AD. We have also revised Note 3 of this AD.
Request To Address Multiple Cracks
Paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of the NPRM states that, during any repeat
inspection, if any crack that was previously less than or equal to 1.2
inches long is found to have extended to be greater than 1.2 inches
long, or if an additional crack is found, the firewall must be repaired
or replaced before further flight. Northwest Airlines (NWA) requests
that additional cracks be allowed as long as the total combined length
of all cracks is less than 1.2 inches. NWA proposes a scenario in which
a 0.25-inch crack is found during the initial inspection, and another
0.25-inch crack is found during a repeat inspection.
We agree with NWA's request. Although Airbus tells us that there
have been no findings to date of multiple cracks in service, it is
possible that multiple cracks could be found. We have determined that
there would be no difference in the level of safety between one crack
of 1.2 inches or shorter, and multiple cracks that are a combined total
of 1.2 inches or shorter. We have revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
accordingly.
Request To Clarify Repetitive Inspections of Repaired Firewall
NWA also requests that we revise paragraph (h) of the NPRM to
require inspections of repaired firewalls. While paragraph (h) would
require that a replaced firewall be inspected within 3,000 flight hours
after replacement,
[[Page 28252]]
that paragraph states no such requirement for repaired firewalls. NWA
believes that repaired firewalls should be inspected within 1,000
flight hours after the repair.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. The last sentence
of paragraph (h) of the NPRM should have specified inspecting the
firewall within 3,000 flight hours after repair or replacement. We
inadvertently omitted the words ``repair or'' before ``replacement'' in
that sentence. However, we do not agree with the commenter's belief
that repaired firewalls must be inspected within 1,000 flight hours
after the repair. Airbus has confirmed that, for the purposes of this
AD, repairing the firewall using the instructions in P&W Alert Service
Bulletin PW4G-100-A54-5, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-54-3021, Revision 01, restores the repaired firewall to the status
of a new firewall of the same part number. Thus, a repaired firewall
must be inspected within 3,000 flight hours after repair, just as a
replaced firewall of the same part number must be inspected within
3,000 flight hours after replacement, as we specified in paragraph (h)
of the NPRM. We find that a compliance time of 3,000 flight hours for
the initial inspection after repair will provide an acceptable level of
safety. Accordingly, we have revised the last sentence of paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD to state, ``within 3,000 flight hours after repair or
replacement of the LAPF firewall, inspect the firewall in accordance
with paragraph (f) of this AD.'' We find that this change does not
expand the scope of the NPRM because our intent that a repaired
firewall must be inspected should have been obvious considering the
statement in Note 4 of the NPRM that, ``There is no terminating action
at this time for the inspections required by this AD.'' (As explained
previously, we have not included Note 4 of the NPRM in this AD because
a terminating action is now available and is provided as an option in
paragraph (i) of this AD.)
Request To Correct Compliance Time
Airbus and NWA request that we revise paragraph (g)(1)(i) to change
the compliance time from 4,600 flight cycles to 4,600 flight hours. NWA
points out that this change will make the NPRM consistent with the
French airworthiness directive and the referenced service bulletins.
We agree. A typographical error resulted in the compliance time
being specified in flight cycles not flight hours. We find that this
change does not expand the scope of the NPRM because the error was
obvious; all other compliance times in this AD are stated in terms of
flight hours, not flight cycles, and we did not state that we intended
to differ in this regard from either the French airworthiness directive
or the referenced service bulletins. We have revised paragraph
(g)(1)(i) in this AD accordingly.
Request To Revise Inspection Intervals To Match Maintenance Schedule
US Airways requests that we revise the grace period in paragraph
(f) of the NPRM from 500 flight hours to 600 flight hours to align with
its A-check interval. For the same reason, U.S. Airways requests that
we revise the repeat inspection interval for an uncracked firewall from
1,000 flight hours to 1,200 flight hours, and the repeat interval for a
cracked firewall from 500 flight hours to 600 flight hours.
We do not agree with US Airways request to extend the grace periods
and repetitive intervals in this AD. We have determined that the
specified times represent the maximum interval of time allowable for
the affected airplanes to continue to safely operate between
inspections. Since maintenance schedules vary among operators, revising
the grace period and repetitive intervals would not ensure that all
operators would be able to inspect their airplanes during a scheduled
maintenance visit. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Explanation of Additional Change to This AD
We have revised Note 1 of this AD to clarify the definition of a
detailed inspection.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised paragraph (l) of this AD to clarify the appropriate
procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required
actions will take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost
of the inspections required by this AD for U.S. operators is $2,600, or
$130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The optional terminating action, if done, will take about 14 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts will cost $120,000. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the optional terminating action provided by this AD
is $120,910 per airplane.
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 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 that this AD:
(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 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. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
[[Page 28253]]
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-10-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-14597. Docket No. FAA-2004-19982;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-142-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective June 20, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322,
and -323 airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of cracking of the firewall of
the lower aft pylon fairing (LAPF). We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct this cracking, which could reduce the effectiveness of
the firewall and result in an uncontrolled engine fire.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Inspections
(f) Prior to the accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours on the
LAPF, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, whichever is later: Perform a detailed inspection for cracking
of the LAPF firewall, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004. If no cracking is found,
repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000
flight hours, until paragraph (i) of this AD is accomplished.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004, refers to Pratt &
Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A54-5, currently at Revision
1, dated June 30, 2004, as an additional source of service
information for doing the inspection and corrective actions.
Corrective Actions and Repetitive Inspections (Cracking Found)
(g) If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, do paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the crack is less than or equal to 1.2 inches long, or if
multiple cracks are found with a combined total length less than or
equal to 1.2 inches: Before further flight, stop-drill the crack or
cracks and apply sealants, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004, or do paragraph (h) of
this AD. If the crack is stop-drilled and sealants applied, then
repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at
intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, and do paragraph (g)(1)(i)
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) During the repeat inspections required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD, if the existing crack does not extend to be longer than
1.2 inches, and the combined total length of all cracks is less than
or equal to 1.2 inches: Within 4,600 flight hours after the crack is
initially found, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(ii) During any repeat inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD, if any crack that was previously less than or equal to
1.2 inches long is found to have extended to be greater than 1.2
inches long but less than or equal to 1.5 inches long; or if the
total length of all cracks is greater than 1.2 inches but less than
or equal to 1.5 inches long: Within 500 flight hours, do paragraph
(h) of this AD.
(iii) During any repeat inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD, if any crack that was previously less than or equal to
1.5 inches long is found to have extended to be greater than 1.5
inches long; or if the total length of all cracks is greater than
1.5 inches: Before further flight, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) If the crack is less than or equal to 1.5 inches long, or if
multiple cracks are found with a combined total length less than or
equal to 1.5 inches: Before further flight, stop-drill the crack or
cracks and apply sealants, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004. Then, within 500 flight
hours after the stop-drilling and sealing of the crack or cracks, do
paragraph (h) of this AD.
(3) If any crack is greater than 1.5 inches long, or if multiple
cracks are found with a combined total length greater than 1.5
inches: Before further flight, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
Note 3: This AD does not allow continued flight with a known
crack that is greater than 1.5 inches long or with multiple cracks
having a combined total length greater than 1.5 inches.
Repair or Replacement of Firewall
(h) If any crack is found: At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, do paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Repair the LAPF firewall or replace the LAPF firewall with a
new firewall, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004. Then, within 3,000
flight hours after repair or replacement of the LAPF firewall,
inspect the firewall in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
(2) Do paragraph (i) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(i) Replacing the LAPF assembly with an improved LAPF assembly,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-54-3022, dated May 25, 2005, terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3022 refers to Pratt &
Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-54-7, dated July 1, 2005, as an
additional source of service information for modifying the LAPF
assemblies.
Reporting Requirement
(j) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this
AD: Submit a report of the findings to Airbus, Department AI/SE-E5,
1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Submit
the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or
(j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a
description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number,
and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane.
Submitting Appendix 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021,
Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004, is an acceptable means of
accomplishing this requirement. Under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
Actions Accomplished Previously
(k) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-
3021, including Appendix 01, dated February 4, 2004, are acceptable
for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs
(f), (g), (h), and (j) of this AD.
[[Page 28254]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1)(l) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(m) French airworthiness directive F-2004-028 R2, dated October
26, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3021, Revision
01, including Appendix 01, dated June 16, 2004, to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. If you do the optional terminating action, you must use
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3022, dated May 25, 2005, to perform
that action. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet
at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4504 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P