Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes, 31973-31976 [E7-10993]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 111 / Monday, June 11, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD.
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) AMOCs approved for AD 88–08–02 are
not approved for this AD.
(3) 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.
(4) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, 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 and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(i) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD
CR–1985–08R4, dated September 28, 2006;
Viking Service Bulletin No. 2/41, Revision
‘‘C’’, dated June 23, 2006; and Viking Service
Bulletin No. 2/55, dated June 23, 2006; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
rmajette on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS
(j) You must use Viking Service Bulletin
DHC–2 MK I, MK II and MK III Turbo Beaver
Service Bulletin No. 2/41, Revision C, dated
June 23, 2006; or Viking DHC–2 Beaver
Service Bulletin No. 2/55, dated June 23,
2006, 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 Viking Air Limited, 9584
Hampden Rd., Sidney, BC, Canada, V8L 5V5;
telephone: (250) 656–7227.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
31, 2007.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–10981 Filed 6–8–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28369; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–076–AD; Amendment
39–15088; AD 2007–12–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330 and A340 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
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:
Two A330 operators have reported
uncontained APU (auxiliary power unit)
generator failures on ground. In both events,
a loud noise was heard, followed by an APU
automatic shutdown.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an
uncontained APU Generator failure with
subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the
stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to
damage to the APU fire wall which might
reduce its fire extinguishing capability,
possibly leading to a temporary uncontrolled
fire which constitutes an unsafe condition.
* * *
This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
26, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications, listed in the AD,
as of June 26, 2007.
We must receive comments on this
AD by July 11, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• DOT Docket Web Site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
PO 00000
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31973
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
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:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This AD references the MCAI and
related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering
basis to correct the unsafe condition.
The AD contains text copied from the
MCAI and for this reason might not
follow our plain language principles.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007–0080–R1,
dated April 13, 2007 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Two A330 operators have reported
uncontained APU (auxiliary power unit)
generator failures on ground. In both events,
a loud noise was heard, followed by an APU
automatic shutdown.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 111 / Monday, June 11, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Preliminary investigations confirmed an
uncontained APU Generator failure with
subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the
stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to
damage to the APU fire wall which might
reduce its fire extinguishing capability,
possibly leading to a temporary uncontrolled
fire which constitutes an unsafe condition.
Further detailed investigations are ongoing to
determine the root causes of both events.
The MCAI requires a one-time
inspection of the inlet screen for the
scavenge-oil pump for signs of debris
coming from the APU generator in order
to get a complete fleet status. For
airplanes on which any metallic debris
is found during the inspection, the
MCAI requires corrective actions in
accordance with the relevant service
information. Those corrective actions
include shipping the debris to Airbus,
and specify dispatching the airplane
using one of the following four options:
• Replacing the APU generator and
checking the APU oil system for
metallic debris from the APU generator.
• Installing the APU generator
substitution kit and checking the APU
oil system for debris from the APU
generator.
• Deactivating the APU generator and
checking the APU oil system for debris
from the APU generator.
• Keeping the APU inoperative.
The corrective actions also specify
replacing the inlet screen if found
damaged during the oil system check.
For certain airplanes, the MCAI requires
performing a check of the differential
pressure indicator button on the lube
filter and the generator scavenge filter.
rmajette on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with MISCELLANEOUS
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators
Telexes (AOTs) A330–24A3042, A340–
24A4056, and A340–24A5020, all
Revision 02, all dated April 12, 2007.
The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are issuing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
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Differences Between the AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have required different
actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow FAA policies.
Any such differences are highlighted in
a NOTE within the AD.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because an uncontained APU
failure can lead to damage to the APU
fire wall, which might reduce its fire
extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to an uncontrolled fire.
Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in fewer than
30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–28369;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–076–
AD’’ at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
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section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 111 / Monday, June 11, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
2007–12–10 Airbus: Amendment 39–15088.
Docket No. FAA–2007–28369;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–076–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective June 26, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330
and A340 airplanes; certificated in any
category; all certified models, all serial
numbers; for which the date of issuance of
the original French standard airworthiness
certificate or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness is
before March 1, 2007.
Subject
(d) Electrical power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness
information (MCAI) states:
Two A330 operators have reported
uncontained APU (auxiliary power unit)
generator failures on ground. In both events,
a loud noise was heard, followed by an APU
automatic shutdown.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an
uncontained APU Generator failure with
subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the
stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to
damage to the APU fire wall which might
reduce its fire extinguishing capability,
possibly leading to a temporary uncontrolled
fire which constitutes an unsafe condition.
Further detailed investigations are ongoing to
determine the root causes of both events.
The MCAI requires a one-time inspection of
the inlet screen for the scavenge-oil pump for
signs of debris coming from the APU
generator in order to get a complete fleet
status. For airplanes on which any metallic
debris is found during the inspection, the
MCAI requires corrective actions in
accordance with the relevant service
information. Those corrective actions include
shipping the debris to Airbus, and specify
dispatching the airplane using one of the
following four options: Replacing the APU
generator and checking the APU oil system
for metallic debris from the APU generator;
installing the APU generator substitution kit
and checking the APU oil system for debris
from the APU generator; deactivating the
APU generator and checking the APU oil
system for debris from the APU generator; or
keeping the APU inoperative. The corrective
actions also specify replacing the inlet screen
if found damaged during the oil system
check. For certain airplanes, the MCAI
requires performing a check of the
differential pressure indicator button on the
lube filter and the generator scavenge filter.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 63 days after the effective date
of this AD, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex
(AOT) A330–24A3042, A340–24A4056, or
A340–24A5020, all Revision 02, all dated
April 12, 2007; as applicable: Inspect the
inlet screen (last chance filter) for the
generator scavenge-oil pump for signs of
debris and, as applicable, apply all associated
corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For Model A330 aircraft operating
under MMEL (master minimum equipment
list) Item 24–22–01 ‘AC Main Generation’ or
MMEL Item 36–11–01 ‘Bleed Air Supply
System Failure’: As of the effective date of
this AD, before each flight, perform a check
of the differential pressure indicator button
on the lube filter and the generator scavenge
filter in accordance with the instructions of
Airbus AOT A330–24A3042, Revision 02,
dated April 12, 2007.
Note 1: The repetitive checks before each
flight specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD
are not required for airplanes operated under
MMEL Item 36–11–01, provided the APU
generator has been removed or deactivated in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus
AOT A330–24A3042, Revision 02, dated
April 12, 2007.
(3) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with the applicable
Airbus service information in Table 1 of this
AD are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding provisions of paragraph (f) of
this AD.
TABLE 1.—ACCEPTABLE EARLIER REVISIONS OF SERVICE INFORMATION
Airbus all operators telex
A330–24A3042
A330–24A3042
A340–24A4056
A340–24A4056
A340–24A5020
A340–24A5020
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows:
Although the MCAI or service information
requires checking the differential pressure
indicator button on the lube and the
generator scavenge filter until May 31, 2007,
this AD does not provide a termination date
for the checks. This difference has been
coordinated with the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA).
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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, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–2797; fax (425) 227–1149. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
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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 FAAapproved 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 EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0080–R1, dated April 13,
2007; and Airbus AOT A330–24A3042,
A340–24A4056, or A340–24A5020, all
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Original ....................
01 .............................
Original ....................
01 .............................
Original ....................
01 .............................
Date
March
March
March
March
March
March
22,
29,
22,
29,
22,
29,
2007.
2007.
2007.
2007.
2007.
2007.
Revision 02, all dated April 12, 2007; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable Airbus
service information specified in Table 2 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. (Only the
first page of these documents contains the
document number, revision level, and date;
no other pages of these documents contain
this information.)
(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
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 111 / Monday, June 11, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Airbus all operators telex
Revision
level
A330–24A3042 ....................................................................................................................................................
A340–24A4056 ....................................................................................................................................................
A340–24A5020 ....................................................................................................................................................
02 ............
02 ............
02 ............
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 30,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–10993 Filed 6–8–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27708; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–027–AD; Amendment
39–15083; AD 2007–12–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Diamond
Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final Rule.
AGENCY:
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued 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:
From airplanes that have installed the
Auxiliary Fuel Tank Optional Design Change
¨
(OAM) No. 42–056, three in-service failures
of the auxiliary fuel tank venting system have
been reported. These failures have led to the
inability to supply the complete auxilliary
fuel quantity to the main tanks and the
collapse of the auxilliary tank. It is suspected
that the vent lines were obstructed either by
ice accretion under certain climatic
conditions or by blockage of the vent valves
because of fuel contaminants.
Undetected malfunctions of the venting
system and damaged auxiliary fuel tanks may
lead to a lower usable fuel quantity,
subsequent fuel starvation and/or fuel
spillage into the nacelle.
We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
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This AD becomes effective July
16, 2007.
On July 16, 2007, the Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4145; fax: (816) 329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This AD references the MCAI and
related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering
basis to correct the unsafe condition.
The AD contains text copied from the
MCAI and for this reason might not
follow our plain language principles.
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 April 13, 2007 (72 FR
18600). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states that:
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Date
April 12, 2007.
April 12, 2007.
April 12, 2007.
From airplanes that have installed the
Auxiliary Fuel Tank Optional Design Change
¨
(OAM) No 42–056, three in-service failures of
the auxiliary fuel tank venting system have
been reported. These failures have led to the
inability to supply the complete auxilliary
fuel quantity to the main tanks and the
collapse of the auxilliary tank. It is suspected
that the vent lines were obstructed either by
ice accretion under certain climatic
conditions or by blockage of the vent valves
because of fuel contaminants.
Undetected malfunctions of the venting
system and damaged auxiliary fuel tanks may
lead to a lower usable fuel quantity,
subsequent fuel starvation and/or fuel
spillage into the nacelle.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) aims to
check for proper operation the auxiliary fuel
tank venting system, and check for damage
the fuel tanks’ structure.
This AD also requires installation of
ventilation holes in the filler caps’ fitting and
introduction of a temporary revision into the
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
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 FAA policies.
Any such differences are highlighted in
a NOTE within the AD.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 111 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31973-31976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10993]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28369; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-076-AD;
Amendment 39-15088; AD 2007-12-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground. In both events, a loud
noise was heard, followed by an APU automatic shutdown.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition. * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 26, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications, listed in the AD, as of June 26,
2007.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 11, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0080-R1, dated April 13, 2007 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground. In both events, a loud
noise was heard, followed by an APU automatic shutdown.
[[Page 31974]]
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition. Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine
the root causes of both events.
The MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the inlet screen for the
scavenge-oil pump for signs of debris coming from the APU generator in
order to get a complete fleet status. For airplanes on which any
metallic debris is found during the inspection, the MCAI requires
corrective actions in accordance with the relevant service information.
Those corrective actions include shipping the debris to Airbus, and
specify dispatching the airplane using one of the following four
options:
Replacing the APU generator and checking the APU oil
system for metallic debris from the APU generator.
Installing the APU generator substitution kit and checking
the APU oil system for debris from the APU generator.
Deactivating the APU generator and checking the APU oil
system for debris from the APU generator.
Keeping the APU inoperative.
The corrective actions also specify replacing the inlet screen if found
damaged during the oil system check. For certain airplanes, the MCAI
requires performing a check of the differential pressure indicator
button on the lube filter and the generator scavenge filter.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telexes (AOTs) A330-24A3042, A340-
24A4056, and A340-24A5020, all Revision 02, all dated April 12, 2007.
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an
uncontained APU failure can lead to damage to the APU fire wall, which
might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly leading to an
uncontrolled fire. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-28369; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-076-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
[[Page 31975]]
2007-12-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-15088. Docket No. FAA-2007-28369;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-076-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 26,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 and A340 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all certified models, all serial
numbers; for which the date of issuance of the original French
standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness is before March 1,
2007.
Subject
(d) Electrical power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary
power unit) generator failures on ground. In both events, a loud
noise was heard, followed by an APU automatic shutdown.
Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe
condition. Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine
the root causes of both events.
The MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the inlet screen for the
scavenge-oil pump for signs of debris coming from the APU generator
in order to get a complete fleet status. For airplanes on which any
metallic debris is found during the inspection, the MCAI requires
corrective actions in accordance with the relevant service
information. Those corrective actions include shipping the debris to
Airbus, and specify dispatching the airplane using one of the
following four options: Replacing the APU generator and checking the
APU oil system for metallic debris from the APU generator;
installing the APU generator substitution kit and checking the APU
oil system for debris from the APU generator; deactivating the APU
generator and checking the APU oil system for debris from the APU
generator; or keeping the APU inoperative. The corrective actions
also specify replacing the inlet screen if found damaged during the
oil system check. For certain airplanes, the MCAI requires
performing a check of the differential pressure indicator button on
the lube filter and the generator scavenge filter.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 63 days after the effective date of this AD, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT)
A330-24A3042, A340-24A4056, or A340-24A5020, all Revision 02, all
dated April 12, 2007; as applicable: Inspect the inlet screen (last
chance filter) for the generator scavenge-oil pump for signs of
debris and, as applicable, apply all associated corrective actions
before further flight.
(2) For Model A330 aircraft operating under MMEL (master minimum
equipment list) Item 24-22-01 `AC Main Generation' or MMEL Item 36-
11-01 `Bleed Air Supply System Failure': As of the effective date of
this AD, before each flight, perform a check of the differential
pressure indicator button on the lube filter and the generator
scavenge filter in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT
A330-24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007.
Note 1: The repetitive checks before each flight specified in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD are not required for airplanes operated
under MMEL Item 36-11-01, provided the APU generator has been
removed or deactivated in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
AOT A330-24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007.
(3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the applicable Airbus service information in Table 1
of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
provisions of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Table 1.--Acceptable Earlier Revisions of Service Information
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Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
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A330-24A3042.......................... Original........................... March 22, 2007.
A330-24A3042.......................... 01................................. March 29, 2007.
A340-24A4056.......................... Original........................... March 22, 2007.
A340-24A4056.......................... 01................................. March 29, 2007.
A340-24A5020.......................... Original........................... March 22, 2007.
A340-24A5020.......................... 01................................. March 29, 2007.
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FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI or service information requires
checking the differential pressure indicator button on the lube and
the generator scavenge filter until May 31, 2007, this AD does not
provide a termination date for the checks. This difference has been
coordinated with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
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,
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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0080-R1,
dated April 13, 2007; and Airbus AOT A330-24A3042, A340-24A4056, or
A340-24A5020, all Revision 02, all dated April 12, 2007; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable Airbus service information
specified in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (Only the first page of these
documents contains the document number, revision level, and date; no
other pages of these documents contain this information.)
(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
[[Page 31976]]
(202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus all operators telex Revision level Date
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A330-24A3042................. 02............ April 12, 2007.
A340-24A4056................. 02............ April 12, 2007.
A340-24A5020................. 02............ April 12, 2007.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-10993 Filed 6-8-07; 8:45 am]
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