Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes, 13103-13106 [E8-4671]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
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 Bombardier, Inc., Canadair,
Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9,
Canada.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
28, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–4501 Filed 3–11–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0230; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–043–AD; Amendment
39–15419; AD 2008–06–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, and
A340–300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD),
which applies to all Airbus Model
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, and
A340–300 series airplanes. That AD
currently requires an accelerated
schedule of repetitive testing of the
elevator servo control loops, and
corrective actions if necessary. This new
AD retains the existing requirements,
reduces the applicability of the existing
AD, and adds terminating actions. This
AD results from reports of failed
elevator servo controls due to broken
guides. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the elevator servo
controls during certain phases of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:40 Mar 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
takeoff, which could result in an
unannounced loss of elevator control
and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April
16, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of April 16, 2008.
On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065,
November 14, 2005), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Airbus All
Operators Telex A330–27A3138,
Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005; and
Airbus All Operators Telex A340–
27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3,
2005.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.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 address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is the Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that
supersedes AD 2005–23–10, amendment
39–14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14,
2005). The existing AD applies to all
Airbus Model A330–200, A330–300,
A340–200, and A340–300 series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on November 26,
2007 (72 FR 65906). That NPRM
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13103
proposed to retain the existing
requirements, reduce the applicability
of the existing AD, and add terminating
actions.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comment that has been
received on the NPRM.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
for the Modification
Air Transport Association (ATA) and
one of its members, Northwest Airlines
(NWA), state that the terminating action
specified in the proposed AD should be
mandated at a maximum of 24 months
after the effective date for coordination
with the aircraft C-check intervals.
NWA adds that the repetitive tests of the
elevator servo-loops will ensure
continued safe operation until
terminating action is accomplished.
We do not agree with the request from
ATA and NWA to extend the
compliance time. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the urgency
associated with the subject unsafe
condition, the availability of required
parts, and the practical aspect of
accomplishing the required
modification within a period of time
that corresponds to the normal
scheduled maintenance for most
affected operators. In light of these
items, we have determined that a 17month compliance time is appropriate.
However, according to the provisions of
paragraph (q) of the AD, we may
approve requests to adjust the
compliance time if the request includes
data that justify that the new
compliance time would provide an
acceptable level of safety.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comment
that has been submitted, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators of the
affected Model A330–200 and A330–
300 series airplanes to comply with this
AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
ESTIMATED COSTS
Average
labor rate
per hour
Work
hour(s)
Action
Inspection (required by AD 2005–
23–10).
Modifications (new actions) ..........
1
$80
None .................
28
80
The manufacturer states
that it will supply required
parts to the
operators at
no cost.
Currently, there are no affected Model
A340–200 and A340–300 series
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However,
if an affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future,
the modification would take about 10
work hours, at an average labor rate of
$80 per work hour. The manufacturer
states that it will supply required parts
to the operators at no cost. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD for Model A340–200 and A340–
300 series airplanes to be $800 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
Number of
U.S.registered airplanes
Cost per
airplane
Parts
$80, per inspection
cycle.
$2,240
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.
18
18
Fleet cost
$1,440, per inspection cycle.
$40,320.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by removing amendment 39–14368 (70
FR 69065, November 14, 2005), and by
adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
I
2008–06–07 Airbus: Amendment 39–15419.
Docket No. FAA–2007–0230; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–043–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective April 16,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005–23–10.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Applicability
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes
identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated
in any category.
TABLE 1.—APPLICABILITY
Excluding those airplanes on which any of the following—
Has been installed—
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, and
A340–300 series airplanes.
Airbus modification 54833 ....................................................................................
In production.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3136, Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 ........
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–4135, dated January 12, 2006 .......................
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Airbus model—
In service.
In service.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of failed
elevator servo controls due to broken guides.
We are proposing this AD to prevent failure
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:40 Mar 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
of the elevator servo controls during certain
phases of takeoff, which could result in an
unannounced loss of elevator control and
consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
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Fmt 4700
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Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Requirements of AD 2005–23–10:
Service Information
(f) The term ‘‘AOT,’’ as used in paragraphs
(g) through (i) of this AD, means section 4.2.
‘‘Description’’ of the following service
information, as applicable:
(1) For Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Airbus All Operators Telex A330–
27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005;
and
(2) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Airbus All Operators Telex A340–
27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.
Initial and Repetitive Elevator Servo-Loop
Tests
(g) Within 200 flight hours after November
29, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005–23–
10): Test the elevator servo-loops, in
accordance with the AOT, except as provided
by paragraph (j) of this AD. If the test of the
elevator servo-loops passes, repeat the test at
intervals not to exceed 140 flight hours or 8
days, whichever occurs first.
Failed Tests
(h) If any test of the elevator servo-loops
required by paragraph (g) of this AD fails:
Before further flight, troubleshoot the cause
of the test failure, and do the applicable
corrective actions; in accordance with the
AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the test at the
times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(i) Following each test required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of
the findings of only failed elevator servo-loop
tests to Airbus Customer Services,
Engineering and Technical Support,
Attention: Mr. J. Laurent, SEE53, fax +33/
(0)5.61.93.44.25; at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this
AD. The report must include the description
of the failure experienced during the test, the
identified cause of the failure, and the
number of flight hours and flight cycles on
the airplane. Under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (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 test was done after November 29,
2005: Submit the report within 10 days after
the test.
(2) If the test was done prior to November
29, 2005: Submit the report within 10 days
after November 29, 2005.
New Requirements of This AD
New Service Information for Testing
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, do
the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h)
of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
following service bulletins, as applicable.
(1) For Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–
3138, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01,
dated May 30, 2006; and
(2) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
4137, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01,
dated May 30, 2006.
Terminating Actions
(k) Within 17 months after the effective
date of this AD, modify the four elevator
servo controls in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3136, Revision 01,
dated July 19, 2006 (for Model A330–200 and
–300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–27–4135, dated January 12,
2006 (for Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes); as applicable.
Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330–27–
3136 and A340–27–4135 refer to Goodrich
Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800–
27–18, Revision 1, dated May 19, 2006, as an
additional source of service information for
accomplishing the modification required by
paragraph (k) of this AD.
(l) Modifications done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3136, dated
January 12, 2006, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required
by paragraph (k) of this AD.
(m) Concurrently with the modification
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, modify
the four elevator servo controls in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3134,
Revision 01, dated May 12, 2006 (for Model
A330–200 and –300 series airplanes); or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–4132,
dated October 13, 2005 (for Model A340–200
and –300 series airplanes); as applicable.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330–27–
3134 and A340–27–4132 refer to Goodrich
Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800–
27–17, Revision 2, dated May 19, 2006, as an
additional source of service information for
accomplishing the modification required by
paragraph (m) of this AD.
(n) Modifications done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3134, dated
October 13, 2005, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required
by paragraph (m) of this AD.
(o) Accomplishment of the modifications
required by paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD
constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of
this AD.
Parts Installation
(p) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, an
elevator servo control, unless it has been
modified in accordance with paragraphs (k)
and (m) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(q)(1) 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) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. 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.
Related Information
(r) European Aviation Safety Agency
airworthiness directive 2007–0008, dated
January 9, 2007, also addresses the subject of
this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(s) You must use the applicable Airbus
service information contained in Table 2 of
this AD to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
TABLE 2.—ALL MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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Service information
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Revision
All Operators Telex A330–27A3138 .....................................................................................................
All Operators Telex A340–27A4137 .....................................................................................................
Service Bulletin A330–27–3134 ...........................................................................................................
Service Bulletin A330–27–3136 ...........................................................................................................
Service Bulletin A330–27–3138, excluding Appendix 01 ....................................................................
Service Bulletin A340–27–4132 ...........................................................................................................
Service Bulletin A340–27–4135 ...........................................................................................................
Service Bulletin A340–27–4137, excluding Appendix 01 ....................................................................
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information contained in Table 3
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:40 Mar 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
01 ................
01 ................
01 ................
01 ................
02 ................
Original ........
Original ........
02 ................
of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51.
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12MRR1
Date
October 3, 2005.
October 3, 2005.
May 12, 2006.
July 19, 2006.
May 30, 2006.
October 13, 2005.
January 12, 2006.
May 30, 2006.
13106
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 3.—ALL MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Service information
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
A330–27–3134 ...........................................................................................................
A330–27–3136 ...........................................................................................................
A330–27–3138, excluding Appendix 01 ....................................................................
A340–27–4132 ...........................................................................................................
A340–27–4135 ...........................................................................................................
A340–27–4137, excluding Appendix 01 ....................................................................
(2) On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065,
November 14, 2005), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex
A330–27A3138, Revision 01, dated October
3, 2005; and Airbus All Operators Telex
A340–27A4137, Revision 01, dated October
3, 2005.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France. You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–4671 Filed 3–11–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146–100A, –200A, and –300A
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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:
SUMMARY:
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
This condition could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane. We
are issuing this AD to require actions to
correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD becomes effective April
16, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 16, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
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 December 20, 2007 (72 FR
72270). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
RIN 2120–AA64
17:40 Mar 11, 2008
Cracking has been found on the centre
fuselage top aft longeron at Rib ‘0’ on an inservice aircraft. * * *
Discussion
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0368; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–050–AD; Amendment
39–15420; AD 2008–06–08]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Revision
Jkt 214001
Cracking has been found on the centre
fuselage top aft longeron at Rib ‘0’ on an inservice aircraft. Subsequent investigation has
indicated that the currently defined
threshold and repeat inspection period must
be reduced, and the area of inspection
expanded for the BAe 146 series 100 and 200.
For the BAe146 series 300, only the repeat
inspection period must be reduced, and the
area of inspection expanded.
Cracking on the center fuselage top aft
longeron at Rib ‘0,’ could result in
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. Corrective actions include
repetitive inspections of the center
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01 ................
01 ................
02 ................
Original ........
Original ........
02 ................
Date
May 12, 2006.
July 19, 2006.
May 30, 2006.
October 13, 2005.
January 12, 2006.
May 30, 2006.
fuselage top aft longeron for cracking
and repair/replacement if necessary.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Revision to the Reference to the
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Manual
We have removed the reference to the
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited BAe
146/Avro 146–RJ Series NDT Manual
Part 6 20–00–03 from paragraphs
(f)(2)(iii) and (f)(5)(iii) of this AD. The
appropriate source of service
information for doing the inspection
and repair specified in paragraphs
(f)(2)(iii) and (f)(5)(iii) of this AD is BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–173,
Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006. The
Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin refer to the NDT
manual. We have added Note 1 and
Note 3 to this AD to clarify that the
service bulletin refers to the NDT
manual as a secondary source of service
information for doing the inspection.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the change described previously.
We determined that these changes will
not increase the economic burden on
any operator or increase the scope of the
AD.
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.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13103-13106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4671]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0230; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD;
Amendment 39-15419; AD 2008-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200,
and A340-300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires an
accelerated schedule of repetitive testing of the elevator servo
control loops, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains
the existing requirements, reduces the applicability of the existing
AD, and adds terminating actions. This AD results from reports of
failed elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls during
certain phases of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of
elevator control and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 16,
2008.
On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), the Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3,
2005; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated
October 3, 2005.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.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 address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2005-23-10, amendment
39-14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005). The existing AD applies to
all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November
26, 2007 (72 FR 65906). That NPRM proposed to retain the existing
requirements, reduce the applicability of the existing AD, and add
terminating actions.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comment that has been
received on the NPRM.
Request To Extend Compliance Time for the Modification
Air Transport Association (ATA) and one of its members, Northwest
Airlines (NWA), state that the terminating action specified in the
proposed AD should be mandated at a maximum of 24 months after the
effective date for coordination with the aircraft C-check intervals.
NWA adds that the repetitive tests of the elevator servo-loops will
ensure continued safe operation until terminating action is
accomplished.
We do not agree with the request from ATA and NWA to extend the
compliance time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the urgency associated with the subject unsafe
condition, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect
of accomplishing the required modification within a period of time that
corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected
operators. In light of these items, we have determined that a 17-month
compliance time is appropriate. However, according to the provisions of
paragraph (q) of the AD, we may approve requests to adjust the
compliance time if the request includes data that justify that the new
compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comment that has been submitted, and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
of the affected Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes to comply
with this AD.
[[Page 13104]]
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Number of U.S.-
Action Work labor rate Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
hour(s) per hour airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2005- 1 $80 None.............. $80, per inspection cycle. 18 $1,440, per inspection
23-10). cycle.
Modifications (new actions)..... 28 80 The manufacturer $2,240 18 $40,320.
states that it
will supply
required parts to
the operators at
no cost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently, there are no affected Model A340-200 and A340-300 series
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane is
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the
modification would take about 10 work hours, at an average labor rate
of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that it will supply
required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series
airplanes to be $800 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.
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
removing amendment 39-14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), and by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2008-06-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-15419. Docket No. FAA-2007-0230;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-23-10.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in Table 1 of
this AD, certificated in any category.
Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excluding those airplanes on
Airbus model-- which any of the following-- Has been installed--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340- Airbus modification 54833...... In production.
300 series airplanes.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27- In service.
3136, Revision 01, dated July
19, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27- In service.
4135, dated January 12, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of failed elevator servo
controls due to broken guides. We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases of
takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator
control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within
[[Page 13105]]
the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been
done.
Requirements of AD 2005-23-10:
Service Information
(f) The term ``AOT,'' as used in paragraphs (g) through (i) of
this AD, means section 4.2. ``Description'' of the following service
information, as applicable:
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All
Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005;
and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All
Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.
Initial and Repetitive Elevator Servo-Loop Tests
(g) Within 200 flight hours after November 29, 2005 (the
effective date of AD 2005-23-10): Test the elevator servo-loops, in
accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this
AD. If the test of the elevator servo-loops passes, repeat the test
at intervals not to exceed 140 flight hours or 8 days, whichever
occurs first.
Failed Tests
(h) If any test of the elevator servo-loops required by
paragraph (g) of this AD fails: Before further flight, troubleshoot
the cause of the test failure, and do the applicable corrective
actions; in accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph
(j) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the test at the times specified
in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(i) Following each test required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
submit a report of the findings of only failed elevator servo-loop
tests to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical
Support, Attention: Mr. J. Laurent, SEE53, fax +33/(0)5.61.93.44.25;
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of
this AD. The report must include the description of the failure
experienced during the test, the identified cause of the failure,
and the number of flight hours and flight cycles on the airplane.
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (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 test was done after November 29, 2005: Submit the
report within 10 days after the test.
(2) If the test was done prior to November 29, 2005: Submit the
report within 10 days after November 29, 2005.
New Requirements of This AD
New Service Information for Testing
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, do the actions required
by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as
applicable.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3138, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May
30, 2006; and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-27-4137, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May
30, 2006.
Terminating Actions
(k) Within 17 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the four elevator servo controls in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136,
Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135, dated January
12, 2006 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as
applicable.
Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3136 and A340-27-4135
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-18,
Revision 1, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph
(k) of this AD.
(l) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3136, dated January 12, 2006, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(m) Concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (k)
of this AD, modify the four elevator servo controls in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-27-3134, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2006 (for Model A330-200
and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132,
dated October 13, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes); as applicable.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3134 and A340-27-4132
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-17,
Revision 2, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph
(m) of this AD.
(n) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-27-3134, dated October 13, 2005, are acceptable for
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (m) of this
AD.
(o) Accomplishment of the modifications required by paragraphs
(k) and (m) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of this AD.
Parts Installation
(p) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, an elevator servo control, unless it has been
modified in accordance with paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(q)(1) 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) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
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.
Related Information
(r) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive
2007-0008, dated January 9, 2007, also addresses the subject of this
AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(s) You must use the applicable Airbus service information
contained in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service information Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138.. 01........................... October 3, 2005.
Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137.. 01........................... October 3, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134..... 01........................... May 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136..... 01........................... July 19, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3138, 02........................... May 30, 2006.
excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132..... Original..................... October 13, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135..... Original..................... January 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4137, 02........................... May 30, 2006.
excluding Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in
Table 3 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51.
[[Page 13106]]
Table 3.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service information Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134..... 01........................... May 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136..... 01........................... July 19, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3138, 02........................... May 30, 2006.
excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132..... Original..................... October 13, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135..... Original..................... January 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4137, 02........................... May 30, 2006.
excluding Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), the
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01,
dated October 3, 2005; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137,
Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-4671 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
