Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes, 14668-14670 [E8-5255]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
or modified oxygen mask assembly having an
improved flow indicator. The corrective
action and other specified action must be
done before further flight.
Note 1: Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–35–1099 refers to B/E
Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080–35–01,
dated February 6, 2006; and Revision 1,
dated May 1, 2006; as additional sources of
service information for modifying the oxygen
mask assembly by replacing the flow
indicator with an improved flow indicator.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737–35–1099, dated April 9,
2007, 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 Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information incorporated by reference 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/code_of_
federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9,
2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–5276 Filed 3–18–08; 8:45 am]
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES
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Jkt 214001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0396; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–282–AD; Amendment
39–15438; AD 2008–06–26]
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:
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 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.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond
on the composite rudder control rod.
Investigations conducted by the supplier
revealed that this disbond is due to an
incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have
confirmed that some rudder control rods
installed on A330 and A340–200/–300
aircraft before delivery or delivered as spare
are also affected by this defect. Rudder
control rod rupture can lead, in the worst
case, in combination with a yaw damper
runaway to an unsafe condition.
*
*
*
*
*
The unsafe condition is reduced control
of the airplane. We are issuing this AD
to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April
23, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 23, 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
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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 January 10, 2008 (73 FR
1842). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond
on the composite rudder control rod.
Investigations conducted by the supplier
revealed that this disbond is due to an
incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have
confirmed that some rudder control rods
installed on A330 and A340–200/–300
aircraft before delivery or delivered as spare
are also affected by this defect. Rudder
control rod rupture can lead, in the worst
case, in combination with a yaw damper
runaway to an unsafe condition.
In order to prevent such situation, this
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a one
time detailed visual inspection to identify the
affected rods and to replace those affected by
this issue.
The unsafe condition is reduced control
of the airplane. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in
the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have required different
actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow our FAA
policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
about 8 products of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it will take about 6
work-hours per product to comply with
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
the basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Labor costs may be covered under
warranty as described in the service
information. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S.
operators to be $3,840, or $480 per
product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Operations office between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains the NPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:13 Mar 18, 2008
Jkt 214001
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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 FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
2008–06–26 Airbus: Amendment 39–15438.
Docket No. FAA–2007–0396; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–282–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective April 23, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
200, A330–300, A340–200, and A340–300
series airplanes, certificated in any category,
all certified models, having manufacturing
serial numbers (MSNs) as specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330–200 and A330–300
series airplanes: MSN 0315, 0323, 0333,
0337, 0338, 0342, 0344, 0346, 0349, 0350,
0351, 0356, 0357, 0370, 0375, 0388, 0389,
0398, 0400, 0404, 0407, 0408, 0412, 0427,
0432, 0454, 0493 and 0539.
(2) For Model A340–200 and A340–300
series airplanes: MSN 0318, 0319, 0321,
0325, 0327, 0329, 0331, 0332, 0335, 0347,
0352, 0354, 0355, 0359, 0363, 0367, 0373,
0374, 0377, 0378, 0379, 0381, 0385, 0387,
0390, 0395, 0399, 0411, 0413, 0415, 0433,
0434, 0435, 0450 and 0474.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27: Flight Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond
on the composite rudder control rod.
Investigations conducted by the supplier
revealed that this disbond is due to an
incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have
confirmed that some rudder control rods
installed on A330 and A340–200/–300
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14669
aircraft before delivery or delivered as spare
are also affected by this defect. Rudder
control rod rupture can lead, in the worst
case, in combination with a yaw damper
runaway to an unsafe condition.
In order to prevent such situation, this
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a one
time detailed visual inspection to identify the
affected rods and to replace those affected by
this issue.
The unsafe condition is reduced control of
the airplane.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 600 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, identify the part
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of all
rudder control rods installed on the subject
airplanes; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–
4156, both dated August 8, 2007, as
applicable.
(2) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder
control rod identified in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD is not identified in Batch 1, Batch 2a,
or Batch 2b of Figure 3 of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–4156,
both dated August 8, 2007, no further action
is required for that control rod, except as
provided by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(3) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder
control rod identified in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD is identified in Batch 1 of Figure 3
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or
A340–27–4156, both dated August 8, 2007:
Within 18 months after the identification
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD,
replace the affected rudder control rod with
a new rudder control rod, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–
4156, as applicable.
(4) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder
control rod identified in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD is identified in Batch 2a of Figure 3
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or
A340–27–4156, both dated August 8, 2007:
Within 1,400 flight hours after the
identification required by paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD, replace the affected control rod with
a new rudder control rod, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–
4156, as applicable.
(5) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder
control rod identified in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD is identified in Batch 2b of Figure 3
of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or
A340–27–4156, both dated August 8, 2007,
do the actions described in paragraph (f)(5)(i)
or (f)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, at the
compliance time specified in paragraph
(f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii), as applicable.
(i) For any rudder control rod having P/N
22205–08 and S/N 1000094651: Within 600
flight hours after the identification required
by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace the
rudder control rod with a new rudder control
rod, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
27–3157 or A340–27–4156, both dated
August 8, 2007, as applicable.
(ii) For all rudder control rods not
identified in paragraph (f)(5)(i) of this AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 19, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Within 6 months after the identification
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD,
replace the rudder control rods with new
rudder control rods, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–27–3157 or A340–27–
4156, both dated August 8, 2007, as
applicable.
(6) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, any
rudder control rod unit having a P/N and
S/N identified in Batch 1, Batch 2a, or Batch
2b of Figure 3 of Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–27–3157 or A340–27–4156, both dated
August 8, 2007.
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
FAA AD Differences
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9,
2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–5255 Filed 3–18–08; 8:45 am]
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; 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.
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with RULES
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0246, dated September 5,
2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3157,
dated August 8, 2007; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–27–4156, dated August 8,
2007; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A330–27–3157, excluding Appendix 01,
dated August 8, 2007; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–27–4156, excluding Appendix
01, dated August 8, 2007; as applicable; 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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:13 Mar 18, 2008
Jkt 214001
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28944; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–239–AD; Amendment
39–15430; AD 2008–06–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 Series Airplanes and Airbus
Model A300–600 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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:
[T]he detection of cracks on multiple
aircraft in lower skin panel No. 2 forward of
access panel 575FB/675FB held on the rear
dummy spar, inboard of rib 9, fuselage side,
aft of the rear spar.
This area of structure has been subjected to
several repairs and modifications in previous
years.
The AIRBUS Service Bulletins (SB) A300–
57–0177 at Revision 3 and A300–57–6029 at
Revision 4 define the various configurations
for the mandatory inspections to be
conducted in order to control or correct the
development of cracks which could affect the
structural integrity of the aircraft.
We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
This AD becomes effective April
23, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 23, 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: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 16, 2007 (72 FR
45978). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
published subsequent to the detection of
cracks on multiple aircraft in lower skin
panel No. 2 forward of access panel 575FB/
675FB held on the rear dummy spar, inboard
of rib 9, fuselage side, aft of the rear spar.
This area of structure has been subjected to
several repairs and modifications in previous
years.
The AIRBUS Service Bulletins (SB) A300–
57–0177 at Revision 3 and A300–57–6029 at
Revision 4 define the various configurations
for the mandatory inspections to be
conducted in order to control or correct the
development of cracks which could affect the
structural integrity of the aircraft.
The MCAI requires various repetitive
inspections (detailed visual, high
frequency eddy current, X-ray) of the
wing lower skin panel and associated
internal support structure for cracking
and, if necessary, corrective measures
(modifying the lower panel inboard of
rib 9 aft of the rear spar and repairing
cracks). 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
considered the comments received.
Request To Revise Applicability of
NPRM
FedEx requests that we revise the
applicability of the NPRM to exclude
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 19, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14668-14670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5255]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0396; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-282-AD;
Amendment 39-15438; AD 2008-06-26]
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: 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:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond on the composite rudder
control rod. Investigations conducted by the supplier revealed that
this disbond is due to an incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have confirmed that some rudder
control rods installed on A330 and A340-200/-300 aircraft before
delivery or delivered as spare are also affected by this defect.
Rudder control rod rupture can lead, in the worst case, in
combination with a yaw damper runaway to an unsafe condition.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 23, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 23,
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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 10, 2008 (73
FR 1842). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond on the composite rudder
control rod. Investigations conducted by the supplier revealed that
this disbond is due to an incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have confirmed that some rudder
control rods installed on A330 and A340-200/-300 aircraft before
delivery or delivered as spare are also affected by this defect.
Rudder control rod rupture can lead, in the worst case, in
combination with a yaw damper runaway to an unsafe condition.
In order to prevent such situation, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires a one time detailed visual inspection to identify the
affected rods and to replace those affected by this issue.
The unsafe condition is reduced control of the airplane. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 8 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per
product to comply with
[[Page 14669]]
the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Labor costs may be covered under warranty as described in
the service information. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $3,840, or $480 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-06-26 Airbus: Amendment 39-15438. Docket No. FAA-2007-0396;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-282-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
23, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
all certified models, having manufacturing serial numbers (MSNs) as
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes: MSN 0315,
0323, 0333, 0337, 0338, 0342, 0344, 0346, 0349, 0350, 0351, 0356,
0357, 0370, 0375, 0388, 0389, 0398, 0400, 0404, 0407, 0408, 0412,
0427, 0432, 0454, 0493 and 0539.
(2) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: MSN 0318,
0319, 0321, 0325, 0327, 0329, 0331, 0332, 0335, 0347, 0352, 0354,
0355, 0359, 0363, 0367, 0373, 0374, 0377, 0378, 0379, 0381, 0385,
0387, 0390, 0395, 0399, 0411, 0413, 0415, 0433, 0434, 0435, 0450 and
0474.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
One A320 operator has reported a disbond on the composite rudder
control rod. Investigations conducted by the supplier revealed that
this disbond is due to an incorrect low volume of resin in the fibre
composite. The supplier and AIRBUS have confirmed that some rudder
control rods installed on A330 and A340-200/-300 aircraft before
delivery or delivered as spare are also affected by this defect.
Rudder control rod rupture can lead, in the worst case, in
combination with a yaw damper runaway to an unsafe condition.
In order to prevent such situation, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires a one time detailed visual inspection to identify the
affected rods and to replace those affected by this issue.
The unsafe condition is reduced control of the airplane.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
identify the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of all rudder
control rods installed on the subject airplanes; in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated August 8, 2007, as applicable.
(2) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder control rod identified in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD is not identified in Batch 1, Batch 2a,
or Batch 2b of Figure 3 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or
A340-27-4156, both dated August 8, 2007, no further action is
required for that control rod, except as provided by paragraph
(f)(6) of this AD.
(3) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder control rod identified in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD is identified in Batch 1 of Figure 3 of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated
August 8, 2007: Within 18 months after the identification required
by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace the affected rudder control
rod with a new rudder control rod, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157
or A340-27-4156, as applicable.
(4) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder control rod identified in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD is identified in Batch 2a of Figure 3 of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated
August 8, 2007: Within 1,400 flight hours after the identification
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace the affected
control rod with a new rudder control rod, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157
or A340-27-4156, as applicable.
(5) If the P/N and S/N of any rudder control rod identified in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD is identified in Batch 2b of Figure 3 of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated
August 8, 2007, do the actions described in paragraph (f)(5)(i) or
(f)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, at the compliance time
specified in paragraph (f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii), as applicable.
(i) For any rudder control rod having P/N 22205-08 and S/N
1000094651: Within 600 flight hours after the identification
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace the rudder control
rod with a new rudder control rod, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157
or A340-27-4156, both dated August 8, 2007, as applicable.
(ii) For all rudder control rods not identified in paragraph
(f)(5)(i) of this AD:
[[Page 14670]]
Within 6 months after the identification required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD, replace the rudder control rods with new rudder
control rods, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated
August 8, 2007, as applicable.
(6) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, any rudder control rod unit having a P/N and S/N
identified in Batch 1, Batch 2a, or Batch 2b of Figure 3 of Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-27-3157 or A340-27-4156, both dated August 8,
2007.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0246, dated September 5, 2007; Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-27-3157, dated August 8, 2007; and Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-4156, dated August 8, 2007; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3157, excluding
Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
27-4156, excluding Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007; as applicable;
to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030,
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5255 Filed 3-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
