Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 Series Airplanes, 50256-50258 [E8-19716]
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50256
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 26, 2008 / Proposed Rules
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–19717 Filed 8–25–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0910; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–033–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200, A330–300, A340–300, A340–
500, and A340–600 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would
supersede an existing AD. This
proposed 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:
An A330 operator reported a shroud box
bottom panel missing during a routine
inspection. The same panel detached from an
A330 aircraft during take-off, causing damage
to the surrounding structure and to the
Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
The inspection indicated the blind rivets
used to attach the panel worked loose
causing fatigue damage with crack
propagation through the fastener line
resulting in panel detachment * * *.
* * * Three additional events of panel loss
have been experienced on in service aircraft
already inspected in accordance with the AD
requirements * * *.
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 25,
2008.
You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
sroberts on PROD1PC76 with PROPOSALS
ADDRESSES:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:09 Aug 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room
W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2008–0910; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–033–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On April 4, 2007, we issued AD 2007–
08–05, Amendment 39–15022 (72 FR
18563, April 13, 2007). That AD
required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on the products listed
above.
Since we issued AD 2007–08–05, we
have received additional reports of loss
of the bottom panel of the shroud box
on in-service airplanes on which the
one-time detailed inspection required
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
by AD 2007–08–05 has been done.
Therefore, the requirements of AD
2007–08–05 do not adequately address
the identified unsafe condition of that
AD. The European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued
Airworthiness Directive 2008–0002,
dated January 7, 2008 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
An A330 operator reported a shroud box
bottom panel missing during a routine
inspection. The same panel detached from an
A330 aircraft during take-off, causing damage
to the surrounding structure and to the
Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
The inspection indicated the blind rivets
used to attach the panel worked loose
causing fatigue damage with crack
propagation through the fastener line
resulting in panel detachment.
To avoid potential injuries to persons on
ground, Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006–
0107 [which corresponds with FAA AD
2007–08–05] mandated a one time detailed
visual inspection of the shroud box bottom
panel.
Further to issuance of AD 2006–0107, three
additional events of panel loss have been
experienced on in service aircraft already
inspected in accordance with the AD
requirements and no findings. Thus, it has
been decided to delete this one time detailed
visual inspection and to mandate a
modification which prevents such unsafe
condition. Therefore, the present AD
supersedes EASA AD 2006–0107 and
mandates the installation of a bolted shroud
box bottom panel instead of blind riveted
metallic design.
The modification includes doing all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions. The related
investigative action is an inspection to
detect cracks of the shroud box hole.
The corrective action is repairing any
cracked shroud box hole. The
applicability of the MCAI has been
revised; certain airplanes have been
removed and others added. You may
obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following
service bulletins:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–
3100, dated October 1, 2007;
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–
4109, dated October 1, 2007; and
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–
5018, dated October 1, 2007.
The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
C:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 26, 2008 / Proposed Rules
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed 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 proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
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 proposed
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
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 34 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 20 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $80 per work-hour. Required
parts would cost about $990 per
product. Where the service information
lists required parts costs that are
covered under warranty, we have
assumed that there will be no charge for
these costs. As we do not control
warranty coverage for affected parties,
some parties may incur costs higher
than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$88,060, or $2,590 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 proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
50257
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 proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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
removing Amendment 39–15022 (72 FR
18563, April 13, 2007) and adding the
following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2008–0910;
Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–033–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by
September 25, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) The proposed AD supersedes AD 2007–
08–05, Amendment 39–15022.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus airplanes
identified in Table 1 of this AD; certificated
in any category.
TABLE 1—APPLICABILITY
On which—
Except for those airplanes on which—
(1) A330–200, A330–300, and A340–300 series, all certified models, all serial numbers.
Airbus modification 46077 has been embodied
in production.
(2) Airbus A340–500 and A340–600 series, all
certified models, all serial numbers.
sroberts on PROD1PC76 with PROPOSALS
For model—
None .................................................................
Airbus Modification 55568 has been done in
production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–
57–3100 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–
57–4109 has been embodied in service.
Airbus modification 55568 has been embodied
in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340–57–5018 has been embodied in service.
Subject
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57: Wings.
An A330 operator reported a shroud box
bottom panel missing during a routine
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:09 Aug 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
inspection. The same panel detached from an
A330 aircraft during take-off, causing damage
to the surrounding structure and to the
Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
C:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM
26AUP1
50258
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 26, 2008 / Proposed Rules
The inspection indicated the blind rivets
used to attach the panel worked loose
causing fatigue damage with crack
propagation through the fastener line
resulting in panel detachment.
To avoid potential injuries to persons on
ground, Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006–
0107 [which corresponds with FAA AD
2007–08–05] mandated a one time detailed
visual inspection of the shroud box bottom
panel.
Further to issuance of AD 2006–0107, three
additional events of panel loss have been
experienced on in service aircraft already
inspected in accordance with the AD
requirements and no findings. Thus, it has
been decided to delete this one time detailed
visual inspection and to mandate a
modification which prevents such unsafe
condition. Therefore, the present AD
supersedes EASA AD 2006–0107 and
mandates the installation of a bolted shroud
box bottom panel instead of blind riveted
metallic design.
The modification includes doing all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions. The related investigative
action is an inspection to detect cracks of the
shroud box hole. The corrective action is
repairing any cracked shroud box hole.
New Requirements of This AD: Actions and
Compliance
(f) Unless already done: Within 69 months
after the effective date of this AD, modify the
shroud box bottom skin panel on both wings,
and do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions, by accomplishing all
the actions in the applicable service bulletins
identified in Table 2 of this AD. Do all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight.
TABLE 2—SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletin—
Dated—
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3100 .......................................................................................................................................
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4109 .......................................................................................................................................
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–5018 .......................................................................................................................................
October 1, 2007.
October 1, 2007.
October 1, 2007.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
sroberts on PROD1PC76 with PROPOSALS
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 Airworthiness Directive 2008–
0002, dated January 7, 2008; and the service
bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD for
related information.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:09 Aug 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–19716 Filed 8–25–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
Proposed Modification of the Dallas/
Fort Worth, TX Class B Airspace Area;
Public Meetings
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Meetings.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice announces four
fact-finding informal airspace meetings
to solicit information from airspace
users and others concerning a proposal
to revise the Class B airspace area at
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. The purpose of
these meetings is to provide interested
parties an opportunity to present views,
recommendations, and comments on the
proposal. All comments received during
these meetings will be considered prior
to any revision or issuance of a notice
of proposed rulemaking.
DATES: The informal airspace meetings
will be held on Monday, November 3,
2008, at 5 p.m., Thursday, November 6,
2008, at 5 p.m., Thursday, November 13,
2008, at 5 p.m., and Tuesday, November
18, 2008, at 5 p.m. Comments must be
received on or before November 26,
2008.
(1) The meeting on Monday,
November 3, 2008, will be held at
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Lancaster Recreation Center, 1700
Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster,
TX 75134. (2) The meeting on Thursday,
November 6, 2008, will be held at
Cavanaugh Flight Museum, 4572 Claire
Chennault Drive, Addison, TX 75001.
(3) The meeting on Thursday, November
13, 2008, will be held at 5000 Airport
Road, Denton, TX 76205–0207. (4) The
meeting on Tuesday, November 18,
2008, will be held at Mesquite Airport
Terminal Building, 1340 Airport
Boulevard, Mesquite, TX 75181.
Comments: Send comments on the
proposal to: Don Smith, Manager,
Operations Support Group, Air Traffic
Organization Central Service Area,
Federal Aviation Administration, 2601
Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX
76137, or by fax to (817) 222–5547.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Beck, DFW ATCT/TRACON,
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport,
2401 International Parkway, Dallas/Fort
Worth Airport, TX 75261; Telephone
(972) 615–2530.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (a) The
meetings will be informal in nature and
will be conducted by one or more
representatives of the FAA Central
Service Center. A representative from
the FAA will present a formal briefing
on the planned modification to the Class
B airspace at Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.
Each participant will be given an
opportunity to deliver comments or
make a presentation. Only comments
concerning the plan to modify the Class
B airspace area at Dallas/Fort Worth,
TX, will be accepted.
(b) The meetings will be open to all
persons on a space-available basis.
There will be no admission fee or other
charge to attend and participate.
(c) Any person wishing to make a
presentation to the FAA panel will be
C:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM
26AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50256-50258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19716]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0910; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-033-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This
proposed 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:
An A330 operator reported a shroud box bottom panel missing
during a routine inspection. The same panel detached from an A330
aircraft during take-off, causing damage to the surrounding
structure and to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
The inspection indicated the blind rivets used to attach the
panel worked loose causing fatigue damage with crack propagation
through the fastener line resulting in panel detachment * * *.
* * * Three additional events of panel loss have been
experienced on in service aircraft already inspected in accordance
with the AD requirements * * *.* * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 25,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0910;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-033-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On April 4, 2007, we issued AD 2007-08-05, Amendment 39-15022 (72
FR 18563, April 13, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address
an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2007-08-05, we have received additional reports
of loss of the bottom panel of the shroud box on in-service airplanes
on which the one-time detailed inspection required by AD 2007-08-05 has
been done. Therefore, the requirements of AD 2007-08-05 do not
adequately address the identified unsafe condition of that AD. The
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Community, has issued
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0002, dated January 7, 2008 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
An A330 operator reported a shroud box bottom panel missing
during a routine inspection. The same panel detached from an A330
aircraft during take-off, causing damage to the surrounding
structure and to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
The inspection indicated the blind rivets used to attach the
panel worked loose causing fatigue damage with crack propagation
through the fastener line resulting in panel detachment.
To avoid potential injuries to persons on ground, Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2006-0107 [which corresponds with FAA AD 2007-08-05]
mandated a one time detailed visual inspection of the shroud box
bottom panel.
Further to issuance of AD 2006-0107, three additional events of
panel loss have been experienced on in service aircraft already
inspected in accordance with the AD requirements and no findings.
Thus, it has been decided to delete this one time detailed visual
inspection and to mandate a modification which prevents such unsafe
condition. Therefore, the present AD supersedes EASA AD 2006-0107
and mandates the installation of a bolted shroud box bottom panel
instead of blind riveted metallic design.
The modification includes doing all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions. The related investigative action is an
inspection to detect cracks of the shroud box hole. The corrective
action is repairing any cracked shroud box hole. The applicability of
the MCAI has been revised; certain airplanes have been removed and
others added. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI
in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3100, dated October 1,
2007;
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4109, dated October 1,
2007; and
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5018, dated October 1,
2007.
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
[[Page 50257]]
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
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 proposed 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 proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 34 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 20 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $990 per product. Where the
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs.
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $88,060, or $2,590 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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15022 (72 FR
18563, April 13, 2007) and adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2008-0910; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
033-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by September 25, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) The proposed AD supersedes AD 2007-08-05, Amendment 39-
15022.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus airplanes identified in Table 1 of
this AD; certificated in any category.
Table 1--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Except for those
For model-- On which-- airplanes on
which--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-200, A330-300, and A340- Airbus Airbus
300 series, all certified modification Modification
models, all serial numbers. 46077 has been 55568 has been
embodied in done in
production. production, or
Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-57-
3100 or Airbus
Service Bulletin
A340-57-4109 has
been embodied in
service.
(2) Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 None.............. Airbus
series, all certified models, modification
all serial numbers. 55568 has been
embodied in
production, or
Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-57-
5018 has been
embodied in
service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
An A330 operator reported a shroud box bottom panel missing
during a routine inspection. The same panel detached from an A330
aircraft during take-off, causing damage to the surrounding
structure and to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip
fairing.
[[Page 50258]]
The inspection indicated the blind rivets used to attach the
panel worked loose causing fatigue damage with crack propagation
through the fastener line resulting in panel detachment.
To avoid potential injuries to persons on ground, Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2006-0107 [which corresponds with FAA AD 2007-08-05]
mandated a one time detailed visual inspection of the shroud box
bottom panel.
Further to issuance of AD 2006-0107, three additional events of
panel loss have been experienced on in service aircraft already
inspected in accordance with the AD requirements and no findings.
Thus, it has been decided to delete this one time detailed visual
inspection and to mandate a modification which prevents such unsafe
condition. Therefore, the present AD supersedes EASA AD 2006-0107
and mandates the installation of a bolted shroud box bottom panel
instead of blind riveted metallic design.
The modification includes doing all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions. The related investigative action is an
inspection to detect cracks of the shroud box hole. The corrective
action is repairing any cracked shroud box hole.
New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done: Within 69 months after the effective
date of this AD, modify the shroud box bottom skin panel on both
wings, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective
actions, by accomplishing all the actions in the applicable service
bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD. Do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
Table 2--Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3100.. October 1, 2007.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4109.. October 1, 2007.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5018.. October 1, 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 Airworthiness
Directive 2008-0002, dated January 7, 2008; and the service
bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-19716 Filed 8-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
