Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 Series Airplanes, 23218-23221 [2011-10007]

Download as PDF 23218 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 26, 2011 / Proposed Rules individuals’ work hours are subject to the requirements of § 26.205(d)(3) or in any averaging period of up to 6 weeks, using the same averaging period durations that the licensees use to control the individuals’ work hours, while the individuals’ work hours are subject to the requirements of § 26.205(d)(7); * * * * * 4. Section 26.207 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and (b) to read as follows: § 26.207 Waivers and assessments. (a) Waivers. Licensees may grant a waiver of one or more of the work hour controls in § 26.205(d)(1) through (d)(5)(i) and (d)(7), as follows: * * * * * (b) Force-on-force tactical exercises. For the purposes of compliance with the minimum days off requirements of § 26.205(d)(3) or the maximum average work hours requirements of § 26.205(d)(7), licensees may exclude shifts worked by security personnel during the actual conduct of NRCevaluated force-on-force tactical exercises when calculating the individual’s number of days off or hours worked, as applicable. * * * * * 5. Section 26.209 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 26.209 were performing or directing (on site) the work activities during which the event occurred, if the event occurred while such individuals were performing work under that waiver. * * * * * (d) The licensee may not conclude that fatigue has not or will not degrade the individual’s ability to safely and competently perform his or her duties solely on the basis that the individual’s work hours have not exceeded any of the limits specified in § 26.205(d)(1), the individual has had the minimum breaks required in § 26.205(d)(2) or minimum days off required in § 26.205(d)(3) through (d)(5), as applicable, or the individual’s hours worked have not exceeded the maximum average number of hours worked in § 26.205(d)(7). * * * * * Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 13th day of April, 2011. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Michael F. Weber, Acting Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–9925 Filed 4–25–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Self-declarations. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS (a) If an individual is performing, or being assessed for, work under a waiver of one or more of the requirements contained in § 26.205(d)(1) through (d)(5)(i) and (d)(7) and declares that, due to fatigue, he or she is unable to safely and competently perform his or her duties, the licensee shall immediately stop the individual from performing any duties listed in § 26.4(a), except if the individual is required to continue performing those duties under other requirements of 10 CFR part 26. If the subject individual must continue performing the duties listed in § 26.4(a) until relieved, the licensee shall immediately take action to relieve the individual. * * * * * 6. Section 26.211 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2)(iii) and (d) to read as follows: [Docket No. FAA–2011–0385; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–256–AD] § 26.211 During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign * * *, some BCMs have been found with loose gyrometer screws. * * * When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration (considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible Fatigue assessments. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) * * * (iii) Evaluated or approved a waiver of one or more of the limits specified in § 26.205(d)(1) through (d)(5)(i) and (d)(7) for any of the individuals who VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Apr 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe condition. * * * * * * * * [S]everal Pedal Feel Trim Units (PFTU) have been found with loose or broken screws during the accomplishment of maintenance tasks on A330 fitted with electrical rudder and A340–600. The loose or failed screws could lead to the loss of the coupling between the Rotary Variable Differential Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU shaft, and consequently to a potential rudder runaway when the BCM is activated. * * * * * The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane. 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 June 10, 2011. 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. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS— Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; e-mail airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227– 1221. 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. E:\FR\FM\26APP1.SGM 26APP1 23219 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 26, 2011 / Proposed Rules 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–2011–0385; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–256–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 The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010–0191, dated September 27, 2010 [Corrected October 7, 2010] (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign in accordance with EASA AD 2006–0313 requirements, some BCMs have been found with loose gyrometer screws. The gyrometer is installed on the DELRIN plate by internal screws and the DELRIN plate is installed on BCM casing by external screws. Investigations done by the BCM manufacturer SAGEM have shown that the root cause of these events is a lack of design robustness of the BCM. When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration (considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe condition. EASA AD 2008–0131 was issued to prohibit aeroplane dispatch with FCPC3 inoperative (from GO IF to NO GO) as an interim solution, limited to A330 and A340– 300 fitted with electrical rudder. After EASA AD 2008–0131 issuance, several Pedal Feel Trim Units (PFTU) have been found with loose or broken screws during the accomplishment of maintenance tasks on A330 fitted with electrical rudder and A340–600. The loose or failed screws could lead to the loss of the coupling between the Rotary Variable Differential Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU shaft, and consequently to a potential rudder runaway when the BCM is activated. EASA AD 2009–0153 retained the requirements of EASA AD 2008–0131 and extended the applicability to A340–500/–600 aeroplanes. This [EASA] AD, which supersedes EASA AD 2009–0153 retaining its requirements, requires the installation of: —a new BCM on A330 and A340–300 series aeroplanes fitted with electrical rudder, and —an improved PFTU on A330 and A340–300 series aeroplanes fitted with an electrical rudder and A340–500/–600 series aeroplanes, which, once installed, eliminate the root cause of the unsafe condition and cancel the operational limitation. * * * * * The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued the service bulletins in the following table. SERVICE BULLETINS Document Airbus Airbus Airbus Airbus Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3169 .................................................................................................................... Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–4167 .................................................................................................................... Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–5053 .................................................................................................................... Service Bulletin A330–27–3161 ....................................................................................................................................... Service Bulletin A340–27–4160 ....................................................................................................................................... The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Date 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Apr 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 May 3, 2010. May 3, 2010. May 3, 2010. November 6, 2009. November 6, 2009. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 46 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 17 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 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 $66,470, or $1,445 per product. E:\FR\FM\26APP1.SGM 26APP1 23220 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 26, 2011 / Proposed Rules Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 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, Incorporation by reference, Safety. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Apr 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2011–0385; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–256–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by June 10, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to airplanes in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 49144 (install electrical rudder) has been embodied in production, except those on which Airbus modification 58118 and Airbus modification 200667 have been embodied in production. (2) Airbus Model A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 49144 has been embodied in production, except those on which Airbus modification 58118 and Airbus modification 200667 have been embodied in production. (3) Airbus Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 200667 has been embodied in production. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight Controls. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign * * *, some BCMs have been found with loose gyrometer screws. * * * When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration (considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe condition. * * * * * * * * [S]everal Pedal Feel Trim Units (PFTU) have been found with loose or broken screws during the accomplishment of maintenance tasks on A330 fitted with electrical rudder and A340–600. The loose or failed screws could lead to the loss of the coupling between the Rotary Variable Differential Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU shaft, and consequently to a potential rudder runaway when the BCM is activated. * * * * * The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane. Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Dispatch Prohibition (g) As of the effective date of this AD, dispatch with the flight control primary computer (FCPC) 3 ‘PRIM 3’ inoperative is prohibited unless the applicable modifications required by this AD have been done within the compliance time in this AD. Airplane Flight Manual Revision (h) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the Airbus A330 or A340 airplane flight manual (AFM), as applicable, to include the following statement: ‘‘Dispatch with the flight control primary computer (FCPC) 3 ‘PRIM 3’ inoperative is prohibited.’’ This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (h) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM. Modification (i) For Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, –343, and A340–311, –312, and –313 series airplanes, within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD: (1) Modify the BCM, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3161 (for Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, –343 airplanes) or A340–27–4160 (for Model A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes), both dated November 6, 2009, as applicable. (2) Modify the PFTU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3169 or A340–27–4167, both dated May 3, 2010, as applicable. (j) For Airbus Model 340–541 and –642 airplanes: Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the PFTU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–5053, dated May 3, 2010. Terminating Action (k) Modifying both the BCM and PFTU as required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. (l) Modifying the PFTU as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, terminates the requirements in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (m) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International E:\FR\FM\26APP1.SGM 26APP1 23221 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 26, 2011 / Proposed Rules 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 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. Information may be e-mailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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. Related Information (n) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2010– 0191, dated September 27, 2010 [Corrected October 7, 2010], and the service bulletins listed in table 1 of this AD, for related information. TABLE 1—AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS Document Airbus Airbus Airbus Airbus Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3169 .................................................................................................................... Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–4167 .................................................................................................................... Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–5053 .................................................................................................................... Service Bulletin A330–27–3161 ....................................................................................................................................... Service Bulletin A340–27–4160 ....................................................................................................................................... Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2011. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–10007 Filed 4–25–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Chapter I SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 17 CFR Chapter II [Release No. 34–64314; File No. 4–625] Joint Public Roundtable on Issues Related to the Schedule for Implementing Final Rules for Swaps and Security-Based Swaps Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’) and Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’) (each, an ‘‘Agency,’’ and collectively, the ‘‘Agencies’’). ACTION: Notice of roundtable discussion; request for comment. AGENCIES: On Monday, May 2, 2011, and Tuesday, May 3, 2011, commencing each day at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., staff of the Agencies will hold a public roundtable meeting at which invited participants will discuss various issues related to the schedule for implementing final rules for swaps and security-based swaps under the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer SUMMARY: jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Date VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Apr 25, 2011 Jkt 223001 Protection Act (the ‘‘Act’’). The discussion will be open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public may also listen to the meeting by telephone. Callin participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name and affiliation. The information for the conference call is set forth below. • U.S. Toll-Free: (866) 844–9416. • International Toll: information on international dialing can be found at the following link: https://www.cftc.gov/ PressRoom/PressReleases/ internationalnumbers021811.html. • Conference ID: 1212444. A transcript of the public roundtable discussion will be published at https:// www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/Events/2011/ index.htm. The roundtable discussion will take place each day in the Conference Center at the CFTC’s headquarters, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The CFTC’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 418–5080 or the SEC’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 551–4120. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The roundtable discussion will take place on Monday, May 2, 2011, and Tuesday, May 3, 2011, commencing each day at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Members of the public who wish to comment on the topics addressed at the discussion, or on any other topics related to the schedule for implementing final rules for swaps and security-based swaps under the Act, may do so via: • Paper submission to David Stawick, Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581, or Elizabeth M. Murphy, PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 May 3, 2010. May 3, 2010. May 3, 2010. November 6, 2009. November 6, 2009. Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090; or • Electronic submission via visiting https://comments.cftc.gov/ PublicComments/ CommentForm.aspx?id=1000 and submitting comments through the CFTC’s Web site; and/or by e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov (all e-mails must reference the file number 4–625 in the subject field) or through the comment form available at: https:// www.sec.gov/rules/other.shtml. All submissions will be reviewed jointly by the Agencies. All comments must be in English or be accompanied by an English translation. All submissions provided to either Agency in any electronic form or on paper will be published on the Web site of the respective Agency, without review and without removal of personally identifying information. Please submit only information that you wish to make publicly available. By the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Dated: April 20, 2011. David A. Stawick, Secretary. By the Securities and Exchange Commission. Dated: April 20, 2011. Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary. Concurring Statement of CFTC Commissioner Scott D. O’Malia; Implementation Roundtable Seriatim; Certainty & Transparency I concur in supporting the Commission’s roundtable on the implementation process. E:\FR\FM\26APP1.SGM 26APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23218-23221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10007]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0385; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-256-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. 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:

    During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign * * *, 
some BCMs have been found with loose gyrometer screws.
    * * * When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the 
BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible 
subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
* * * * *
    * * * [S]everal Pedal Feel Trim Units (PFTU) have been found 
with loose or broken screws during the accomplishment of maintenance 
tasks on A330 fitted with electrical rudder and A340-600. The loose 
or failed screws could lead to the loss of the coupling between the 
Rotary Variable Differential Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU 
shaft, and consequently to a potential rudder runaway when the BCM 
is activated.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane. 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 June 10, 2011.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 45 80; e-mail airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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.

[[Page 23219]]


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-2011-0385; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-256-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0191, dated September 27, 2010 [Corrected 
October 7, 2010] (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct 
an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign in 
accordance with EASA AD 2006-0313 requirements, some BCMs have been 
found with loose gyrometer screws.
    The gyrometer is installed on the DELRIN plate by internal 
screws and the DELRIN plate is installed on BCM casing by external 
screws.
    Investigations done by the BCM manufacturer SAGEM have shown 
that the root cause of these events is a lack of design robustness 
of the BCM. When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the 
BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible 
subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
    EASA AD 2008-0131 was issued to prohibit aeroplane dispatch with 
FCPC3 inoperative (from GO IF to NO GO) as an interim solution, 
limited to A330 and A340-300 fitted with electrical rudder.
    After EASA AD 2008-0131 issuance, several Pedal Feel Trim Units 
(PFTU) have been found with loose or broken screws during the 
accomplishment of maintenance tasks on A330 fitted with electrical 
rudder and A340-600. The loose or failed screws could lead to the 
loss of the coupling between the Rotary Variable Differential 
Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU shaft, and consequently to a 
potential rudder runaway when the BCM is activated.
    EASA AD 2009-0153 retained the requirements of EASA AD 2008-0131 
and extended the applicability to A340-500/-600 aeroplanes.
    This [EASA] AD, which supersedes EASA AD 2009-0153 retaining its 
requirements, requires the installation of:

--a new BCM on A330 and A340-300 series aeroplanes fitted with 
electrical rudder, and
--an improved PFTU on A330 and A340-300 series aeroplanes fitted 
with an electrical rudder and A340-500/-600 series aeroplanes,

which, once installed, eliminate the root cause of the unsafe 
condition and cancel the operational limitation.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the service bulletins in the following table.

                            Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A330-27-3169.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A340-27-4167.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A340-27-5053.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3161.  November 6, 2009.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4160.  November 6, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 46 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 17 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 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 $66,470, or $1,445 per product.

[[Page 23220]]

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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2011-0385; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-
256-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by June 10, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to airplanes in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), 
and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 49144 
(install electrical rudder) has been embodied in production, except 
those on which Airbus modification 58118 and Airbus modification 
200667 have been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 49144 has 
been embodied in production, except those on which Airbus 
modification 58118 and Airbus modification 200667 have been embodied 
in production.
    (3) Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 200667 has 
been embodied in production.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    During a Back-up Control Module (BCM) retrofit campaign * * *, 
some BCMs have been found with loose gyrometer screws.
    * * * When the aeroplane is in control back up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an oscillation of the 
BCM output order may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and possible 
subsequent impact on the Dutch Roll, which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
* * * * *
    * * * [S]everal Pedal Feel Trim Units (PFTU) have been found 
with loose or broken screws during the accomplishment of maintenance 
tasks on A330 fitted with electrical rudder and A340-600. The loose 
or failed screws could lead to the loss of the coupling between the 
Rotary Variable Differential Transducer (RVDT) shaft and the PFTU 
shaft, and consequently to a potential rudder runaway when the BCM 
is activated.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Dispatch Prohibition

    (g) As of the effective date of this AD, dispatch with the 
flight control primary computer (FCPC) 3 `PRIM 3' inoperative is 
prohibited unless the applicable modifications required by this AD 
have been done within the compliance time in this AD.

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (h) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the Airbus A330 or A340 airplane flight 
manual (AFM), as applicable, to include the following statement: 
``Dispatch with the flight control primary computer (FCPC) 3 `PRIM 
3' inoperative is prohibited.'' This may be done by inserting a copy 
of this AD into the AFM.

    Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (h) of 
this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the 
general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.

Modification

    (i) For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -
243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, and 
A340-311, -312, and -313 series airplanes, within 48 months after 
the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Modify the BCM, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3161 (for Model 
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343 airplanes) or A340-27-4160 (for 
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated November 6, 
2009, as applicable.
    (2) Modify the PFTU, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3169 or 
A340-27-4167, both dated May 3, 2010, as applicable.
    (j) For Airbus Model 340-541 and -642 airplanes: Within 48 
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the PFTU, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A340-27-5053, dated May 3, 2010.

Terminating Action

    (k) Modifying both the BCM and PFTU as required by paragraphs 
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, terminates the requirements of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (l) Modifying the PFTU as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, 
terminates the requirements in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (m) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International

[[Page 23221]]

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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it 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. 
Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (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.

Related Information

    (n) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0191, dated September 27, 2010 [Corrected October 7, 
2010], and the service bulletins listed in table 1 of this AD, for 
related information.

                    Table 1--Airbus Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A330-27-3169.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A340-27-4167.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin      May 3, 2010.
 A340-27-5053.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3161.  November 6, 2009.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4160.  November 6, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-10007 Filed 4-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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