Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 40830-40832 [2012-16966]
Download as PDF
40830
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC
D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax
206–766–5683; email
dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review
copies of the referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5,
2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–16963 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0719; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–240–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200 freighter series
airplanes; Model A330–200 and –300
series airplanes; and Model A340–200
and –300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of ram air turbine (RAT) pump failure.
This proposed AD would require
inspecting the RAT pump anti-stall
valve for correct setting, re-identifying
the RAT pump, performing a functional
ground test of the RAT, and replacing
the RAT pump or the RAT assembly
with a serviceable part if necessary. We
are proposing this AD to detect and
correct malfunction of the RAT pump,
which could lead to in-flight loss of the
RAT-pump pressurization, possibly
resulting in reduced control of the
airplane.
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SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 27, 2012.
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.
DATES:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:44 Jul 10, 2012
Jkt 226001
• 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 W12–140, 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; email
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.
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–2012–0719; Directorate Identifier
2011–NM–240–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://
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 2011–0197,
dated October 10, 2011 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
During a test flight before delivery from
production, an A330 aeroplane experienced
a RAT [ram air turbine] pump failure, as a
result of which, the green hydraulic system
could not be fully pressurized.
Investigations concluded that this
malfunction was due to poor installation of
the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a shift in
the anti-stall speed setting and leading to an
inability of the hydraulic pump Part Number
(P/N) 5909522 to provide enough hydraulic
pressure.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to the in-flight loss of
the RAT-Pump pressurization which, in case
of a total engine flame out, could have
consequences for the hydraulic circuits,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aeroplane. A340–500/–600 series aeroplanes
are not affected by this issue because they are
fitted with a different hydraulic pump P/N.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a check to ensure correct
setting of the RAT anti-stall valve in the
pump housing, followed by a RAT functional
ground test, and accomplishment of the
applicable corrective actions, depending on
findings.
Corrective actions include replacing the
RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a
serviceable part. Required actions
include reporting the findings of the
inspection. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in
the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330–29–3117, dated July 19,
2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); and
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–29–
4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model
A340 airplanes). 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
E:\FR\FM\11JYP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 59 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 4 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$20,060, or $340 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 7 work-hours and require parts
costing up to $405,143, for a cost of up
to $405,738 per product. We have no
way of determining the number of
products that may need these actions.
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
40831
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2012–0719;
Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–240–AD.
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. 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.
(a) Comments Due Date
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
We must receive comments by August 27,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
201, –202, –203, –223, –243, –223F, –243F,
–301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
–342, and –343 airplanes; and Airbus Model
A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, and –313
airplanes; certificated in any category; all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 29: Hydraulic Power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of ram
air turbine (RAT) pump failure. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
malfunction of the RAT pump, which could
lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump
pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Actions
(1) Within the applicable compliance time
specified in table 1 of this AD, as applicable,
check the RAT pump anti-stall valve for
correct setting, re-identify the RAT pump,
and do a functional ground test of the RAT,
except as required by paragraph (g)(3) of this
AD; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–29–3117, dated July 19, 2011 (for
Model A330 airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–29–4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for
Model A340 airplanes).
TABLE 1—COMPLIANCE TIMES
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Affected airplanes
Compliance time
For airplanes on which the A330 (certification maintenance requirements) CMR Task 292000–00001–1–C, or A340–200/–300 CMR
Task 292000–A0001–1–C, or A330/A340 (maintenance review board
report) MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as applicable to the airplane type,
has not been accomplished as of the effective date of this AD.
For airplanes on which the A330 CMR Task 292000–00001–1–C, or
A340–200/–300 CMR Task 292000–A0001–1–C, or A330/A340
MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as applicable to the airplane type, has already been accomplished as of the effective date of this AD.
Within 3,000 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD.
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14:44 Jul 10, 2012
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Fmt 4702
Within 24 months after the last accomplishment of A330 CMR Task
292000–00001–1–C, or A340–200/–300 CMR Task 292000–A0001–
1–C, or A330/A340 MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, applicable to the airplane type, or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(2) If the functional ground test of the RAT,
as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is
not successful (as defined by the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD):
Before further flight, replace the RAT pump
or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
(3) Any airplane equipped with a RAT
hydraulic pump marked with an ‘‘X’’ or a
date (month/year) in the amendment cell C
of the identification plate, which has been
successfully tested (as defined by the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD) in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD prior to the effective date of this AD,
is considered compliant with the
requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2)
of this AD.
(h) Parts Installation
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install any RAT hydraulic pump
or RAT assembly unless it has been
inspected, corrected, and successfully tested
(as defined by the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD) in accordance with the requirements
of paragraph (g) of this AD, on any airplane.
erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
(i) Definition
A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic
pump or RAT assembly that has been
inspected, corrected, and successfully tested
(as defined by the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD), in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
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.
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 emailed 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
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:44 Jul 10, 2012
Jkt 226001
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 FAAapproved if they are approved by the State
of Design Authority (or their delegated
agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive
2011–0197, dated October 10, 2011, and
the service bulletins specified in paragraphs
(k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–29–3117, dated July 19, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–29–4090, dated July 19, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in
this 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; email
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,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5,
2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–16966 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0678; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–285–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 747–400,
and –400F series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by multiple
reports of integrated display unit (IDU)
malfunctions and mode control panel
(MCP) malfunctions. This proposed AD
would require installing new software,
replacing the duct assembly with a new
duct assembly, making wiring changes,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
and routing certain wire bundles. We
are proposing this AD to prevent IDU
malfunctions, which could affect the
ability of the flight crew to read primary
displays for airplane attitude, altitude,
or airspeed, and consequently reduce
the ability of the flight crew to maintain
control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 27, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–
2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.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 Management Facility 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 Office
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ana
Martinez Hueto, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6592;
fax: 425–917–6591; email:
ana.m.hueto@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\11JYP1.SGM
11JYP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40830-40832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16966]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump
failure. This proposed AD would require inspecting the RAT pump anti-
stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump,
performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT
pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump,
which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2012.
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 W12-140, 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; email 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.
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-2012-0719;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-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 2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During a test flight before delivery from production, an A330
aeroplane experienced a RAT [ram air turbine] pump failure, as a
result of which, the green hydraulic system could not be fully
pressurized.
Investigations concluded that this malfunction was due to poor
installation of the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a shift in the
anti-stall speed setting and leading to an inability of the
hydraulic pump Part Number (P/N) 5909522 to provide enough hydraulic
pressure.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
in-flight loss of the RAT-Pump pressurization which, in case of a
total engine flame out, could have consequences for the hydraulic
circuits, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
A340-500/-600 series aeroplanes are not affected by this issue
because they are fitted with a different hydraulic pump P/N.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a check
to ensure correct setting of the RAT anti-stall valve in the pump
housing, followed by a RAT functional ground test, and
accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions, depending on
findings.
Corrective actions include replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly
with a serviceable part. Required actions include reporting the
findings of the inspection. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated
July 19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); and Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes).
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
[[Page 40831]]
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.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 59 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $20,060, or $340 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing up to $405,143, for a
cost of up to $405,738 per product. We have no way of determining the
number of products that may need these actions.
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
240-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 27, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: Hydraulic
Power.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump
failure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of
the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump
pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Actions
(1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1
of this AD, as applicable, check the RAT pump anti-stall valve for
correct setting, re-identify the RAT pump, and do a functional
ground test of the RAT, except as required by paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes).
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes).
Table 1--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected airplanes Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes on which the A330 Within 3,000 flight hours or 7
(certification maintenance months, whichever occurs first
requirements) CMR Task 292000-00001-1- after the effective date of
C, or A340-200/-300 CMR Task 292000- this AD.
A0001-1-C, or A330/A340 (maintenance
review board report) MRBR Task
29.20.00/06, as applicable to the
airplane type, has not been
accomplished as of the effective date
of this AD.
For airplanes on which the A330 CMR Within 24 months after the last
Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-200/- accomplishment of A330 CMR
300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-1-C, or A330/ Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-
A340 MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as 200/-300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-
applicable to the airplane type, has 1-C, or A330/A340 MRBR Task
already been accomplished as of the 29.20.00/06, applicable to the
effective date of this AD. airplane type, or 30 days
after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs
later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 40832]]
(2) If the functional ground test of the RAT, as required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is not successful (as defined by the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD): Before
further flight, replace the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i)
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(3) Any airplane equipped with a RAT hydraulic pump marked with
an ``X'' or a date (month/year) in the amendment cell C of the
identification plate, which has been successfully tested (as defined
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD)
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD prior to the effective date of this AD, is considered
compliant with the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD.
(h) Parts Installation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly unless it has been inspected,
corrected, and successfully tested (as defined by the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD) in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, on any airplane.
(i) Definition
A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly that
has been inspected, corrected, and successfully tested (as defined
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD),
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. 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 emailed 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive
2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011, and the service bulletins
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for
related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July
19, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July
19, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in this 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; email 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, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16966 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P