Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 51729-51731 [2012-20879]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(1) AD 2003–14–08, Amendment 39–13227
(68 FR 41519, July 14, 2003): The
requirements specified in Table 1 and Figure
1 of that AD.
(2) AD 2006–13–13, Amendment 39–14666
(71 FR 35781, June 22, 2006): All
requirements of that AD.
(3) AD 2008–23–07, Amendment 39–15728
(73 FR 66512, November 10, 2008): All
requirements of that AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(l) Special Flight Permit
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(n) Related Information
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch,
ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone:
(425) 917–6472; fax: (425) 917–6590; email:
jeffrey.w.palmer@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
10, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–20880 Filed 8–24–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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15:06 Aug 24, 2012
Jkt 226001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0810; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–195–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330–200, A330–300,
A340–200 and A340–300 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that revealed the
wheel axles of the main landing gear
(MLG) were machined with a radius as
small as 0.4 millimeters. This proposed
AD would require replacing the wheel
axle of the MLG with a serviceable part.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG,
which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 11, 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.
SUMMARY:
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51729
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–2012–0810; Directorate Identifier
2011–NM–195–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 2011–0170,
dated September 7, 2011 (referred to
after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
EASA has received a report via Airbus and
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Ltd, from a
Maintenance repair organisation, concerning
a specific repair, accomplished on certain
MLG wheel axles. Investigations revealed
that the axles have been machined with a
radius as small as 0.4 mm.
This condition, if not corrected, has a
detrimental effect on the fatigue lives of these
parts, possibly affecting the structural
integrity of the aeroplane. Fatigue analyses
were performed, the results of which
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27AUP1
51730
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules
indicated that the life limit of the affected
MLG wheel axles must be reduced to below
the one stated in the A330 and A340 Airbus
Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) Part
1.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the replacement of the
MLG wheel axles before reaching the new
reduced demonstrated life limit.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operator Telex
A330–32A3256, dated August 24, 2011,
including Appendix 1, dated August 23,
2011 (for Model A330–200 and –300
series airplanes); and All Operator Telex
A340–32A4292, dated August 24, 2011,
including Appendix 1, dated August 23,
2011 (for Model A340–200 and –300
series airplanes). The actions described
in this service information are intended
to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
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.
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 48 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 $153,443 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 parts. 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
$9,293,857, or $157,523 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
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:06 Aug 24, 2012
Jkt 226001
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.
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Fmt 4702
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2012–0810;
Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–195–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 11,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain Airbus Model
A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –243, –301,
–302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342,
and –343 airplanes; and Model A340–211,
–212, –213, –311, –312, and –313 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all manufacturer
serial numbers, except those on which
Airbus modification 54500 has been
embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32: Landing Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that
revealed the wheel axles were machined with
a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters. We are
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue of the
wheel axle of the main landing gear (MLG),
which could adversely affect the structural
integrity 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) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected
MLG wheel axle is defined as a MLG axle
having a part number and serial number
specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated
August 23, 2011, of Airbus All Operator
Telex A330–32A3256, dated August 24, 2011
(for Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex
A340–32A4292, dated August 24, 2011 (for
Model A340–200 and –300 series airplanes).
(2) After removal from an airplane, an
affected MLG wheel axle that has reached its
life limit is considered an unserviceable part.
(3) The term ‘‘life limit’’ used in this AD
means a post-repair life limit.
(h) Replacement
At the later of the times specified in
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD: Replace
all affected MLG wheel axles with
serviceable parts, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus All Operator Telex
A330–32A3256, dated August 24, 2011,
including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011
(for Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex
A340–32A4292, dated August 24, 2011,
including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011
(for Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes).
(1) Replace before the accumulation of the
applicable landings or flight hours specified
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules
in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The
‘‘Post Repair MLG wheel Axle Life Limit’’
must be counted from the date of installation
of the MLG wheel axle on an airplane that
occurs after the date of repair specified in
Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011
of Airbus All Operator Telex A330–32A–
3256 (for Model A330–200 series airplanes
and Airbus Model A330–300 series
airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex
A340–32A–4292 (for Model A340–200 series
airplanes and Airbus Model A340–300 series
airplanes).
(2) Replace within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD without exceeding
the applicable landings or flight hours
specified in table 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this
AD. The ‘‘Post Repair MLG wheel axle flight
hours or landings, not to be exceeded’’ must
be counted from the date of installation of the
MLG wheel axle on an airplane which occurs
after the date of repair specified in the Part
1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011, of
Airbus All Operator Telex A330–32A3256,
dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A330–200
and –300 series airplanes); or Airbus All
Operator Telex A340–32A4292, dated August
24, 2011 (for Model A340–200 and –300
series airplanes).
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (h)(1) OF THIS AD—POST-REPAIR MLG WHEEL AXLE LIFE LIMIT
Post-repair MLG wheel axle life limit,
whichever occurs first
(see paragraph (h)(1) of this AD)
Affected airplanes
Model
Model
Model
Model
Model
Model
A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes, weight variant (WV) 00 ....................................................
A340–211, –212, and –213 airplanes, WV00 ...............................................................................
A340–313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05 ........................................................................................
A330–301, –321, –322, –341, and –342 airplanes, WV00 and WV01 ........................................
A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and –243, WV02, WV05, and WV06 ...........................................
A330–301, –302, –303, –323, –342, and –343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05 ..............................
4,700
4,600
3,950
5,050
4,450
5,150
landings
landings
landings
landings
landings
landings
or
or
or
or
or
or
22,250
29,000
16,900
15,200
17,900
13,450
flight
flight
flight
flight
flight
flight
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
TABLE 2—TO PARAGRAPH (h)(2) OF THIS AD—POST-REPAIR MLG WHEEL AXLE FLIGHT HOURS OR LANDINGS
Post-repair MLG wheel axle flight hours
or landings, whichever occurs first, not to
be exceeded
(see paragraph (h)(2) of this AD)
Affected airplanes
Model
Model
Model
Model
Model
Model
A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes, WV00 ...............................................................................
A340–211, –212, and –213 airplanes, WV00 ...............................................................................
A340–313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05 ........................................................................................
A330–301, –321, –322, –341, and –342 airplanes, WV00 and WV01 ........................................
A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and –243 airplanes, WV02, WV05, and WV06 ...........................
A330–301, –302, –303, –323, –342, and –343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05 ..............................
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD: An
affected MLG wheel axle can be installed on
an airplane, provided the MLG wheel axle
has not exceeded the limits specified in table
1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD and it is
replaced with a serviceable part before
reaching the life limit defined in table 1 to
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
(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, 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: 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
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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 EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2011–0170, dated September 7,
2011, and the service information in
paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD,
for related information.
(i) Airbus All Operator Telex A330–
32A3256, dated August 24, 2011, including
Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011.
(ii) Airbus All Operator Telex A340–
32A4292, dated August 24, 2011, including
Appendix 1, dated August 23, 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.
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Fmt 4702
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7,830
7,660
6,580
8,410
7,410
8,580
landings
landings
landings
landings
landings
landings
or
or
or
or
or
or
37,080
48,330
28,160
25,330
29,830
22,580
flight
flight
flight
flight
flight
flight
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
hours.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
14, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–20879 Filed 8–24–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION
[CPSC Docket No. CPSC–2012–0048]
16 CFR Chapter II
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Summit
Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
ACTION: Notification.
AGENCY:
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC, Commission, or we)
is announcing its intent to hold a
Summit on all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
safety. The Summit will be held at the
CPSC’s headquarters in Bethesda, MD,
on October 11 and 12, 2012. We invite
interested parties to participate in or
attend the Summit and to submit
comments.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\27AUP1.SGM
27AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51729-51731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20879]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-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
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that revealed the
wheel axles of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a radius
as small as 0.4 millimeters. This proposed AD would require replacing
the wheel axle of the MLG with a serviceable part. We are proposing
this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG, which could
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 11,
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-2012-0810;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-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 2011-0170, dated September 7, 2011 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
EASA has received a report via Airbus and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
Ltd, from a Maintenance repair organisation, concerning a specific
repair, accomplished on certain MLG wheel axles. Investigations
revealed that the axles have been machined with a radius as small as
0.4 mm.
This condition, if not corrected, has a detrimental effect on
the fatigue lives of these parts, possibly affecting the structural
integrity of the aeroplane. Fatigue analyses were performed, the
results of which
[[Page 51730]]
indicated that the life limit of the affected MLG wheel axles must
be reduced to below the one stated in the A330 and A340 Airbus
Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) Part 1.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
replacement of the MLG wheel axles before reaching the new reduced
demonstrated life limit.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24,
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200
and -300 series airplanes); and All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated
August 24, 2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model
A340-200 and -300 series 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 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 48 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 $153,443 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
parts. 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 $9,293,857, or $157,523 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);
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-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
195-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 11, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 54500 has been
embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles
were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters. We are
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the main
landing gear (MLG), which could adversely affect the structural
integrity 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) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected MLG wheel axle is
defined as a MLG axle having a part number and serial number
specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011, of Airbus
All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex
A340-32A4292, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300
series airplanes).
(2) After removal from an airplane, an affected MLG wheel axle
that has reached its life limit is considered an unserviceable part.
(3) The term ``life limit'' used in this AD means a post-repair
life limit.
(h) Replacement
At the later of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1) or
(h)(2) of this AD: Replace all affected MLG wheel axles with
serviceable parts, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All
Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011, including
Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300
series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated
August 24, 2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(1) Replace before the accumulation of the applicable landings
or flight hours specified
[[Page 51731]]
in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The ``Post Repair MLG
wheel Axle Life Limit'' must be counted from the date of
installation of the MLG wheel axle on an airplane that occurs after
the date of repair specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated August
23, 2011 of Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A-3256 (for Model A330-
200 series airplanes and Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes); or
Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A-4292 (for Model A340-200 series
airplanes and Airbus Model A340-300 series airplanes).
(2) Replace within 24 months after the effective date of this AD
without exceeding the applicable landings or flight hours specified
in table 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The ``Post Repair MLG
wheel axle flight hours or landings, not to be exceeded'' must be
counted from the date of installation of the MLG wheel axle on an
airplane which occurs after the date of repair specified in the Part
1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011, of Airbus All Operator Telex
A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300
series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated
August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
Table 1 to Paragraph (h)(1) of This AD--Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Life Limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-repair MLG wheel axle life limit, whichever occurs first
Affected airplanes (see paragraph (h)(1) of this AD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 4,700 landings or 22,250 flight hours.
weight variant (WV) 00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes, 4,600 landings or 29,000 flight hours.
WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05..... 3,950 landings or 16,900 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 5,050 landings or 15,200 flight hours.
airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243, 4,450 landings or 17,900 flight hours.
WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and - 5,150 landings or 13,450 flight hours.
343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2--to Paragraph (h)(2) of This AD--Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Flight Hours or Landings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-repair MLG wheel axle flight hours or landings, whichever
Affected airplanes occurs first, not to be exceeded (see paragraph (h)(2) of this
AD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 7,830 landings or 37,080 flight hours.
WV00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes, 7,660 landings or 48,330 flight hours.
WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05..... 6,580 landings or 28,160 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 8,410 landings or 25,330 flight hours.
airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 7,410 landings or 29,830 flight hours.
airplanes, WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and - 8,580 landings or 22,580 flight hours.
343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD: An affected MLG wheel axle
can be installed on an airplane, provided the MLG wheel axle has not
exceeded the limits specified in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this
AD and it is replaced with a serviceable part before reaching the
life limit defined in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) 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, 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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0170, dated
September 7, 2011, and the service information in paragraphs
(k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24,
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011.
(ii) Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated August 24,
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20879 Filed 8-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
