Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 58789-58791 [2012-23433]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2012 / Proposed Rules
dated August 6, 2010. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000
flight hours. Accomplishment of the actions
required by paragraph (j) of this AD
terminates the requirements of this
paragraph.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Retained Initial Inspections and
Replacement/Repair for Certain Higher
Flight Time Airplanes
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (h) of AD 2011–03–13,
Amendment 39–16597 (76 FR 6539, February
7, 2011). Except for Model CL–600–2C10
(Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplane,
serial number 10002, for airplanes that have
accumulated more than 4,000 total flight
hours as of March 14, 2011 (the effective date
of AD 2011–03–13): Within 2,000 flight hours
after March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD
2011–03–13), do a detailed inspection of the
RTL for broken return springs and damage
through the casing, or chafing of the casing
of the primary actuator, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–055,
Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Before
further flight, replace any broken return
springs with new springs, and repair or
replace any chafed or damaged primary
actuator with a new actuator, as applicable,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
670BA–27–055, Revision A, dated August 6,
2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours.
Accomplishment of the actions required by
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(i) New RTL Spring Inspection and
Replacement for a Certain Airplane
For Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet
Series 700, 701, & 702) airplane, serial
number 10002, at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this
AD: Do a detailed inspection of the RTL for
broken return springs and damage through
the casing, or chafing of the casing of the
primary actuator, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA–27–055, Revision A,
dated August 6, 2010. Before further flight,
replace any broken return springs with new
springs, and repair or replace with a new
actuator any chafed or damaged primary
actuator, as applicable, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–055,
Revision A, dated August 6, 2010. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 6,000 flight hours. Accomplishment
of the applicable actions required by
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
requirements of this paragraph.
(1) If the airplane has accumulated 4,000
or less total flight hours as of the effective
date of this AD: Before the accumulation of
6,000 total flight hours.
(2) If the airplane has accumulated more
than 4,000 total flight hours as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD.
(j) New RTL Spring Replacement
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD: Replace
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12:31 Sep 21, 2012
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the RTL return springs with new springs, and
do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA–27–059, Revision A,
dated March 8, 2012. Do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Accomplishment of the
applicable actions required by this paragraph
terminates the requirements of paragraphs
(g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes with RTL return springs
having part number (P/N) 670–93465–1:
Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with RTL return springs
having P/N E0650–069–2750S: At the
applicable time specified in paragraph
(j)(2)(i), (j)(2)(ii), or (j)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes with 15,400 total flight
cycles or more as of the effective date of this
AD: Within 2,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
(ii) For airplanes with 5,200 total flight
cycles or more, but less than 15,400 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this
AD: Within 5,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, but not to exceed
17,400 total flight cycles.
(iii) For airplanes with less than 5,200 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this
AD: Before accumulating 10,200 total flight
cycles.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD, if those actions were performed
before March 14, 2011 (the effective date of
AD 2011–03–13, Amendment 39–16597 (76
FR 6539, February 7, 2011)), using
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–055,
dated May 11, 2010, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA–27–059, dated
October 12, 2011, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN:
Program Manager, Continuing Operational
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York
11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–
794–5531. 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. AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 2011–03–13,
Amendment 39–16597 (76 FR 6539, February
7, 2011), are approved as AMOCs for this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
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58789
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.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness
Directive CF–2010–18R1, dated March 19,
2012, and the following service information,
for related information.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–
059, Revision A, dated March 8, 2012.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–
27–055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010.
(2) For service information identified in
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–
855–7401; email
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://
www.bombardier.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
September 11, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–23432 Filed 9–21–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0999; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–049–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 series
airplanes, Model A330–300 series
airplanes, Model A340–200 series
airplanes, and Model A340–300 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of an in-flight turn
back after the nose landing gear (NLG)
did not retract after take-off. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the retraction actuator, which
could cause collapse of the NLG after
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\24SEP1.SGM
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58790
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2012 / Proposed Rules
touchdown and possible injury to
flightcrew and passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 8, 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, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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, WA
98057–3356; phone: (425) 227–1138;
fax: (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
2012–NM–049–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 2012–0034,
dated February 29, 2012 (referred to
after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced an inflight turn back due to inability to retract the
NLG [nose landing gear] after take-off.
The subsequent technical investigations
revealed that the NLG retraction actuator eyeend fitting was detached from the retraction
actuation rod, that both the eye-end male
threads and piston rod female threads were
almost completely stripped, and that there
was evidence of significant corrosion on
these parts. Further investigations have
shown that corrosion caused the retraction
actuator eye failure.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to NLG collapse after touchdown, potentially
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and
injury to its occupants.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires accomplishment of an
overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. This
[EASA] AD also defines the Time Between
Overhaul (TBO) for the NLG retraction
actuator to be 10 years.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service
Bulletins A330–32–3255 and A340–32–
4291, both including Appendices 01
and 02, both dated October 13, 2011.
The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
Comments Invited
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
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–2012–0999; Directorate Identifier
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
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12:31 Sep 21, 2012
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 65 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 16 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
$88,400, or $1,360 per product.
Should an operator elect to
accomplish an optional replacement
instead, we estimate that any optional
replacement action would take about 16
work-hours and require parts costing
$94,000 for a cost of $95,360 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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 185 / Monday, September 24, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2012–0999;
Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–049–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November
8, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus A330–201, A330–202, A330–
203, A330–223, A330–223F, A330–243,
A330–243F, A330–301, A330–302, A330–
303, A330–321, A330–322, A330–323, A330–
341, A330–342, and A330–343 series
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers
(MSN).
(2) Airbus A340–211, A340–212, A340–
213, A340–311, A340–312, and A340–313
airplanes, all MSN.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32; Landing gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an
in-flight turn-back after the nose landing gear
(NLG) did not retract after take-off. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
retraction actuator, which could cause
VerDate Mar<15>2010
12:31 Sep 21, 2012
Jkt 226001
collapse of the NLG after touchdown and
possible injury to flightcrew and passengers.
(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
58791
(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.
At the applicable compliance time
specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this
AD, whichever occurs later, do an overhaul
of the NLG retraction actuator, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–32–
3255, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated
October 13, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes);
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–
32–4291, excluding Appendices 01 and 02,
dated October 13, 2011 (for Model A340
airplanes). Repeat the overhaul thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 10 years.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 10 years
since the NLG retraction actuator’s first flight
on an airplane or from its first flight
following its last overhaul.
(2) At the applicable time specified in
paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the
NLG retraction actuator has accumulated
more than 8 years, and less than 14 years,
from its first flight on an airplane: Within 24
months after the effective date of this AD or
prior to the accumulation of 15 years since
the NLG retraction actuator’s first flight on an
airplane, whichever occurs first.
(ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the
NLG retraction actuator has accumulated 14
years or more since its first flight on an
airplane: Within 12 months after the effective
date of this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2012–0034, dated February 29,
2012, and the service information identified
in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD,
for related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–32–3255, excluding Appendices 01
and 02, dated October 13, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–32–4291, excluding Appendices 01
and 02, dated October 13, 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.
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install on an airplane any NLG retraction
actuator, unless in compliance with the
requirements of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(i) 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, WA 98057–3356;
phone: (425) 227–1138; fax: (425) 227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-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.
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Fmt 4702
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 12, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–23433 Filed 9–21–12; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0998; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–249–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 737–600,
–700, –700C, –800, -900, and –900ER
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a new revision to the
airworthiness limitations of the
maintenance planning data document.
This proposed AD would require
revising the maintenance program to
update inspection requirements to
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 185 (Monday, September 24, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58789-58791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23433]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0999; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-049-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 series
airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series
airplanes, and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of an in-flight turn back after the nose landing
gear (NLG) did not retract after take-off. This proposed AD would
require repetitive overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction actuator, which
could cause collapse of the NLG after
[[Page 58790]]
touchdown and possible injury to flightcrew and passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 8,
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, WA. 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, WA 98057-3356; phone: (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-2012-0999;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-049-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 2012-0034, dated February 29, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced an in-flight turn back due to
inability to retract the NLG [nose landing gear] after take-off.
The subsequent technical investigations revealed that the NLG
retraction actuator eye-end fitting was detached from the retraction
actuation rod, that both the eye-end male threads and piston rod
female threads were almost completely stripped, and that there was
evidence of significant corrosion on these parts. Further
investigations have shown that corrosion caused the retraction
actuator eye failure.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to NLG collapse
after touchdown, potentially resulting in damage to the aeroplane
and injury to its occupants.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
accomplishment of an overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. This
[EASA] AD also defines the Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the NLG
retraction actuator to be 10 years.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A330-32-3255 and
A340-32-4291, both including Appendices 01 and 02, both dated October
13, 2011. 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 65 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 16 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 $88,400, or $1,360 per product.
Should an operator elect to accomplish an optional replacement
instead, we estimate that any optional replacement action would take
about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $94,000 for a cost of
$95,360 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:
[[Page 58791]]
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-2012-0999; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
049-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 8, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category,
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F,
A330-243, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-
322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 series airplanes,
all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN).
(2) Airbus A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and
A340-313 airplanes, all MSN.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32; Landing
gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight turn-back after
the nose landing gear (NLG) did not retract after take-off. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction actuator, which
could cause collapse of the NLG after touchdown and possible injury
to flightcrew and passengers.
(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
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1)
or (g)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an overhaul of the
NLG retraction actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3255,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 13, 2011 (for Model
A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4291,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 13, 2011 (for Model
A340 airplanes). Repeat the overhaul thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 10 years.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 10 years since the NLG
retraction actuator's first flight on an airplane or from its first
flight following its last overhaul.
(2) At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the NLG retraction
actuator has accumulated more than 8 years, and less than 14 years,
from its first flight on an airplane: Within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD or prior to the accumulation of 15 years
since the NLG retraction actuator's first flight on an airplane,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the NLG retraction
actuator has accumulated 14 years or more since its first flight on
an airplane: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on an
airplane any NLG retraction actuator, unless in compliance with the
requirements of this AD.
(i) 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,
WA 98057-3356; phone: (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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0034, dated February 29, 2012, and the
service information identified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and
(j)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3255, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 13, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4291, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 13, 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 September 12, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23433 Filed 9-21-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
