Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 66762-66764 [2012-27124]
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66762
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 7, 2012 / Proposed Rules
manufacturer, the part number, and the serial
number of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) windshields installed on the airplane,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable Airbus service
information identified in paragraph (g)(1),
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. A review of
airplane delivery or maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
manufacturer, part number, and serial
number of the installed windshields can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) For Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–56–3009,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
January 27, 2011.
(2) For Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, and –313 airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–56–4008, including Appendix
01, excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
May 4, 2010.
(3) For Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–56–
5002, including Appendix 01, excluding
Appendices 02 and 03, dated May 4, 2010.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
(h) Replacement
If it is found during the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD that any installed
LH or RH windshield was manufactured by
Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) and the part
number and serial number are identified in
the applicable Airbus service information
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3)
of this AD: Within 9 months or 1,200 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, replace all affected
LH and RH windshields, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable Airbus service information
identified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3)
of this AD.
(1) For Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–56–3009,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
January 27, 2011.
(2) For Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, and –313 airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–56–4008, including Appendix
01, excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
May 4, 2010.
(3) For Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–56–
5002, including Appendix 01, excluding
Appendices 02 and 03, dated May 4, 2010.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD for Model A330–201, –202, –203,
–223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303,
–321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
airplanes, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–56–3009,
dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install on an airplane any affected
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15:18 Nov 06, 2012
Jkt 229001
windshield from SGS and having a part
number and serial number as identified in
the applicable service information identified
in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this
AD, unless a suffix ‘‘U’’ is present at the end
of the S/N.
(1) For Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–56–3009,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
January 27, 2011.
(2) For Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, and –313 airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–56–4008, including Appendix
01, excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
May 4, 2010.
(3) For Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–56–
5002, including Appendix 01, excluding
Appendices 02 and 03, dated May 4, 2010.
(k) 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;
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
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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011–
0242, dated December 19, 2011 (corrected
February 15, 2012), and the service
information identified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i)
through (k)(1)(iii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56–3009,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
excluding Appendices 02 and 03, dated
January 27, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–56–4008,
including Appendix 01, excluding
Appendices 02 and 03, dated May 4, 2010.
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Sfmt 4702
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–56–
5002, including Appendix 01, excluding
Appendices 02 and 03, dated May 4, 2010.
(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,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
31, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–27142 Filed 11–6–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1159; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–028–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 certain
Airbus Model A310–203, –204, –222,
–304, –322, and –324 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a design
review of the fuel tank access covers
and analyses comparing compliance of
the access covers to different tire burst
models. ‘Type 21’ panels located within
the debris zone revealed that they could
not sustain the impact of the tire debris.
This proposed AD would require
modifying the wing manhole surrounds
and replacing certain fuel access panels.
We are proposing this AD to prevent a
possibility of a fire due to tire debris
impact on the fuel access panels.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 24,
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–
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM
07NOP1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 7, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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—
EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
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–2012–1159; Directorate Identifier
2012–NM–028–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
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:18 Nov 06, 2012
Jkt 229001
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 2012–0016,
dated January 26, 2012 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Following a design review of the fuel tank
access covers and further analyses aiming at
comparing compliance of the access covers to
different tyre burst models, panels ‘Type 21’
revealed to be a matter of concern when
located within the tyre debris zone. It has
been demonstrated that ’‘Type 21’ Super
Plastic Formed (SPF) panels for fuel access,
installed on left hand (LH) and right hand
(RH) wings at manhole positions No. 1 and
No. 2 of A310 aeroplanes pre-MSN500 could
not sustain in an acceptable manner the
impact of tyre debris.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result, following tyre debris impact, in fuel
leaking and consequently fire on that area of
the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the replacement of SPF
‘Type 21’ access panels with [type 11 access
panels with]‘Type 11A’ [associated clamp
plates] or ‘Type 21R’ access panels and
concurrent modification of the manhole
surrounds at positions No.1 and No.2 to
prevent re-installation of ‘’Type 21’ panels at
those positions.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A310–57–2033, dated July 15, 1989, and
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310–57–
2097, Revision 01, dated September 29,
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.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
66763
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 56 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 40 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 $6,340 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
$545,440, or $9,740 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,
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66764
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 7, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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–2012–1159;
Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–028–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December
24, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310–
203, –204, –222, –304, –322, and –324
airplanes, certificated in any category,
manufacturer serial numbers 0378, 0392,
0399, 0404, 0406, 0407, 0409, 0410, 0412,
0413, 0416, 0418, 0419, 0421, 0422, 0424,
0425, 0427, 0428, 0429, 0431, 0432, 0434 to
0437 inclusive, 0439, 0440, 0441, 0443 to
0449 inclusive, 0451 to 0454 inclusive, 0456,
0457, 0458, 0467, 0472, 0473, 0475, 0476,
0478, 0480 to 0485 inclusive, and 0487 to
0499 inclusive.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a design review
of the fuel tank access covers and analyses
comparing compliance of the access covers to
different tire burst models. ‘Type 21’ panels
located within the debris zone revealed that
they could not sustain the impact of the tire
debris. We are proposing this AD to prevent
a possibility of a fire due to tire debris impact
on the fuel access panels.
(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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:18 Nov 06, 2012
Jkt 229001
(g) Actions
Within 60 months after the effective date
of this AD, do the actions specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify the wing manhole surrounds
and replace the super plastic formed (SPF)
‘Type 21’ fuel access panels at positions 1
and 2 on the left- and right-hand wings with
‘Type 11’ fuel access panels with associated
‘Type 11A’ clamp plates, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310–57–2097,
Revision 01, dated September 29, 2011.
(2) Modify the wing manhole surrounds
and replace the SPF ‘Type 21’ fuel access
panels at positions 1 and 2 on the left- and
right-hand wings with ‘Type 21R’ fuel access
panels, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A310–57–2033, dated July
15, 1989.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
After accomplishing the modification
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
person may install SPF ‘Type 21’ fuel access
panels at positions 1 and 2 on the left- and
right-hand wings, on any airplane.
(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:
Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone (425) 227–2125; 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 Airworthiness Directive 2012–
0016, dated January 26, 2012, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i)
and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–57–2033,
dated July 15, 1989.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310–57–2097, Revision 01, dated
September 29, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS—EAW
(Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@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 October
30, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–27124 Filed 11–6–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1160; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–096–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 certain
Model A330–200, –300 and –200
Freighter series airplanes; and all Model
A340–200 and –300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a
determination that the bonding lead
from a certain isolation valve to a frame
was too close to an electrical harness,
which might cause chafing between the
electrical harness and the associated
bonding lead. This chafing could lead to
a short circuit of the isolation valve and
consequent non-closure of the isolation
valve, which would prevent the air-flow
to be shut-off in case of fire. This
proposed AD would require modifying
the bonding lead installation of the
isolation valve. We are proposing this
AD to prevent such chafing, which
could result in non-closure of the
isolation valve in the event of a fire and
consequent damage to the airplane and
injury to its occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 24,
2012.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM
07NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 7, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66762-66764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27124]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1159; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-028-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 A310-203, -204, -222, -304, -322, and -324
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a design review of the fuel
tank access covers and analyses comparing compliance of the access
covers to different tire burst models. `Type 21' panels located within
the debris zone revealed that they could not sustain the impact of the
tire debris. This proposed AD would require modifying the wing manhole
surrounds and replacing certain fuel access panels. We are proposing
this AD to prevent a possibility of a fire due to tire debris impact on
the fuel access panels.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24,
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-
[[Page 66763]]
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--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125;
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-2012-1159;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-028-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 2012-0016, dated January 26, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Following a design review of the fuel tank access covers and
further analyses aiming at comparing compliance of the access covers
to different tyre burst models, panels `Type 21' revealed to be a
matter of concern when located within the tyre debris zone. It has
been demonstrated that '`Type 21' Super Plastic Formed (SPF) panels
for fuel access, installed on left hand (LH) and right hand (RH)
wings at manhole positions No. 1 and No. 2 of A310 aeroplanes pre-
MSN500 could not sustain in an acceptable manner the impact of tyre
debris.
This condition, if not corrected, could result, following tyre
debris impact, in fuel leaking and consequently fire on that area of
the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
replacement of SPF `Type 21' access panels with [type 11 access
panels with]`Type 11A' [associated clamp plates] or `Type 21R'
access panels and concurrent modification of the manhole surrounds
at positions No.1 and No.2 to prevent re-installation of `'Type 21'
panels at those positions.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310-57-2033, dated July 15,
1989, and Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2097, Revision 01, dated
September 29, 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 56 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 40 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 $6,340 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 $545,440, or $9,740 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,
[[Page 66764]]
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-2012-1159; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
028-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 24, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -222, -304, -
322, and -324 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer
serial numbers 0378, 0392, 0399, 0404, 0406, 0407, 0409, 0410, 0412,
0413, 0416, 0418, 0419, 0421, 0422, 0424, 0425, 0427, 0428, 0429,
0431, 0432, 0434 to 0437 inclusive, 0439, 0440, 0441, 0443 to 0449
inclusive, 0451 to 0454 inclusive, 0456, 0457, 0458, 0467, 0472,
0473, 0475, 0476, 0478, 0480 to 0485 inclusive, and 0487 to 0499
inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a design review of the fuel tank access
covers and analyses comparing compliance of the access covers to
different tire burst models. `Type 21' panels located within the
debris zone revealed that they could not sustain the impact of the
tire debris. We are proposing this AD to prevent a possibility of a
fire due to tire debris impact on the fuel access panels.
(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
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify the wing manhole surrounds and replace the super
plastic formed (SPF) `Type 21' fuel access panels at positions 1 and
2 on the left- and right-hand wings with `Type 11' fuel access
panels with associated `Type 11A' clamp plates, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310-57-2097, Revision 01, dated September 29, 2011.
(2) Modify the wing manhole surrounds and replace the SPF `Type
21' fuel access panels at positions 1 and 2 on the left- and right-
hand wings with `Type 21R' fuel access panels, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-
2033, dated July 15, 1989.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
After accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, no person may install SPF `Type 21' fuel access panels
at positions 1 and 2 on the left- and right-hand wings, on any
airplane.
(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: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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 Airworthiness
Directive 2012-0016, dated January 26, 2012, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this
AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2033, dated July 15, 1989.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2097, Revision
01, dated September 29, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@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 October 30, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27124 Filed 11-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
