Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 23105-23107 [2013-08741]
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23105
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 78, No. 75
Thursday, April 18, 2013
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0810; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–195–AD; Amendment
39–17420; AD 2013–08–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330–200, A330–300,
A340–200 and A340–300 series
airplanes. This 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 AD requires replacing
the wheel axle of the MLG with a
serviceable part. We are issuing this AD
to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of
the MLG, which could adversely affect
the structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
23, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 23, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:07 Apr 17, 2013
Jkt 229001
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 27, 2012 (77 FR
51729). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
states:
EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency]
has received a report via Airbus and MessierBugatti-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
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 [2011–0170, dated September 7,
2011] 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM (77
FR 51729, August 27, 2012), or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Explanation of Changes Made Since
NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012)
Was Issued
Since the NPRM (77 FR 51729,
August 27, 2012) was issued, we have
reviewed Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A330–32A–3256,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1,
dated October 18, 2012 (for Model
A330–200 and –300 series airplanes);
and Airbus AOT A340–32A–4292,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1,
dated October 18, 2012 (for Model
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
A340–200 and –300 series airplanes).
This service information includes
additional wheel axle serial numbers
and corrects an incorrectly listed serial
number. We have revised paragraphs
(g), (h), and (k) (paragraph (j) of the
NPRM) of this AD to refer to the new
service information. We have
coordinated this change with EASA.
We have also added new paragraph
(j), ‘‘Credit for Previous Actions,’’ to this
AD to provide credit for actions
performed before the effective date of
this AD using Airbus All Operator Telex
A330–32A3256, including Appendix 1,
dated August 24, 2011; and Airbus All
Operator Telex A340–32A4292,
including Appendix 1, dated August 24,
2011.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously—
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR
51729, August 27, 2012) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 51729,
August 27, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
59 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 48 workhours per product to comply with the
basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts will 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
this AD to the 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 75 / Thursday, April 18, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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 AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 that this AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 the NPRM (77 FR 51729,
August 27, 2012), the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
(e) Reason
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(f) Compliance
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Adoption of the Amendment
(g) Definitions
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
(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 of Airbus
Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A330–
32A–3256, Revision 01, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340–32A–4292,
Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (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.
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:
■
2013–08–03 Airbus: Amendment 39–17420.
Docket No. FAA–2012–0810; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–195–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective May 23, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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.
(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 AOT A330–32A–3256,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated
October 18, 2012 (for Model A330–200 and
–300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340–
32A–4292, Revision 01, including Appendix
1, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model A340–
200 and –300 series airplanes).
(1) Before the accumulation of the
applicable landings or flight hours specified
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 which
occurs after the date of repair specified in
Part 1 of Appendix 1 of Airbus AOT A330–
32A–3256, Revision 01, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340–32A–4292,
Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (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)
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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 .............................
(2) Within 24 months after the effective
date of this AD without exceeding the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:17 Apr 17, 2013
Jkt 229001
applicable landings or flight hours specified
in table 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
‘‘Post-repair MLG Wheel Axle Flight Hours
or Landings, . . . not to be Exceeded’’ must
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 75 / Thursday, April 18, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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 of Airbus AOT A330–
32A–3256, Revision 01, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A330–200 and –300 series
airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340–32A–4292,
Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for
Model A340–200 and –300 series airplanes).
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 .............................
(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) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD
with respect to the affected MLG wheel axle
defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable
service information specified in paragraph
(j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus All Operator Telex A330–
32A3256, including Appendix 1, dated
August 24, 2011 (for Model A330–200 and
–300 series airplanes).
(2) Airbus All Operator Telex A340–
32A4292, including Appendix 1, dated
August 24, 2011 (for Model A340–200 and
–300 series airplanes).
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD: An
affected MLG wheel axle may 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011–
0170, dated September 7, 2011, and the
service information specified in paragraphs
(l)(1)(i) and (l)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Airbus AOT A330–32A–3256, Revision
01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012.
(ii) Airbus AOT A340–32A–4292, Revision
01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012.
(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.
(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, 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
approval letter must specifically reference
this AD.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:07 Apr 17, 2013
Jkt 229001
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
(AOT) A330–32A–3256, Revision 01,
including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012. The Document number and revision
level are not identified on pages 2–5 of this
AOT; the revision date is identified on only
page 1 of this AOT and the first page of
Appendix 1 of this AOT.
(ii) AOT A340–32A–4292, Revision 01,
including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012. The Document number and revision
level are not identified on pages 2–5 of this
AOT; the revision date is identified on only
page 1 of this AOT and the first page of
Appendix 1 of this AOT.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5,
2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–08741 Filed 4–17–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1087; Directorate
Identifier 2009–SW–32–AD; Amendment 39–
17424; AD 2013–08–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model
AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters to
require an initial and repetitive
inspections of the outer skin, butt strap,
and fuselage frame for a crack and
modification of the helicopter. This AD
was prompted by an AD issued by the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18APR1.SGM
18APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 75 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23105-23107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08741]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 75 / Thursday, April 18, 2013 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 23105]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-AD;
Amendment 39-17420; AD 2013-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series
airplanes. This 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 AD requires replacing the wheel axle of
the MLG with a serviceable part. We are issuing this AD to prevent
fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 23, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 23, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2012 (77
FR 51729). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) states:
EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] 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 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 [2011-0170,
dated September 7, 2011] 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27,
2012), or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Explanation of Changes Made Since NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012)
Was Issued
Since the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012) was issued, we have
reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). This service information includes
additional wheel axle serial numbers and corrects an incorrectly listed
serial number. We have revised paragraphs (g), (h), and (k) (paragraph
(j) of the NPRM) of this AD to refer to the new service information. We
have coordinated this change with EASA.
We have also added new paragraph (j), ``Credit for Previous
Actions,'' to this AD to provide credit for actions performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus All Operator Telex A330-
32A3256, including Appendix 1, dated August 24, 2011; and Airbus All
Operator Telex A340-32A4292, including Appendix 1, dated August 24,
2011.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously--and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 48 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will 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 this AD to the
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
[[Page 23106]]
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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27,
2012), 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2013-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-17420. Docket No. FAA-2012-0810;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 23,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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 of Airbus Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT
A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (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 AOT
A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT
A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18,
2012 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(1) Before the accumulation of the applicable landings or flight
hours specified 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 which
occurs after the date of repair specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1 of
Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for
Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-32A-
4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) 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
[[Page 23107]]
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 of Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated
October 18, 2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or
Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
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
may 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) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD with respect to the affected MLG wheel axle
defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable
service information specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this
AD, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, including Appendix
1, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes).
(2) Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, including Appendix
1, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes).
(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,
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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0170, dated September 7, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (l)(1)(ii) of this
AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, including Appendix 1,
dated October 18, 2012.
(ii) Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix
1, dated October 18, 2012.
(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.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012. The
Document number and revision level are not identified on pages 2-5
of this AOT; the revision date is identified on only page 1 of this
AOT and the first page of Appendix 1 of this AOT.
(ii) AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated
October 18, 2012. The Document number and revision level are not
identified on pages 2-5 of this AOT; the revision date is identified
on only page 1 of this AOT and the first page of Appendix 1 of this
AOT.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-08741 Filed 4-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
