Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 25902-25905 [2013-10486]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 86 / Friday, May 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
the procedures specified in paragraph (q) of
this AD.
(2) Although Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747–53–2253, Revision 4,
dated September 9, 2010, specifies to submit
certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, if
any cracking is found during any inspection
required by this AD, and Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747–53–2253,
Revision 2, dated March 29, 1990, specifies
to contact Boeing for appropriate action:
Before further flight, repair the crack using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (q) of this
AD.
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(p) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
repairs and doubler modifications required
by paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using the service information
specified in paragraphs (p)(1) through (p)(4)
of this AD. Post-modification inspections
must continue, as required by paragraph (n)
of this AD.
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53–2253,
dated December 14, 1984, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53–2253,
Revision 1, dated January 25, 1990, which is
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53–2253,
Revision 2, dated March 29, 1990.
(4) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53–2253,
Revision 3, dated March 24, 1994, which is
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(q) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 90–23–14, Amendment
39–6801 (Docket No. 90–NM–110–AD; 55 FR
46652, November 6, 1990), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
this AD:
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(5) AMOCs approved previously for the
ADs specified in paragraphs (q)(5)(i) through
(q)(5)(vi) of this AD, for repair and doubler
modification installations in the area affected
by Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
747–53–2253, Revision 4, dated September 9,
2010, are approved as AMOCs for the actions
specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (k), (l), and
(m) of this AD. The post-modification
inspections required by paragraph (n) of this
AD must be accomplished.
(i) AD 2010–10–05, Amendment 39–16284
(75 FR 27424, May 17, 2010).
(ii) AD 2010–09–03, Amendment 39–16268
(75 FR 22514, April 29, 2010).
(iii) AD 2009–04–16, Amendment 39–
15822 (74 FR 8737, February 26, 2009). (iv)
AD 91–11–01, Amendment 39–6997 (56 FR
22306, May 15, 1991).
(v) AD 90–06–06 Amendment 39–6490 (55
FR 8374, March 7, 1990).
(vi) AD 2006–24–02 Amendment 39–14831
(71 FR 67445, November 22, 2006).
(r) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–917–6590;
email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24,
2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–10481 Filed 5–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0363; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–031–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200, –300 and –200
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Freighter series airplanes, and Model
A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 series
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require, for certain airplanes, revising
the airplane flight manual (AFM) to
advise the flight crew of emergency
procedures for addressing Angle of
Attack (AOA) sensor blockage. This
proposed AD would also mandate
replacing the AOA sensor conic plates
with AOA sensor flat plates, which is a
terminating action for the AFM revision.
This proposed AD was prompted by a
report that an airplane equipped with
AOA sensors installed with conic plates
recently experienced blockage of all
sensors during climb, leading to
autopilot disconnection and activation
of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot)
when Mach number was increased. We
are proposing this AD to prevent
reduced control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 17, 2013.
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.
Sfmt 4702
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 86 / Friday, May 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
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; email:
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
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–2013–0363; Directorate Identifier
2013–NM–031–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
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The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0023,
dated February 1, 2013 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced a blockage
of all Angle of Attack (AOA) probes during
climb leading to Autopilot (AP)
disconnection and activation of the alpha
protection (Alpha Prot) when Mach number
increased.
Analysis showed that this aeroplane was
equipped with AOA probes having conic
plates, and it is suspected that these plates
might have contributed to the event.
Investigations are on-going to determine the
root cause of this AOA probes blockage. The
AOA conic plates can also be installed on
A340 aeroplanes.
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These AOA conic plate could have been
installed in production through Airbus
modification (mod.) 201609 (associated to
Thales Avionics AOA probes Part Number
(P/N) C16291AA and P/N C16291AB) or
mod. 201610, associated to Goodrich AOA
probes P/N 0861ED, or in service through
Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A340–34–4250
or SB A340–34–5081.
The blockage of two or three AOA probes
of the same angle may cause the Alpha Prot
of the normal law to activate.
Under normal flight conditions (in normal
law), if the Alpha Prot activates and Mach
number increases, the flight control laws
order a pitch down of the aeroplane that the
flight crew may not be able to counteract
with a sidestick deflection, even in the full
backward position.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this condition, Airbus
developed a ‘‘Blocked AOA probes’’
emergency procedure included in Airbus
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) A330
Temporary Revision (TR) TR293 issue 1 and
Airbus AFM A340 TR294 issue 1.
Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD
2012–0258–E to require amendment of the
AFM to ensure that flight crews, in case of
AOA probe blockage, apply the applicable
emergency procedure.
Since that AD was issued, Airbus
published approved instructions to re-install
AOA probe flat plates on A330/A340 family
aeroplanes.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
[Emergency] AD 2012–0258–E which is
superseded, and requires installation of AOA
probe flat plates, after which the AFM
operational procedure must be removed.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Other Related Rulemaking
On December 27, 2012, the FAA
issued AD 2012–26–51, Amendment
39–17312 (78 FR 1723, January 9, 2013),
applicable to all Airbus Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
That AD requires revising the AFM to
advise the flight crew of emergency
procedures for addressing AOA sensor
blockage. The actions required by that
AD are intended to prevent reduced
control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated
December 4, 2012, and Airbus A340
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0,
dated December 4, 2012, to the Airbus
A330 and A340 Airplane Flight
Manuals. The temporary revisions
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25903
provide information to advise the flight
crew of emergency procedures for
addressing AOA sensor blockage.
We also reviewed the following
service information:
• Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–34–3293, including Appendix 01,
dated January 31, 2013.
• Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–4273, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
• Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–5093, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
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.
Difference Between the Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
This proposed AD would require
operators to revise the AFM within 10
days after the effective date of this AD.
The MCAI recommends revising the
AFM ‘‘from the effective date of this
AD.’’ In developing the compliance time
for this action, we considered the degree
of urgency associated with addressing
the subject unsafe condition and the
practical aspect of revising the AFM. We
have determined that 10 days represents
an appropriate interval of time in which
to revise the AFM for the affected fleet
without adversely affecting the safety of
these airplanes.
This difference has been coordinated
with the EASA.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 64 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 86 / Friday, May 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
AFM Revision .........................
Modification ............................
1 work-hour × 85 per hour = 85 .............................................
7 work-hours × 85 per hour = 595 .........................................
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.
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Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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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–2013–0363;
Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–031–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 17,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(2) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, –313, –541 and –642 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 34: Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that an
airplane equipped with Angle of Attack
(AOA) sensors installed with conic plates
recently experienced blockage of all sensors
during climb, leading to autopilot
disconnection and activation of the alpha
protection (Alpha Prot) when Mach number
was increased. We are issuing this AD to
prevent reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual Revision
For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, except as
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within
10 days after the effective date of this AD,
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
Sfmt 4702
0
0
85
595
Cost on U.S.
operators
5,440
38,080
revise the Emergency Procedures of the
Airbus A330 and A340 Airplane Flight
Manuals (AFMs), as applicable, by
incorporating Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4,
2012; or Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; as
applicable; to advise the flight crew of
emergency procedures for addressing AOA
sensor blockage. This can be done by
inserting the Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4,
2012; or Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012;
into the applicable AFM. When the
information in Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4,
2012; and Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; is
included in the general revisions of the
applicable AFM, the general revisions may be
incorporated into the AFM, and the
temporary revisions may be removed.
(1) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes,
all manufacturer serial numbers, on which
Airbus modification 201609 or 201610 has
been embodied in production; or on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–34–3255 has
been embodied in service.
(2) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers, on which
Airbus modification 201609 or 201610 has
been embodied in production; or on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–34–4250 or
A340–34–5081, as applicable, has been
embodied in service.
(h) Terminating Replacement
Within 5 months after the effective date of
this AD: Replace all AOA sensor conic plates
having part number (P/N) F3411060200000
or P/N F3411060900000, with an applicable
AOA sensor flat plate identified in paragraph
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Performing this
replacement constitutes terminating action
for the AFM revision required by paragraph
(g) of this AD; and Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4,
2012, and Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012, to
the Airbus A330 and A340 AFMs, as
applicable; must be removed from the AFMs
before further flight after doing the
replacement.
(1) Replace with a flat plate having P/N
F3411007920200 or P/N F3411007920300, as
applicable, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraph
(h)(1)(i), (h)(1)(ii), or (h)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–34–3293, including Appendix 01,
dated January 31, 2013.
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 86 / Friday, May 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–4273, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–5093, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
(2) Replace with a flat plate having P/N
F3411007920000 or P/N F3411007920100, in
accordance with a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA; or the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) or its delegated agent.
(i) Exception to Paragraphs (g) and (h) of
This AD
For airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 203285 (improve AOA flat plate
protection treatment) has been embodied in
production: The actions specified in
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD are not
required, provided that, since first flight, no
AOA probe conic plate having P/N
F3411060200000 or P/N F3411060900000
has been installed.
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(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, an AOA
sensor conic plate having P/N
F3411060200000 or P/N F3411060900000 or
an AOA protection cover having P/N
98D34203003000.
(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.
(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 Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0023, dated
February 1, 2013, and the service information
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14:51 May 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (l)(1)(ii),
(l)(1)(iii), (l)(1)(iv) and (l)(1)(v) of this AD for
related service information:
(i) Airbus A330 Temporary Revision
TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012.
(ii) Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–34–3293, including Appendix 01,
dated January 31, 2013.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–4273, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–34–5093, including Appendix 01,
dated January 30, 2013.
(2) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23,
2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–10486 Filed 5–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0362; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–030–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 727
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by an evaluation by the
design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the frame-to-floor beam
attachment is subject to widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). This proposed
AD would require repetitive high
frequency eddy current inspections for
any crack of the frames at body station
(STA) 188 through STA 344, and repair
if necessary. We are proposing this AD
to detect and correct fatigue cracking at
the frame-to-floor beam attachment, on
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
25905
both the left- and right-sides, which
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane, and
decompression of the cabin.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 17, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712–4137;
phone: (562) 627–5239; fax: (562) 627–
5210; email:
chandraduth.ramdoss@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM
03MYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 86 (Friday, May 3, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25902-25905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10486]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0363; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-031-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, -300 and -200 Freighter series airplanes, and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require, for certain airplanes, revising the airplane flight
manual (AFM) to advise the flight crew of emergency procedures for
addressing Angle of Attack (AOA) sensor blockage. This proposed AD
would also mandate replacing the AOA sensor conic plates with AOA
sensor flat plates, which is a terminating action for the AFM revision.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that an airplane equipped
with AOA sensors installed with conic plates recently experienced
blockage of all sensors during climb, leading to autopilot
disconnection and activation of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot) when
Mach number was increased. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced
control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2013.
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
[[Page 25903]]
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; email: vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
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-2013-0363;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-031-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 2013-0023, dated February 1, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced a blockage of all Angle of Attack
(AOA) probes during climb leading to Autopilot (AP) disconnection
and activation of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot) when Mach number
increased.
Analysis showed that this aeroplane was equipped with AOA probes
having conic plates, and it is suspected that these plates might
have contributed to the event. Investigations are on-going to
determine the root cause of this AOA probes blockage. The AOA conic
plates can also be installed on A340 aeroplanes.
These AOA conic plate could have been installed in production
through Airbus modification (mod.) 201609 (associated to Thales
Avionics AOA probes Part Number (P/N) C16291AA and P/N C16291AB) or
mod. 201610, associated to Goodrich AOA probes P/N 0861ED, or in
service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A340-34-4250 or SB
A340-34-5081.
The blockage of two or three AOA probes of the same angle may
cause the Alpha Prot of the normal law to activate.
Under normal flight conditions (in normal law), if the Alpha
Prot activates and Mach number increases, the flight control laws
order a pitch down of the aeroplane that the flight crew may not be
able to counteract with a sidestick deflection, even in the full
backward position.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced
control of the aeroplane.
To address this condition, Airbus developed a ``Blocked AOA
probes'' emergency procedure included in Airbus Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) A330 Temporary Revision (TR) TR293 issue 1 and Airbus
AFM A340 TR294 issue 1.
Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD 2012-0258-E to require
amendment of the AFM to ensure that flight crews, in case of AOA
probe blockage, apply the applicable emergency procedure.
Since that AD was issued, Airbus published approved instructions
to re-install AOA probe flat plates on A330/A340 family aeroplanes.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA [Emergency] AD 2012-0258-E which is superseded,
and requires installation of AOA probe flat plates, after which the
AFM operational procedure must be removed.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Other Related Rulemaking
On December 27, 2012, the FAA issued AD 2012-26-51, Amendment 39-
17312 (78 FR 1723, January 9, 2013), applicable to all Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD requires revising
the AFM to advise the flight crew of emergency procedures for
addressing AOA sensor blockage. The actions required by that AD are
intended to prevent reduced control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated
December 4, 2012, and Airbus A340 Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0,
dated December 4, 2012, to the Airbus A330 and A340 Airplane Flight
Manuals. The temporary revisions provide information to advise the
flight crew of emergency procedures for addressing AOA sensor blockage.
We also reviewed the following service information:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
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.
Difference Between the Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information
This proposed AD would require operators to revise the AFM within
10 days after the effective date of this AD. The MCAI recommends
revising the AFM ``from the effective date of this AD.'' In developing
the compliance time for this action, we considered the degree of
urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition and the
practical aspect of revising the AFM. We have determined that 10 days
represents an appropriate interval of time in which to revise the AFM
for the affected fleet without adversely affecting the safety of these
airplanes.
This difference has been coordinated with the EASA.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 64 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 25904]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM Revision.......................... 1 work-hour x 85 per 0 85 5,440
hour = 85.
Modification.......................... 7 work-hours x 85 per 0 595 38,080
hour = 595.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0363; Directorate Identifier 2013-
NM-031-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 17, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 223F, -243, -243F, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541 and -642
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 34: Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that an airplane equipped with
Angle of Attack (AOA) sensors installed with conic plates recently
experienced blockage of all sensors during climb, leading to
autopilot disconnection and activation of the alpha protection
(Alpha Prot) when Mach number was increased. We are issuing this AD
to prevent reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual Revision
For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this
AD, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 10 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the Emergency Procedures
of the Airbus A330 and A340 Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs), as
applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293,
Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; or Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; as applicable; to advise
the flight crew of emergency procedures for addressing AOA sensor
blockage. This can be done by inserting the Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; or Airbus A340
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; into
the applicable AFM. When the information in Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; and Airbus A340
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; is
included in the general revisions of the applicable AFM, the general
revisions may be incorporated into the AFM, and the temporary
revisions may be removed.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all
manufacturer serial numbers, on which Airbus modification 201609 or
201610 has been embodied in production; or on which Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-34-3255 has been embodied in service.
(2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, on which Airbus
modification 201609 or 201610 has been embodied in production; or on
which Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4250 or A340-34-5081, as
applicable, has been embodied in service.
(h) Terminating Replacement
Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace all
AOA sensor conic plates having part number (P/N) F3411060200000 or
P/N F3411060900000, with an applicable AOA sensor flat plate
identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Performing this
replacement constitutes terminating action for the AFM revision
required by paragraph (g) of this AD; and Airbus A330 Temporary
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012, and Airbus A340
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012, to the
Airbus A330 and A340 AFMs, as applicable; must be removed from the
AFMs before further flight after doing the replacement.
(1) Replace with a flat plate having P/N F3411007920200 or P/N
F3411007920300, as applicable, in accordance with the applicable
service information specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i), (h)(1)(ii), or
(h)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.
[[Page 25905]]
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
(2) Replace with a flat plate having P/N F3411007920000 or P/N
F3411007920100, in accordance with a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or
its delegated agent.
(i) Exception to Paragraphs (g) and (h) of This AD
For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 203285 (improve AOA
flat plate protection treatment) has been embodied in production:
The actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD are not
required, provided that, since first flight, no AOA probe conic
plate having P/N F3411060200000 or P/N F3411060900000 has been
installed.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, an AOA sensor conic plate having P/N F3411060200000 or
P/N F3411060900000 or an AOA protection cover having P/N
98D34203003000.
(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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0023, dated February 1, 2013, and the
service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (l)(1)(ii),
(l)(1)(iii), (l)(1)(iv) and (l)(1)(v) of this AD for related service
information:
(i) Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated
December 4, 2012.
(ii) Airbus A340 Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated
December 4, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
(2) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-10486 Filed 5-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
