Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 68347-68352 [2013-26565]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 220 / Thursday, November 14, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2013–23–03 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–17658; Docket No.
FAA–2013–0871; Directorate Identifier
2013–NM–187–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 29, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD,
747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300,
747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F, and 747SR
series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–57A2343, dated September 12, 2013.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the
fracture of an inboard actuator attach fitting
of the outboard flap. An inspection of the
attach fitting revealed that it was incorrectly
machined with a cylindrical profile instead
of a conical profile, resulting in reduced wall
thickness. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct defective inboard actuator attach
fittings which, combined with loss of the
outboard actuator load path, could result in
uncontrolled retraction of the outboard flap,
damage to flight control systems, and
consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Part Number Inspection
Within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD: Inspect to determine the part
number of the inboard actuator attach fittings
of the outboard flaps, in accordance with Part
1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–57A2343,
dated September 12, 2013.
(h) Actions for Certain Attach Fittings
If, during the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, any inboard
actuator attach fitting having part number
(P/N) 65B08564–7 is found, before further
flight, do the actions specified in paragraph
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the inboard
actuator attach fitting for a cylindrical defect,
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in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–57A2343, dated
September 12, 2013. If any cylindrical defect
is found, before further flight, do the actions
specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
(i) Do a minimum thickness inspection of
the inboard actuator attach fitting to
determine minimum wall thickness of the
actuator fitting assembly, in accordance with
Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–57A2343,
dated September 12, 2013. If the minimum
thickness of the wall is less than 0.130 inch:
Before further flight, replace the inboard
actuator attach fitting of the outboard flap, in
accordance with Part 4 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747 57A2343, dated
September 12, 2013.
(ii) Replace the inboard actuator attach
fitting of the outboard flap, in accordance
with Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–57A2343, dated September 12, 2013.
(2) Replace the inboard actuator attach
fitting of the outboard flap, in accordance
with Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–57A2343, dated September 12, 2013.
(i) 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
paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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) If the service information contains steps
that are labeled as RC (Required for
Compliance), those steps must be done to
comply with this AD; any steps that are not
labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps
that are not labeled as RC may be deviated
from, done as part of other actions, or done
using accepted methods different from those
identified in the specified service
information without obtaining approval of an
AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or
changes to steps labeled as RC require
approval of an AMOC.
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68347
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Nathan Weigand, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; phone: 425–917–6428; fax: 425–917–
6590; email: nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
(k) 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) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
57A2343, dated September 12, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(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 October
31, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–27015 Filed 11–13–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0329; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–032–AD; Amendment
39–17596; AD 2013–19–14]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 2009–
04–07 and 2011–02–09 for certain
SUMMARY:
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68348
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 220 / Thursday, November 14, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Airbus Model A330–200, A330–200
Freighter, A300–300, A340–200, A340–
300, A340–500, and A340–600 series
airplanes. AD 2009–04–07 required
revising the airplane flight manual
(AFM) to include appropriate
operational procedures to prevent the
air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU)
from providing erroneous data to other
airplane systems. AD 2011–02–09
required revising the AFM to provide
appropriate operational procedures to
prevent the airplane flight directors
(FDs), autopilot (AP), and auto-thrust reengagement in the event of airspeed
sources providing similar but erroneous
data. This new AD requires that
operators modify or replace all three
flight control primary computers
(FCPCs) with new software standards.
Since we issued ADs 2009–04–07 and
2011–02–09, we have determined that
new software standards for the FCPCs
are necessary to inhibit autopilot reengagement under unreliable airspeed
conditions. This new AD also removes
certain airplanes from the applicability.
We are issuing this AD to prevent
autopilot engagement under unreliable
airspeed conditions, which could result
in reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 19, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of December 19, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of February 9, 2011 (76 FR
4219, January 25, 2011).
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of March 5, 2009 (74 FR
7549, February 18, 2009).
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
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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 by adding an AD that would
apply to the specified products. The
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 16, 2013 (78 FR
22432), and proposed to supersede AD
2009–04–07, Amendment 39–15813 (74
FR 7549, February 18, 2009); and AD
2011–02–09, Amendment 39–16583 (76
FR 4219, January 25, 2011). The NPRM
proposed to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD 2011–
0199R1, dated February 17, 2012
(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:
It has been determined that, when there are
significant differences between all airspeed
sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330
or A340 aeroplane will revert to alternate
law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust
(A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the
Flight Directors (FD) bars are automatically
removed.
Further analyses have shown that, after
such an event, if two airspeed sources
become similar while still erroneous, the
flight guidance computers will display the
FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement
of AP and A/THR. However, in some cases,
the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as
possible abrupt pitch command.
In order to prevent such events which may,
under specified circumstances, constitute an
unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2010–
0271 [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/20100271] [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011–
02–09, Amendment 39–16583 (76 FR 4219,
January 25, 2011)] to require an amendment
of the Flight Manual to ensure that flight
crews apply the appropriate operational
procedure.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new
FCPC software standards have been
developed that will inhibit autopilot
engagement under unreliable airspeed
conditions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011–0199
to require software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs by either modification or
replacement, as follows:
—Software standard P11A/M20A on FCPC
2K2 hardware for A330–200/–300
aeroplanes [with electrical rudder],
through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB)
A330–27–3176,
—software standard P12A/M21A on FCPC
2K1 hardware and M21A on FCPC 2K0
hardware for A330–200/–300 aeroplanes
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[with mechanical rudder], through Airbus
SB A330–27–3177,
—software standard L22A on FCPC 2K1
hardware and L22A on FCPC 2K0
hardware for A340–200/–300 aeroplanes
[with mechanical rudder], through Airbus
SB A340–27–4174, and
— software standard L21A on FCPC 2K2
hardware for A340–300 aeroplanes [with
electrical rudder], through Airbus SB
A340–27–4162.
*
*
*
*
*
EASA has also issued MCAI 2013–
0107, dated May 17, 2013, which states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced a sudden
nose down movement while in cruise. This
event was preceded by an automatic
autopilot disconnection, which triggered the
‘‘NAV IR1 FAULT’’ Electronic Centralised
Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) Caution.
Investigation results highlighted that at the
time of the event, the Air Data Reference 1
(ADR) part of ADIRU1 was providing
erroneous and temporary wrong parameters
in a random manner. This abnormal behavior
of the ADR1 led to several consequences
such as unjustified stall and over speed
warnings, loss of attitude information on
Captain Primary Flight Display (PFD) and
several ECAM warnings. Among the
abnormal parameters, the provided Angle of
Attack (AoA) value was such that the flight
control computers commanded the sudden
nose down movement.
Further investigation results concluded
that this event was caused by erroneous and
undetected AoA values (spikes) generated by
the ADIRU1.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to further similar occurrences, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition
and as an interim solution, EASA issued
Emergency AD 2009–0012–E [https://
ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2009-0012-E] to
require implementation of an aircraft Flight
Manual (AFM) operational procedure, to
isolate both the Inertial Reference (IR) and
ADR in case a faulty IR is detected.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, a final
fix solution was developed, consisting of new
FCPC software standards, which prevents the
potential unsafe condition and cancels the
AFM operational procedure required by
EASA AD 2009–0012–E. Consequently,
EASA issued AD 2011–0199R1 to require this
software standard upgrade of the three FCPCs
by either modification or replacement, for
A330 and A340–200/–300 aeroplanes.
Due to similar design, Airbus A340–500/–
600 aeroplanes are also impacted by this
issue, and Airbus developed Service Bulletin
(SB) A340–27–5051 which gives instructions
for a software standard upgrade of the three
FCPCs, irrespective of ADIRU manufacturer.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires a software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs for A340–500/–600 aeroplanes,
which cancels the operational procedure
imposed by EASA AD 2009–0012–E.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
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#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-03290003.
of this final rule apply to Model A340–
200 and –300 series airplanes.
Comments
Request To Include the Equivalent
Mandatory Actions of EASA AD 2012–
0271, Dated December 21, 2012, in the
NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013)
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM (78 FR 22432,
April 16, 2013)
The Air Line Pilots Association
International supported the intent of the
NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013).
Michael Carrera agreed with the
requirements of the NPRM (78 FR
22432, April 16, 2013).
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Request To Include EASA AD 2013–
0107, Dated May 17, 2013, in the NPRM
(78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013)
Airbus stated that EASA has issued
AD 2013–0107, issued May 17, 2013,
and requested that we include the
equivalent actions in this AD. Airbus
stated that the requirements of EASA
AD 2013–0107 are for Model A340–500
and –600 airplanes and are equivalent to
the requirements of this AD for Model
A330 and A340–200 and –300 airplanes.
Airbus stated that the actions required
by EASA AD 2013–0107 enables a
supersedure action required by FAA AD
2009–04–07, Amendment 39–15813 (74
FR 7549, February 18, 2009). Airbus
also stated that for Model A340–541 and
A340–642 airplanes, the actions
required by EASA AD 2013–0107
terminate the requirements of paragraph
(g) of the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16,
2013) and AD 2009–04–07.
We agree that EASA AD 2013–0107
mandates similar actions for Model
A340–541 and A340–642 airplanes and
eliminates the same revisions of the
AFM as mandated by FAA AD 2009–
04–07, Amendment 39–15813 (74 FR
7549, February 18, 2009). Although
there are no Model A340–541 or A340–
642 airplanes currently registered in the
U.S., we have included the
requirements of EASA AD 2013–0107
(which specifies to modify or replace
certain FCPCs in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–5051)
in this final rule, and have added Model
A340–541 and A340–642 airplanes to
paragraph (c)(2) of this final rule. We
have also added new paragraph (j) to
this final rule to include actions
specified in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340–27–5051, dated July 16,
2012, for Model A340–541 and A340–
642 series airplanes. Subsequent
paragraphs have been redesignated
accordingly. In addition, we have
clarified paragraphs (i)(3) and (i)(4) of
this final rule to state that the actions
specified in paragraphs (i)(3) and (i)(4)
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Airbus stated that EASA has issued
AD 2012–0271, dated December 21,
2012, on the same subject and requested
that the equivalent mandatory actions
be included in this AD. EASA AD 2012–
0271 requires installation of the FCPC
multi role transport tanker (MRTT2)
standard applicable to Model A330
airplanes on which Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–27–3156 has been
embodied. Airbus stated that this
requirement for Model A330 MRTT
airplanes is equivalent to one in the
NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013) for
other Model A330 airplanes. The
commenter stated that this action
enables the supersedure of the actions
required by FAA AD 2009–04–07,
Amendment 39–15813 (74 FR 7549,
February 18, 2009); and AD 2011–02–
09, Amendment 39–16583 (76 FR 4219,
January 25, 2011); and terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h)
of the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16,
2013).
We disagree with including the
requested actions in this final rule.
EASA AD 2012–0271, issued December
21, 2012, requires modification or
replacement of the three FCPCs to
install software standard MRTT2 on
Model A330–200 airplanes with
commercial designation MRTT. We
have not type-validated Model A330–
200 MRTT airplanes and that model is
not on the FAA type certificate data
sheet. We have not taken actions in
regard to EASA AD 2012–0271 related
to Model A330–200 MRTT airplanes for
that reason. No change has been made
to this final rule in this regard.
Request To Update AFM Temporary
Revision (TR) References
Airbus requested that we update the
references for the AFM TRs. Airbus
stated that the references for the AFM
TRs have been changed.
We disagree with changing the
references for the AFM TRs in this final
rule. The new designation of the AFM
TRs was introduced after the
publication of AD 2009–04–07,
Amendment 39–15813 (74 FR 7549,
February 18, 2009). Changing the
references could cause
misunderstanding or confusion. No
change has been made to this final rule
in this regard.
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68349
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data,
including the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this 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 (78 FR
22432, April 16, 2013) for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 22432,
April 16, 2013).
Related AD
Accomplishing the actions specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this
final rule is compliant with the optional
actions specified in paragraphs (l) and
(o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013–05–08,
Amendment 39–17380 (78 FR 27015,
May 9, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about
59 products of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD
2009–04–07, Amendment 39–15813 (74
FR 7549, February 18, 2009), and
retained in this AD take about 1 workhour per product, at an average labor
rate of $85 per work hour. Required
parts cost about $0 per product. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the actions that were required by AD
2009–04–07 is $85 per product.
The actions that are required by AD
2011–02–09, Amendment 39–16583 (76
FR 4219, January 25, 2011), and retained
in this AD take about 1 work-hour per
product, at an average labor rate of $85
per work hour. Required parts cost
about $0 per product. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the actions
currently required by AD 2011–02–09 is
$85 per product.
We estimate that it takes about 5
work-hours per product to comply with
the new basic requirements of this AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per workhour. Required parts would cost about
$0 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 on U.S. operators to be $25,075,
or $425 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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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 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/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0329; 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 AD, the
MCAI, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations office (telephone
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(800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section.
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:
(f) Compliance
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:
(a) Removing airworthiness directive
(AD) 2009–04–07, Amendment 39–
15813 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009),
and AD 2011–02–09, Amendment 39–
16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011);
and
■ (b) Adding the following new AD:
■
■
2013–19–14 Airbus: Amendment 39–17596.
Docket No. FAA–2013–0329; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–032–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective December 19, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2009–04–07,
Amendment 39–15813 (74 FR 7549, February
18, 2009); and AD 2011–02–09, Amendment
39–16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011).
(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 A330–223F, –243F, –201, –202,
–203, –223, –243, –301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes;
except those on which Airbus Modification
201654 has been embodied in production, or
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3156 has
been incorporated in service.
(2) All Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,
–312, –313, –541, and 642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the possibility
that, due to significant differences among all
airspeed sources, the flight controls will
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revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and
the auto-thrust (A/THR) automatically
disconnect, and the flight director (FD) bars
are automatically removed. Then, if two
airspeed sources become similar while still
erroneous, the flight guidance computers will
display the FD bars again, and enable the reengagement of the AP and A/THR. In some
cases, however, the AP orders may be
inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch
command. We are issuing this AD to prevent
autopilot engagement under unreliable
airspeed conditions, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
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) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Revision: Certain NAV Faults or ATT Flag
on PFD
This paragraph restates the actions
required by paragraph (f) of AD 2009–04–07,
Amendment 39–15813 (74 FR 7549, February
18, 2009). For all airplanes except Model
A330–223F and –243F airplanes: Within 14
days after March 5, 2009 (the effective date
of AD 2009–04–07), revise the applicable
section of the A330 or A340 (Airbus) Flight
Manual (FM) by inserting a copy of A330
(Airbus) Temporary Revision (TR) 4.02.00/
46, or A340 (Airbus) TR 4.02.00/54, both
Issue 3, both dated January 13, 2009, as
applicable. Thereafter, operate the airplane
according to the limitations and procedures
in the TRs. When information identical to
that in the TR has been included in the
general revisions of the FM, the general
revisions may be inserted in the FM, and the
TR may be removed.
(h) Retained AFM Revision: Alternate Law
Associated With AP and A/THR
Disconnection
This paragraph restates the actions
required by paragraph (g) of AD 2011–02–09,
Amendment 39–16583 (76 FR 4219, January
25, 2011). Within 15 days after February 9,
2011 (the effective date of AD 2011–02–09),
do the actions in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of
this AD.
(1) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal
Sections of the Airbus A330/A340 AFM to
include the following statement and operate
the airplane according to these limitations
and procedures. This may be done by
inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
When a statement identical to that in figure
1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD has been
included in the general revisions of the
Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may
be removed from the AFM.
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(2) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal
Sections of the Airbus A330/A340 AFM to
include the information in Airbus A330/
A340 TR TR149 (for Model A330 airplanes)
or TR TR150 (for Model A340–200 and -300
series airplanes), both Issue 1.0, both dated
December 20, 2010. These TRs introduce
procedures for operation of the auto pilot and
auto-thrust disconnect. Operate the airplane
according to the limitations and procedures
in the TRs. This may be done by inserting
copies of Airbus A330/A340 TR TR149 or
TR150, both Issue 1.0, both dated December
20, 2010; as applicable; into the Airbus
A330/A340 AFM. When these TRs have been
included in general revisions of the AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM, and the TRs may be removed.
(i) New Software Standard Upgrade for
Model A330 Series Airplanes, and Model
A340–200 and –300 Series Airplanes
Within 10 months after the effective date
of this AD, upgrade (by modification or
replacement, as applicable) the three flight
control primary computers (FCPCs), as
specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3),
and (i)(4) of this AD, as applicable.
Accomplishment of the applicable
requirements of this paragraph terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this
AD. Accomplishing the actions specified in
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paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD are
compliant with the optional actions specified
in paragraphs (l) and (o)(1) through (o)(4) of
AD 2013–05–08, Amendment 39–17380 (78
FR 27015, May 9, 2013).
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes:
Upgrade to software standard P11A/M20A on
FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3176,
Revision 02, dated April 24, 2012.
(2) For Model A330 series airplanes:
Upgrade to software standard P12A/M21A on
FCPC 2K1 hardware, and software standard
M21A on FCPC 2K0 hardware, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–
3177, dated December 21, 2011.
(3) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Upgrade to software standard
L22A on FCPC 2K1 hardware, and software
standard L22A on FCPC 2K0 hardware, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A340–27–4174, dated November 21,
2011.
(4) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes: Upgrade to software standard
L21A on FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–
4162, Revision 01, dated September 17, 2012.
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(j) New Software Standard Upgrade for
Model A340–541 and –642 Series Airplanes
(1) Within 10 months after the effective
date of this AD, modify or replace the three
FCPCs to integrate software standard W12 on
FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–5051,
dated July 16, 2012. Accomplishment of the
applicable requirements of this paragraph
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this AD.
(2) After accomplishing the modification in
accordance with paragraph (j)(1) of this AD,
do not install an FCPC on the airplane unless
the FCPC is 2K2 hardware with integrating
software standard W12.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this
AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3176,
dated July 26, 2011; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330–27–3176, Revision 01,
dated March 27, 2012; which are not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (i)(4) of this
AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus
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Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–4162,
dated January 10, 2012, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, 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.
TKELleY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directives 2011–0199R1, dated February 17,
2012; and 2013–0107, dated May 17, 2013;
for related information. The MCAI can be
found in the AD docket on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA–2013–0329–0003.
(2) Service information that is referenced
in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference in this AD may be viewed at the
addresses identified in paragraphs (n)(6) and
(n)(7) of this AD.
(n) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 19, 2013.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–27–3176, Revision 02, dated April 24,
2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–27–3177, dated December 21, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–27–4162, Revision 01, dated
September 17, 2012.
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15:50 Nov 13, 2013
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(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–27–4174, dated November 21, 2011.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–27–5051, dated July 16, 2012.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on February 9, 2011 (76 FR
4219, January 25, 2011).
(i) Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision
TR149, Issue 1.0, dated December 20, 2010,
to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight
Manual.
(ii) Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision
TR150, Issue 1.0, dated December 20, 2010,
to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight
Manual.
(5) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 5, 2009 (74 FR
7549, February 18, 2009).
(i) Airbus A330 Temporary Revision
4.02.00/46, Issue 3, dated January 13, 2009,
to the Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual.
(ii) Airbus A340 Temporary Revision
4.02.00/54, Issue 3, dated January 13, 2009,
to the Airbus A340 Airplane Flight Manual.
(6) 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.
(7) You may view 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.
(8) 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
September 13, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–26565 Filed 11–13–13; 8:45 am]
Airbus Model A330–223F, –223, –321,
–322, and –323 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by fatigue load analysis that
determined that the inspection interval
for certain pylon bolts must be reduced.
This AD requires a torque check of
forward engine mount bolts, and
replacement if necessary. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct loose or
broken bolts, which could lead to
engine detachment in-flight, and
damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 19, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 19, 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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to the specified products. The
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 28, 2013 (78 FR
18925). The NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012–0094,
dated May 31, 2012 (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:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The forward mount engine pylon bolts,
Part Number (P/N) 51U615, fitted on Airbus
A330 aeroplanes with Pratt & Whitney (PW)
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0212; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–116–AD; Amendment
39–17509; AD 2013–14–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68347-68352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26565]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0329; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-032-AD;
Amendment 39-17596; AD 2013-19-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 2009-04-07
and 2011-02-09 for certain
[[Page 68348]]
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A300-300, A340-200, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2009-04-07 required
revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include appropriate
operational procedures to prevent the air data inertial reference unit
(ADIRU) from providing erroneous data to other airplane systems. AD
2011-02-09 required revising the AFM to provide appropriate operational
procedures to prevent the airplane flight directors (FDs), autopilot
(AP), and auto-thrust re-engagement in the event of airspeed sources
providing similar but erroneous data. This new AD requires that
operators modify or replace all three flight control primary computers
(FCPCs) with new software standards. Since we issued ADs 2009-04-07 and
2011-02-09, we have determined that new software standards for the
FCPCs are necessary to inhibit autopilot re-engagement under unreliable
airspeed conditions. This new AD also removes certain airplanes from
the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent autopilot
engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 19, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 19,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
February 9, 2011 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011).
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of March
5, 2009 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009).
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 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.
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 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2013 (78 FR
22432), and proposed to supersede AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74
FR 7549, February 18, 2009); and AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76
FR 4219, January 25, 2011). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2011-0199R1, dated February 17, 2012 (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:
It has been determined that, when there are significant
differences between all airspeed sources, the flight controls of an
Airbus A330 or A340 aeroplane will revert to alternate law, the
autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/THR) automatically disconnect,
and the Flight Directors (FD) bars are automatically removed.
Further analyses have shown that, after such an event, if two
airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight
guidance computers will display the FD bars again, and enable the
re-engagement of AP and A/THR. However, in some cases, the AP orders
may be inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command.
In order to prevent such events which may, under specified
circumstances, constitute an unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2010-
0271 [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2010-0271] [which corresponds to
FAA AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25,
2011)] to require an amendment of the Flight Manual to ensure that
flight crews apply the appropriate operational procedure.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, new FCPC software standards
have been developed that will inhibit autopilot engagement under
unreliable airspeed conditions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0199 to require software
standard upgrade of the three FCPCs by either modification or
replacement, as follows:
--Software standard P11A/M20A on FCPC 2K2 hardware for A330-200/-300
aeroplanes [with electrical rudder], through Airbus Service Bulletin
(SB) A330-27-3176,
--software standard P12A/M21A on FCPC 2K1 hardware and M21A on FCPC
2K0 hardware for A330-200/-300 aeroplanes [with mechanical rudder],
through Airbus SB A330-27-3177,
--software standard L22A on FCPC 2K1 hardware and L22A on FCPC 2K0
hardware for A340-200/-300 aeroplanes [with mechanical rudder],
through Airbus SB A340-27-4174, and
-- software standard L21A on FCPC 2K2 hardware for A340-300
aeroplanes [with electrical rudder], through Airbus SB A340-27-4162.
* * * * *
EASA has also issued MCAI 2013-0107, dated May 17, 2013, which
states:
An A330 aeroplane experienced a sudden nose down movement while
in cruise. This event was preceded by an automatic autopilot
disconnection, which triggered the ``NAV IR1 FAULT'' Electronic
Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) Caution. Investigation results
highlighted that at the time of the event, the Air Data Reference 1
(ADR) part of ADIRU1 was providing erroneous and temporary wrong
parameters in a random manner. This abnormal behavior of the ADR1
led to several consequences such as unjustified stall and over speed
warnings, loss of attitude information on Captain Primary Flight
Display (PFD) and several ECAM warnings. Among the abnormal
parameters, the provided Angle of Attack (AoA) value was such that
the flight control computers commanded the sudden nose down
movement.
Further investigation results concluded that this event was
caused by erroneous and undetected AoA values (spikes) generated by
the ADIRU1.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further similar
occurrences, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition and as an interim
solution, EASA issued Emergency AD 2009-0012-E [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2009-0012-E] to require implementation of an
aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) operational procedure, to isolate both
the Inertial Reference (IR) and ADR in case a faulty IR is detected.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, a final fix solution was
developed, consisting of new FCPC software standards, which prevents
the potential unsafe condition and cancels the AFM operational
procedure required by EASA AD 2009-0012-E. Consequently, EASA issued
AD 2011-0199R1 to require this software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs by either modification or replacement, for A330 and
A340-200/-300 aeroplanes.
Due to similar design, Airbus A340-500/-600 aeroplanes are also
impacted by this issue, and Airbus developed Service Bulletin (SB)
A340-27-5051 which gives instructions for a software standard
upgrade of the three FCPCs, irrespective of ADIRU manufacturer.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires a software
standard upgrade of the three FCPCs for A340-500/-600 aeroplanes,
which cancels the operational procedure imposed by EASA AD 2009-
0012-E.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/
[[Page 68349]]
!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0329-0003.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013)
The Air Line Pilots Association International supported the intent
of the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013).
Michael Carrera agreed with the requirements of the NPRM (78 FR
22432, April 16, 2013).
Request To Include EASA AD 2013-0107, Dated May 17, 2013, in the NPRM
(78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013)
Airbus stated that EASA has issued AD 2013-0107, issued May 17,
2013, and requested that we include the equivalent actions in this AD.
Airbus stated that the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0107 are for Model
A340-500 and -600 airplanes and are equivalent to the requirements of
this AD for Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 airplanes. Airbus stated
that the actions required by EASA AD 2013-0107 enables a supersedure
action required by FAA AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR 7549,
February 18, 2009). Airbus also stated that for Model A340-541 and
A340-642 airplanes, the actions required by EASA AD 2013-0107 terminate
the requirements of paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16,
2013) and AD 2009-04-07.
We agree that EASA AD 2013-0107 mandates similar actions for Model
A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes and eliminates the same revisions of
the AFM as mandated by FAA AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR
7549, February 18, 2009). Although there are no Model A340-541 or A340-
642 airplanes currently registered in the U.S., we have included the
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0107 (which specifies to modify or replace
certain FCPCs in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5051)
in this final rule, and have added Model A340-541 and A340-642
airplanes to paragraph (c)(2) of this final rule. We have also added
new paragraph (j) to this final rule to include actions specified in
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5051, dated July 16, 2012,
for Model A340-541 and A340-642 series airplanes. Subsequent paragraphs
have been redesignated accordingly. In addition, we have clarified
paragraphs (i)(3) and (i)(4) of this final rule to state that the
actions specified in paragraphs (i)(3) and (i)(4) of this final rule
apply to Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.
Request To Include the Equivalent Mandatory Actions of EASA AD 2012-
0271, Dated December 21, 2012, in the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16,
2013)
Airbus stated that EASA has issued AD 2012-0271, dated December 21,
2012, on the same subject and requested that the equivalent mandatory
actions be included in this AD. EASA AD 2012-0271 requires installation
of the FCPC multi role transport tanker (MRTT2) standard applicable to
Model A330 airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3156 has
been embodied. Airbus stated that this requirement for Model A330 MRTT
airplanes is equivalent to one in the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16,
2013) for other Model A330 airplanes. The commenter stated that this
action enables the supersedure of the actions required by FAA AD 2009-
04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009); and AD 2011-
02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011); and
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM (78
FR 22432, April 16, 2013).
We disagree with including the requested actions in this final
rule. EASA AD 2012-0271, issued December 21, 2012, requires
modification or replacement of the three FCPCs to install software
standard MRTT2 on Model A330-200 airplanes with commercial designation
MRTT. We have not type-validated Model A330-200 MRTT airplanes and that
model is not on the FAA type certificate data sheet. We have not taken
actions in regard to EASA AD 2012-0271 related to Model A330-200 MRTT
airplanes for that reason. No change has been made to this final rule
in this regard.
Request To Update AFM Temporary Revision (TR) References
Airbus requested that we update the references for the AFM TRs.
Airbus stated that the references for the AFM TRs have been changed.
We disagree with changing the references for the AFM TRs in this
final rule. The new designation of the AFM TRs was introduced after the
publication of AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR 7549, February
18, 2009). Changing the references could cause misunderstanding or
confusion. No change has been made to this final rule in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this 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 (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 22432, April 16, 2013).
Related AD
Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through
(i)(4) of this final rule is compliant with the optional actions
specified in paragraphs (l) and (o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013-05-08,
Amendment 39-17380 (78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about 59 products of U.S.
registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813
(74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009), and retained in this AD take about 1
work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour.
Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 2009-04-07 is
$85 per product.
The actions that are required by AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583
(76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011), and retained in this AD take about 1
work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour.
Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the actions currently required by AD 2011-02-09 is
$85 per product.
We estimate that it takes about 5 work-hours per product to comply
with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 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 on U.S. operators to
be $25,075, or $425 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue
[[Page 68350]]
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 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/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0329; 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 AD, the
MCAI, 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.
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:
0
(a) Removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-
15813 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009), and AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-
16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011); and
0
(b) Adding the following new AD:
2013-19-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-17596. Docket No. FAA-2013-0329;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-032-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 19,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR
7549, February 18, 2009); and AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76
FR 4219, January 25, 2011).
(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 A330-223F, -243F, -201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; except
those on which Airbus Modification 201654 has been embodied in
production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3156 has been
incorporated in service.
(2) All Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and
642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the possibility that, due to significant
differences among all airspeed sources, the flight controls will
revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/
THR) automatically disconnect, and the flight director (FD) bars are
automatically removed. Then, if two airspeed sources become similar
while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers will display
the FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement of the AP and A/THR.
In some cases, however, the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as
possible abrupt pitch command. We are issuing this AD to prevent
autopilot engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which
could result in reduced controllability 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) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision: Certain NAV Faults
or ATT Flag on PFD
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f) of
AD 2009-04-07, Amendment 39-15813 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009).
For all airplanes except Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes: Within
14 days after March 5, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-04-07),
revise the applicable section of the A330 or A340 (Airbus) Flight
Manual (FM) by inserting a copy of A330 (Airbus) Temporary Revision
(TR) 4.02.00/46, or A340 (Airbus) TR 4.02.00/54, both Issue 3, both
dated January 13, 2009, as applicable. Thereafter, operate the
airplane according to the limitations and procedures in the TRs.
When information identical to that in the TR has been included in
the general revisions of the FM, the general revisions may be
inserted in the FM, and the TR may be removed.
(h) Retained AFM Revision: Alternate Law Associated With AP and A/THR
Disconnection
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of
AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011).
Within 15 days after February 9, 2011 (the effective date of AD
2011-02-09), do the actions in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this
AD.
(1) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus
A330/A340 AFM to include the following statement and operate the
airplane according to these limitations and procedures. This may be
done by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. When a statement
identical to that in figure 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD has
been included in the general revisions of the Limitations and
Abnormal Sections of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
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(2) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus
A330/A340 AFM to include the information in Airbus A330/A340 TR
TR149 (for Model A330 airplanes) or TR TR150 (for Model A340-200 and
-300 series airplanes), both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20,
2010. These TRs introduce procedures for operation of the auto pilot
and auto-thrust disconnect. Operate the airplane according to the
limitations and procedures in the TRs. This may be done by inserting
copies of Airbus A330/A340 TR TR149 or TR150, both Issue 1.0, both
dated December 20, 2010; as applicable; into the Airbus A330/A340
AFM. When these TRs have been included in general revisions of the
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, and the TRs
may be removed.
(i) New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A330 Series Airplanes, and
Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, upgrade
(by modification or replacement, as applicable) the three flight
control primary computers (FCPCs), as specified in paragraphs
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(4) of this AD, as applicable.
Accomplishment of the applicable requirements of this paragraph
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through
(i)(4) of this AD are compliant with the optional actions specified
in paragraphs (l) and (o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013-05-08,
Amendment 39-17380 (78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013).
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Upgrade to software
standard P11A/M20A on FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330-27-3176, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2012.
(2) For Model A330 series airplanes: Upgrade to software
standard P12A/M21A on FCPC 2K1 hardware, and software standard M21A
on FCPC 2K0 hardware, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3177,
dated December 21, 2011.
(3) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Upgrade to
software standard L22A on FCPC 2K1 hardware, and software standard
L22A on FCPC 2K0 hardware, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4174,
dated November 21, 2011.
(4) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Upgrade to
software standard L21A on FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-27-4162, Revision 01, dated September 17, 2012.
(j) New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A340-541 and -642 Series
Airplanes
(1) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
or replace the three FCPCs to integrate software standard W12 on
FCPC 2K2 hardware, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5051,
dated July 16, 2012. Accomplishment of the applicable requirements
of this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD.
(2) After accomplishing the modification in accordance with
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, do not install an FCPC on the airplane
unless the FCPC is 2K2 hardware with integrating software standard
W12.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-27-3176, dated July 26, 2011; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330-27-3176, Revision 01, dated March 27, 2012;
which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (i)(4) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus
[[Page 68352]]
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4162, dated January 10, 2012,
which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
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.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directives
2011-0199R1, dated February 17, 2012; and 2013-0107, dated May 17,
2013; for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0329-0003.
(2) Service information that is referenced in this AD that is
not incorporated by reference in this AD may be viewed at the
addresses identified in paragraphs (n)(6) and (n)(7) of this AD.
(n) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 19, 2013.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3176, Revision 02,
dated April 24, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3177, dated
December 21, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4162, Revision
01, dated September 17, 2012.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4174, dated
November 21, 2011.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5051, dated July
16, 2012.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 9, 2011 (76 FR 4219, January 25, 2011).
(i) Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR149, Issue 1.0, dated
December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual.
(ii) Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR150, Issue 1.0, dated
December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual.
(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on
March 5, 2009 (74 FR 7549, February 18, 2009).
(i) Airbus A330 Temporary Revision 4.02.00/46, Issue 3, dated
January 13, 2009, to the Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual.
(ii) Airbus A340 Temporary Revision 4.02.00/54, Issue 3, dated
January 13, 2009, to the Airbus A340 Airplane Flight Manual.
(6) 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.
(7) You may view 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.
(8) 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 September 13, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26565 Filed 11-13-13; 8:45 am]
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