Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 1175-1179 [2016-30411]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
the documents in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii)
of this AD because deviations from the type
design in critical locations could make the
airplane ineligible for this life extension.
(4) If no compliance time is specified in the
documents listed in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and
(ii) of this AD when doing any corrective
actions where discrepancies are found as
required in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this AD, do
these corrective actions before further flight
after doing the applicable maintenance task.
(5) During the accomplishment of the
actions required in paragraph (f)(2) of this
AD, including all subparagraphs, if a
discrepancy is found that is not identified in
the documents listed in paragraphs (f)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD, before further flight after
finding the discrepancy, contact PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD. at the address specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD for a repair scheme
and incorporate that repair scheme.
(6) Before or upon accumulating 6 years
time-in-service (TIS) on the MLG attachment
bolts or within the next 3 months TIS after
February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this
AD), whichever occurs later, inspect the MLB
attachment bolts for cracks and corrosion and
before further flight take all necessary
corrective actions.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–
4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2014–22–01,
39–18005 (79 FR 67343, November 13, 2014)
are not approved as AMOCs for 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016–0083, dated
April 28, 2016, for related information. You
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2016-7003-0002.
(i) 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.
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18:22 Jan 04, 2017
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(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) STRUCTURAL, COMPONENT AND
MISCELLANEOUS—AIRWORTHINESS
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12–A–04–
00–00–00A–000A–A, dated July 12, 2016, of
the Pilatus Model type—PC–12, PC–12/45,
PC–12/47 MSN–101–888, Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM), Document No.
02049, 12–A–AM–00–00–00–I, revision 32,
dated July 18, 2016.
(ii) STRUCTURAL AND COMPONENT
LIMITATIONS—AIRWORTHINESS
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12–B–04–
00–00–00A–000A–A, dated July 19, 2016, of
the Pilatus Model type—PC–12/47E MSN–
1001–UP, Aircraft Maintenance Manual
(AMM), Document No. 02300, 12–B–AM–00–
00–00–I, revision 15, dated July 30, 2016.
(3) For PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. service
information identified in this AD, contact
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Service
Manager, CH–6371 STANS, Switzerland;
telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 33 33; fax: +41 (0)
41 619 73 11; Internet: https://www.pilatusaircraft.com or email: SupportPC12@pilatusaircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. In
addition, you can access this service
information on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2016–7003.
(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 Kansas City, Missouri, on
December 21, 2016.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–31600 Filed 1–4–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–7424; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–173–AD; Amendment
39–18756; AD 2016–25–30]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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1175
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200, –200
Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and
Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by certain anomalies of the flight
guidance computers. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 9,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of February 9, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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 view this 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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
7424.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
7424; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (telephone: 800–647–
5527) is Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
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
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
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apply to all Airbus Model A330–200,
–200 Freighter, and –300 series
airplanes; and Model A340–200, –300,
–500, and –600 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 7, 2016 (81 FR 44235)
(‘‘the NPRM’’).
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2015–
0124R2, dated August 31, 2016 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus Model A330–
200, –200 Freighter, and –300 series
airplanes; and Model A340–200, –300,
–500, and –600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
It was 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 Director (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
an abrupt pitch command.
This condition, if not corrected, may,
under specific circumstances, result in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
In order to prevent such events, EASA
issued 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 Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) to ensure that flight crews apply the
appropriate operational procedure.
Since EASA AD 2010–0271 was issued,
new Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC)
software standards were developed that
inhibit autopilot engagement under
unreliable airspeed conditions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011–0199
(later revised) [which corresponds to FAA
AD 2013–19–14, Amendment 39–17596 (78
FR 68347, November 14, 2013)] for A330 and
A340–200/300 aeroplanes, and [EASA] AD
2013–0107 [which also corresponds to FAA
AD 2013–19–14] for A340–500/600
aeroplanes, to require a software standard
upgrade of the three FCPCs by either
modification or replacement.
Since EASA AD 2011–0199R1 and [EASA]
AD 2013–0107 were issued, new FCPC
software standards were developed to correct
aeroplane behaviour in case of undetected
erroneous (Radio Altimeter) RA information
and to introduce other improvements. In
addition, the new FCPC software standards
also implement enhanced Angle of Attack
(AOA) monitoring in order to better detect
cases of AOA blockage, including multiple
AOA blockage.
Prompted by these developments, EASA
issued AD 2015–0124 (later revised) to
require the latest software standard upgrade
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of the three FCPCs, either by modification or
replacement. At the time, some of the Airbus
SBs as specified in Table 1 (originally,
Appendix 1) of this [EASA] AD were not yet
available.
Since EASA AD 2015–0124R1 was issued,
Airbus published SB A340–27–5064, and for
this reason, this [EASA] AD is revised to
introduce the date of publication of this SB.
This [EASA] AD also contains some editorial
changes to meet the latest [EASA] AD writing
standards, without changes to the technical
content.
There is still one SB that remains
unavailable at this time. It is expected that
this [EASA] AD will be revised again when
this SB is published.
Model A340–541 and A340–642 series
airplanes with hardware standard FCPC
2K2 as Airbus Service Bulletin A340–
27–5064, dated June 1, 2016.
In addition, the commenter is correct
that EASA has revised AD 2015–0124
R1, dated February 2, 2016, to include
SB A340–27–5064, Revision 0. We have
revised the Discussion section of this
final rule and paragraph (p)(1), Related
Information, of this AD to refer to the
revised EASA AD 2015–0124R2, dated
August 31, 2016.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
7424.
Airbus stated that the NPRM
addressed Model A330–200, –200
Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and
Model A340–200 and –300 airplanes;
but not Model A340–500 and –600
series airplanes. Airbus commented that
there were inconsistencies in the NPRM
because if Model A340–500 and –600
series airplanes are not included in the
applicability then paragraph (l) of the
NPRM was incorrect because it referred
to AD 2013–19–14, which includes all
Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes in
its applicability.
We infer that Airbus is requesting that
Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes be
included in the applicability of the
NPRM, or requesting that this AD be
revised to remove all text that is
associated with Model A340–541 and
–642 airplanes.
We agree to clarify. Model A340–541
and –642 airplanes were included in the
applicability of the proposed AD and
continue to be included in the
applicability of this AD. The SUMMARY
section of the NPRM included Model
A340–500 and –600 series airplanes,
and paragraphs (c)(6) and (c)(7) of the
proposed AD included Model A340–541
and –642 airplanes, respectively. In
addition, paragraph (g) of the proposed
AD specified that operators of Model
A340–500 and –600 airplanes must
upgrade the FCPCs in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. For
clarification we have revised the header
of paragraph (g) of this AD to include
Model A340–500 and –600 series
airplanes.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association,
International stated that it had no
objection to the NPRM.
Request To Include Certain Service
Information in the NPRM
Airbus requested that Airbus Service
Bulletin A340–27–5064, dated June 1,
2016, (‘‘SB A340–27–5064, Revision 0’’),
which is applicable to Airbus Model
A340–500 and –600 series airplanes, be
included in the NPRM. Airbus noted
that SB A340–27–5064, Revision 0, was
issued after the NPRM was published
and that EASA planned to issue a
revision to EASA AD 2015–0124R1,
dated February 2, 2016, to include SB
A340–27–5064, Revision 0.
We agree with the commenter’s
request to include SB A340–27–5064,
Revision 0, in this final rule. Paragraph
(g) of the proposed AD instructed
operators of Model A340–500 and –600
series airplanes to upgrade the three
FCPCs in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus’s
EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). Now that SB A340–27–5064,
Revision 0, is available, we have revised
paragraph (g) of this AD to require the
upgrade to be done in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified
in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4),
and (h)(5) of this AD. We have added a
new paragraph (h)(5) to this AD, which
identifies the service information for
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Request To Include Certain Airplane
Models in the NPRM
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered 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 minor changes:
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• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service
information:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–
3205, Revision 02, dated March 23,
2016.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–
3207, dated June 30, 2015.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
4195, dated November 24, 2015.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
4196, dated November 24, 2015.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
5064, dated June 1, 2016.
The service information describes
procedures for upgrading (replacing or
modifying) the software standards for
the FCPCs. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different
airplane models. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 92
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Modification/replacement ................
3 work-hours × $85 per hour =
$255.
Not available ..................................
$255
$23,460
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We
do not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, we
have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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
18:22 Jan 04, 2017
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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.
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[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2016–25–30 Airbus: Amendment 39–18756;
Docket No. FAA–2016–7424; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–173–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
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(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs identified in
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (b)(4) of
this AD:
(1) AD 2012–08–02, Amendment 39–17018
(77 FR 24829, April 26, 2012) (‘‘AD 2012–08–
02’’).
(2) AD 2013–03–06, Amendment 39–17341
(78 FR 15279, March 11, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–
03–06’’).
(3) AD 2013–05–08, Amendment 39–17380
(78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013; corrected August
29, 2013 (78 FR 53237)) (‘‘AD 2013–05–08’’).
(4) AD 2013–19–14, Amendment 39–17596
(78 FR 68347, November 14, 2013) (‘‘AD
2013–19–14’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A330–223F and –243F airplanes.
(2) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, and
–243 airplanes.
(3) Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340–211, –212, and –213
airplanes.
(5) Model A340–311, –312, and –313
airplanes.
(6) Model A340–541 airplanes.
(7) Model A340–642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
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) will automatically
disconnect, and the flight director (FD) bars
will be 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
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cases, however, the AP orders may be
inappropriate, such as a possible abrupt pitch
command. We are issuing this AD to prevent
AP engagement under unreliable airspeed
conditions, which could result in reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) New Software Standard Upgrade for
Model A330 Series Airplanes, and Model
A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 Series
Airplanes
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified in
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4), and
(h)(5) of this AD.
At the applicable time specified in table 1
to paragraph (g) of this AD: Upgrade (by
modification or replacement, as applicable)
the three flight control primary computers
(FCPCs), as specified in table 1 to paragraph
(g) of this AD, in accordance with the
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g) OF THIS AD—SOFTWARE STANDARD UPDATES AND COMPLIANCE TIMES
Software standard
P13/M22 .............................................................
P14/M23 .............................................................
M23 ....................................................................
L24 .....................................................................
L23 .....................................................................
W13 ....................................................................
(h) Service Information
For the upgrade required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, applicable service information is
identified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3),
(h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 airplanes with
hardware standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–27–3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
(2) For Model A330 airplanes with
hardware standard FCPC 2K1 or FCPC 2K0:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3207,
dated June 30, 2015.
(3) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K0
or FCPC 2K1: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–
27–4195, dated November 24, 2015.
(4) For Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2:
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–4196,
dated November 24, 2015.
(5) For Model A340–500 and A340–600
series airplanes with hardware standard
FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
5064, dated June 1, 2016.
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(i) Removal of Certain Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) Requirements
After accomplishing the FCPC upgrade
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the
AFM operational procedures required by the
AFM revisions identified in paragraphs (i)(1),
(i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD are no longer
required and can be removed from the AFM
for that airplane only.
(1) The AFM revision required by
paragraph (g) of AD 2013–19–14.
(2) The AFM revision required by
paragraph (h) of AD 2013–19–14.
(3) The AFM revision required by
paragraph (g) of AD 2013–03–06.
(j) Removal of Certain Other AFM
Requirements
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required
by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the
dispatch limitations required by paragraphs
(g), (h), and (i) of AD 2012–08–02 for that
airplane only, and after accomplishing the
FCPC upgrade, those dispatch limitations can
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Compliance time
after effective date of this AD
Hardware standard
FCPC
FCPC
FCPC
FCPC
FCPC
FCPC
2K2
2K1
2K0
2K1
2K2
2K2
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
or 2K0 ............................................
........................................................
........................................................
be removed from the AFM for that airplane
only.
(k) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013–
05–08 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required
by paragraph (g) this AD constitutes
compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (l) and paragraphs (o)(1) through
(o)(4) of AD 2013–05–08.
(l) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013–19–
14 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required
by paragraph (g) this AD constitutes
compliance with the requirements of
paragraphs (i) and (j) of AD 2013–19–14.
(m) Airplanes Excluded From Certain
Requirements
For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes
having Airbus Modification 202680
(installation of FCPC 2K2 with software
standard P13/M22) incorporated in
production: The actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD are not required,
provided it can be positively determined that
since the date of issuance of the original
certificate of airworthiness or the original
export certificate of airworthiness, no FCPC
has been replaced on that airplane with an
FCPC having an earlier standard.
(n) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–27–3205, dated March 9,
2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–
3205, Revision 01, dated July 3, 2015.
(o) 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
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Within
Within
Within
Within
Within
Within
9 months.
9 months.
9 months.
15 months.
15 months.
15 months.
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone: 425–227–1138; fax: 425–227–
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved
by the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(p) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2015–0124R2, dated August 31, 2016, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–7424.
E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM
05JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
(q) 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.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3205,
Revision 02, dated March 23, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3207,
dated June 30, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
4195, dated November 24, 2015.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–
4196, dated November 24, 2015.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–5064,
dated June 1, 2016.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email:
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet: https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 7, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–30411 Filed 1–4–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9160; Directorate
Identifier 2016–CE–022–AD; Amendment
39–18767; AD 2016–26–09]
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; B–N Group
Ltd. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding an
airworthiness directive (AD) 2016–06–
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:22 Jan 04, 2017
Jkt 241001
01 for B–N Group Ltd. Models BN–2,
BN–2A, BN–2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6,
BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–
2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–
20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27,
BN–2T–4R, BN–2T, BN2A MK. III,
BN2A MK. III–2, and BN2A MK. III–3
(all models on Type Certificate Data
Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes.
This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify
and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as cracks in the
inner shell of certain pitot/static
pressure heads. This AD changes model
applicability due to errors found in AD
2016–06–01. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
This AD is effective February 9,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of April 19, 2016 (81 FR
13717; March 15, 2016).
DATES:
You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9160; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Britten-Norman
Aircraft Limited, Commodore House,
Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook
Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY,
United Kingdom; telephone: +44 20
3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001;
email: info@bnaircraft.com; Internet:
https://www.britten-norman.com/
customer-support/. You may view this
referenced service information at the
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–
4148. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2016–
9160.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4159; fax: (816) 329–3047; email:
raymond.johnston@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1179
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to B–N Group Ltd. Models BN–2,
BN–2A, BN–2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6,
BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–
2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–
20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27,
BN–2T–4R, BN–2T, BN2A MK. III,
BN2A MK. III–2, and BN2A MK. III–3
(all models on Type Certificate Data
Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on September 23, 2016
(81 FR 65581), and proposed to
supersede AD 2016–06–01, Amendment
39–18432 (81 FR 13717; March 15,
2016).
Since we issued AD 2016–06–01,
errors were discovered in the model
applicability after issuance. This AD
adds Models BN–2T and BN–2T–4R,
removes nonexistent Model BN2B, and
removes duplicate listings of BN2A and
BN2A MK.III.
The NPRM proposed to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products and was based on mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country. The MCAI
states that:
In 2005, occurrences were reported of
finding cracks in the inner shell of certain
pitot/static pressure heads, Part Number (P/
N) DU130–24.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to incorrect readings on
the pressure instrumentation, e.g. altimeters,
vertical speed indicators (rate-of-climb) and
airspeed indicators, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
B–N Group issued Service Bulletin (SB) 310
to provide inspection and test instructions.
Consequently, CAA UK issued AD G–2005–
0034 (EASA approval 2005–6447) to require
repetitive inspections and leak tests and,
depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective action(s).
Subsequently, B–N Group published SB
310 issue 2, prompting EASA to issue AD
2006–0143 making reference to SB 310 at
issue 2, while the publication of BNA SB 310
issue 3 prompted EASA AD 2006–0143R1,
introducing BNA modification (mod) NB–M–
1728 (new pitot/static pressure head not
affected by the AD requirements) as optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections and leak tests.
Since that AD was issued, operators have
reported a number of premature failures of
the affected P/N DU130–24 pitot-static
probes.
Prompted by these reports, BNA issued SB
310 issue 4 to reduce the interval for the
inspections and leak tests.
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at: https://
E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM
05JAR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1175-1179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30411]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-7424; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-173-AD;
Amendment 39-18756; AD 2016-25-30]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by certain anomalies of the flight guidance computers. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 9,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 view this 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. It is also available on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2016-7424.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7424; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone:
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
[[Page 1176]]
apply to all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2016 (81 FR
44235) (``the NPRM'').
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200
Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500,
and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
It was 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
Director (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 an abrupt pitch command.
This condition, if not corrected, may, under specific
circumstances, result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
In order to prevent such events, EASA issued 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 Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to ensure that flight crews apply the appropriate
operational procedure.
Since EASA AD 2010-0271 was issued, new Flight Control Primary
Computer (FCPC) software standards were developed that inhibit
autopilot engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0199 (later revised) [which
corresponds to FAA AD 2013-19-14, Amendment 39-17596 (78 FR 68347,
November 14, 2013)] for A330 and A340-200/300 aeroplanes, and [EASA]
AD 2013-0107 [which also corresponds to FAA AD 2013-19-14] for A340-
500/600 aeroplanes, to require a software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs by either modification or replacement.
Since EASA AD 2011-0199R1 and [EASA] AD 2013-0107 were issued,
new FCPC software standards were developed to correct aeroplane
behaviour in case of undetected erroneous (Radio Altimeter) RA
information and to introduce other improvements. In addition, the
new FCPC software standards also implement enhanced Angle of Attack
(AOA) monitoring in order to better detect cases of AOA blockage,
including multiple AOA blockage.
Prompted by these developments, EASA issued AD 2015-0124 (later
revised) to require the latest software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs, either by modification or replacement. At the time,
some of the Airbus SBs as specified in Table 1 (originally, Appendix
1) of this [EASA] AD were not yet available.
Since EASA AD 2015-0124R1 was issued, Airbus published SB A340-
27-5064, and for this reason, this [EASA] AD is revised to introduce
the date of publication of this SB. This [EASA] AD also contains
some editorial changes to meet the latest [EASA] AD writing
standards, without changes to the technical content.
There is still one SB that remains unavailable at this time. It
is expected that this [EASA] AD will be revised again when this SB
is published.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7424.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association, International stated that it had
no objection to the NPRM.
Request To Include Certain Service Information in the NPRM
Airbus requested that Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated
June 1, 2016, (``SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0''), which is applicable to
Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, be included in the
NPRM. Airbus noted that SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0, was issued after
the NPRM was published and that EASA planned to issue a revision to
EASA AD 2015-0124R1, dated February 2, 2016, to include SB A340-27-
5064, Revision 0.
We agree with the commenter's request to include SB A340-27-5064,
Revision 0, in this final rule. Paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
instructed operators of Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes to
upgrade the three FCPCs in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Now
that SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0, is available, we have revised
paragraph (g) of this AD to require the upgrade to be done in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3),
(h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD. We have added a new paragraph (h)(5) to
this AD, which identifies the service information for Model A340-541
and A340-642 series airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2 as Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
In addition, the commenter is correct that EASA has revised AD
2015-0124 R1, dated February 2, 2016, to include SB A340-27-5064,
Revision 0. We have revised the Discussion section of this final rule
and paragraph (p)(1), Related Information, of this AD to refer to the
revised EASA AD 2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016.
Request To Include Certain Airplane Models in the NPRM
Airbus stated that the NPRM addressed Model A330-200, -200
Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300
airplanes; but not Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. Airbus
commented that there were inconsistencies in the NPRM because if Model
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes are not included in the
applicability then paragraph (l) of the NPRM was incorrect because it
referred to AD 2013-19-14, which includes all Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes in its applicability.
We infer that Airbus is requesting that Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes be included in the applicability of the NPRM, or requesting
that this AD be revised to remove all text that is associated with
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
We agree to clarify. Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes were
included in the applicability of the proposed AD and continue to be
included in the applicability of this AD. The SUMMARY section of the
NPRM included Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, and paragraphs
(c)(6) and (c)(7) of the proposed AD included Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes, respectively. In addition, paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
specified that operators of Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes must
upgrade the FCPCs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116 Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. For clarification we have revised the
header of paragraph (g) of this AD to include Model A340-500 and -600
series airplanes.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered 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 minor changes:
[[Page 1177]]
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195, dated November 24,
2015.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated November 24,
2015.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
The service information describes procedures for upgrading
(replacing or modifying) the software standards for the FCPCs. These
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 92 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification/replacement.......... 3 work-hours x $85 Not available....... $255 $23,460
per hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2016-25-30 Airbus: Amendment 39-18756; Docket No. FAA-2016-7424;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-173-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2),
(b)(3), and (b)(4) of this AD:
(1) AD 2012-08-02, Amendment 39-17018 (77 FR 24829, April 26,
2012) (``AD 2012-08-02'').
(2) AD 2013-03-06, Amendment 39-17341 (78 FR 15279, March 11,
2013) (``AD 2013-03-06'').
(3) AD 2013-05-08, Amendment 39-17380 (78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013;
corrected August 29, 2013 (78 FR 53237)) (``AD 2013-05-08'').
(4) AD 2013-19-14, Amendment 39-17596 (78 FR 68347, November 14,
2013) (``AD 2013-19-14'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination 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) will automatically disconnect, and the flight director (FD)
bars will be 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
[[Page 1178]]
cases, however, the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as a
possible abrupt pitch command. We are issuing this AD to prevent AP
engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which could result
in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A330 Series Airplanes, and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
At the applicable time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD: Upgrade (by modification or replacement, as applicable) the
three flight control primary computers (FCPCs), as specified in
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5)
of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Software Standard Updates and
Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance time
Software standard Hardware standard after effective
date of this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P13/M22......................... FCPC 2K2.......... Within 9 months.
P14/M23......................... FCPC 2K1.......... Within 9 months.
M23............................. FCPC 2K0.......... Within 9 months.
L24............................. FCPC 2K1 or 2K0... Within 15 months.
L23............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
W13............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Service Information
For the upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this AD, applicable
service information is identified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2),
(h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated March 23,
2016.
(2) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K1 or
FCPC 2K0: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(3) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K0 or FCPC 2K1: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195,
dated November 24, 2015.
(4) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated
November 24, 2015.
(5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes with
hardware standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064,
dated June 1, 2016.
(i) Removal of Certain Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Requirements
After accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, the AFM operational procedures required by the AFM
revisions identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of
this AD are no longer required and can be removed from the AFM for
that airplane only.
(1) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-19-14.
(2) The AFM revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2013-19-14.
(3) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-03-06.
(j) Removal of Certain Other AFM Requirements
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the dispatch limitations required by paragraphs (g),
(h), and (i) of AD 2012-08-02 for that airplane only, and after
accomplishing the FCPC upgrade, those dispatch limitations can be
removed from the AFM for that airplane only.
(k) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-05-08 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraph (l) and
paragraphs (o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013-05-08.
(l) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-19-14 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (i) and
(j) of AD 2013-19-14.
(m) Airplanes Excluded From Certain Requirements
For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes having Airbus
Modification 202680 (installation of FCPC 2K2 with software standard
P13/M22) incorporated in production: The actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD are not required, provided it can be
positively determined that since the date of issuance of the
original certificate of airworthiness or the original export
certificate of airworthiness, no FCPC has been replaced on that
airplane with an FCPC having an earlier standard.
(n) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3205, dated March 9, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205,
Revision 01, dated July 3, 2015.
(o) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1138; fax: 425-227-1149.
Information may be emailed to: 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(p) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2016-7424.
[[Page 1179]]
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
(q) 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.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195, dated November 24,
2015.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated November 24,
2015.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet: https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 7, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30411 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
