Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 162 (Monday, August 21, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50619-50621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20775]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-62-AD; Amendment 39-11867; AD 2000-16-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, that 
requires repetitive inspections to check for backlash of the spherical 
bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, and follow-on corrective 
actions, if necessary. This amendment also provides optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is 
necessary to detect and correct excess backlash of the spherical 
bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, which could result in 
failure of the active aileron servo-controls and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective September 25, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 25, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 14, 2000 
(65 FR 37315). That action proposed to require repetitive

[[Page 50620]]

inspections to check for backlash of the spherical bearing of the 
active aileron servo-controls, and follow-on corrective actions, if 
necessary. The action also proposed to provide for optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 20 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,600, or $1,200 
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.''

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-16-11  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11867. Docket 2000-NM-62-
AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, except those airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 47433 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3075 or A340-27-
4081) or Airbus Modification 45512 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3054 or A340-27-4062) has been installed.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct excess backlash of the spherical bearing 
of the active aileron servo-controls, which could result in failure 
of the active aileron servo-control and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Perform an inspection to check for backlash of the spherical 
bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3073, Revision 01 (for Model A330 
series airplanes), or A340-27-4079, Revision 01 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), each dated January 18, 2000; as applicable; at 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
have accumulated 13,000 total flight hours or less: Perform the 
inspection within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, or 
within 6 months after accumulating 9,000 total flight hours, 
whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
have accumulated more than 13,000 total flight hours: Perform the 
inspection within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.

Repetitive Inspections

    (b) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD, no backlash is detected, or if any backlash is detected that is 
less than or equal to 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.0078 inch) on all 
active aileron servo-controls, repeat the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 
months or until the actions of paragraph (d) of this AD are 
accomplished on all active aileron servo-controls.

Corrective Actions

    (c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) 
of this AD, any backlash is detected that is more than 0.2 mm 
(0.0078 inch), prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements 
of either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3073, Revision 01 (for Model A330 
series airplanes), or A340-27-4079, Revision 01 (for Model A340 
series airplanes); each dated January 18, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) Replace discrepant active aileron servo-controls with new 
ECP7 standard servo-controls in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin, and repeat the inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months or 
until the requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD are accomplished; 
or
    (2) Replace discrepant active servo-controls with ECP8 or ECP9 
standard servo-controls, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.

    Note 2: Any inspection or replacement accomplished prior to the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3073 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-
4079 (for Model A340 series airplanes), each dated August 31, 1999, 
is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
requirement specified by this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (d) Replacement of all active servo-controls with ECP8 or ECP9 
standard servo-controls, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-27-3075, dated September 24, 1999, and A330-27-3054, Revision 
01, dated November 8, 1999 (for Model A330 series

[[Page 50621]]

airplanes); or A340-27-4081, dated September 24, 1999, and A340-27-
4062, Revision 01, dated November 8, 1999 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes); as applicable; constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3073, Revision 01, dated January 18, 2000; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-27-4079, Revision 01, dated January 18, 2000; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3075, dated September 24, 1999; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3054, Revision 01, dated November 8, 
1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4081, dated September 24, 
1999; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4062, Revision 01, dated 
November 8, 1999; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 
Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2000-014-108(B) and 2000-017-134(B), each 
dated January 12, 2000.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 10, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20775 Filed 8-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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