Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 33 (Friday, February 16, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10570-10571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3698]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-118-AD; Amendment 39-12111; AD 2001-03-07]
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 identifying the part and serial numbers of the pressure 
reducing valve on each air pressurization unit, testing pressure 
reducing valves and air pressurization units having affected serial 
numbers, and replacing faulty valves or units with new parts. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the simultaneous 
failure of two air pressurization units, which could result in loss of 
three hydraulic circuits and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective March 23, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 23, 2001.

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, 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 December 5, 
2000 (65 FR 75877). That action proposed to require identifying the 
part and serial numbers of the pressure reducing valve on each air 
pressurization unit, testing pressure reducing valves and air 
pressurization units having affected serial numbers, and replacing 
faulty valves or units with new parts.

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 5 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $60 per airplane. However, the FAA has been advised 
that all affected airplanes currently on the U.S. Register are in 
compliance with the actions of this AD.
    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

[[Page 10571]]

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:

2001-03-07  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12111. Docket 2000-NM-
118-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; fitted with any air pressurization 
unit (``Pressurization Unit, Air'' or ``PUA'') having part number 
(P/N) 4020 Q8-3.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 (c) 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 prevent the simultaneous failure of two air pressurization 
units, which could result in loss of three hydraulic circuits and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine the 
P/N and serial number (S/N) of the pressure reducing valve on each 
air pressurization unit, per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29A3073 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-29A4058 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), both Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated 
April 10, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) If no P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment per the 
applicable service bulletin, you have fulfilled the requirements of 
this AD.
    (2) If any P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment per 
the applicable service bulletin: Prior to further flight, perform 
applicable tests and repairs in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''


    Note 3: An inspection per Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A330-
29A3073, dated January 18, 2000 (for Model A330 series airplanes), 
or A340-29A4058, dated January 20, 2000 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this AD.


    Note 4: The Airbus service bulletins refer to Le Bozec 
Filtration & Systems Service Bulletin 4020Q8-29-03, dated December 
17, 1999, as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishment of the actions specified by this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, you may not install any 
air pressurization unit having P/N 4020 Q8-3 on any airplane, unless 
all actions have been accomplished for that part in accordance with 
the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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 5: 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

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-29A3073, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated 
April 10, 2000; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29A4058, Revision 
01, including Appendix 01, dated April 10, 2000; 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 6:  The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2000-138-118(B) and 2000-139-143(B), both 
dated March 22, 2000.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 23, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-3698 Filed 2-15-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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