Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56344-56347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18910]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22483; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-AD; 
Amendment 39-14292; AD 2005-19-27]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes. This AD requires 
inspecting to determine the serial numbers and flight cycles of the 
fuel jettison valves and removing certain valves as applicable. This AD 
also requires doing a one-time inspection for cracks of the remaining 
jettison valves and removing any cracked valves. This AD also requires 
modifying the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom 
skin panel before installing a new or serviceable jettison valve. This 
AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel jettison system 
located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks from 
the fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming 
into contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.

DATES: Effective October 12, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 12, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 28, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.

[[Page 56345]]

    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes. 
The DGAC advises that there have been several reported cases of fuel 
leaks in the fuel jettison system located on the wings. These leaks 
were observed during refueling and during maintenance. Inspection of 
the system revealed the presence of cracks and, in certain cases, 
breaks at the jettison valve. The inspection also revealed several 
partial disconnects of the valve inlet and/or outlet pipe. Analysis of 
the inspection data showed that the use of maximum tolerances in 
production when attaching the jettison valve to the wingbox bottom skin 
can cause cracks due to static overloading. These cracks can grow under 
the effect of fuel pressure loads during refueling operations and cause 
the valve to rupture. A ruptured valve could cause the fuel pipes to 
disconnect from the jettison valve and consequent fuel leaks from the 
fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming into 
contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated 
August 4, 2004. The service bulletin specifies that operators should 
discard any fuel jettison valve with certain serial numbers, or that 
has accumulated more than 5,200 flight cycles since it was first 
installed. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing a visual 
inspection for cracks of the external surfaces of the mounting flange 
of any remaining jettison valve, and an eddy current inspection for 
cracks if the visual inspection shows no cracks. If any crack is 
detected in the mounting flange during either inspection, the service 
bulletin specifies that the jettison valve should be removed and 
discarded. If no crack is detected after the eddy current inspection, 
the service bulletin specifies that the jettison valve may be re-
installed. The service bulletin also describes procedures for modifying 
the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom skin panel 
before installing the same, uncracked, jettison valve after the 
inspections, or before installing a new jettison valve after the 
previous jettison valve has been discarded. The service bulletin also 
describes procedures for an operational test of the fuel jettison 
system to ensure that there are no fuel leaks. This test is done during 
the installation of the jettison valve.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated 
the service information and issued French airworthiness directive F-
2004-127, dated August 4, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in France.
    The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service Bulletin 
HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an additional 
source of service information for doing a visual inspection of the 
mounting flange of the jettison valve.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks from the 
fuel jettison outlets. This AD requires accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.

Clarification of Inspection Language

    Although the French airworthiness directive specifies that 
operators ``inspect visually'' for cracks of the external surfaces of 
the mounting flange, this AD refers to that inspection a ``detailed 
inspection.'' We have included the definition for a detailed inspection 
in a note in the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with 
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average labor                               Cost per
                Action                    Work hours     rate per hour         Parts cost            airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine serial number.               1             $65  None....................             $65
Modification..........................              13              65  No Charge...............             845
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

[[Page 56346]]

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to the 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2005-22483; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that 
might suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 have 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-19-27 Airbus: Amendment 39-14292. Docket No. FAA-2005-22483; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-236-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective October 12, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
and -243 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with fuel 
jettison valve part number (P/N) HTE900169.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel 
jettison system located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent fuel leaks from the fuel jettison outlets, which could 
result in fuel vapors coming into contact with ignition sources, and 
consequent fire or explosion.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) For the purposes of this AD the term ``service bulletin'' 
means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated August 4, 2004.

    Note 1: The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service 
Bulletin HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an 
additional source of service information for doing a visual 
inspection of the mounting flange of the jettison valve.

Inspection to Determine Serial Number and Flight Cycles

    (g) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance 
with the service bulletin.
    (1) Inspect the fuel jettison valves, P/N HTE900169, to 
determine whether any of the following serial numbers are installed: 
FR092BC to FR099BC inclusive, FR001BD to FR030BD inclusive, FR031BE 
to FR058BE inclusive, and M151VB292. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if 
information can be conclusively determined from that review. If any 
affected serial number is installed: Before further flight, remove 
the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.
    (2) Review airplane records to determine the number of flight 
cycles accumulated on the fuel jettison valves since first 
installation on the airplane. If any jettison valve has accumulated 
5,200 total flight cycles or more, or if the number of flight cycles 
cannot be determined: Before further flight, remove the jettison 
valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD.

Detailed and Eddy Current Inspections for Cracks of the Mounting Flange

    (h) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, for 
any jettison valve that was not removed in accordance with paragraph 
(g) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the mounting 
flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (1) If no crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before 
further flight, do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the 
mounting

[[Page 56347]]

flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin 
and, whether a crack is found or not, before further flight, do the 
modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD. If no crack is 
found during the eddy current inspection, the inspected jettison 
valve may be reinstalled during the modification required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) If any crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before 
further flight, do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD and 
do not reinstall the jettison valve.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Modification

    (i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of 
this AD: Modify the diameters of the six attachment holes in the 
wing bottom skin panel, and install a new fuel jettison valve, or 
reinstall a previously installed fuel jettison valve that has been 
inspected and found to have no crack in accordance with paragraph 
(h) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service 
bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a fuel jettison valve, P/N HTE900169, unless it has 
been inspected and had corrective actions done in accordance with 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-127, dated August 4, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 
01, dated August 4, 2004, to perform the actions that are required 
by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this 
document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for a copy of this service information. You may review 
copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18910 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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