Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 53 (Monday, March 21, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13345-13347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5297]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20025; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-208-AD; 
Amendment 39-14016; AD 2005-06-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes

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

[[Page 13346]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the 
flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of 
the bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of 
cracking of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument 
panel to the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with 
failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left 
part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 25, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 
25, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any 
final disposition. You can 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 U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, 
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2005-20025; the directorate 
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-208-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 
with an AD for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series 
airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on January 
12, 2005 (70 FR 2067), proposed to require repetitive inspections of a 
certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the 
airplane structure; replacement of the bracket with a new, improved 
bracket; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification of Final Rule

    We have revised paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) to clarify that 
the compliance times are relative to the replacement of a certain 
bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane 
structure.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
changes described previously. We have determined that these changes 
will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase 
the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD will affect about 19 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The required inspection will take about 1 work hour per 
airplane, per inspection cycle, at an average labor rate of $65 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for 
U.S. operators is $1,235, or $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    There are currently no affected Model A340-200 or -300 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry. However, if one of these airplanes is 
imported and put on the U.S. Register in the future, this cost estimate 
will also apply to those airplanes.

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 this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-06-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-14016. Docket No. FAA-2005-20025; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-208-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 25, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

[[Page 13347]]

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of a certain 
bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the 
airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a 
cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with failure of 
the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left part of 
the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

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) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-3227 
(for Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-25-4230 (for Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes); both including Appendix 01; and both 
dated June 17, 2004; as applicable.

Initial Inspection

    (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the bracket 
having part number (P/N) F2511012920000, which attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to airplane structure, in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation 
of 16,500 total flight cycles, or within 60 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is later.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Prior to the 
accumulation of 9,700 total flight cycles, or within 2,700 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.

    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.''

No Cracking/Repetitive Inspections

    (h) If no cracking is found during the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph (h)(1) 
or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Intervals not to exceed 
13,800 flight cycles.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Intervals not 
to exceed 7,000 flight cycles.

Crack Found/Replacement, Reporting, and Repetitive Inspections

    (i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Do the actions in paragraphs 
(i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) Before further flight: Replace the cracked bracket with a 
new, improved bracket having P/N F2511012920095, in accordance with 
the service bulletin.
    (2) Within 30 days after performing the inspection, or within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Report 
the cracked fitting to Airbus, Department AI/SE-A21, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. The report must 
include the airplane serial number, the number of flight cycles and 
flight hours on the airplane, the date of the inspection, and 
whether both flanges of a bracket are broken. Submitting Appendix 01 
of the applicable service bulletin is acceptable for compliance with 
this paragraph. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements 
contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (3) Inspect the replaced bracket at the time specified in 
paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (i)(3)(ii) of this AD. Then, do repetitive 
inspections or replace the bracket as specified in paragraph (h) or 
(i) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Model A330 series airplanes: Within 16,500 flight cycles 
after replacing the bracket.
    (ii) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Within 9,700 
flight cycles after replacing the bracket.
    (j) If both flanges of a bracket are broken: Before further 
flight, replace the bracket as specified in paragraph (i)(1) and 
perform any applicable related investigative and corrective actions 
(which may include inspections for damage to surrounding structure 
caused by the broken bracket, and corrective actions for any damage 
that is found), in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) 
(or its delegated agent).

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directives F-2004-140 and F-2004-141, 
both dated August 18, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3227, including 
Appendix 01, dated June 17, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4230, including Appendix 01, dated June 17, 2004; as applicable; 
to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service 
information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. For information on the availability of this 
material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 
call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-
401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5297 Filed 3-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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