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

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 58 (Monday, March 27, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15020-15023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2851]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20452; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-206-AD; 
Amendment 39-14522; AD 2006-06-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive 
detailed inspections for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard 
actuator fittings of the aileron servo controls, corrective actions if 
necessary, and eventual replacement of all the attachment bolts of the 
aileron servo controls. This AD results from several cases of bushing 
migration on the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron 
servo controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of 
the actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of 
the aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration 
and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 1, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in 
the Federal Register on February 28, 2005 (70 FR 9555). That NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies 
of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo 
controls, corrective actions if necessary, and eventual replacement of 
all the attachment bolts of the aileron servo controls.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request for Optional Inspection

    Air France states that an optional inspection (for the three 
repetitive inspections referenced in the French airworthiness 
directives) for bolt replacement at the first inspection with paint 
marking, and further inspection after 1,800 flight hours, but no later 
than 18 months, is not shown in the NPRM. Air France adds that 
airplanes with Airbus Modification 45512 installed in production, and 
without Airbus Modification 50600 installed, need only do the bolt 
replacement. Air France notes that the inspections and bolt replacement 
are for airplanes on which servo controls ECP8/9 have been installed in 
service by Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4081 or A340-27-4062 for 
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3075 or A330-27-3054 for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes.
    We agree with Air France. We have added the affected airplane 
models to paragraphs (h) and (j)(1) and (j)(2) (changed to paragraphs 
(k)(1) and (k)(2) in this final rule) of this AD to distinguish between 
the requirements for airplanes with Airbus Modification 45512 installed 
in production, and those without the modification installed. We have 
also added a new paragraph (i) to provide for the optional inspection. 
Additionally, we have changed paragraphs (h) and (j) to include 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections if all the small-head 
attachment bolts are replaced.

Request To Correct Typographical Error/Clarify Certain Information

    Airbus states that a typographical error was made in the service 
bulletin numbers referenced in Table 1 of the NPRM for Airbus Service 
Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083. The references in the NPRM 
specify Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3075 and A340-27-4083. We 
agree that a typographical error was made and we have corrected the 
service bulletin numbers accordingly.
    Airbus also states that Table 1 lists the service bulletins without 
any link or reference to the rest of the AD. Airbus asks for 
clarification of each service bulletin to specify if it relates to the 
inspection paragraph or the replacement paragraph. We agree with 
Airbus. For clarification, we have added paragraph numbers to each 
service bulletin reference in Table 1, and cross-referenced those 
numbers in paragraphs (h), (j), and (k) of this AD.

[[Page 15021]]

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model 
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected models.

Clarification of AMOC Paragraph

    We have revised paragraph (l) of this AD to clarify the appropriate 
procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, 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 20 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The inspection will take about 16 work hours per airplane (2 hours 
per fitting), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the inspection is $20,800, or 
$1,040 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The replacement will take about 12 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be free of 
charge. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the replacement 
is $15,600, or $780 per airplane.

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 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):

2006-06-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-14522. Docket No. FAA-2005-20452; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-206-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
and -243 airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; and 
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any 
category; except those on which Airbus Modification 50660 has been 
accomplished.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by several cases of bushing migration 
on the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo 
controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of the 
actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of 
the aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration 
and consequent reduced structural integrity 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 References

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, the term 
``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 
1 of this AD.

                   Table 1.-- Airbus Service Bulletins
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                                                       And, for actions
                                                        done before the
                                                       effective date of
       For Airbus model--         Use Airbus service  this AD, credit is
                                      bulletin--        given for prior
                                                       accomplishment of
                                                          revision--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-200 and -300 series      A330-57-3075,        None.
 airplanes.                        Revision 02,
                                   dated May 28,
                                   2004.
(2) A330-200 and -300 series      A330-57-3076,       Original issue,
 airplanes.                        Revision 01,        dated March 14,
                                   dated June 1,       2003.
                                   2004.
(3) A340-200 and -300 series      A340-57-4083,        None.
 airplanes.                        Revision 02,
                                   dated May 28,
                                   2004.
(4) A340-200 and -300 series      A340-57-4084,       Original issue,
 airplanes.                        Revision 01,        dated March 14,
                                   dated June 1,       2003.
                                   2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 15022]]

    (g) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083 
recommend reporting inspection results to the airplane manufacturer; 
however, this AD does not contain that requirement.

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions

    (h) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was not 
installed in production: Within 600 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, accomplish a detailed inspection for discrepancies 
of the inboard and outboard actuator fitting of the aileron servo 
controls, in accordance with the service bulletin in paragraph 
(f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplish any related 
corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the 
service bulletin in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight 
hours, except as provided in paragraph (j) of this AD. Replacing all 
the bolts as required by paragraph (k) of this AD ends the 
repetitive inspections required by this paragraph.

    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.''

    (i) As an option to accomplishing the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight after 
accomplishing the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, accomplish the replacement required by paragraph (k) of 
this AD. Do a one-time detailed inspection, as specified in 
paragraph (h), at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 1,800 flight hours after accomplishing the 
replacement.
    (2) Within 18 months after accomplishing the replacement.
    (j) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, and the applicable service 
bulletin in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD specifies to 
contact Airbus for an appropriate action: Before further flight, 
repair 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 (or its 
delegated agent). Where differences in the compliance times or 
corrective actions exist between the service bulletin and this AD, 
the AD prevails.

Replacement

    (k) For airplanes on which the replacement has not been 
accomplished: Replace all the small-head attachment bolts of the 
aileron servo controls with large-head attachment bolts at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, 
in accordance with the service bulletin in paragraph (f)(2) or 
(f)(4) of this AD, as applicable. Replacing all the bolts ends the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was not 
installed in production: Do the replacement before further flight if 
no discrepancy is found after accomplishing three consecutive 
inspections, as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was 
installed in production: Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
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

    (m) French airworthiness directives F-2004-067 and F-2004-068, 
both dated May 26, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use the applicable service bulletin identified in 
Table 2 of this AD 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 these documents 
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.

                                   Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Airbus service bulletin                      Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-57-3075............................  Revision 02..........................  May 28, 2004.
A330-57-3076............................  Revision 01..........................  June 1, 2004.
A340-57-4083............................  Revision 02..........................  May 28, 2004.
A340-57-4084............................  Revision 01..........................  June 1, 2004.
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[[Page 15023]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-2851 Filed 3-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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