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

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3757-3759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-559]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18565; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-168-AD; 
Amendment 39-14461; AD 2006-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 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 all 
Airbus Model Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 
series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting for damage to certain 
actuators of the low-pressure shut-off valve (LPSOV), and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from 
a report of damage to the LPSOV pedestal. We are issuing this AD to 
ensure that, in the event of an engine fire, the LPSOV actuator 
functions properly to delay or block the fuel flow to the engine and 
prevent an uncontrollable fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 28, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 28, 
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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
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 all Airbus Model A330, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and A340-541 and -642 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 8, 
2004 (69 FR 41211). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting for damage 
to certain actuators of the low-pressure shut-off valve (LPSOV), and 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

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

Requests To Limit Applicability

    One commenter, on behalf of Airbus, requests that we revise the 
proposed applicability to match that of the French airworthiness 
directive, which is limited to airplanes equipped with certain LPSOV 
part numbers (P/Ns). The commenter adds that Model A330-301 airplanes 
(among others) receive Airbus Modification 48225/48223 in production, 
and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes receive Airbus Modification 48552 
in production. These modifications involve installing actuator P/N 
FRH010041.
    We infer that the commenter would like us to remove Model A330-301, 
A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes from the applicability of the proposed 
AD. Since we issued the proposed AD, French airworthiness directive F-
2003-360 R1, dated May 26, 2004, was issued to limit the applicability 
to A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. We have revised this final rule 
accordingly. There has been no corresponding revision to French 
airworthiness directive F-2003-359 to exclude Model A330-301 airplanes.
    Another commenter, a Model A330 operator, also requests that we 
limit the applicability. The commenter reports the following: This 
operator's entire A330 fleet was delivered with P/N FRH010041 actuators 
installed, its first A330 was delivered July 2003, and no P/N HTE190021 
or P/N HTE190026 actuators have been purchased. Airbus Service 
Bulletins A330-28-3083 and A340-28-4098, both dated March 25, 2003, 
limit their effectivity to airplanes delivered up to May 2003, but the 
proposed AD would not so limit the applicability. The commenter 
requests that we revise the applicability of the proposed AD to match 
that of the service bulletins.
    As stated in the preamble to the proposed AD, ``the French 
airworthiness directives specify that Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes are affected if they are equipped with LPSOV actuators having 
certain part numbers.'' The Airbus service bulletins, which are 
mandated by the French airworthiness directives, specify that operators 
first identify the part numbers of the actuators. This AD therefore 
applies to all Model A330 and A340 series airplanes and requires part 
number identification. Because the part is interchangeable, this AD 
further ensures that affected LPSOVs are not installed in the future, 
as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. However, we agree to revise 
paragraph (f) of this final rule to also allow an airplane records 
review to determine the part number of the actuator.

Request To Allow Additional Service Information

    The proposed AD would require operators to inspect certain LPSOV 
actuators, and would prohibit installation of affected actuators on or 
after the effective date of the AD. One commenter, on behalf of an 
operator of Model A330 airplanes, notes that Task 28-00-00-200-80 of 
the A330 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), task 28-00-00-200-801, 
revised July 1, 2004, provides new installation procedures for 
measuring the dowel in each LPSOV location. According to the commenter, 
the AMM should provide sufficient instructions to meet the parts 
installation requirement (paragraph (g) of the proposed AD); however, 
as written, paragraph (g) would prohibit installing an affected 
actuator unless it has been measured specifically in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3083. The commenter requests that we 
revise paragraph (g) to also consider the AMM task acceptable for 
measuring the dowel during installation of the actuator. The commenter 
asserts that this change will also prevent the inadvertent installation 
of an actuator that had not been measured, since actuators that have

[[Page 3758]]

been inspected in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3083 
are not so marked or identified. The commenter also requests that we 
allow actuators previously installed in accordance with the AMM after 
the revision date that added the new measurement task be given credit 
for the requirements of paragraph (f) of the proposed AD.
    The Accomplishment Instructions in the referenced service bulletins 
refer to the appropriate AMM sections as additional sources of service 
information. It is not necessary to cite the specific AMM references in 
this AD. Furthermore, the service bulletin does not refer to a specific 
revision level of the AMM. Compliance with any revision of the AMM is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD, as long as 
the required actions (such as measurement) were done. Paragraph (e) of 
this AD allows for compliance when the required actions have already 
been done. We have not changed the final rule regarding these 
references.

Additional Changes to Proposed AD

    Paragraph (f)(1) of the proposed AD stated that no further action 
would be required for airplanes with LPSOV part number FRH010041. 
However, the requirements of paragraph (g) remain in effect for all 
airplanes. We have changed paragraph (f)(1) in this final rule to refer 
only to the requirements of paragraph (f) for those airplanes.
    We have revised the applicability of the proposed AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.
    We have revised this action 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

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Number of
                                                Average                      Cost per      U.S.-
             Action               Work hours   labor rate       Parts        airplane    registered   Fleet cost
                                                per hour                                 airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................            1          $65  No parts......          $65           15         $975
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, there are no U.S.-registered Model A340-200 or -300 
series airplanes; however, if any are imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, the estimated costs in the above table would 
apply.

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):

2006-02-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14461. Docket No. FAA-2004-18565; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-168-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 28, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; 
and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of damage to the pedestal of 
the low-pressure shut-off valve (LPSOV). We are issuing this AD to 
ensure that, in the event of an engine fire, the LPSOV actuator 
functions properly to delay or block the fuel flow to the engine and 
prevent an uncontrollable fire.

[[Page 3759]]

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.

Part Number Identification

    (f) At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD, 
identify the part number (P/N) of the LPSOV actuator. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the P/N is conclusively determined from that review.

                       Table 1.--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Do the actions specified in
              For model--                paragraph (f) of this AD at the
                                         earlier of the following times:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301,  Within 16,000 flight hours
 -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343   after the effective date of
 airplanes.                               this AD; or Within 53 months
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -  Within 12,000 flight hours
 313 airplanes.                           after the effective date of
                                          this AD; or Within 39 months
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) For P/N FRH010041: No further action is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) For P/N HTE190021 or HTE190026: Before further flight, do a 
detailed inspection for damage to the LPSOV pedestal, and measure 
the distance between the face of the mounting flange and the top of 
the locating pin (dowel). Do the actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3083 
or A340-28-4098, both dated March 25, 2003, as applicable. Do all 
related investigative and corrective actions before further flight 
in accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-28-3083 and A340-28-4098 
refer to FR-HiTEMP Service Bulletin HTE190021-28-2, dated March 17, 
2003, as an additional source of service information for measuring 
the flange-to-pin distance.

Parts Installation

    (g) As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install 
an actuator P/N HTE190021 or HTE190026 on any airplane unless the 
actuator has been measured, and all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions have been done, in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using 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

    (i) French airworthiness directives 2003-359(B), dated October 
1, 2003, and F-2003-360 R1, dated May 26, 2004, also address the 
subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3083, dated 
March 25, 2003; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28-4098, dated March 
25, 2003; as applicable, 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/ 
cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-559 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am]
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