Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42589-42592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17064]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0003; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-251-AD; 
Amendment 39-16368; AD 2010-15-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes, and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Several cases of corrosion and damage on the Down Drive Shafts 
(DDS), between the Down Drive Gear Box (DDGB) and the Input Gear Box 
(IPGB), on all 10 Flap Tracks (5 per wing), have been reported by 
AIRBUS Long Range Operators.
    Investigations have revealed that corrosion and wear due to 
absence of grease in the spline interfaces could cause [DDS] 
disconnection which could result in a free movable flap surface, 
potentially leading to aircraft asymmetry or even flap detachment.
* * * * *
    The unsafe condition could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to 
maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. We are issuing 
this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 26, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 26, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified 
products. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register 
on March 29, 2010 (75 FR 15353). That supplemental NPRM proposed to 
correct an unsafe condition for the products listed above.

Explanation of Revised Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision 
03, including Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 22, 2010. Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision 02, dated September 
23, 2008, is referred to as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing certain actions in the supplemental NPRM. 
The changes in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-

[[Page 42590]]

3152, Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010, are minor and no additional 
work is necessary for airplanes on which the actions specified in 
Revision 02 of this service bulletin were done.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Comments

    Delta supports the proposed actions in the supplemental NPRM and 
asks that we include Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, 
Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010, as the appropriate source of 
service information for accomplishing certain actions. Delta also asks 
that we give credit for Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, 
Revision 02, dated September 23, 2008.
    As stated previously, Airbus issued Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3152, Revision 03, dated February 22, 2010. We have cited 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3152, Revision 03, dated 
February 22, 2010, as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the required actions and have changed the service 
bulletin references in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects about 41 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it takes 65 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
the AD on U.S. operators to be $226,525, or $5,525 per product.

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 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 this AD:
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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 AD:

2010-15-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16368. Docket No. FAA-2009-0003; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-251-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
26, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
series airplanes, A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series 
airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any 
category; all certified models, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Several cases of corrosion and damage on the Down Drive Shafts 
(DDS), between the Down Drive Gear Box (DDGB) and the Input Gear Box 
(IPGB), on all 10 Flap Tracks (5 per wing), have been reported by 
AIRBUS Long Range Operators.
    Investigations have revealed that corrosion and wear due to 
absence of grease in the spline interfaces could cause [DDS] 
disconnection which could result in a free movable flap surface, 
potentially leading to aircraft asymmetry or even flap detachment.
    Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2007-0222-E mandated on 
all aircraft older than 6 years since AIRBUS original delivery date 
of the aircraft, an initial inspection of all DDS and IPGB for 
corrosion and wear detection in order to replace any damaged part.
    Revision 1 of EAD 2007-0222-E aimed for clarifying the 
compliance instructions.

[[Page 42591]]

    [EASA AD 2008-0026] supersedes the EAD 2007-0222R1-E and 
mandates repetitive inspections every 6 years for all the fleet.

The unsafe condition could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to 
maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. The corrective 
actions include replacing damaged parts.

Compliance

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

Actions

    (g) Do the applicable inspections and corrective actions 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with the instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in Table 1 of this AD.

                                          Table 1--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Use Airbus Mandatory
           For model--              Service Bulletin--             For actions specified in paragraph--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and -300 series           A330-27-3151,         (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
 airplanes.                         Revision 01, dated
                                    March 19, 2008.
A330-200 and -300 series           A330-27-3152,         (g)(1)(iv) and (g)(2) of this AD.
 airplanes.                         Revision 03, dated
                                    February 22, 2010.
A340-200 and -300 series           A340[dash]27[dash]41  (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
 airplanes.                         51, Revision 01,
                                    dated March 19,
                                    2008.
A340-200 and -300 series           A340-27-4152,         (g)(1)(iv) and (g)(2) of this AD.
 airplanes.                         Revision 02, dated
                                    September 23, 2008.
A340-541 and -642 airplanes......  A340-27-5040,         (g)(2) of this AD.
                                    Revision 02, dated
                                    September 23, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, up to and 
including manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0420, and Model A340-200 
and -300 series airplanes, up to and including MSN 0415, except MSNs 
0385 and 0395: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(1)(iii), and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD at the 
applicable time specified.
    (i) For airplanes on which less than 10 years have accumulated 
since the date of issuance of the original French standard 
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original 
French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness as of the 
effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the 
IPGB and of the DDS on all flap tracks on both wings for corrosion 
and wear detection and do all applicable corrective actions. For 
Type 3 damaged parts, do all applicable corrective actions before 
further flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable 
corrective actions within 18 months after doing the inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes on which 10 or more years have accumulated 
since the date of issuance of the original French standard 
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original 
French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness as of the 
effective date of this AD: Within 4 months after the effective date 
of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the 
IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 2 and 4 on both wings for 
corrosion and wear detection. For any Type 3 damaged parts on flap 
tracks 2 and 4, do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. For any Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks 2 and 4, do 
all applicable corrective actions within 18 months after doing the 
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (A) For wings on which Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of flap 
track 2 or 4, perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of 
the IPGB and of the DDS on flap track 3 on both wings for corrosion 
and wear detection. For Type 3 damaged parts on flap track 3, do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2 
damaged IPGB parts, on flap track 3, do all applicable corrective 
actions within 18 months after doing the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD.
    (1) For wings on which Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of flap 
track 3, before further flight, perform simultaneous detailed visual 
inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 1 and 5 on 
both wings for corrosion and wear detection. For Type 3 damaged 
parts on flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks 
1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions within 18 months after 
doing the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A)(1) of this 
AD.
    (2) For wings on which no Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of 
flap track 3, within 18 months after doing the inspection required 
by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD, perform simultaneous detailed 
visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap tracks 1 and 5 
on both wings for corrosion and wear detection. For any Type 3 
damaged parts on flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight. For any Type 2 damaged IPGB parts on 
flap tracks 1 and 5, do all applicable corrective actions within 18 
months after doing the inspection required by paragraph 
(g)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this AD.
    (B) For wings on which no Type 3 damage is found on the DDS of 
flap track 2 and 4: Within 18 months after doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, perform simultaneous 
detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on flap 
tracks 1, 3, and 5 on both wings for corrosion and wear detection. 
For any Type 3 damaged parts on flap tracks 1, 3, and 5, do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2 
damaged IPGB parts on flap tracks 1, 3, and 5, do all applicable 
corrective actions within 18 months after doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (iii) Within 30 days after performing an initial inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, or within 
30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
report the initial inspection results only, whatever they are, to 
Airbus as specified in the reporting sheet of the applicable service 
information listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (iv) Within 6 years after performing the applicable inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 years: Perform simultaneous 
detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of the DDS on all flap 
tracks on both wings for corrosion and wear detection and do all 
applicable corrective actions. For Type 3 damaged parts, do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. For Type 2 
damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable corrective actions within 18 
months after doing the inspection.
    (2) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD: Within 6 years after issuance of the original 
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of 
the original French or EASA export certificate of airworthiness, or 
within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later; and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 years; 
perform simultaneous detailed visual inspections of the IPGB and of 
the DDS on all flap tracks on both wings for corrosion and wear 
detection and do all applicable corrective actions. For Type 3 
damaged parts, do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. For Type 2 damaged IPGB parts, do all applicable corrective 
actions within 18 months after doing the inspection.
    (3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the applicable service information specified in 
Table 2 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding requirements of this AD.

                                       Table 2--Credit Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Airbus mandatory service bulletin--             Revision--                           Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3151............................  Original...................  August 9, 2007.
A330-27-3152............................  Original...................  August 9, 2007.

[[Page 42592]]

 
A330-27-3152............................  01.........................  March 19, 2008.
A330-27-3152............................  02.........................  September 23, 2008.
A340-27-4151............................  Original...................  August 9, 2007.
A340-27-4152............................  Original...................  August 9, 2007.
A340-27-4152............................  01.........................  March 19, 2008.
A340-27-5040............................  Original...................  August 9, 2007.
A340-27-5040............................  01.........................  March 19, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Airbus should be contacted in order to get appropriate 
information for airplanes on which the original delivery date of the 
airplane is unknown to the operator.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics 
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, 
your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval 
letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0026, dated 
February 12, 2008, and the service information specified in Table 1 
of this AD, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.

                                   Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Airbus mandatory service bulletin--         Revision--                         Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3151, including Appendix 1............              01  March 19, 2008
A330-27-3152, including Appendices 1 and 2....              03  February 22, 2010
A340-27-4151, including Appendix 1............              01  March 19, 2008
A340-27-4152, including Appendices 1 and 2....              02  September 23, 2008
A340-27-5040, including Appendix 1............              02  September 23, 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80, e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at 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 June 30, 2010.
Todd G. Dixon,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-17064 Filed 7-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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