Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 Airplanes, and Model A330-300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 209 (Friday, October 29, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66651-66653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26553]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0697; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-102-AD; 
Amendment 39-16485; AD 2010-22-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, and -243 Airplanes, and Model A330-300 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:

    An A330 experienced an uncommanded engine <greek-i>1 in flight 
spool down, which occurred while applying fuel gravity feed 
procedure, in response to low pressure indications from all fuel 
boost pumps, in both left and right wings.
    The investigations revealed that the wing tank pressure switches 
P/N (part number) HTE69000-1 had frozen due to water accumulated in 
their external part, causing spurious low pressure indications.
    As per procedure, the main pumps are then switched off, 
increasing the level of unavailable fuel. This, in combination with 
very low fuel quantities or another independent trapped fuel failure 
scenarios, can lead to fuel starvation on the affected engine(s). * 
* *
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 3, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 3, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.com 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 13, 2010 (75 FR 
39869). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An A330 experienced an uncommanded engine <greek-i>1 in flight 
spool down, which occurred while applying fuel gravity feed 
procedure, in response to low pressure indications from all fuel 
boost pumps, in both left and right wings.
    The investigations revealed that the wing tank pressure switches 
P/N (part number) HTE69000-1 had frozen due to water accumulated in 
their external part, causing spurious low pressure indications.
    As per procedure, the main pumps are then switched off, 
increasing the level of unavailable fuel. This, in combination with 
very low fuel quantities or another independent trapped fuel failure 
scenarios, can lead to fuel starvation on the affected engine(s). 
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a potential unsafe 
condition.

[[Page 66652]]

    This AD requires the replacement of all four wing tank fuel 
pressure switches associated to main pumps by new ones with a more 
robust design preventing water accumulation and freezing.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Clarification of Applicability

    We have specified the specific A330-200 models in the subject 
heading of this AD to indicate that Models A330-223F and A330-243F are 
not affected by this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously. We also determined that this change 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 will affect about 48 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $28,560, or $595 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:

2010-22-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-16485. Docket No. FAA-2010-0697; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-102-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
3, 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 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, equipped with part number (P/N) HTE69000-1 wing tank 
pressure switches installed at Functional Item Number (FIN) 
locations 74QA1, 74QA2, 75QA1 or 75QA2.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    An A330 experienced an uncommanded engine <greek-i>1 in flight 
spool down, which occurred while applying fuel gravity feed 
procedure, in response to low pressure indications from all fuel 
boost pumps, in both left and right wings.
    The investigations revealed that the wing tank pressure switches 
P/N HTE69000-1 had frozen due to water accumulated in their external 
part, causing spurious low pressure indications.
    As per procedure, the main pumps are then switched off, 
increasing the level of unavailable fuel. This, in combination with 
very low fuel quantities or another independent trapped fuel failure 
scenarios, can lead to fuel starvation on the affected engine(s). * 
* *
* * * * *

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 66653]]

the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been 
done.

Actions

    (g) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the wing tank main pump pressure switches having P/N HTE69000-1 in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-28-3111, Revision 02, dated March 24, 2010.
    (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-28-3111, dated 
August 12, 2009; or Revision 01, dated December 4, 2009; are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions 
specified in this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences

.Other FAA AD Provisions

    (i) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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. Send information to ATTN: 
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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

    (j) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0018, dated February 4, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-28-3111, Revision 02, dated March 24, 2010; 
for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-28-3111, 
Revision 02, dated March 24, 2010, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (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 October 13, 2010.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26553 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am]
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