Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75870-75872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30309]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0850; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-076-AD; 
Amendment 39-16536; AD 2010-25-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 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:

    In accordance with design regulation, the THSA [trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator] has a failsafe design. Its upper 
attachment to the aeroplane has two load paths, a Primary Load Path 
(PLP) and a Secondary Load Path (SLP), which is only engaged in case 
of PLP failure. Following the design intent, engagement of the SLP 
leads to jam the THSA, indicating the failure of the PLP.
    Tests carried out under the loads-measured during representative 
flights have demonstrated that, when the SLP is engaged, it does not 
systematically jam the THSA. In

[[Page 75871]]

addition, laboratory tests have confirmed that the SLP will only 
withstand the loads for a limited period of time.
    This condition of PLP failure during an extended period of time, 
if not detected and corrected, would lead to the rupture of the THSA 
upper attachment and consequent THSA loss of command, resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 11, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 11, 
2011.

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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 August 27, 2010 (75 
FR 52652). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    In accordance with design regulation, the THSA [trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator] has a failsafe design. Its upper 
attachment to the aeroplane has two load paths, a Primary Load Path 
(PLP) and a Secondary Load Path (SLP), which is only engaged in case 
of PLP failure. Following the design intent, engagement of the SLP 
leads to jam the THSA, indicating the failure of the PLP.
    Tests carried out under the loads-measured during representative 
flights have demonstrated that, when the SLP is engaged, it does not 
systematically jam the THSA. In addition, laboratory tests have 
confirmed that the SLP will only withstand the loads for a limited 
period of time.
    This condition of PLP failure during an extended period of time, 
if not detected and corrected, would lead to the rupture of the THSA 
upper attachment and consequent THSA loss of command, resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons stated above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive 
[detailed] inspections to detect if damage exists to the THSA upper 
attachment and if the SLP has been engaged and corrective actions, 
depending on findings.

The corrective actions include contacting Airbus for instructions and 
doing those instructions. 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.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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 5 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 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 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $850, or $170 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.

[[Page 75872]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-25-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16536. Docket No. FAA-2010-0850; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-076-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
11, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B4-2C, 
B2K-3C, B4-103, B2-203, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all serial numbers.

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    In accordance with design regulation, the THSA [trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator] has a failsafe design. Its upper 
attachment to the aeroplane has two load paths, a Primary Load Path 
(PLP) and a Secondary Load Path (SLP), which is only engaged in case 
of PLP failure. Following the design intent, engagement of the SLP 
leads to jam the THSA, indicating the failure of the PLP.
    Tests carried out under the loads-measured during representative 
flights have demonstrated that, when the SLP is engaged, it does not 
systematically jam the THSA. In addition, laboratory tests have 
confirmed that the SLP will only withstand the loads for a limited 
period of time.
    This condition of PLP failure during an extended period of time, 
if not detected and corrected, would lead to the rupture of the THSA 
upper attachment and consequent THSA loss of command, resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
* * * * *

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) Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, do a detailed visual inspection for metallic particles, cracks, 
scratches, and missing materials of the THSA upper attachment and 
screw shaft, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0203, dated June 8, 2009. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 
flight hours.
    (h) If during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any metallic particle, crack, scratch, or missing material is 
found, before further flight, contact Airbus to obtain approved 
corrective action instructions, and accomplish those instructions 
accordingly.
    (i) Doing the corrective actions specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD is not a terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of 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

    (j) 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: Dan 
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0019, dated February 5, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A300-27-0203, dated June 8, 2009; for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0203, 
excluding Appendix 01, dated June 8, 2009, 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-EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; 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 22, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-30309 Filed 12-6-10; 8:45 am]
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