Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 421-423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32987]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD; 
Amendment 39-16559; AD 2011-01-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
that applies to 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:

    During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.

* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 9, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 9, 
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 September 23, 2010 
(75 FR 57880), and proposed to supersede AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-
14909 (72 FR 3708, January 26, 2007). That NPRM proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the flap transmission system and associated 
components [for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed 
rubber gaiter, wiper rings and straps], and corrective action(s), 
depending on findings. [The corrective action is replacing missing, 
damaged, or incorrectly installed components.]
    This [EASA] AD has been revised to correct the compliance time 
of 400 flight cycles in paragraph (3) into 400 flight hours. In 
addition, paragraph (4) has been introduced to clarify that the 
corrective actions do not end the requirement to continue the 
repetitive inspections, and some editorial changes for reasons of 
standardization. These do not affect the requirements of this AD as 
originally intended.

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 considered the comment received.

Request To Clarify Compliance Times in Paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
the NPRM

    FedEx (FedEx) requested that we clarify the compliance times in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the NPRM. FedEx stated that paragraph 
(h)(1) establishes the deadline for replacing defective components 
found before the effective date of the AD, and pointed out that 
paragraph (h)(2) should establish the deadline for replacing the 
defective components found after the effective date of the AD.
    We agree with the commenter. We removed ``not'' from paragraph 
(h)(2) of this final rule so that it now establishes the deadline for 
replacing the defective components after the effective date of the AD.

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 change described previously. We 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

[[Page 422]]

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 46 products of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2007-02-22 and retained in this 
AD take about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 
per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
currently required actions is $255 per product.
    We estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new 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 $11,730, or $255 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 removing Amendment 39-14909 (72 FR 
3708, January 26, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2011-01-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-16559. Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
9, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -
222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any 
category.

Subject

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

Reason

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

    During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
* * * * *

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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-02-22, With Revised Service 
Information and Reduced Compliance Time for Corrective Action

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (g) Within 2,500 flight cycles after March 2, 2007 (the 
effective date of AD 2007-02-22): Do a detailed inspection for any 
missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the 
splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; and a detailed 
inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber 
gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the 
flap transmission; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 
17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. Repeat the inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles. After the effective 
date of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-
2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.

    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.''

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper 
rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the applicable 
component with a serviceable component in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
dated February 17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. After the effective date 
of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory

[[Page 423]]

Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has been done before the effective date of this AD: 
Within 400 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has been done on or after the effective date of this 
AD: Within 400 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Actions

    (i) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) do 
not terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2:  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, 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. AMOCs approved 
previously in accordance with AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909, are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of 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: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2006-0111R1, dated August 26, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008; 
for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008, 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 Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008, 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 December 17, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-32987 Filed 1-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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