Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 340-500 and -600 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19207-19209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8180]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0282; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-140-AD; 
Amendment 39-16262; AD 2010-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 340-500 and -600 Series 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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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:

    Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft 
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the 
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the 
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed a hydraulic 
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP) 
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which 
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame 
20.
    This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system 
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which 
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is 
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be 
an unsafe condition.
* * * * *

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 29, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 29, 
2010.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 this AD, 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.

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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0130, dated June 23, 2009 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft 
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the 
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the 
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed a hydraulic 
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP) 
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which 
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame 
20.
    This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system 
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which 
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is 
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be 
an unsafe condition.
    This AD requires the repetitive [detailed] inspection [for 
damage (e.g., chafing)] of the Yellow HP hydraulic line from frame 
17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, the application of the 
associated corrective actions, as necessary, and the repetitive 
performance of a bleeding of the NWS system to verify the correct 
installation and condition of the HP hydraulic line.

Required actions also include a detailed inspection for missing or 
damaged P-clamps including their grommets. Corrective actions include 
replacing damaged or missing P-clamp grommets and replacing P-clamps. 
If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged, inspecting the 
hydraulic pipe under damaged P-clamps for chafing is required. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 
14, 2008. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these

[[Page 19208]]

products are placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

Differences Between the 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0282; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-NM-140-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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.

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:

2010-08-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16262. Docket No. FAA-2010-0282; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-140-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
29, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: 
Hydraulic power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Following successive ECAM [electronic centralized aircraft 
monitoring] warnings during the approach phase, just after the 
landing gear extension sequence and an uneventful landing, the 
maintenance inspection on an Airbus A340 has revealed an hydraulic 
leak that was caused by the failure of the Yellow high pressure (HP) 
hydraulic pipe supplying the back-up Nose Wheel Steering (NWS) which 
runs along the lower part of the avionic bay from frame 17 to frame 
20.
    This leak resulted in the loss of the Yellow hydraulic system 
and contamination of the avionics bay with sprayed hydraulic fluid.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
an ingestion of hydraulic fluid in the electrical connectors, which 
could generate an arcing phenomenon and, if sufficient energy is 
provided by the arcing, lead to an ignition source, which would be 
an unsafe condition.
    This AD requires the repetitive [detailed] inspection [for 
damage (e.g., chafing)] of the Yellow HP hydraulic line from frame 
17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, the application of the 
associated corrective actions, as necessary, and the repetitive 
performance of a bleeding of the NWS system to verify the correct 
installation and condition of the HP hydraulic line.

Required actions also include a detailed inspection for missing or 
damaged P-clamps including their grommets. Corrective actions 
include replacing damaged or missing P-clamp grommets and replacing 
P-clamps. If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged, 
inspecting the hydraulic pipe under damaged P-clamps for chafing is 
required.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or 
(f)(1)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for missing or 
damaged P-clamps, including their grommets, in accordance with the 
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated 
October 14, 2008.
    (i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or 
more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged during 
the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Perform a 
detailed inspection of the

[[Page 19209]]

hydraulic pipe under the damaged P-clamp for signs of damage 
(including bulging and chafing) in accordance with the instructions 
of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008. 
If the damage exceeds the applicable tolerance specified in 
paragraph (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, repair before further 
flight in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, 
dated October 14, 2008.

    Note 1: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under 
the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is 
in AMM Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual.

    (i) For sharp-bottomed damage: 0.033 mm (0.001 inch) maximum 
depth.
    (ii) For round-bottomed damage: 0.066 mm (0.003 inch) maximum 
depth.
    (3) If any P-clamp or grommet is found missing or damaged during 
the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before 
further flight, replace the P-clamp, in accordance with the 
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated 
October 14, 2008.
    (4) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i) or 
(f)(4)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect 
damage (including bulging and chafing) of the yellow high pressure 
hydraulic line from frame 17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, 
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex 
A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008. If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, repair the pipeline in accordance with the 
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated 
October 14, 2008.

    Note 2: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under 
the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is 
in Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

    (i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or 
more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (5) At the same time as accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(4) of this AD: Perform a bleeding of the 
nose wheel steering system, in accordance with the instructions of 
Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
    (6) Repeat the inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(4) of this AD and the bleeding of the nose wheel steering system 
required by paragraph (f)(5) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight cycles.
    (7) At the applicable time in paragraph (f)(7)(i) or (f)(7)(ii) 
of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and 
negative) of the inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(4) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and 
Technical Support, ATTN: Mr. C. DUPHIL, SEEL4, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33/(0)5 61 93 40 
05; fax: +33/(0)5 61 67 19 12 05; e-mail: 
[email protected].
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although the MCAI does not tell you to submit 
information to Airbus, paragraph (f)(7) of this AD specifies that 
such submittal is required.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0130, dated June 23, 2009; and Airbus 
All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008; for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated 
October 14, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise. (The issue date of Airbus All Operators 
Telex A340-29A5014 is indicated only on the first page of the 
document.)
    (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 April 1, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-8180 Filed 4-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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