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

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8612-8615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3067]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0039; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-184-AD; 
Amendment 39-16605; AD 2011-04-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -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 (European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2009-
0192) describes the unsafe condition as:

    Performing some quality tests on material, Airbus found that 
some 300M steel forgings used to manufacture certain landing gear 
components were below specification limits. Adapted airworthiness 
limitations were introduced in Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 1 ``Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL 
ALI)'' for different source route codes.
* * * * *
    This [EASA] AD introduces more restrictive life limitations for 
several landing gear components.
    The MCAI (EASA AD 2010-0131) describes the unsafe condition as:
* * * * *
    The revision 04 of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 introduces 
more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 revision 
04.

The unsafe condition is failure of certain life-limited parts, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This AD 
requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 2, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 2, 
2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 1, 2011.

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,

[[Page 8613]]

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 aviation 
authority for the Member States of the European Community, has issued 
EASA Airworthiness Directives 2010-0131, dated June 28, 2010 and EASA 
AD 2009-0192, dated August 28, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI (EASA AD 2009-0192) states:

    Performing some quality tests on material, Airbus found that 
some 300M steel forgings used to manufacture certain landing gear 
components were below specification limits. Adapted airworthiness 
limitations were introduced in Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 1 ``Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL 
ALI)'' for different source route codes.
    A new source route (S3) has since been investigated and has led 
to another set of adapted airworthiness limitations for affected 
main fittings.
    In addition, further tests based on a new method for damage load 
selection led to the limitation changes for A340-500/-600 centre 
landing gear main fitting part number (P/N) 50-1105236-01 and P/N 
1105296-00.
    This [EASA] AD introduces more restrictive life limitations for 
several landing gear components.
    The MCAI (EASA AD 2010-0131) describes the unsafe condition as:
    The airworthiness limitations are currently distributed in the 
Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS).
    The airworthiness limitations applicable to the Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL ALI) are given in Airbus A330 and 
A340 ALS Part 1, which are approved by the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA).
    The revision 04 of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 introduces 
more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 revision 
04.
    This new [EASA] AD supersedes EASA AD 2007-0300, EASA AD 2008-
0152 and EASA AD 2009-0191 and requires the implementation of the 
new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or 
airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS 
Part 1 revision 04.

The unsafe condition is failure of certain life-limited parts, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued A340 ALS Part 1, Safe Life Airworthiness 
Limitation Items Revision 05, dated July 29, 2010. This document 
provides for mandatory replacement times, structural inspection 
intervals, and related structural inspection procedures or other 
procedures (e.g., modifications). The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    On April 20, 2006, we issued AD 2006-09-07, Amendment 39-14577 (71 
FR 25919, May 3, 2006), for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300, and 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes. 
That AD requires operators to revise the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate 
new information. That information includes, for all affected airplanes, 
decreased life limit values for certain components; and for Model A330-
200 and -300 series airplanes, new inspections, compliance times, and 
new repetitive intervals to detect fatigue cracking, accidental damage, 
or corrosion in certain structures. That AD results from a revision to 
section 9-1 of the Airbus A330 and A340 maintenance planning documents 
(MPDs) for life limits/monitored parts, and section 9-2 of the Airbus 
A330 MPD for airworthiness limitations items. Accomplishing the 
revision in paragraph (g) of this AD eliminates the need for the 
revision required by paragraph (f)(2) of AD 2006-09-07 for Model A340 
airplanes.

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 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-2011-0039; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-184-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.

[[Page 8614]]

    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

    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:

2011-04-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-16605. Docket No. FAA-2011-0039; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-184-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 2, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD affects AD 2006-09-07, Amendment 39-14577.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213 
airplanes; A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; A340-541 airplanes; 
and A340-642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

    Note 1:  This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
(European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2009-0192) states:

    Performing some quality tests on material, Airbus found that 
some 300M steel forgings used to manufacture certain landing gear 
components were below specification limits. Adapted airworthiness 
limitations were introduced in Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) Part 1 ``Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL 
ALI)'' for different source route codes.
* * * * *
    This [EASA] AD introduces more restrictive life limitations for 
several landing gear components.
    The MCAI (EASA AD 2010-0131) describes the unsafe condition as:
* * * * *
    The revision 04 of Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 introduces 
more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations as specified in Airbus A330 and A340 ALS Part 1 revision 
04.

The unsafe condition is failure of certain life-limited parts, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

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.

Revise the Maintenance Program

    (g) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the maintenance program by incorporating Airbus A340 ALS Part 1--
Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items (SL ALI), Revision 05, 
dated July 29, 2010. At the times specified in the Airbus A340 ALS 
Part 1--SL ALI, Revision 05, dated July 29, 2010, comply with all 
applicable maintenance requirements and associated airworthiness 
limitations specified in Airbus A340 ALS, Part 1--SL ALI, Revision 
05, dated July 29, 2010.

Alternative Intervals or Limits

    (h) Except as provided by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, after 
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, no 
alternative to the replacements, replacement intervals, or 
limitations specified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be used.

Method of Compliance With Paragraph (f)(2) of AD 2006-09-07

    (i) Doing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of AD 2006-09-07 for 
that Model A340 airplane only.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although the MCAI specifies a compliance time of ``from 
the effective date of this AD'' for revising the maintenance program 
to incorporate Airbus A340 ALS Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness 
Limitation Items, Revision 05, dated July 29, 2010; this AD requires 
the action be done within 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD.

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: 
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 appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a 
principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards 
district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC 
approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

[[Page 8615]]

    (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.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0131, dated 
June 28, 2010, and 2009-0192, dated August 28, 2009; and Airbus A340 
ALS Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 05, 
dated July 29, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use the service information contained in Airbus 
A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section, Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitations Items, Revision 05, dated July 29, 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 February 3, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-3067 Filed 2-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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