Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 37 (Thursday, February 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10230-10233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-4041]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0859; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-113-AD; 
Amendment 39-16614; AD 2011-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 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:
* * * * *

    * * * [T]here is a possible path for fluid ingress, resulting in 
connector internal arcing and hydraulic system malfunction. In 
addition, as the connectors are located in areas adjacent to fuel 
tanks, such arcing associated with the presence of a fuel leakage 
could lead to an uncontrolled fire.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 31, 
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: 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 September 29, 2010 
(75 FR 60010). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Several A330 and A340 operators have reported in service 
occurrences of hydraulic pump electrical motor connector internal 
arcing, resulting in:

--Either false hydraulic system overheat Electronic Centralized 
Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) warnings
--and/or hydraulic pump electrical motor malfunction.

    Investigations have shown that, due to the manufacturing 
tolerances of the cables and the connectors rear grommet, there is a 
possible path for fluid ingress, resulting in connector internal 
arcing and hydraulic system malfunction. In addition, as the 
connectors are located in areas adjacent to fuel tanks, such arcing 
associated with the presence of a fuel leakage could lead to an 
uncontrolled fire.
    In order to protect the hydraulic pump electrical motor 
connectors against fluid ingress from the rear of the connector 
grommet and prevent false hydraulic system overheat ECAM warnings 
and/or hydraulic pump electrical motor malfunction, this AD requires 
modification of the three hydraulic pump electrical motor connectors 
associated to the Blue, Yellow and Green hydraulic systems.
    This Revision 1 is issued to delete Airbus modifications 
55923S18878 and 55924S19452 from the applicability of this AD.

The modification adds heat shrink sleeves to certain cable contacts and 
a sealing plug to the connector free cavity. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    The NPRM referred to the service information in the following table 
as the applicable sources of service information.

                                  Table--Service Information Cited in the NPRM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory Service
        Airplane model--                 Bulletin--           Revision--                   Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330...........................  A330-92-3088, including                01  February 22, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-4081, including                01  February 22, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-5053, including                01  February 22, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Airbus has released the service information in the following table. No 
additional work is necessary for airplanes on which earlier revisions 
of the service information are done. We have updated Tables 1 and 3 of 
the final rule to refer to these sources of service information. We 
have also updated Table 2 of the final rule to give credit for using 
Revision 01 of the service information.

                                       Table--Revised Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory Service
        Airplane model--                 Bulletin--           Revision--                   Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330...........................  A330-92-3088, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-4081, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-5053, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 10231]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received.

Support for the NPRM

    Delta stated that it agreed with the intent of the rule.

Request To Revise Compliance Times

    Delta requested that we revise the compliance time from within 
3,600-flight-hours to 10,000 flight hours or 24 months after the 
effective date of the AD to allow operators the flexibility to schedule 
the task during routine maintenance opportunities. Delta stated that 
revising the compliance times would be more congruous with AD 2008-06-
25, Amendment 39-15437 (73 FR 14659). Delta stated that it reviewed its 
maintenance records for Model A330 airplanes, and it has not 
experienced a single failure of a hydraulic electric motor pump 
electrical connector in approximately 738,000 hours of operation. 
Furthermore, Delta stated that there have been no cases of fire as a 
result of arcing within the hydraulic electric motor pump connectors 
and that arcing within the connectors without the presence of flammable 
fluid does not constitute a safety issue.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request to extend the 
compliance time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this 
action, we considered the safety implications, parts availability, and 
normal maintenance schedules for the timely accomplishment of the 
modification. In consideration of these items, we have determined that 
a 3,600-flight-hour compliance time will ensure an acceptable level of 
safety and allow the modifications to be done during scheduled 
maintenance intervals for most affected operators. However, under the 
provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of the final rule, we will consider 
requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time if 
sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the change would 
provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the final 
rule in regard to this issue.

Request To Include Reference for Additional Tooling

    Delta requested that we revise the NPRM to include Airbus Service 
Bulletin Information Telex (SBIT) 10-0039, dated October 14, 2010, or 
that we delay issuing the final rule until Revision 03 of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-92-3088 is released. Delta stated that 
Airbus has informed operators that Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-92-3088 is being revised to include direct references to the 
adequate tool part numbers.
    We disagree with the request to include the SBIT and with the 
request to delay the final rule until Revision 03 of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-92-3088 is released. Although the SBIT does 
contain tooling information, this AD does not mandate which tooling to 
use. We did not revise the final rule in this regard.

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 changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes 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 43 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 13 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 $877 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 $85,226 or $1,982 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

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 10232]]

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:

2011-05-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-16614. Docket No. FAA-2010-0859; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-113-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
31, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; certificated 
in any category; all serial numbers; except those on which Airbus 
modifications 58773 and 45968 have been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial 
numbers; except those on which Airbus modifications 58773 and 45968 
have been embodied in production.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
* * * * *
    * * * [T]here is a possible path for fluid ingress, resulting in 
connector internal arcing and hydraulic system malfunction. In 
addition, as the connectors are located in areas adjacent to fuel 
tanks, such arcing associated with the presence of a fuel leakage 
could lead to an uncontrolled fire.
* * * * *

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 3,600 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, modify the hydraulic pump electrical motor connectors of the 
blue, yellow, and green electric pumps, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in Table 1 of this AD.

                                     Table 1--Applicable Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory Service
        Airplane model--                 Bulletin--           Revision--                   Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330...........................  A330-92-3088.............              02  September 1, 2010.
A340...........................  A340-92-4081.............              02  September 1, 2010.
A340...........................  A340-92-5053.............              02  September 1, 2010.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance with Previous Issue of 
Service Information

    (h) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with the service information specified in Table 2 
of this AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

                                       Table 2--Credit Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory
      Airplane model--           Service Bulletin--          Revision--                     Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330........................  A330-92-3088...........  Original..............  September 2, 2009.
A330........................  A330-92-3088...........  01....................  February 22, 2010.
A340........................  A340-92-4081...........  Original..............  September 2, 2009.
A340........................  A340-92-4081...........  01....................  February 22, 2010.
A340........................  A340-92-5053...........  Original..............  September 2, 2009.
A340........................  A340-92-5053...........  01....................  February 22, 2010.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Branch, send it 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. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, 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.
    (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,

[[Page 10233]]

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

    (j) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0086R1, 
dated June 16, 2010, and the service information specified in Table 
3 of this AD, as applicable, for related information.

                                      Table 3--Related Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory Service
        Airplane model--                 Bulletin--           Revision--                   Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330...........................  A330-92-3088, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-4081, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-5053, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the service information contained in Table 4 of 
this AD, as applicable, 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.

                                   Table 4--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Airbus Mandatory Service
        Airplane model--                 Bulletin--           Revision--                   Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330...........................  A330-92-3088, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-4081, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
A340...........................  A340-92-5053, including                02  September 1, 2010.
                                  Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-4041 Filed 2-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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