Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20496-20498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8278]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0263; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-105-AD; 
Amendment 39-16653; AD 2011-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 
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:

    An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward] 
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH) 
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The cracks extended by approximately 
15 millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
    * * * Cracks on the NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected, 
could lead to the loss in flight of the door, possibly resulting in 
injury to persons on the ground or aeroplane damages.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 28, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 28, 
2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 31, 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, 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 (phone: 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 2010-0028, dated February 23, 2010 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward] 
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH) 
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The crack extended by approximately 15 
millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
    Investigation has revealed that these cracks have initiated due 
to fatigue loads and propagated under bending load. Cracks on the 
NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected, could lead to the loss in 
flight of the door, possibly resulting in injury to persons on the 
ground or aeroplane damages.
    Consequently, in order to maintain the structural integrity of 
the NLG aft door aft hinge attachment fittings, this AD requires 
repetitive [detailed] inspections [for cracking] of the area and 
fittings replacement in case of finding [including repetitive high 
frequency eddy current inspections or fluorescent penetrant 
inspections for cracking of the area for certain findings until the 
replacement is done].

    Required actions also include, for airplanes on which the forward 
fitting of the NLG aft door aft hinge is replaced, repetitive detailed 
inspections for cracking of the replaced fitting; and if any cracking 
is found, replacement of both forward and aft fittings by new fittings 
on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, 
including Appendices 01 and 02, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. 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

[[Page 20497]]

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-2011-0263; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-105-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 that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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:

2011-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16653. Docket No. FAA-2011-0263; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-105-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
28, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

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

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    An operator has reported cracks on the aft hinge FWD [forward] 
fittings of the NLG [nose landing gear] aft doors (Right Hand (RH) 
side or Left Hand (LH) side). The cracks extended by approximately 
15 millimetres from the upper hole to the edge of the fittings.
    * * * Cracks on the NLG aft door fittings, if not corrected, 
could lead to the loss in flight of the door, possibly resulting in 
injury to persons on the ground or aeroplane damages.
* * * * *

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.

Inspection

    (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), 
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the 
aft hinge forward attachment fittings of the right and left NLG aft 
doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 
25, 2010.
    (1) For airplanes having accumulated less than 1,000 total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the 
accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles or within 100 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes having accumulated 1,000 or more total flight 
cycles, but less than 2,500 total flight cycles as of the effective 
date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes having accumulated 2,500 or more total flight 
cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 50 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD.

Repetitive Inspection

    (h) If no cracking is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, repeat the detailed inspection specified 
in paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight cycles.
    (i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, perform a 
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the 
forward and aft attachment fittings of the aft hinge on the affected 
aft

[[Page 20498]]

NLG door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated 
August 25, 2010.

Repair

    (j) If an additional crack finding is made during any HFEC 
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on 
the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
    (k) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC 
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the HFEC 
inspection specified in paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 10 flight cycles; or perform a fluorescent 
penetrant inspection for cracking thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 3 flight cycles, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, 
Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010, until the replacement required 
by paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD is done.
    (1) If an additional crack is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, replace 
both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of 
the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, 
Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
    (2) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC 
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or repetitive HFEC 
inspection or fluorescent penetrant inspection required by paragraph 
(k) of this AD: Within 20 flight cycles after finding a crack during 
the most recent inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this 
AD, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the 
aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
    (l) For airplanes on which the forward fitting of the aft hinge 
of the NLG aft door is replaced in accordance with paragraph (j) or 
(k) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 flight cycles on 
the forward fitting, perform the detailed inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter the applicable repetitive 
inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, and apply the 
applicable actions required in paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this 
AD.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (m) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, 
dated February 1, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-
52-5016, Revision 01, dated March 30, 2010; are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in 
this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI does not specify corrective action if cracking 
is found during a fluorescent penetrant inspection. This AD 
specifies replacing both forward and aft fittings with new fittings 
on the aft hinge of the affected nose landing gear aft door, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (n) 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. 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 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.

Related Information

    (o) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0028, dated 
February 23, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, 
excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, Revision 02, dated 
August 25, 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 March 25, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-8278 Filed 4-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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