Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 211 (Wednesday, October 31, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65799-65801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26171]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0596; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-245-AD; 
Amendment 39-17236; AD 2012-21-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 certain 
Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the ram air turbine (RAT) 
not deploying when tested. This AD requires identification of the 
supplier, part number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, 
and re-identification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the 
RAT actuator with a serviceable unit and re-identification of the RAT, 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of the 
RAT, which if occurred following a total engine flame-out, or during a 
total loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in 
reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 5, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 5, 
2012.

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 June 18, 2012 (77 FR 
36209). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a production test flight, a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) did not 
deploy when tested. An investigation, conducted by the RAT 
manufacturer Hamilton Sundstrand (HS) and Arkwin Industries, 
revealed that the RAT did not deploy due to insufficient stroke 
inside one of the actuator deployment solenoids.
    This condition, if occurring following a total engine flame out, 
or during a total loss of normal electrical power generation, could 
possibly result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency] AD requires the modification of the affected RAT actuator 
deployment mechanism, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a 
modified unit.

The required actions include identification of the supplier, part 
number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, and re-
identification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the RAT 
actuator with a serviceable unit and re-identification of the RAT, if 
necessary. 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 received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 36209, June 18, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed--except for 
minor editorial changes and re-identification of the sub-paragraphs of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this final rule. We have determined that 
these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 36209, June 18, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 36209, June 18, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 56 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 14 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 $0 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 $66,640, or $1,190 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 13 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$1,105 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);

[[Page 65800]]

    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 (77 FR 36209, June 18, 2012), 
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, 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:

2012-21-20 Airbus: Amendment 39-17236. Docket No. FAA-2012-0596; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-245-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 5, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -223F -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN); except those on which Airbus 
modification 201043 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes, all MSN; except those on which Airbus 
modification 201043 or 201042 has been embodied in production.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of the ram air turbine (RAT) not 
deploying when tested. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-
deployment of the RAT, which if occurred following a total engine 
flame-out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power 
generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Identification and Replacement for Certain Airbus Model A330, and 
A340-200 and -300 Airplanes

    For Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 
series airplanes: Within 15,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, identify the 
supplier, part number (P/N), and serial number (S/N) of the 
installed RAT actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3114, 
dated May 18, 2011 (for Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, 
and Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A340-29-4089, dated May 18, 2011 (for Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes).
    (1) If the supplier identified is Arkwin, and the identified 
actuator part number and serial number are listed as already 
modified in Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-18, 
dated March 8, 2011, but not yet re-identified: Before further 
flight, re-identify the actuator and the RAT, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-29-3114, dated May 18, 2011 (for Model A330-200 freighter 
series airplanes, and Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4089, dated May 18, 2011 
(for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
    (2) If the supplier identified is Arkwin Industries and the 
identified actuator part number and serial number are listed as not 
modified as specified in Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 
ERPS06M-29-18, dated March 8, 2011: Before further flight, replace 
the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit, and re-identify the RAT, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3114, dated May 18, 2011 (for 
Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-
4089, dated May 18, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes).

(h) Identification and Replacement for Certain Airbus Model A340-500 
and -600 Airplanes

    For Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes: Within 15,000 flight 
hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD, identify the part number and serial number of the 
installed RAT actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, 
dated May 18, 2011.
    (1) If the identified actuator part number and serial number are 
listed as already modified as specified in Hamilton Sundstrand 
Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-5, dated March 8, 2011, but not yet re-
identified: Before further flight, re-identify the actuator and the 
RAT, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, dated May 18, 2011.
    (2) If the identified actuator part number and serial number are 
listed as not modified as specified in Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS33T-29-5, dated March 8, 2011: Before further flight, 
replace the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit, and re-identify 
the RAT, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, dated May 18, 2011.

(i) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any RAT actuator having P/N 5912958 or P/N 1211575-001, or any RAT 
having P/N 1702934A having a serial number listed as affected in 
Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-18, dated March 8, 
2011, on any airplane, unless the RAT actuator has been replaced 
with a serviceable unit and the RAT has been re-identified, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3114, dated May 18, 2011 
(for Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, and Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-29-4089, dated May 18, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes).
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any RAT actuator having P/N 5912536 or P/N 1211526-002, or any RAT 
having P/N 772722F having a serial number listed as affected in 
Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-5, dated March 8, 
2011, on any airplane, unless the RAT actuator has been replaced 
with a serviceable unit and the RAT has been re-identified, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, dated May 18, 2011.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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

[[Page 65801]]

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 emailed 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0204, dated October 14, 2011, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3), (k)(4), 
and (k)(5) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3114, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4089, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (4) Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-18, dated 
March 8, 2011.
    (5) Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-5, dated 
March 8, 2011.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3114, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4089, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-5018, dated May 
18, 2011.
    (iv) Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-18, dated 
March 8, 2011.
    (v) Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-5, dated 
March 8, 2011.
    (3) For Airbus 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; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. For Hamilton Sunstrand service 
information identified in this AD, contact Hamilton Sundstrand, 
Technical Publications, Mail Stop 302-9, 4747 Harrison Avenue, P.O. 
Box 7002, Rockford, Illinois 61125-7002; telephone 860-654-3575; fax 
860-998-4564; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.hamiltonsundstrand.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26171 Filed 10-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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