Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75825-75827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30370]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0934; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-260-AD; 
Amendment 39-17293; AD 2012-25-12]
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 all 
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report of a prematurely fractured main landing gear (MLG) bogie 
beam. This AD requires replacing certain MLG bogie beams before 
reaching new reduced life limits. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fracture of the MLG bogie beam, which, under high speed, could 
ultimately result in the airplane departing the runway, the bogie beam 
detaching from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG; and consequent 
structural damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 30, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 30, 
2013.

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, WA 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 12, 2012 
(77 FR 56172). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information (MCAI) states:

    During ground load test cycles on an A340-600 aeroplane, the MLG 
bogie beam has prematurely fractured.
    The results of the investigation identified that this premature 
fracture was due to high tensile standing stress, resulting from dry 
fit axle assembly method. Improvement has been introduced 
subsequently with a grease fit axle assembly method.
    Fatigue and damage tolerance analyses were performed, whose 
results demonstrated that the current life limit of certain MLG 
bogie beams with dry fit axles installed on A330 aeroplanes only 
must be reduced compared to the life limit stated in the A330 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1-Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items revision 05 approved by EASA 
[European Aviation Safety Agency] on 29 July 2010.
    Failure to comply with the reduced life limit of the MLG bogie 
beam with dry fit axle might jeopardize the MLG structural 
integrity.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
replacement of the affected MLG bogie beams before reaching the new 
reduced life limit.

    The unsafe condition is a possible fracture of the MLG bogie beam, 
which, under high speed, could ultimately result in the airplane 
departing the runway, the bogie beam detaching from the airplane, or 
collapse of the MLG; and consequent structural damage to the airplane 
and injury to the occupants. 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 56172, September 
12, 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. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 56172, September 12, 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 56172, September 12, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 53 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 16 work-hours per MLG bogie 
beam (2 MLG bogie beams per airplane) to comply with the basic 
requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. 
Required parts will cost about $255,000 per MLG bogie beam. 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 up 
to $27,174,160, or $256,360 per MLG bogie beam.

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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative,

[[Page 75826]]

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 56172, September 12, 
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:

2012-25-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-17293. Docket No. FAA-2012-0934; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-260-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 30, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers (S/Ns).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a prematurely fractured main 
landing gear (MLG) bogie beam. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fracture of the MLG bogie beam, which, under high speed, could 
ultimately result in the airplane departing the runway, the bogie 
beam detaching from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG; and 
consequent structural damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(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) Bogie Beam Replacement

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, replace all MLG bogie beams having part number 
(P/N) 201485300, 201485301, 201272302, 201272304, 201272306, or 
201272307, except those that have S/N S2A, S2B, or S2C, as 
identified in Messier-Dowty Service Letter A33-34 A20, Revision 5, 
including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009, with a new or 
serviceable part, in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its 
delegated agent).
    (1) Before the accumulation of the flight hours or landings, 
whichever occurs first, specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, as applicable to airplane type, model, and weight variant 
(WV).

                        Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD--MLG Bogie Beam Life Limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Life limit from first installation of MLG bogie beam on an
            Affected airplanes--                                          airplane--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243,      50,000 landings or 72,300 total flight hours.
 weight variant (WV)02x, WV05x (except
 WV058), and WV06x series.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243       50,000 landings or 57,900 total flight hours.
 WV058.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -    46,000 landings or 75,000 total flight hours.
 323, -341, -342, -343 WV00x, WV01x, WV02x,
 and WV05x series.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, a MLG bogie beam having any 
part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD, may be installed 
on an airplane, provided its life has not exceeded the life limit 
defined in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and is replaced 
with a new or serviceable part before reaching the life limit 
defined in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(i) 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 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, 
WA 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0212, dated 
October 31, 2011; and Messier-Dowty Service Letter A33-34 A20, 
Revision 5, including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009; 
for related information.

(k) 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) Messier-Dowty Service Letter A33-34 A20, Revision 5, 
including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Messier-Dowty: Messier Services Americas, Customer Support Center, 
45360 Severn Way, Sterling, VA 20166-8910; telephone 703-450-8233; 
fax 703-404-1621;

[[Page 75827]]

Internet https://techpubs.services/messier-dowty.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 December 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-30370 Filed 12-21-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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