Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 2, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7-9]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31026]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0939; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-AD; 
Amendment 39-17298; AD 2012-26-03]
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 A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 
airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in 
quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes, 
improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD 
requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the 
forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of 
the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the 
door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door 
detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid 
decompression.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 6, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 6, 
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, 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

[[Page 8]]

apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on September 20, 2012 (77 FR 58336). That NPRM proposed to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) states:

    Investigations have shown that a specific batch of cargo doors 
might have deviations in quality, such as irregular bore holes, 
improper application of sealant and paint or cleanliness. These 
production deviations are related to the quality of the door 
structure.
    This condition, if not corrected, may degrade the structural 
integrity of the affected Forward (Fwd) and Aft cargo doors.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA)] AD requires a one-time inspection to identify the 
[part and serial numbers of the] Fwd and Aft cargo doors, and 
replacement of the affected cargo doors.

* * * * *

The unsafe condition is the degraded structural capability of the cargo 
door, a primary structure, which could lead to failure of the door, 
which could detach from the airplane or have a breach through the door, 
resulting in potential rapid decompression. Required actions include 
contacting the FAA or EASA (or its delegated agent) for repair 
instructions for any door part/serial number that cannot be identified 
for a specified airplane. 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 58336, September 
20, 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 58336, September 20, 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 58336, September 20, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 6 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,020, or $170 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 52 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$4,420 per product. The manufacturer has agreed to reimburse these 
labor costs. 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. 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);
    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 58336, September 20, 
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:

2012-26-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-17298. Docket No. FAA-2012-0939; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 6, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0796, 0832, 0840, 0845, 
0849, 0853, 0855, 0861, 0862, 0866, 0868, 0871, 0873, 0876, 0879, 
0882, 0885, 0887, 0889, 0891, 0892, 0896, 0898, 0899, 0903, 0904, 
0905, 0907, 0913, 0927, 0930, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0940, 0943, 0944, 
0946, 0949, 0952, 0954, 0964, 0971, 0975, 0982 through 0986 
inclusive, 0988, 0989, 0990, 0992, 0994, 0995, 0997, 0998, 0999, 
1001, 1002, 1003, 1006, 1007, 1009 through 1016 inclusive, 1018, 
1020, 1022, 1023, 1026, 1028, 1029, 1037, 1045, 1049, 1052, 1053, 
1055, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1065 through 1067 inclusive, 1071 through 
1075 inclusive, 1077, 1080, and 1082.

[[Page 9]]

    (2) Model A340-313 airplanes, MSN 0955.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo 
doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure, 
such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and 
paint, or uncleanliness. We are issuing this AD to prevent the 
degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary 
structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could detach 
from the airplane or have a breach through the door, resulting in 
potential rapid decompression.

(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) Inspection

    At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2) of this AD: Inspect to identify the part number and serial 
number of the airplane's forward and aft cargo doors, as applicable 
to MSN, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for 
Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes). A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the door can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 7,400 total flight cycles, or 
72 months after the airplane's first flight, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Replacement

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
the part number and serial number of the airplane's forward and/or 
aft cargo doors, as applicable to airplane MSN, are identified in 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 
(for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Before 
further flight, replace the affected door with a new or serviceable 
door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for 
Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
4093 (for Model A340 airplanes), dated May 31, 2011.

(i) Repair

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
there is any discrepancy between the installed forward and/or aft 
cargo doors part/serial number and the airplane MSN, as that part/
serial number and MSN are identified in Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated 
May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Within 10 days after 
accomplishing the inspection, contact the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent), for 
further instructions and time limits, and accomplish those 
instructions within the specified time limits.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane a forward or aft cargo door that was removed from any 
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0177, dated 
September 15, 2011 (corrected September 28, 2011), and the service 
information identified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD, 
for related information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 
31, 2011.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 
31, 2011.

(m) 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 A330-52-3083, dated May 
31, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 
31, 2011.
    (3) 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; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.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 14, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-31026 Filed 12-31-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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