Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 81 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24833-24835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9475]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0033; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-086-AD; 
Amendment 39-17029; AD 2012-08-12]
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 A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of 
an electrical arc and hydraulic haze in the wheel bay of the left-hand 
main landing gear (MLG) possibly resulting from chafing between the 
hydraulic high pressure hose and electrical wiring of the green 
electrical motor pump (EMP). This AD requires temporarily prohibiting 
in-flight use of the green EMPs; temporarily revising the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) limitations section; temporarily installing a 
placard in the cockpit overhead panel; doing a one-time general visual 
inspection for correct condition and installation of hydraulic pressure 
hoses, electrical conduits, feeder cables, and associated clamping 
devices; and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct chafing of hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical 
wiring of the green EMPs, which in combination with a system failure, 
could cause an uncontrolled and undetected fire in the MLG bay.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 31, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 31, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 January 20, 2012 (77 
FR 2928). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An operator reported an electrical arc and a large hydraulic 
haze in the left hand Main Landing Gear (LH MLG) wheel bay that 
occurred during ground operation. The analysis revealed that this 
occurrence is likely the result of chafing between hydraulic high 
pressure hose and electrical wiring of the Green Electrical Motor 
Pump (EMP).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in 
combination with a system failure leading to the use of the Green 
EMPs in flight, could lead to an uncontrolled and undetected fire in 
the MLG bay.
    For the reasons explained above, this AD temporarily prohibits 
the in-flight use of green EMPs, by mandating an update of the 
Aeroplane Flight Manual (AFM) limitations section and installation 
of a placard in the cockpit overhead panel. This [EASA] AD requires 
also a one-time [general] visual inspection of hydraulic pressure 
hoses and electrical wiring of Green EMPs and corrective action(s), 
depending on findings.


[[Page 24834]]


Corrective actions include repairing or replacing the hydraulic 
pressure hoses and electrical wiring. 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 have considered the comment received.

Request To Add Word to Summary Paragraph

    Airbus requested the word ``temporarily'' be added before the 
phrases in the Summary section of the NPRM (77 FR 2928, January 20, 
2012): ``prohibiting in-flight use of the green EMPs,'' ``revising the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) limitations section,'' and ``installing a 
placard in the cockpit overhead panel.'' Airbus explained that after 
the one-time visual inspection of the hydraulic pressure hoses and 
electrical wiring of the green EMPs and accomplishing the corrective 
actions, if needed, these limitations must be removed.
    We concur. We have added the word ``temporarily'' before those 
phrases in the Summary section of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, 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 2928, January 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 2928, January 20, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 58 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. Required parts will cost about $200 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 $21,460, or $370 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 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 2928, January 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:

2012-08-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-17029. Docket No. FAA-2012-0033; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-086-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 31, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical arc and 
hydraulic haze in the wheel bay of the left-hand main landing gear 
(MLG) possibly resulting from chafing between the hydraulic high 
pressure hose and electrical wiring of the green electrical motor 
pump (EMP). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of 
hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical wiring of the green EMP, 
which in combination with a system failure, could cause an 
uncontrolled and undetected fire in the MLG bay.

(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) Installing Placard and Revising Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    For all airplanes, as of the effective date of this AD, the in-
flight use of green EMPs is prohibited. Before the next flight, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install in the cockpit on the hydraulic power overhead panel 
427VU, a locally manufactured self-adhesive placard temporarily 
prohibiting the in-flight use of the green EMPs, in accordance with 
the

[[Page 24835]]

instructions in Airbus All Operators Telex A310-29A2101, Revision 
01, dated April 12, 2011 (for airplanes equipped with EATON 
(formerly VICKERS) hydraulic EMPs); or Airbus All Operators Telex 
A310-29A2102, dated April 12, 2011 (for airplanes equipped with 
PARKER (formerly ABEX) hydraulic EMPs).
    (2) Revise the Limitations section of the applicable AFM to 
prohibit the in-flight use of the green EMPs. This may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations 
section of the AFM.

(h) Inspecting for Damage and Chafing

    Within 500 flight hours or 4 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a one-time general visual 
inspection for correct condition (i.e., no damage and no chafing) 
and correct installation of the hydraulic pressure hoses, electrical 
conduits, feeder cables, and associated clamping devices at frame 
54, as well as the electrical conduits and feeder cables underneath 
the clamps (including removal of the concerned clamps), in 
accordance with the instructions in Airbus All Operators Telex A310-
29A2101, Revision 01, dated April 12, 2011 (for airplanes equipped 
with EATON (formerly VICKERS) hydraulic EMPs); or Airbus All 
Operators Telex A310-29A2102, dated April 12, 2011 (for airplanes 
equipped with PARKER (formerly ABEX) hydraulic EMPs). If any 
incorrect installation is found, before further flight, install the 
affected parts correctly, in accordance with Airbus All Operators 
Telex A310-29A2101, Revision 01, dated April 12, 2011 (for airplanes 
equipped with EATON (formerly VICKERS) hydraulic EMPs); or Airbus 
All Operators Telex A310-29A2102, dated April 12, 2011 (for 
airplanes equipped with PARKER (formerly ABEX) hydraulic EMPs).
    (1) If any damage or chafing marks are found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace or repair the affected parts (hydraulic pressure 
hoses, electrical conduits, feeder cables, clamps, and spacer, if 
installed), in accordance with the instructions in Airbus All 
Operators Telex A310-29A2101, Revision 01, dated April 12, 2011 (for 
airplanes equipped with EATON (formerly VICKERS) hydraulic EMPs); or 
Airbus All Operators Telex A310-29A2102, dated April 12, 2011 (for 
airplanes equipped with PARKER (formerly ABEX) hydraulic EMPs).
    (2) Before further flight after compliance with the requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this AD, as applicable, remove the placard 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD; and remove the revision of 
the Limitations section of the AFM, as required by paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD; from the airplane and the AFM, respectively.

(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, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 2011-0071, dated 
April 18, 2011; Airbus All Operators Telex A310-29A2101, Revision 
01, dated April 12, 2011; and Airbus All Operators Telex A310-
29A2102, dated April 12, 2011; for related information.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
    (i) Airbus All Operators Telex A310-29A2101, Revision 01, dated 
April 12, 2011. The document number, revision level, and issue date 
of this document is specified only on the first page of the 
document.
    (ii) Airbus All Operators Telex A310-29A2102, dated April 12, 
2011. The document number, revision level, and issue date of this 
document is specified only on the first page of the document.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [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 an NARA facility, 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 April 12, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-9475 Filed 4-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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