Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7257-7259]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01822]



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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2013 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 7257]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1074; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-027-AD; 
Amendment 39-17331; AD 2013-02-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing defect in certain 
rods installed in the belly fairing, which could lead to cracks at the 
crimped end of the rod. This AD requires an inspection of the rods to 
determine the manufacturer; and for affected parts, an inspection for 
any cracking of the rods, and related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking of the rods, which could result in rupture of rods that attach 
the belly fairing to the airframe, leading to separation of the belly 
fairing from the airframe, and consequent damage to airplane structure 
and airplane systems.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 8, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 8, 
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 October 16, 2012 (77 
FR 63264). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    A rod manufacturing process defect has been identified at the 
supplier, Technical Airborne Components Industries (TAC), which 
could lead to cracks at the crimped end of the rod.
    A design review of all affected rods has demonstrated that 
rupture of rods which attach the belly fairing can lead to 
separation of the belly fairing from the airframe, which would 
constitute an unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA)] AD requires detailed visual inspections of the 21 
affected rods installed in the belly fairing for manufacturer 
identification, and if TAC is identified as manufacturer, or if the 
manufacturer cannot be identified, to further inspect the rods to 
find any crack, using a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) method 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of the applicable 
[related investigative and] corrective actions, to ensure structural 
integrity of the belly fairing rods. This [EASA] AD also prohibits 
installation of an affected TAC rod as replacement part in the belly 
fairing to all aeroplanes.

A design review of all affected rods has demonstrated that rupture of 
rods that attach the belly fairing can lead to separation of the belly 
fairing from the airframe, which can cause damage to airplane structure 
and airplane systems. The related investigative actions include an 
inspection to determine the manufacturer and an HFEC inspection of any 
affected replacement rod for any cracking. The corrective actions 
include replacing the cracked rod with a new rod. 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 63264, October 16, 
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 63264, October 16, 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 63264, October 16, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 54 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 13 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 $59,670, or $1,105 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 28 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$2,380 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. 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,

[[Page 7258]]

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 63264, October 16, 
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:

2013-02-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-17331. Docket No. FAA-2012-1074; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-027-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 8, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing defect in 
certain rods installed in the belly fairing, which could lead to 
cracks at the crimped end of the rod. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking of the rods, which could result in 
rupture of rods that attach the belly fairing to the airframe, 
leading to separation of the belly fairing from the airframe, and 
consequent damage to airplane structure and airplane systems.

(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) Actions

    For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, 
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, having 
manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0002 to 1113 inclusive, except MSN 
0996, 1039, 1054, 1059, 1105, 1107, 1108 and 1112; and Model A340-
211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: Within 72 months 
after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-53-3186, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A330 
airplanes); or A340-53-4185, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for 
Model A340 airplanes).
    (1) Do a detailed inspection of the 21 rods of the belly fairing 
identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, 
Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or 
A340-53-4185, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A340 
airplanes); for rod manufacturer identification. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the manufacturer of the rods can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (2) If the rod manufacturer is found to be Technical Airborne 
Components Industries (TAC), or if the manufacturer cannot be 
identified, do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for 
cracking of the crimped end of the rod body and, if any crack is 
found, before further flight, do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any 
affected TAC rod, as identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-53-3186, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011; or A340-53-4185, 
Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011; as applicable; on any airplane 
unless the rod has passed (found to have no cracking) the inspection 
as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the inspections and 
corrective actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, dated January 17, 
2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or A340-53-4185, dated January 17, 
2011 (for Model A340 airplanes); which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(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 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

[[Page 7259]]

(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive 2012-0005, dated January 10, 2012, and the Airbus service 
information identified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of 
this AD, for related information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, Revision 01, 
dated April 7, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-4185, Revision 
01, dated April 7, 2011.
    (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; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced 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.

(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 A330-53-3186, Revision 01, 
dated April 7, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-4185, Revision 
01, dated April 7, 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 January 16, 2013.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-01822 Filed 1-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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