Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17071-17073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05836]



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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 54 / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 17071]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1160; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-AD; 
Amendment 39-17381; AD 2013-05-09]
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 certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, -300, and -200 Freighter series airplanes; and 
all Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that the bonding lead from a certain 
isolation valve to a frame was too close to an electrical harness, 
which might cause chafing between the electrical harness and the 
associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to a short circuit of 
the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation valve, 
which would prevent the air flow to be shut off in case of fire. This 
AD requires modifying the bonding lead installation of the isolation 
valve. We are issuing this AD to prevent such chafing, which could 
result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the event of a fire and 
consequent damage to the airplane and injury to its occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 24, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 24, 
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 November 7, 2012 (77 
FR 66764). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    It was noticed in production that the bonding lead from the 
isolation valve 283HN to Frame (FR) 64, between Stringer (STGR) 33 
and STGR 34, was too close to the electrical harness 5871VB. The 
results of the technical investigations carried out by Airbus 
determined that this insufficient clearance may cause chafing 
between the electrical harness 5871VB and the associated bonding 
lead.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a short circuit 
of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation 
valve 283HN, which would prevent the air flow to be shut-off in case 
of fire, potentially resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to its occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD requires the installation of a new bonding bracket 
and new bonding lead at STGR33, between FR64 and FR65 introduced by 
Airbus modification (mod.) 201500, or mod. 201681 in production, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-21-3165, SB A330-21-3160 or SB 
A340-21-4152 in service.
    In addition, for aeroplanes already modified in accordance with 
the instructions of Airbus SB A330-21-3165, SB A330-21-3160 or SB 
A340-21-4152 at original issue or Revision 01, it [this EASA AD] 
requires accomplishment of the additional work (additional wiring 
connected to the structure of the aeroplane).

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 66764, November 7, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Actions Since the NPRM (77 FR 66764, November 7, 2012) Was Issued

    Since the NPRM (77 FR 66764, November 7, 2012) was issued, Airbus 
has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 03, dated 
December 7, 2012 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes); and 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 03, dated December 7, 
2012 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes). 
No additional work is required by these revisions for airplanes 
modified by Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 
02, dated March 29, 2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-
4152, Revision 02, dated March 29, 2012; as applicable.
    We have changed paragraphs (g), (h), and (k) (which was identified 
as paragraph (j) in the NPRM (77 FR 66764, November 7, 2012)) of this 
AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 
03, dated December 7, 2012; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-
21-4152, Revision 03, dated December 7, 2012. We also have added new 
paragraph (i) to this AD to give credit for actions accomplished before 
the effective date of this AD performed using previous service 
information and have re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously--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 66764, November 7, 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 66764, November 7, 2012).

[[Page 17072]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 58 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 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 $66 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 $33,408, or $576 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 66764, November 7, 
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:

2013-05-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-17381. Docket No. FAA-2012-1160; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 24, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification 
201500 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification 201681 
has been embodied in production.
    (3) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
conditioning.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the bonding lead 
from a certain isolation valve to a frame was too close to an 
electrical harness, which might cause chafing between the electrical 
harness and the associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to 
a short circuit of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of 
the isolation valve, which would prevent the air flow to be shut off 
in case of fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent such chafing, 
which could result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the 
event of a fire and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to 
its 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) Bonding Lead Installation Modification

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
bonding lead installation of isolation valve 283HN, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 03, 
dated December 7, 2012 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 
4, 2011 (for Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 03, 
dated December 7, 2012 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes).

(h) Bonding Lead Additional Work Modification

    For airplanes that have already been modified prior to the 
effective date of this AD, as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-21-3165, dated September 27, 2011, or Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011; 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, dated September 
27, 2011, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, 
Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011: Within 48 months after the 
effective date of this AD, perform the ``Additional Work'' specified 
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 03, dated December 7, 2012; or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 03, dated 
December 7, 2012; as applicable.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 02, dated March 29, 2012; or Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 02, dated March 
29, 2012; as applicable; which are not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.

[[Page 17073]]

(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 
(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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2012-0090, dated May 22, 2012, and the following service 
information, for related information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 
4, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 
03, dated December 7, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 
03, dated December 7, 2012.
    (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.

(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 A330-21-3160, dated August 
4, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 
03, dated December 7, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 
03, dated December 7, 2012.
    (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 March 1, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05836 Filed 3-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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