Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52405-52407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19161]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-AD; 
Amendment 39-17549; AD 2013-16-11]
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 A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture could occur on 
certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs). This AD 
requires repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity tests, and 
replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the ballscrew lower 
splines, may lead to

[[Page 52406]]

loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew to the 
tie-bar and consequent THSA blowback, which could result in loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 27, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 27, 
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 apply to the specified products. 
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2013 (78 FR 
25664). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which 
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, 
has issued EASA AD 2012-0210, dated October 11, 2012 (referred to after 
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Since the issuance of EASA AD 2012-0061 which addresses the 
corrosion identified in service on THSA [part number] P/N 47147-500 
and P/N 47147-700 at the level of the ballscrew lower splines, 
further analyses have been conducted to determine the need for any 
additional action.
    The ballscrew lower splines are not loaded in normal operation, 
only in case of ballscrew rupture. Analysis results have shown that 
such rupture could happen during the current inspection interval 
imposed by the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), task 274000-
12.
    Corrosion on the lower splines, in case of ballscrew rupture, 
may lead to loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the 
ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA blowback, which could 
result in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
reduction of the check interval of MRBR task 274000-12.

Required actions include repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity 
tests. Corrective actions include replacement of the THSA. 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 (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013) 
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 this 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 (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 25664, May 2, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 30 products of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it takes 7 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 the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $17,850, or $595 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions take 
about 8 work-hours and require parts costing up to $722,556, for a cost 
of up to $723,236 per product. 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 this AD, the MCAI, 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.

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:

2013-16-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17549. Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-AD.

[[Page 52407]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
27, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; 
all manufacturer serial numbers; if fitted with a trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) having part number (P/N) 
47147-500 or P/N 47147-700.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture 
could occur on certain THSAs. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the 
ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA 
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA 
blowback, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

(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) Repetitive Integrity Tests

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, do a THSA ballscrew shaft 
integrity test, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 2012; as applicable. Repeat the integrity test thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight hours or 4,400 flight cycles, 
whichever occurs first.
    (1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 12,000 flight hours since the airplane's first 
flight; or
    (ii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA 
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done as specified in maintenance 
review board report (MRBR) Task 274000-12; or
    (iii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA 
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3179 or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins 
specify testing in case of type II or type III findings).
    (2) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, but without exceeding the latest of the times specified in 
paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) 16,000 flight hours since the airplane's first flight.
    (ii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew 
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in MRBR task 274000-12.
    (iii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew 
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-27-3179, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins specify 
testing in case of type II or type III findings).

(h) Replacement

    If the result from any test required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
is not correct, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 2012; 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 7, 
2012; as applicable: Before further flight, replace the THSA with a 
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 2012; as applicable. Replacement of a THSA, as required by this 
paragraph, with a THSA having P/N 47147-500 or P/N 47147-700, is not 
terminating action for the repetitive tests required by paragraph 
(g) 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, 
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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European 
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0210, dated 
October 11, 2012, for related information, which can be found in the 
AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

(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) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 
7, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
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 August 1, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19161 Filed 8-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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