Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 231 (Tuesday, December 2, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71304-71308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27632]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0776; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-240-AD; 
Amendment 39-18033; AD 2014-23-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-20-06 for 
all Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 
airplanes. AD 2013-20-06 required revising the maintenance program to 
incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations. This new AD requires revising the maintenance or 
inspection program to incorporate certain other maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a 
determination that existing maintenance requirements are not adequate 
to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. We are issuing this 
AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects 
could change the characteristics of systems' life-limited components 
leading to an increased potential for failure, which, in isolation or 
in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, 
could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which could 
reduce the structural integrity or the controllability of the airplane.

[[Page 71305]]


DATES: This AD becomes effective December 17, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 17, 
2014.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 16, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 view this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0776; 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 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.

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

    On September 17, 2013, we issued AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 
(78 FR 64156, October 28, 2013). AD 2013-20-06 applied to all Airbus 
Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes. 
AD 2013-20-06 was prompted by a determination that existing maintenance 
requirements were are not adequate to address the unsafe condition. AD 
2013-20-06 required revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We 
issued AD 2013-20-06 to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. 
Such aging effects could change the characteristics of systems life-
limited components leading to an increased potential for failure, 
which, in isolation or in combination with one or more other specific 
failures or events, could result in failure of certain life limited 
parts, which could reduce the structural integrity or the 
controllability of the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 (78 FR 64156, 
October 28, 2013), we determined that existing maintenance requirements 
are not adequate to address the aging effects of aircraft systems.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0269, dated November 7, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition all Airbus Model A340-
211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus aeroplanes are 
currently published in Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
documents.
    The airworthiness limitations applicable to the Ageing Systems 
Maintenance (ASM) are given in Airbus A340 ALS Part 4, which is 
approved by EASA.
    Revision 03 of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4 introduces more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations. Failure to comply with these instructions could result 
in an unsafe condition.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0021 (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2012-0021) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 
(78 FR 64156, October 28, 2013)], which is superseded, and requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus A340 ALS Part 4 at 
Revision 03.
    In addition, this [EASA] AD also supersedes EASA AD 2008-0026 
(http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2008-0026) [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2010-15-02, Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 2010)] and 
EASA AD 2008-0160 (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2008-0160) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, 
September 9, 2009)], whose requirements applicable to A340 
aeroplanes have been transferred into Airbus A340 ALS Part 4.

The unsafe condition is the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such 
aging effects could change the characteristics of systems' life-limited 
components leading to an increased potential for failure, which, in 
isolation or in combination with one or more other specific failures or 
events, could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which 
could reduce the structural integrity or the controllability of the 
airplane. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0776.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 15, 2012. 
The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections 
is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been 
previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by 
these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the 
inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply 
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (k) of this AD. 
The request should include a description of changes to the required 
inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the 
airplane.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States.

[[Page 71306]]

However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the described unsafe 
condition is addressed if any of these products are placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future.

Differences Between This AD and MCAI or Service Information

    This AD incorporates Airbus A340 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 15, 2012, including the 
compliance times for the actions. However, the compliance times for 
certain initial actions are different from those specified in Airbus 
A340 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated 
November 15, 2012, because the actions and associated compliance times 
were required by AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, 
September 9, 2009). Therefore, the initial compliance time for these 
actions is relative to the effective date of the applicable superseded 
AD, as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the ALS 
inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this AD does not 
include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are 
required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to 
perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We 
consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions 
necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this AD.

Related Rulemaking

    Certain maintenance requirements specified in A340 ALS Part 4--
Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 15, 2012, are 
already required by other ADs. Therefore, accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD will terminate the requirements of the following 
ADs for Model A340 airplanes.
    <bullet> AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 
2003).
    <bullet> AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004).
    <bullet> AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 
2004).
    <bullet> AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 
14, 2004).
    <bullet> AD 2007-05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, March 7, 
2007).
    <bullet> AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)).
    <bullet> AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).
    <bullet> AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 
9, 2009), which requires the identification and modification of certain 
standard spoiler servo-controls; and
    <bullet> AD 2010-15-02, Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 
2010), which requires various detailed visual inspections for corrosion 
and wear detection of the input gear box and down drive shafts of all 
wing flap tracks and corrective actions.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0776; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-NM-240-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 0 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $0 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$85 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.

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 (78 FR 64156, October 28, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-23-17 Airbus: Amendment 39-18033. Docket No. FAA-2014-0776; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-240-AD.

[[Page 71307]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 17, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 (78 FR 
64156, October 28, 2013).
    (2) This AD affects the requirements of the ADs specified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(9) of this AD.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that existing 
maintenance requirements are not adequate to address the aging 
effects of aircraft systems. We are issuing this AD to address the 
aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change 
the characteristics of systems life-limited components leading to an 
increased potential for failure, which, in isolation or in 
combination with one or more other specific failures or events, 
could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which could 
reduce the structural integrity or the controllability of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Maintenance/Inspection Program Revision

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 15, 
2012. The initial compliance times for the actions are within the 
applicable compliance time specified in the Record of Revisions page 
of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, 
dated November 15, 2012, or within 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever is later, except as required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD.

(h) Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times

    (1) Where Airbus A340 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 03, dated November 15, 2012, defines a calendar compliance 
time for the modification of spoiler servo-controls having part 
numbers MZ4339390-01X; MZ4306000-01X; MZ4339390-02X; MZ4306000-02X; 
MZ4339390-10X; and MZ4306000-10X as ``March 5, 2010,'' the calendar 
compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)).
    (2) Where Note 6 of ``ATA 27-64, Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation, (Fig. 09),'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, Life Limits, of 
Sub-part 4-2, Systems Life--Limited Components, of the Airbus A340 
ALS, Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 
15, 2012, defines a calendar date of ``September 5, 2008,'' as a 
date for the determination of accumulated flight cycles since the 
aircraft's initial entry into service, the calendar compliance time 
is October 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 
39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009)).
    (3) Where Note 6 of ``ATA 27-64 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation, (Fig. 09),'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, Life Limits, of 
Sub-part 4-2, Systems Life--Limited Components, of the Airbus A340 
ALS, Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 
15, 2012, defines a calendar compliance time of ``March 5, 2010,'' 
for the modification of affected servo-controls, the calendar 
compliance time is April 14, 2011 (18 months after October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)).

(i) Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.

(j) Terminating Action for Other ADs

    Accomplishing the revision of the maintenance program and 
complying with all applicable instructions and airworthiness 
limitations required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the 
requirements of the ADs specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through 
(j)(9) of this AD for Model A340 airplanes only.
    (1) AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 
2003).
    (2) AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004).
    (3) AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 
2004).
    (4) AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 
14, 2004).
    (5) AD 2007-05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, March 7, 
2007).
    (6) AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)).
    (7) AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 
2009).
    (8) AD 2010-15-02, Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 
2010).
    (9) AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).

(k) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-0269, 
dated November 7, 2013, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0776.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--
Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated November 15, 2012. 
The revision date of this document is not identified on the title 
page of this document. Also, the revision level of this document is 
identified on only the title page and in the Record of Revisions 
section of this document.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 view this 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

[[Page 71308]]

202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-27632 Filed 12-1-14; 8:45 am]
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