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Published 2015-01-30 · Federal Register document 2015-01182

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Publication summary

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-06-06 for all Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2009-06-06 required revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations and maintenance tasks for aging systems maintenance. This new AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components.

Why this record is shown

Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:48.517946+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.

Source revision
federal_register_ad_metadata_2015-3bb842c840a7e6e6
Source row
results[26]
Raw source SHA-256
3bb842c840a7e6e6e43779ca68008e1e63ad8287ad840c3a981d1f66a934b14b

Final-rule publication

Recorded publication clauses

AD identifier printed in this edition
2015-02-16
Effective date printed in this edition
2015-03-06
Read 14 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 6, 2015.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14591–14657, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c2ff7cfd963b04e07045e874e281b99023b3b7e58a7baf67c850a0596c1bbeb5

Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, 
March 24, 2009).

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14657–14763, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 98405173804d304243867e5aa54e6fd01ce465f797c27b21613dfc28b507bdd1

Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-
620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; 
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14763–15138, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 67482360a930d5fb642c4f4b9042dd67906ea9e8f0bae66a84cf85adbf6198ac

Subject
(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls; Code 32, Landing Gear.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15138–15249, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 88d8b4e868053a68813e01cc11253e1f44e65902ae5088cccd779608b98ee0d5

Reason
(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural 
integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure 
of system components.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15249–15545, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4a1253125906cb45d873ba0a576b98068d9111ab031cd8eac22620226db621f6

Compliance
(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 5031]]

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15545–15662, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b41c6244a30b057af7d9618d518f7610792996d88511a68fffc18428ca603d36

Retained Revision of Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) To Incorporate Limitations and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems Maintenance
(g) Retained Revision of Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) To 
Incorporate Limitations and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems 
Maintenance

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009). Within 
3 months after April 28, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-06-06), 
revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) 
to incorporate Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006 (for Model A300-
600 series airplanes). For all tasks identified in Airbus A310 ALS 
Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 
2006; and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; do the tasks at the later of 
the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. The 
repetitive inspections must be accomplished thereafter at the 
interval specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; or Airbus A300-
600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated 
December 21, 2006; as applicable.
    (1) At the initial compliance times (thresholds) specified in 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, 
dated December 21, 2006; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; as 
applicable; with the compliance times starting from the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Since first flight of the airplane.
    (ii) Since the applicable part was new or refurbished if the 
part's life (in flight hours, flight cycles, landings, or calendar 
time, as applicable) can be conclusively determined.
    (2) Within 3 months after doing the revision of the ALS of the 
ICA required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For additional guidance on 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA) life limits, 
refer to Airbus Operators Information Telex (OIT) SE 999.0074/05/BB, 
dated August 3, 2005.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For additional guidance on 
the THSA life limits and calculation method for unknown history of 
parts, refer to Airbus OIT SE 999.0008/07/LB, dated January 16, 
2007; and Airbus Service Information Letter 05-008, Revision 01, 
dated February 21, 2007.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15662–18295, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9205a03b26ee5bffb227d6c8de8504c2c8be726dc0703d54ba063cbc6d92b53a

Retained Revision of ALS To Incorporate Certain Other Limitations and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems Maintenance
(h) Retained Revision of ALS To Incorporate Certain Other Limitations 
and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems Maintenance

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009), with 
revised affected airplane language. For airplanes on which any life 
limitation/maintenance task has been complied with in accordance 
with the requirements of paragraph (f), (g), (k), (l), or (m) of AD 
2009-06-06: The last accomplishment of each limitation/task must be 
retained as a starting point for the accomplishment of each 
corresponding limitation/task interval now introduced Airbus A310 
ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 
21, 2006; and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; as applicable.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18295–19151, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: a3111989fd660d6202e51b389c9fa5ed059ffe2fd3048775d22e82404ae95204

Retained No Alternative Inspections/Limitations
(i) Retained No Alternative Inspections/Limitations

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (p) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009). Except 
as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD: After accomplishing the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no 
alternative inspection, inspection intervals, or limitations may be 
used, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19151–19593, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 47aade654264d0bf050a93e03e07743ecdc299bc4f1296f16077bf0dacafb954

New Requirements of This AD: Maintenance/Inspection Program Revision
(j) New Requirements of This AD: Maintenance/Inspection Program 
Revision

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, 
dated November 30, 2012 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus 
A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated 
April 18, 2012, and Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated 
August 24, 2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes). For all limitation/replacement/inspection tasks 
identified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated November 30, 2012; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 
4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012, 
and Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 
2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012; the initial compliance times for 
the tasks are at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Doing any limitation/
replacement/inspection task required by this paragraph terminates 
the corresponding task required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) At the initial compliance times (thresholds) specified in 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, 
dated November 30, 2012; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012, and Airbus 
A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 2012, to Airbus 
A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated 
April 18, 2012; as applicable; with the compliance times starting 
from the later of the times specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and 
(j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Since first flight of the airplane.
    (ii) Since the applicable part was new or refurbished if the 
part's life (in flight hours, flight cycles, landings, or calendar 
time, as applicable) can be conclusively determined.
    (2) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19593–21793, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 18934cd9ba8fa4aa92274ee41e670cc3612fd7a69c8991d9406040f731d5a671

New Limitation: No Alternative Actions or Intervals
(k) New Limitation: No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (j) 
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 (l)(1) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21793–22170, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f5234d9f1465650c7472d53199136915d9f41a322a070729de958cb7197e6653

Other FAA AD Provisions
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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) 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.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22170–23697, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: fe7c43660b2df0ad070374c8fabadaeb361b483ed55c98dfb3a6184d4f92e6be

Related Information
(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0075, dated March 20, 2013, 
for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0173-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD is available at the addresses 
specified in paragraphs (n)(5) and (n)(6) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23697–24196, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b3bc9ce08b165d90a8b6427949ad611cc372a8b43f65c1b73f60aab884c05972

Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 6, 2015.
    (i) Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012.

[[Page 5032]]

    (ii) Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 
2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated November 30, 2012.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 28, 2009 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009).
    (i) Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006.
    (ii) Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24196–26130, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f150fc338f28461788e13e24d9f105291f7de489871ae5dea0ddec50fa5ba516

Explicit historical replacement wording

Find all recorded historical references to AD 2015-02-16 · 1 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.

These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.

Why these observations are shown

They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.

Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: 5be8d0e045952a31817e206c927e1423346f1839d1fae73dd6f6bf133e586fa9. Source manifest: 59d1de7fea6a8bb948c96fac90ca31a728dcb8c724797b50cac702834463fe93.

Official source · 2015-01-30

Publication text

This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.

Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.

Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 20 (Friday, January 30, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5028-5032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01182]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0173; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-069-AD; 
Amendment 39-18083; AD 2015-02-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-06-06 for 
all Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes. AD 2009-06-06 
required revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations 
and maintenance tasks for aging systems maintenance. This new AD 
requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate 
new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity and reduced 
control of these airplanes due to the failure of system components.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 6, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 6, 
2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of April 
28, 2009 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0173; or in person at the 
Docket Management

[[Page 5029]]

Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, 
Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 supersede AD 2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, 
March 24, 2009). AD 2009-06-06 applied to all Airbus Model A310 and 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 28, 2014 (79 FR 17451).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0075, dated March 20, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Model A310-
203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; Model A300 
B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and 
B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model 
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for Airbus aeroplanes are 
currently published in Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
documents.
    The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations 
applicable to the Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM) are specified in 
Airbus A310 or A300-600 ALS Part 4 documents, which are approved by 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA AD 2007-0092 
[http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2007_0092.pdf/AD_2007-0092, 
which corresponds to FAA AD 2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 
12228, March 24, 2009)] was issued to require compliance to the 
requirements as specified in these documents.
    The revision 02 of Airbus A310 and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4 
documents introduces more restrictive maintenance requirements and/
or airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with the 
instructions of ALS Part 4 could result in an unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this new AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2007-0092, which is superseded, and requires 
the implementation of the new or more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus 
A310 ALS Part 4, Revision 02, or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4, 
Revision 02, as applicable to aeroplane type/model.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0173-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (74 FR 
12228, March 24, 2009), and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Include Variation to Service Information

    FedEx asked that Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated 
August 24, 2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012, be included with the 
service information referenced for accomplishing the actions specified 
in the NPRM (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009). FedEx stated that this 
variation provides additional trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator 
(THSA) part numbers and is approved by EASA.
    We agree with the commenter's request. The referenced variation 
added some dash numbers that were not previously listed in the 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), but all airplanes affected by the 
NPRM (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009) have this basic part number. We have 
revised paragraph (j) of this AD to refer to Airbus A300-600 Variation 
0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--
Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012.

``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in this AD

    Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled 
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD 
based on a foreign authority's AD.
    We have become aware that some operators have misunderstood or 
misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to allow the owner/
operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer as approval of 
deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated action. The 
Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or other 
information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the 
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product 
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer 
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not 
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request 
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required 
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the 
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled 
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that 
for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a 
manufacturer, the actions must be accomplished using a method approved 
by the FAA, the EASA, or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA).
    The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature. The DOA signature indicates that the data and information 
contained in the document are EASA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer 
that do not contain the DOA-authorized signature approval are not EASA-
approved, unless EASA directly approves the manufacturer's message or 
other information.
    This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded 
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA 
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This 
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness 
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase 
flexibility in complying with ADs by

[[Page 5030]]

identifying those actions in manufacturers' service instructions that 
are ``Required for Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with 
manufacturers to implement this recommendation. But once we determine 
that an action is required, any deviation from the requirement must be 
approved as an alternative method of compliance.
    We also have decided not to include a generic reference to either 
the ``delegated agent'' or ``design approval holder (DAH) with State of 
Design Authority design organization approval,'' but instead we have 
provided the specific delegation approval granted by the State of 
Design Authority for the DAH throughout this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 17451, March 28, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 17451, March 28, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information

    Airbus has issued A310 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 
4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated November 30, 2012; 
and A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated 
April 18, 2012. The service information describes procedures for 
revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. You can find 
this information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0173.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 156 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The ALS revision required by AD 2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 
FR 12228, March 24, 2009), and retained in this AD takes about 1 work-
hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based 
on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required 
by AD 2009-06-06 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it takes about 1 work-hour 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 on U.S. operators to be $13,260, or $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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0173; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility 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.

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) 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-02-16 Airbus: Amendment 39-18083. Docket No. FAA-2014-0173; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-069-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 6, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, 
March 24, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-
620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; 
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls; Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural 
integrity and reduced control of these airplanes due to the failure 
of system components.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 5031]]

(g) Retained Revision of Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) To 
Incorporate Limitations and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems 
Maintenance

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009). Within 
3 months after April 28, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-06-06), 
revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) 
to incorporate Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006 (for Model A300-
600 series airplanes). For all tasks identified in Airbus A310 ALS 
Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 
2006; and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; do the tasks at the later of 
the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. The 
repetitive inspections must be accomplished thereafter at the 
interval specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; or Airbus A300-
600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated 
December 21, 2006; as applicable.
    (1) At the initial compliance times (thresholds) specified in 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, 
dated December 21, 2006; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; as 
applicable; with the compliance times starting from the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Since first flight of the airplane.
    (ii) Since the applicable part was new or refurbished if the 
part's life (in flight hours, flight cycles, landings, or calendar 
time, as applicable) can be conclusively determined.
    (2) Within 3 months after doing the revision of the ALS of the 
ICA required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For additional guidance on 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA) life limits, 
refer to Airbus Operators Information Telex (OIT) SE 999.0074/05/BB, 
dated August 3, 2005.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For additional guidance on 
the THSA life limits and calculation method for unknown history of 
parts, refer to Airbus OIT SE 999.0008/07/LB, dated January 16, 
2007; and Airbus Service Information Letter 05-008, Revision 01, 
dated February 21, 2007.

(h) Retained Revision of ALS To Incorporate Certain Other Limitations 
and Maintenance Tasks for Aging Systems Maintenance

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009), with 
revised affected airplane language. For airplanes on which any life 
limitation/maintenance task has been complied with in accordance 
with the requirements of paragraph (f), (g), (k), (l), or (m) of AD 
2009-06-06: The last accomplishment of each limitation/task must be 
retained as a starting point for the accomplishment of each 
corresponding limitation/task interval now introduced Airbus A310 
ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 
21, 2006; and Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006; as applicable.

(i) Retained No Alternative Inspections/Limitations

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (p) of AD 
2009-06-06, Amendment 39-15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009). Except 
as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD: After accomplishing the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no 
alternative inspection, inspection intervals, or limitations may be 
used, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) New Requirements of This AD: Maintenance/Inspection Program 
Revision

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, 
dated November 30, 2012 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus 
A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated 
April 18, 2012, and Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated 
August 24, 2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems 
Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes). For all limitation/replacement/inspection tasks 
identified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated November 30, 2012; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 
4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012, 
and Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 
2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012; the initial compliance times for 
the tasks are at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Doing any limitation/
replacement/inspection task required by this paragraph terminates 
the corresponding task required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) At the initial compliance times (thresholds) specified in 
Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, 
dated November 30, 2012; or Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012, and Airbus 
A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 2012, to Airbus 
A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated 
April 18, 2012; as applicable; with the compliance times starting 
from the later of the times specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and 
(j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Since first flight of the airplane.
    (ii) Since the applicable part was new or refurbished if the 
part's life (in flight hours, flight cycles, landings, or calendar 
time, as applicable) can be conclusively determined.
    (2) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.

(k) New Limitation: No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (j) 
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 (l)(1) of this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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) 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0075, dated March 20, 2013, 
for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0173-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD is available at the addresses 
specified in paragraphs (n)(5) and (n)(6) of this AD.

(n) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 6, 2015.
    (i) Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012.

[[Page 5032]]

    (ii) Airbus A300-600 Variation 0CVLG120001/C0S, dated August 24, 
2012, to Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated April 18, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 02, dated November 30, 2012.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 28, 2009 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009).
    (i) Airbus A300-600 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006.
    (ii) Airbus A310 ALS Part 4--Ageing Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 01, dated December 21, 2006.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 13, 2015.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01182 Filed 1-29-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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