Back to publication catalog

Published 2015-08-11 · Federal Register document 2015-19182

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Publication summary

We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2003-14-11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2007-05-12, AD 2008-06- 07, AD 2009-18-20, AD 2010-15-02, and AD 2012-04-07 that apply to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. AD 2003-14-11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2007-05-12, AD 2008-06-07, AD 2009-18-20, AD 2010-15-02, and AD 2012-04-07 required revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations; replacing certain flap rotary actuators; repetitively inspecting elevator servo-controllers and pressure relief valves of the spoiler servo controls; repetitively testing the elevator servo control loops, modifying the elevator servo controls, and repetitively replacing certain retraction brackets of the main landing gear; and revising the airplane flight manual. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program or inspection program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This new AD also removes Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes from the applicability and adds Airbus Model A330-323 airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change the characteristics of those systems, 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 of the airplane or reduce the controllability of the airplane.

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[176]
Raw source SHA-256
3bb842c840a7e6e6e43779ca68008e1e63ad8287ad840c3a981d1f66a934b14b

Final-rule publication

Recorded publication clauses

AD identifier printed in this edition
2015-16-02
Effective date printed in this edition
2015-09-15
Read 12 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 15, 2015.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14302–14373, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: cbf7ea1fc7f2607921cf700f1a0656cf4d624daa75362d38bbc863232d361537

Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(b)(9) of this AD.
    (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).

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14373–15185, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 6f58f7e662cb7084bc0da0239665f82029adfe9d6c7d2bddaba1686574149e81

Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15185–15423, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 31928b4a22a6b8c4597d9ce3fb85f88ab15099189b69f6a3fab55f8487dd7dcd

Subject
(d) Subject

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15423–15526, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b15263823fded4455be00ff56d3a178d819d56a04f0615355cdb43771d1bcef9

Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the aging effects of 
aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change the 
characteristics of those systems, 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 of the airplane or reduce the 
controllability of the airplane.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15526–16088, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 70d90445b9b0a6055e9f9613d93c8a1221857e9bc26f994254073b0955f05fcd

Compliance
(f) Compliance

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16088–16190, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3

Maintenance Program Revision and Actions
(g) Maintenance Program Revision and Actions

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, and Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. The 
initial compliance times for the actions are within the applicable 
compliance times specified in the Record of Revisions pages of 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, 
dated August 27, 2013, Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems 
Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 
23, 2014, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is later, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16190–17096, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5140a7e754d6289a73c332bc1cc23ad32c599bbeb06e8ea4cca1243556cf746a

Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times
(h) Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times

    (1) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for elevator servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, 
SC4800-3, SC4800-4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as ``August 31, 
2004,'' the calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months 
after August 13, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-13-25, 
Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004))).
    (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) having P/N 1386A0000-01, P/N 
1386B0000-01, P/N 1387A0000-01 or P/N 1387B0000-01 as ``December 31, 
2003,'' the calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months 
after October 19, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-18-14, 
Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004))).
    (3) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, 
SC4800-103 and SC4800-113 as ``June 30, 2008,'' the calendar 
compliance time is September 16, 2009 (17 months after April 16, 
2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 
13103, March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)))).
    (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the 
retraction brackets of the main landing gear (MLG) having a part 
number specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (h)(4)(xvi) of this 
AD is before the accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the 
affected retraction brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours 
after April 9, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 
39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012), whichever occurs later.
    (i) 201478303
    (ii) 201478304
    (iii) 201478305
    (iv) 201478306
    (v) 201478307
    (vi) 201478308
    (vii) 201428380
    (viii) 201428381
    (ix) 201428382
    (x) 201428383
    (xi) 201428384
    (xii) 201428385
    (xiii) 201428378
    (xiv) 201428379

[[Page 48022]]

    (xv) 201428351
    (xvi) 201428352
    (5) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for the modification of SSCs on three hydraulic circuits having 
part numbers MZ4339390-01X, MZ4306000-01X, MZ4339390-02X, MZ4306000-
02X, MZ4339390-10X, or 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))).
    (6) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, defines a calendar date of ``September 5, 2008,'' as a date 
for the determination of accumulated flight cycles since the 
aircraft initial entry into service, the date is October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)).
    (7) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, defines a calendar compliance time as ``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))).

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17096–20919, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ec27860c32eab9ceb38c70704a6aeb6786d512e9260046e4b319b5215893bf60

No Alternative Actions or Intervals
(i) No 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 (j)(1) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20919–21275, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e6aa03a09c7c1d665efd1f216c6899df55591edd1de2abc5b801629c85d4cd46

Other FAA AD Provisions
(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) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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 21275–22779, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0b309caf31a12b398846ded0ab11ef7d2fb585991ac3bf82a43b345c022ee19c

Related Information
(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0268, dated November 
7, 2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-0834.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22779–23120, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f802f230daad1e2da775ddb7dd4df477e62f277e5d4fa8547afa1e0ca50d06f6

Material Incorporated by Reference
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section ALS Part 4--
Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.1, dated July 23, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.2, dated July 23, 2014.
    (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 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23120–24605, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3069614319d0d1270796f89539d230560cee02d5cb31c0b0547a6e18a7edd6e8

No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.

Find all recorded historical references to AD 2015-16-02 · 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: 9474da8c98d3beef31a905d8e0e70e9529ca5033c6dfdc8d703600f78b807d02. Source manifest: 1196bbd0bee11ef5692683eb982a852a917ae47c07939fe949c5d4081850a83d.

Official source · 2015-08-11

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 154 (Tuesday, August 11, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48019-48022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19182]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0834; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD; 
Amendment 39-18227; AD 2015-16-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (AD) 2003-14-11, 
AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2007-05-12, AD 2008-06-
07, AD 2009-18-20, AD 2010-15-02, and AD 2012-04-07 that apply to 
certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. AD 2003-14-11, AD 
2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2007-05-12, AD 2008-06-07, 
AD 2009-18-20, AD 2010-15-02, and AD 2012-04-07 required revising the 
maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations; replacing certain flap rotary actuators; 
repetitively inspecting elevator servo-controllers and pressure relief 
valves of the spoiler servo controls; repetitively testing the elevator 
servo control loops, modifying the elevator servo controls, and 
repetitively replacing certain retraction brackets of the main landing 
gear; and revising the airplane flight manual. This new AD requires 
revising the maintenance program or inspection program to incorporate 
certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This 
new AD also removes Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series 
airplanes from the applicability and adds Airbus Model A330-323 
airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination 
that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the aging 
effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change the 
characteristics of those systems, 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 of the airplane or reduce the controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 15, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 15, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0834; or in person at the 
Docket Management 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--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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0834.

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 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to revise the following airworthiness directives 
that applied to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 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 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 
9, 2009).
    <bullet> AD 2010-15-02, Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 
2010).
    <bullet> AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).

[[Page 48020]]

    The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2015 (80 FR 
12360). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2013 (78 
FR 66861). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations were 
necessary. The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-
13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 
(69 FR 31874, June 8, 2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 
41394, July 9, 2004); AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, 
September 14, 2004); AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, 
March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)); and AD 2012-
04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012) to require 
actions intended to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. The 
NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance program or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate certain maintenance requirements 
and airworthiness limitations.
    The SNPRM (80 FR 12360, March 9, 2015) proposed to supersede AD 
2007-05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, March 7, 2007); AD 2009-
18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009); and AD 
2010-15-02, Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 2010); in 
addition to those ADs already identified in the NPRM (78 FR 66861, 
November 7, 2013), as well as to require more restrictive limitations 
and to add Airbus Model A330-323 airplanes to the applicability. We are 
issuing this AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such 
aging effects could change the characteristics of those systems, 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 of the airplane or reduce the 
controllability of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0268, dated November 7, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Airbus Model 
A330 series airplanes. EASA AD 2013-0268 supersedes and retains the 
requirements of four EASA ADs and requires accomplishment of the 
actions specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013. 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 A330 ALS Part 4, which is 
approved by EASA.
    Revision 04 of Airbus A330 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 2012-0020 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2012-0020], which is superseded, and requires accomplishment of the 
actions specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 at Revision 04.
    In addition, this [EASA] AD also supersedes EASA AD 2006-0159 
[http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2006-0159], EASA AD 2008-0026 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2008-0026] and EASA AD 2008-0160 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2008-0160] [which correspond to FAA ADs 2007-
05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, March 7, 2007); 2010-15-02, 
Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 2010); and 2009-18-20, 
Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009), respectively], 
whose requirements applicable to A330 aeroplanes have been 
transferred into Airbus A330 ALS Part 4.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0834.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. An anonymous commenter 
supported the SNPRM (80 FR 12360, March 9, 2015).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, 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 
SNPRM (80 FR 12360, March 9, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (80 FR 12360, March 9, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--
Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, and 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 
and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. This service information 
describes preventative maintenance requirements and associated 
airworthiness limitations applicable to aircraft systems susceptible to 
aging effects. This service information is reasonably available because 
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 79 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new 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 $13,430, or $170 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.

[[Page 48021]]

    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-2013-0834; 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
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 
(68 FR 41521, July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 
31874, June 8, 2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, 
July 9, 2004); AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, 
September 14, 2004); AD 2007-05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, 
March 7, 2007); AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 
12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)); AD 2009-18-20, 
Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 46313, September 9, 2009); AD 2010-15-02, 
Amendment 39-16368 (75 FR 42589, July 22, 2010); AD 2012-04-07, 
Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2015-16-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18227. Docket No. FAA-2013-0834; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 15, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(b)(9) of this AD.
    (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).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the aging effects of 
aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change the 
characteristics of those systems, 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 of the airplane or reduce the 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance Program Revision and Actions

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, and Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 23, 2014. The 
initial compliance times for the actions are within the applicable 
compliance times specified in the Record of Revisions pages of 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, 
dated August 27, 2013, Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems 
Maintenance (ASM), Variation 4.1 and Variation 4.2, both dated July 
23, 2014, 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 A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for elevator servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, 
SC4800-3, SC4800-4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as ``August 31, 
2004,'' the calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months 
after August 13, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-13-25, 
Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004))).
    (2) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) having P/N 1386A0000-01, P/N 
1386B0000-01, P/N 1387A0000-01 or P/N 1387B0000-01 as ``December 31, 
2003,'' the calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months 
after October 19, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-18-14, 
Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004))).
    (3) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, 
SC4800-103 and SC4800-113 as ``June 30, 2008,'' the calendar 
compliance time is September 16, 2009 (17 months after April 16, 
2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 
13103, March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)))).
    (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the 
retraction brackets of the main landing gear (MLG) having a part 
number specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (h)(4)(xvi) of this 
AD is before the accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the 
affected retraction brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours 
after April 9, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 
39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012), whichever occurs later.
    (i) 201478303
    (ii) 201478304
    (iii) 201478305
    (iv) 201478306
    (v) 201478307
    (vi) 201478308
    (vii) 201428380
    (viii) 201428381
    (ix) 201428382
    (x) 201428383
    (xi) 201428384
    (xii) 201428385
    (xiii) 201428378
    (xiv) 201428379

[[Page 48022]]

    (xv) 201428351
    (xvi) 201428352
    (5) Where Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, defines a calendar compliance 
time for the modification of SSCs on three hydraulic circuits having 
part numbers MZ4339390-01X, MZ4306000-01X, MZ4339390-02X, MZ4306000-
02X, MZ4339390-10X, or 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))).
    (6) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, defines a calendar date of ``September 5, 2008,'' as a date 
for the determination of accumulated flight cycles since the 
aircraft initial entry into service, the date is October 14, 2009 
(the effective date of AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)).
    (7) Where Note (6) of ``ATA 27-64-00 Flight Control--Spoiler 
Hydraulic Actuation,'' of Sub-part 4-2-1, ``Life Limits,'' of Sub-
part 4-2, ``Systems Life Limited Components,'' of Airbus A330 ALS 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 
2013, defines a calendar compliance time as ``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) No 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 (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using 
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0268, dated November 
7, 2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-0834.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section ALS Part 4--
Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.1, dated July 23, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM), 
Variation 4.2, dated July 23, 2014.
    (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 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 28, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-19182 Filed 8-10-15; 08:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


Why this text is shown

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T02:32:50.264860+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256
1480b178c9afadf43c30c337e9be6f28bc28912e5471a1fd10670e9df4a23ecb
Text SHA-256
9474da8c98d3beef31a905d8e0e70e9529ca5033c6dfdc8d703600f78b807d02

Return to the full metadata catalog · Search complete publication text · Explore retained publication text and evidence

Coverage and limits

These are dated publication metadata, recorded clauses and literal source observations. Word, model-label, header and reference matches do not establish current legal effect, manufacturer/model identity, aircraft applicability, installed configuration or compliance.

The collection uses 33 explicit annual source snapshots. Source captures and operative-text qualifications have separate states. Missing information remains unknown.