Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80239-80242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31714]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0083; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-131-AD; 
Amendment 39-18347; AD 2015-25-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series 
airplanes; and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the cockpit 
instrument panel to the airplane structure does not sustain the fatigue 
loads of the design service goal. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of that bracket for cracking and to determine if both lugs 
are fully broken, an inspection for cracking of an adjacent bracket if 
necessary, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides 
an optional modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on a bracket of 
the cockpit instrument panel, which, combined with failure of the 
horizontal beam, could lead to collapse of the cockpit panel, and 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 28, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 28, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0083; 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 final rule, 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-2015-
0083.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A330-
200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and all Model 
A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on February 13, 2015 (80 FR 7989).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0127, dated May 15, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter,

[[Page 80240]]

and A330-300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, and A340-300 
series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During flight tests, high stress levels have been measured on 
the bracket No 6 which attaches the cockpit instrument panel to the 
aeroplane structure, apparently introduced through the nose landing 
gear due to bumps on the runway. Airbus determined that the bracket 
does not sustain the fatigue loads during the Design Service Goal 
(DSG).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with 
failure of the horizontal beam, could lead to collapse of the 
cockpit panel, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
program to inspect the condition of the affected cockpit instrument 
panel bracket No 6, and designed a stronger (reinforced titanium 
undrilled) bracket. The new bracket can be installed in-service 
through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-25-3548 or SB A340-25-
4354, as applicable to aeroplane type.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the cockpit instrument panel bracket No 6 
and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable 
corrective actions. This [EASA] AD also provides the installation of 
the stronger bracket as optional terminating action for the 
repetitive actions required by this [EASA] AD.

The corrective actions include replacing bracket No. 6 and bracket No. 
7 with serviceable parts, and repair, as applicable.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0083-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. The following 
presents the comment received on the NPRM (80 FR 7989, February 13, 
2015) and the FAA's response.

Request To Identify Part Numbers in Paragraphs (g) and (h)

    Delta Airlines requested that paragraphs (g) and (h) of the 
proposed AD (80 FR 7989, February 13, 2015) be revised to specify the 
part numbers of the affected brackets. Delta suggested that paragraph 
(g) of the proposed AD be revised to include the part number after the 
reference to bracket No. 6 (part number (P/N) F2511012820000, pre-
modification Number 55128S18242; and P/N F2511373420000, post-
modification Number 55128S18242). Delta also requested that paragraph 
(h)(2) of the proposed AD be revised to include the part number after 
bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; 
and P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242) and 
bracket No. 7 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; 
and P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242). Delta 
stated that Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated 
April 24, 2014, specifies to inspect only P/N F2511012820000, pre-
modification Number 55128S18242, and P/N F2511373420000, post-
modification Number 55128S18242, and identifies only those part numbers 
as ``affected'' brackets that are used on both bracket No. 6 and 
bracket No. 7.
    We agree to include the part numbers identified by the commenter in 
paragraphs (g) and (h)(2) of this AD. We have also included the part 
numbers in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2)(i) of this AD. The ``Reason/
Description/Operational Consequences'' section of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014, specifies to 
inspect P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242, and P/
N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242. Also, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of that service bulletin specify to replace 
P/N F2511012820000 or P/N F2511373420000, as applicable. We contacted 
Airbus for verification that only those part numbers are considered to 
be ``affected'' brackets and Airbus confirmed that only those part 
numbers are affected. The same affected and replacement parts are used 
on both Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series 
airplanes; and A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes.

Additional Change to This AD

    A typographical error in paragraph (c)(1) of the proposed AD (80 FR 
7989, February 13, 2015) has been corrected in this final rule. 
Paragraph (c)(1) of the proposed AD inadvertently included Model A330-
313 airplanes instead of Model A330-343 airplanes. The SUMMARY section 
and preamble of the NPRM stated that the applicability included Model 
A330-300 series airplanes, which include Model A330-343 airplanes.

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 (80 FR 7989, February 13, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 7989, February 13, 2015).
    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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated 
April 24, 2014, which provides procedures for inspection of cockpit 
instrument panel bracket 6.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3548, dated October 31, 
2013, which provides procedures for replacement of cockpit instrument 
panel bracket 6 with a reinforced titanium bracket.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated 
January 31, 2014, which provides procedures for inspection of cockpit 
instrument panel bracket 6.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4354, dated October 31, 
2013, which provides procedures for replacement of cockpit instrument 
panel bracket 6 with a reinforced titanium bracket.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $51,680, or $680 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the follow-on repairs specified in this AD.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary replacements will take 
about 23 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $1,955 
per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these actions.
    We estimate that the optional modification will take about 9 work 
hours and require parts costing $1,770, for a cost of $2,535.

[[Page 80241]]

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-2015-0083; 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-25-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-18347. Docket No. FAA-2015-0083; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-131-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 28, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -223F, -243F, -301, 
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers except those on which Airbus 
Modification 203287 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the 
cockpit instrument panel to the airplane structure does not sustain 
the fatigue loads of the design service goal. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct cracking on a bracket of the cockpit 
instrument panel, which, combined with failure of the horizontal 
beam, could lead to collapse of the cockpit panel, and reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Bracket No. 6 of the Cockpit Instrument Panel

    At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of bracket 
No. 6 (part number (P/N) F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 
55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 
55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel for cracking and to 
determine if both bracket lugs are fully broken, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,600 
flight cycles.
    (1) Prior to accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since the 
airplane's first flight.
    (2) Prior to bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel 
accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since installation on an 
airplane.
    (3) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.

(h) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-
modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-
modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel is 
found, and both bracket lugs are not fully broken: Within 2,600 
flight cycles after that inspection, replace bracket No. 6 of the 
cockpit instrument panel with a serviceable part, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. 
Replacement of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification 
Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 
55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-
modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-
modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel is 
found and both bracket lugs are fully broken: Before further flight, 
do a detailed inspection of bracket No. 7 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-
modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-
modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel for 
cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 
2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated 
January 31, 2014; as applicable.
    (i) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, no cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit 
instrument panel: Before further flight, replace bracket No. 6 and 
bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument panel with serviceable 
parts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 
2014; as applicable. Replacement of bracket No. 6 (P/N 
F2511012820000, pre-

[[Page 80242]]

modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-
modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel 
does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, any cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit 
instrument panel: Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, 
Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; specify to contact 
Airbus for repair instructions, and specify that action as ``RC'' 
(Required for Compliance), repair the cracking before further flight 
using a repair 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).

(i) Optional Terminating Modification for Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Modifying an airplane by replacing bracket No. 6 of the cockpit 
instrument panel with a new, reinforced bracket, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3548, dated October 31, 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-
4354, dated October 31, 2013; as applicable; terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
identified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD, which 
is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, dated September 10, 
2013.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 01, dated 
April 24, 2014.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, dated September 10, 
2014.

(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: 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 EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, if Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; contain 
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and 
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures and tests 
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and 
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from, using 
accepted methods in accordance with the operators maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided 
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0127, dated May 15, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-
2015-0083-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(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 Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated 
April 24, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3548, dated October 31, 
2013.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated 
January 31, 2014.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4354, dated October 31, 
2013.
    (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 December 9, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31714 Filed 12-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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