Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 141 (Friday, July 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47696-47699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17014]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-3993; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-065-AD; 
Amendment 39-18592; AD 2016-15-01]
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 all 
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R 
series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of partial loss of 
no-back brake (NBB) efficiency on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer 
actuator (THSA). This AD requires an inspection to determine THSA part 
numbers, serial numbers, and flight cycles on certain THSAs; and 
repetitive replacement of certain THSAs. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of THSA NBB efficiency, which, in conjunction with the 
inability of the power gear to keep the ball screw in its last 
commanded position, could lead to an uncommanded movement of the 
horizontal stabilizer, possibly resulting in loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 26, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2016-3993.

[[Page 47697]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3993; 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 Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is 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 20590.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R series airplanes, 
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model 
A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2016 (81 FR 11690) (``the 
NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of partial loss of NBB 
efficiency on the THSA. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to 
determine THSA part numbers, serial numbers, and flight cycles on 
certain THSAs; and repetitive replacement for certain THSAs. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of THSA NBB efficiency, which, in 
conjunction with the inability of the power gear to keep the ball screw 
in its last commanded position, could lead to an uncommanded movement 
of the horizontal stabilizer, possibly resulting in loss of control 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 AD 
2015-0081, dated May 7, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During endurance qualification tests on a Trimmable Horizontal 
Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) concerning another aeroplane type, a 
partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency was experienced. 
Investigation results concluded that this partial loss of braking 
efficiency in some specific aerodynamic load conditions was due to 
polishing and auto-contamination of the NBB carbon friction disks.
    Due to design similarity on the A300-600, A300-600ST and A310 
fleet, the same tests were initiated by the THSA manufacturer on 
certain type THSA, sampled from the field. Subject tests confirmed 
that THSA Part Number (P/N) 47142 series, as installed on the A300-
600, A300-600ST and A310 fleet, are also affected by this partial 
loss of NBB efficiency.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in 
conjunction with the power gear not able to keep the ball screw in 
its last commanded position, could potentially lead to an 
uncommanded movement of the Horizontal Stabilizer, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
removal from service of each affected THSA, with the intent of in-
shop NBB carbon disk replacement.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3993.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Airline Pilots Association International stated that it fully 
supports the intent of the NPRM.

Requests To Revise Compliance Date

    Airbus, FedEx Express, and United Parcel Service requested that we 
revise the compliance date in paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD from 
February 1, 2018, to February 1, 2019. The commenters stated that this 
revision would match the MCAI.
    We agree with the commenters' request. This was a typographical 
error. Our intent was to match the MCAI. We have revised paragraph 
(j)(3) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Allow Maintenance Records Review

    FedEx Express requested that we allow a review of the operator's 
maintenance records to determine the part number and serial number of 
the THSA specified in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD. FedEx 
Express stated that this review would accomplish the same intent as a 
physical inspection of the THSA.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD to allow doing a review of airplane maintenance 
records in lieu of the THSA inspection if the part number and serial 
number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    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 Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070, dated 
February 17, 2015; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated 
February 17, 2015. This service information describes procedures for 
inspection and replacement of the THSA.
    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 152 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 27 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $590,000 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $90,028,840, or $592,295 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

[[Page 47698]]

detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-15-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-18592. Docket No. FAA-2016-3993; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-065-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 26, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-
103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (5) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (6) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of partial loss of no-back brake 
(NBB) efficiency on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator 
(THSA). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of THSA NBB 
efficiency, which, in conjunction with the inability of the power 
gear to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could 
lead to an uncommanded movement of the horizontal stabilizer, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Affected THSAs

    THSAs affected by the requirements of this AD have part numbers 
(P/Ns) 47142-403, 47142-413, 47142-414, and 47142-423.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  FAA AD 2011-15-08, 
Amendment 39-16755 (76 FR 42029, July 18, 2011), requires 
installation of three secondary retention plates for the gimbal 
bearings on the THSA upper primary attachment, which involved a THSA 
part number change from the -300 series to the -400 series.


    Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  The life limits specified 
in Part 4 of the airworthiness limitations section are still 
relevant for the affected THSA. This AD addresses a replacement 
limit for the NBB disks installed on the THSA, not the life limit 
for the THSA itself.

(h) Inspection for Affected THSAs, Flight Cycles, and THSA Replacement

    Before each date and before exceeding the corresponding THSA 
flight-cycle limits specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and 
(j)(3) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of this AD; and before exceeding the flight-cycle limit 
corresponding to each date as specified in paragraphs (j)(1), 
(j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph 
(i) of this AD.
    (1) Do an inspection of the THSA to determine the part number 
and serial number. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial 
number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (2) Do an inspection of the airplane maintenance records to 
determine the flight cycles accumulated on each affected THSA since 
first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, 
whichever is later. If no maintenance records conclusively 
identifying the last NBB disk replacement are available, the flight 
cycles accumulated since first installation of the THSA on an 
airplane apply.

(i) THSA Replacement

    By each date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) 
of this AD, for those affected THSAs having reached or exceeded the 
corresponding number of flight cycles specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, replace the THSA with a 
serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070, dated February 17, 2015; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015, as 
applicable.

(j) Compliance Dates and THSA Flight-Cycle Limits

    Paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD specify 
compliance dates and THSA flight-cycle limits for accomplishing the 
actions required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
    (1) As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD: The 
affected THSA flight-cycle limit is 30,000 flight cycles since first 
installation of the THSA on an airplane, or since last NBB 
replacement, whichever is later.
    (2) As of February 1, 2017: The affected THSA flight-cycle limit 
is 20,000 flight cycles since first installation of the THSA on an 
airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.
    (3) As of February 1, 2019: The affected THSA flight-cycle limit 
is 14,600 flight cycles since first installation of the THSA on an 
airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.

(k) Serviceable THSA Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable THSA is a unit 
identified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A THSA identified in paragraph (g) of this AD that, as of 
each date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this 
AD, has not exceeded the flight-cycle limits specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD since first installation of 
the THSA on an airplane, or since the last NBB disk replacement, 
whichever is later.
    (2) A THSA with a different part number (e.g., a THSA that is 
not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD) that is not affected by 
the requirements of this AD.

(l) THSA Replacements

    As of each date and before exceeding the flight-cycle limit 
corresponding to each date

[[Page 47699]]

specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD: 
Replace each affected THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-27-6070, dated February 17, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015.

(m) Parts Installation Limitation

    Before each date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and 
(j)(3) of this AD, an operator may install an affected THSA on an 
airplane, provided that the unit has not exceeded the corresponding 
number of flight cycles specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and 
(j)(3) of this AD, since first installation on an airplane, or since 
last NBB replacement, whichever is later.

(n) 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 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: 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or 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 
operator's 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.

(o) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA AD 2015-0081, dated May 7, 2015, 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-
2016-3993.

(p) 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 A300-27-6070, dated February 17, 
2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 
2015.
    (3) 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.
    (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 11, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-17014 Filed 7-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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