Published 2017-01-05 · Federal Register document 2016-30411
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by certain anomalies of the flight guidance computers. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:54.997910+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2017-90ba553c3b802c53
- Source row
- results[7]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 90ba553c3b802c5316e8d18f30db5da9f7731a87f58278ec2965f199ef4375e9
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2016-25-30
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2017-02-09
Read 17 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15421–15485, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ea0ff0fea635a36fdf397afe440937f35229488d3358677f32439295e9a687d5
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2),
(b)(3), and (b)(4) of this AD:
(1) AD 2012-08-02, Amendment 39-17018 (77 FR 24829, April 26,
2012) (``AD 2012-08-02'').
(2) AD 2013-03-06, Amendment 39-17341 (78 FR 15279, March 11,
2013) (``AD 2013-03-06'').
(3) AD 2013-05-08, Amendment 39-17380 (78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013;
corrected August 29, 2013 (78 FR 53237)) (``AD 2013-05-08'').
(4) AD 2013-19-14, Amendment 39-17596 (78 FR 68347, November 14,
2013) (``AD 2013-19-14'').
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Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-642 airplanes.
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Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
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Reason
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that, due to significant
differences among all airspeed sources, the flight controls will
revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/
THR) will automatically disconnect, and the flight director (FD)
bars will be automatically removed. Then, if two airspeed sources
become similar while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers
will display the FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement of the
AP and A/THR. In some
[[Page 1178]]
cases, however, the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as a
possible abrupt pitch command. We are issuing this AD to prevent AP
engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which could result
in reduced control of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16661–17424, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f4bd6f8ce1987f2cfbf6e1b417e2de754db9516168e0d19aeb655494003bf7e8
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17424–17526, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A330 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
(g) New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A330 Series Airplanes, and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
At the applicable time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD: Upgrade (by modification or replacement, as applicable) the
three flight control primary computers (FCPCs), as specified in
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5)
of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Software Standard Updates and
Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance time
Software standard Hardware standard after effective
date of this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P13/M22......................... FCPC 2K2.......... Within 9 months.
P14/M23......................... FCPC 2K1.......... Within 9 months.
M23............................. FCPC 2K0.......... Within 9 months.
L24............................. FCPC 2K1 or 2K0... Within 15 months.
L23............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
W13............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Service Information
(h) Service Information
For the upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this AD, applicable
service information is identified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2),
(h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated March 23,
2016.
(2) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K1 or
FCPC 2K0: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(3) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K0 or FCPC 2K1: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195,
dated November 24, 2015.
(4) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated
November 24, 2015.
(5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes with
hardware standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064,
dated June 1, 2016.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19046–19990, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 48999a464f93fb83f81d1e45b7c5badb16a5ae1bb5c1df44bd68891d88fcbead
Removal of Certain Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Requirements
(i) Removal of Certain Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Requirements
After accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, the AFM operational procedures required by the AFM
revisions identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of
this AD are no longer required and can be removed from the AFM for
that airplane only.
(1) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-19-14.
(2) The AFM revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2013-19-14.
(3) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-03-06.
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Removal of Certain Other AFM Requirements
(j) Removal of Certain Other AFM Requirements
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the dispatch limitations required by paragraphs (g),
(h), and (i) of AD 2012-08-02 for that airplane only, and after
accomplishing the FCPC upgrade, those dispatch limitations can be
removed from the AFM for that airplane only.
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Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-05-08 Affected by This AD
(k) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-05-08 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraph (l) and
paragraphs (o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013-05-08.
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Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-19-14 Affected by This AD
(l) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-19-14 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (i) and
(j) of AD 2013-19-14.
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Airplanes Excluded From Certain Requirements
(m) Airplanes Excluded From Certain Requirements
For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes having Airbus
Modification 202680 (installation of FCPC 2K2 with software standard
P13/M22) incorporated in production: The actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD are not required, provided it can be
positively determined that since the date of issuance of the
original certificate of airworthiness or the original export
certificate of airworthiness, no FCPC has been replaced on that
airplane with an FCPC having an earlier standard.
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Credit for Previous Actions
(n) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3205, dated March 9, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205,
Revision 01, dated July 3, 2015.
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Other FAA AD Provisions
(o) 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.
(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 EASA; or
Airbus's EASA 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.
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Related Information
(p) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016, 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-2016-7424.
[[Page 1179]]
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(q) 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 A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195, dated November 24,
2015.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated November 24,
2015.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
(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 24855–26371, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 155debccb86ddcb9ca6cb688ccee0c025e8e625ad63fa99a09b8508967d1d077
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 2016-25-30 · 0 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: dfec12a1d381c317a0ebf4f872cc019dd048df655337ed82cb64a50c9334be2c. Source manifest: 19c788d05c42206f8a0fb95097e36773cba1bd039dd638356eeb7a228df1f92f.
Official source · 2017-01-05
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 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1175-1179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30411]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-7424; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-173-AD;
Amendment 39-18756; AD 2016-25-30]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by certain anomalies of the flight guidance computers. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 9,
2017.
ADDRESSES: 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-2016-7424.
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-
7424; 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: 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
[[Page 1176]]
apply to all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2016 (81 FR
44235) (``the NPRM'').
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200
Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500,
and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
It was determined that, when there are significant differences
between all airspeed sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330
or A340 aeroplane will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP)
and the auto-thrust (A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the Flight
Director (FD) bars are automatically removed. Further analyses have
shown that, after such an event, if two airspeed sources become
similar while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers will
display the FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement of AP and A/
THR. However, in some cases, the AP orders may be inappropriate,
such as an abrupt pitch command.
This condition, if not corrected, may, under specific
circumstances, result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
In order to prevent such events, EASA issued AD 2010-0271 [which
corresponds to FAA AD 2011-02-09, Amendment 39-16583 (76 FR 4219,
January 25, 2011)] to require an amendment of the Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to ensure that flight crews apply the appropriate
operational procedure.
Since EASA AD 2010-0271 was issued, new Flight Control Primary
Computer (FCPC) software standards were developed that inhibit
autopilot engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0199 (later revised) [which
corresponds to FAA AD 2013-19-14, Amendment 39-17596 (78 FR 68347,
November 14, 2013)] for A330 and A340-200/300 aeroplanes, and [EASA]
AD 2013-0107 [which also corresponds to FAA AD 2013-19-14] for A340-
500/600 aeroplanes, to require a software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs by either modification or replacement.
Since EASA AD 2011-0199R1 and [EASA] AD 2013-0107 were issued,
new FCPC software standards were developed to correct aeroplane
behaviour in case of undetected erroneous (Radio Altimeter) RA
information and to introduce other improvements. In addition, the
new FCPC software standards also implement enhanced Angle of Attack
(AOA) monitoring in order to better detect cases of AOA blockage,
including multiple AOA blockage.
Prompted by these developments, EASA issued AD 2015-0124 (later
revised) to require the latest software standard upgrade of the
three FCPCs, either by modification or replacement. At the time,
some of the Airbus SBs as specified in Table 1 (originally, Appendix
1) of this [EASA] AD were not yet available.
Since EASA AD 2015-0124R1 was issued, Airbus published SB A340-
27-5064, and for this reason, this [EASA] AD is revised to introduce
the date of publication of this SB. This [EASA] AD also contains
some editorial changes to meet the latest [EASA] AD writing
standards, without changes to the technical content.
There is still one SB that remains unavailable at this time. It
is expected that this [EASA] AD will be revised again when this SB
is published.
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-
7424.
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 Air Line Pilots Association, International stated that it had
no objection to the NPRM.
Request To Include Certain Service Information in the NPRM
Airbus requested that Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated
June 1, 2016, (``SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0''), which is applicable to
Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, be included in the
NPRM. Airbus noted that SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0, was issued after
the NPRM was published and that EASA planned to issue a revision to
EASA AD 2015-0124R1, dated February 2, 2016, to include SB A340-27-
5064, Revision 0.
We agree with the commenter's request to include SB A340-27-5064,
Revision 0, in this final rule. Paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
instructed operators of Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes to
upgrade the three FCPCs in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Now
that SB A340-27-5064, Revision 0, is available, we have revised
paragraph (g) of this AD to require the upgrade to be done in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3),
(h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD. We have added a new paragraph (h)(5) to
this AD, which identifies the service information for Model A340-541
and A340-642 series airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2 as Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
In addition, the commenter is correct that EASA has revised AD
2015-0124 R1, dated February 2, 2016, to include SB A340-27-5064,
Revision 0. We have revised the Discussion section of this final rule
and paragraph (p)(1), Related Information, of this AD to refer to the
revised EASA AD 2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016.
Request To Include Certain Airplane Models in the NPRM
Airbus stated that the NPRM addressed Model A330-200, -200
Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300
airplanes; but not Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. Airbus
commented that there were inconsistencies in the NPRM because if Model
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes are not included in the
applicability then paragraph (l) of the NPRM was incorrect because it
referred to AD 2013-19-14, which includes all Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes in its applicability.
We infer that Airbus is requesting that Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes be included in the applicability of the NPRM, or requesting
that this AD be revised to remove all text that is associated with
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
We agree to clarify. Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes were
included in the applicability of the proposed AD and continue to be
included in the applicability of this AD. The SUMMARY section of the
NPRM included Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, and paragraphs
(c)(6) and (c)(7) of the proposed AD included Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes, respectively. In addition, paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
specified that operators of Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes must
upgrade the FCPCs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116 Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. For clarification we have revised the
header of paragraph (g) of this AD to include Model A340-500 and -600
series airplanes.
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:
[[Page 1177]]
<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
We reviewed the following service information:
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195, dated November 24,
2015.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated November 24,
2015.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
The service information describes procedures for upgrading
(replacing or modifying) the software standards for the FCPCs. These
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
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 92 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification/replacement.......... 3 work-hours x $85 Not available....... $255 $23,460
per hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2016-25-30 Airbus: Amendment 39-18756; Docket No. FAA-2016-7424;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-173-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2),
(b)(3), and (b)(4) of this AD:
(1) AD 2012-08-02, Amendment 39-17018 (77 FR 24829, April 26,
2012) (``AD 2012-08-02'').
(2) AD 2013-03-06, Amendment 39-17341 (78 FR 15279, March 11,
2013) (``AD 2013-03-06'').
(3) AD 2013-05-08, Amendment 39-17380 (78 FR 27015, May 9, 2013;
corrected August 29, 2013 (78 FR 53237)) (``AD 2013-05-08'').
(4) AD 2013-19-14, Amendment 39-17596 (78 FR 68347, November 14,
2013) (``AD 2013-19-14'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) Model A340-541 airplanes.
(7) Model A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that, due to significant
differences among all airspeed sources, the flight controls will
revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/
THR) will automatically disconnect, and the flight director (FD)
bars will be automatically removed. Then, if two airspeed sources
become similar while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers
will display the FD bars again, and enable the re-engagement of the
AP and A/THR. In some
[[Page 1178]]
cases, however, the AP orders may be inappropriate, such as a
possible abrupt pitch command. We are issuing this AD to prevent AP
engagement under unreliable airspeed conditions, which could result
in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) New Software Standard Upgrade for Model A330 Series Airplanes, and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
At the applicable time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD: Upgrade (by modification or replacement, as applicable) the
three flight control primary computers (FCPCs), as specified in
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5)
of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Software Standard Updates and
Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance time
Software standard Hardware standard after effective
date of this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P13/M22......................... FCPC 2K2.......... Within 9 months.
P14/M23......................... FCPC 2K1.......... Within 9 months.
M23............................. FCPC 2K0.......... Within 9 months.
L24............................. FCPC 2K1 or 2K0... Within 15 months.
L23............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
W13............................. FCPC 2K2.......... Within 15 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Service Information
For the upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this AD, applicable
service information is identified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2),
(h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K2:
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated March 23,
2016.
(2) For Model A330 airplanes with hardware standard FCPC 2K1 or
FCPC 2K0: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(3) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K0 or FCPC 2K1: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195,
dated November 24, 2015.
(4) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes with hardware
standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated
November 24, 2015.
(5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes with
hardware standard FCPC 2K2: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064,
dated June 1, 2016.
(i) Removal of Certain Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Requirements
After accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, the AFM operational procedures required by the AFM
revisions identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of
this AD are no longer required and can be removed from the AFM for
that airplane only.
(1) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-19-14.
(2) The AFM revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2013-19-14.
(3) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2013-03-06.
(j) Removal of Certain Other AFM Requirements
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the dispatch limitations required by paragraphs (g),
(h), and (i) of AD 2012-08-02 for that airplane only, and after
accomplishing the FCPC upgrade, those dispatch limitations can be
removed from the AFM for that airplane only.
(k) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-05-08 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraph (l) and
paragraphs (o)(1) through (o)(4) of AD 2013-05-08.
(l) Certain Actions Required by AD 2013-19-14 Affected by This AD
Accomplishing the FCPC upgrade required by paragraph (g) this AD
constitutes compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (i) and
(j) of AD 2013-19-14.
(m) Airplanes Excluded From Certain Requirements
For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes having Airbus
Modification 202680 (installation of FCPC 2K2 with software standard
P13/M22) incorporated in production: The actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD are not required, provided it can be
positively determined that since the date of issuance of the
original certificate of airworthiness or the original export
certificate of airworthiness, no FCPC has been replaced on that
airplane with an FCPC having an earlier standard.
(n) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3205, dated March 9, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3205,
Revision 01, dated July 3, 2015.
(o) 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.
(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 EASA; or
Airbus's EASA 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.
(p) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0124R2, dated August 31, 2016, 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-2016-7424.
[[Page 1179]]
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
(q) 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 A330-27-3205, Revision 02, dated
March 23, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3207, dated June 30, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4195, dated November 24,
2015.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4196, dated November 24,
2015.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5064, dated June 1, 2016.
(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 7, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30411 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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