Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1593-1595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31868]



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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 4 / Friday, January 6, 2017 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 1593]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9117; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-095-AD; 
Amendment 39-18775; AD 2017-01-08]
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 certain 
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes; and 
Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports of certain hydraulic reservoirs (HRs) becoming 
depressurized due to air leakage from the HR pressure relief valve 
(PRV). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the hydraulic fluid 
levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each hydraulic circuit, 
and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) and nitrogen 
pressure in affected HRs. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 10, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 10, 
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: airworthiness. [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-2016-9117.

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-
9117; 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 apply to certain A330-200 Freighter, 
-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, 
and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on October 3, 2016 (81 FR 67937) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of certain HRs becoming depressurized due to air leakage 
from the HR PRV. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of 
the hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each 
hydraulic circuit, and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) 
and nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct air leakage from an HR PRV, which could lead to the loss of 
one or more hydraulic systems, with the possible result of 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 
2016-0107, dated June 7, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series 
airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Some events of depressurisation of hydraulic reservoirs have 
been reported, due to air leakage from the HR PRV [hydraulic 
reservoir pressure relief valve]. The results of the investigations 
revealed that the air leakage was due to the extrusion of the O-ring 
seal from the HR PRV. This may have happened during HR maintenance, 
testing or during flight, if HR over-filling was performed, as a 
result of which hydraulic fluid could pass through the PRV, causing 
[the] PRV seal to migrate from its nominal position, leading to loss 
of HR pressurisation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
loss of one or more hydraulic systems, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16 [dated January 28, 2016] to provide 
inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the HR fluid level of each hydraulic 
circuit and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD also requires actions when 
maintenance action is accomplished on hydraulic reservoirs.
    This [EASA] AD is considered as interim action and further 
[EASA] AD action may follow.

    Required actions include repetitive inspection of the hydraulic 
fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each hydraulic 
circuit, and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) and 
nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. 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-2016-9117.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

[[Page 1594]]

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, 
Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for inspecting hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas 
pressure in certain HRs, and adjustment of the fluid level(s) and 
nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. 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 101 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
           Action                  Labor cost         Parts cost       Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.................  1 work-hour x $85 per              $0  $85 per inspection     $8,585 per inspection
                              hour = $85 per                         cycle.                 cycle.
                              inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary servicing that 
will be required based on the results of the required inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this 
servicing:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adding or removing hydraulic fluid or nitrogen  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
 gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2017-01-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18775; Docket No. FAA-2016-9117; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-095-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 10, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 
and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -
313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category, fitted 
with a hydraulic reservoir (HR) pressure relief valve (PRV) part 
number (P/N) 42F0026 installed on TECHSPACE HR having P/N 42F1005, 
42F1203, 42F1304, 42F1412, 42F1512, or 42F1607.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of certain hydraulic reservoirs 
(HRs) becoming depressurized due to air leakage from the HR PRV. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct air leakage from the HR 
PRV, which could lead to the loss of one or more hydraulic systems, 
with the possible result of loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 1595]]

(g) Inspection of Fluid Level and Nitrogen Pressure in HR

    Within the compliance time defined in table 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD, as applicable, inspect the HR fluid level and nitrogen 
pressure of each hydraulic circuit, in accordance with the 
instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.1 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,600 
flight hours.

 Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Initial Inspection Compliance Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Compliance Time
                    (A or B, whichever occurs later)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A......................................  Before accumulating 1,600
                                          flight hours since first
                                          flight of the airplane.
B......................................  Within 1,000 flight hours or 3
                                          months, whichever occurs first
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any unacceptable pressure or fluid level is identified, before 
further flight, do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, for each unacceptable pressure or fluid 
level that is discovered. Accomplishment of these actions on an 
airplane does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections as required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that 
airplane.
    (1) Add or remove hydraulic fluid, as applicable, in accordance 
with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.
    (2) Add or remove nitrogen gas, as applicable, in accordance 
with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus AOT A29L005-16, 
Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.

(i) Servicing Hydraulic Reservoir

    Concurrent with the initial inspection specified in paragraph 
(g) of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the hydraulic reservoir servicing actions 
specified in paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus AOT A29L005-16, Revision 
01, dated June 28, 2016.

(j) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals 
may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(k) 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 Airbus AOTA29L005-16, 
dated January 28, 2016.

(l) 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 the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0107, dated June 7, 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-2016-9117.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, 
Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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: airworthiness.[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 23, 2016.
Thomas Groves,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31868 Filed 1-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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