Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340- 211, -212, -311, and -312 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53189-53190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25595]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-119-AD; Amendment 39-11347; AD 99-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340-
211, -212, -311, and -312 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340-211, -212, 
-311, and -312 series airplanes, that requires repetitive detailed 
visual inspections of the fuselage belly fairing support structure to 
detect cracks; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment also 
provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct 
fatigue cracking of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage belly 
fairing support structure.

DATES: Effective November 5, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330-301, and 
Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 series airplanes was published in 
the Federal Register on August 4, 1999 (64 FR 42289). That action 
proposed to require repetitive detailed visual inspections of the 
fuselage belly fairing support structure to detect cracks; and 
corrective action, if necessary. That action also proposed to provide 
an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter indicates that it is not affected by the proposed 
rule.

Explanation of Change Made to Proposal

    The FAA had added a note to the final rule to clarify the 
definition of a detailed visual inspection.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the change described previously. 
The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    Currently, there are no Airbus Model A330-301 series airplanes on 
the U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 5 
work hours to accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the required AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $300 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.
    Also, there are no Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 
series airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, should an affected 
airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it 
will take approximately 6 work hours to accomplish the required 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the required AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $360 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register and an operator elects to accomplish the optional terminating 
action rather than continue the repetitive inspections, it will take 
approximately between 10 and 178 work hours per airplane (for Model 
A330 series airplanes), or between 10 and 188 work hours per airplane 
(for Model A340 series airplanes), at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour.
    Required parts will cost approximately between $1,313 and $13,262 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or between $1,049 and $14,311 (for 
Model A340 series airplanes), per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this optional terminating action is estimated to be 
between $1,913 and $23,942 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or between 
$1,649 and $25,591 (for Model A340 series airplanes), per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the

[[Page 53190]]

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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive 
Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-21-04  AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-11347. Docket 99-NM-119-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330-301 series airplanes, except those 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42332 (reference Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995) has been 
accomplished; and Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 series 
airplanes, except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42331 
or 42332 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 
26, 1995), has been accomplished; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage belly 
fairing support structure, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, 
accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspection

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the 
fuselage belly fairing support structure for cracks, in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated 
February 6, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. 
Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,800 
flight cycles.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Repair

    (b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 
1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 
26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. 
Accomplishment of this action constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD for only that repaired 
part.

Optional Terminating Action

    (c) Modification of the belly fairing support structure in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 
1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 
26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable; 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995; as applicable. Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996, 
has the following effective pages:

                         List of Effective Pages
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                                    Revision level
            Page No.                 shown on page    Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2............................  1.................  February 6, 1996.
3-31............................  Original..........  June 26, 1995.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 95-256-023(B) R1 and 95-258-037(B) R1, both 
dated December 17, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 5, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25595 Filed 9-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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