Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Airbus Model A310-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42021-42023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11700]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22630; Directorate Identifier 2001-NM-323-AD; 
Amendment 39-14690; AD 2006-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Airbus Model A310-
200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD 
requires a one-time inspection of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer 
actuator (THSA), corrective actions if necessary, and follow-on 
repetitive tasks. This AD results from reports of THSAs that have 
reached their design operational life. We are issuing this AD to extend 
the operational life of the THSA to prevent a possible failure of high-
time THSAs, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 29, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov 
or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the 
plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. That 
supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2006 
(71 FR 28821). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require a one-time 
inspection of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator, corrective 
actions if necessary, and follow-on repetitive tasks.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been received on the 
supplemental NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

[[Page 42022]]

Explanation of Change to the Supplemental NPRM

    Paragraph (g) of the supplemental NPRM specifies making repairs 
using a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated 
agent). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has assumed 
responsibility for the airplane model[s] subject to this AD. Therefore, 
we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to specify making repairs 
using a method approved by either the FAA or the EASA (or its delegated 
agent).

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
change described previously. We have determined that this change will 
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Average                                                          Number of
                Action                 Work hours  labor rate             Parts                Cost per airplane      U.S.-reg.         Fleet cost
                                                    per hour                                                          airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection...........................           3         $80  None required..............  $240...................         146  $35,040.
Repetitive follow-on tasks...........          12          80  $0.........................  $960, per inspection            146  $140,160, per
                                                                                             cycle.                               inspection cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have 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 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-15-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-14690. Docket No. FAA-2005-22630; 
Directorate Identifier 2001-NM-323-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all of the following Airbus airplanes, 
certificated in any category:

Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -222 airplanes
Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer actuators (THSAs) that have reached their design 
operational life. We are issuing this AD to extend the operational 
life of the THSA to prevent a possible failure of high-time units, 
which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin References

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the term ``service 
bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the applicable required 
service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. The service 
bulletins refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin 
47142-27-11, Revision 3, dated April 25, 2005, as an additional 
source of service information for the required actions.

[[Page 42023]]



                                           Table 1.--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Approved Airbus service
                                      bulletin version for
 Required Airbus Service Bulletin   actions done before the                  Airbus airplane model
                                   effective date of this AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-27-6044, Revision 04, dated   A300-27-6044, Revision     A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622.
 September 10, 2001.                02, dated August 26,      A300 B4-605R and B4-622R.
                                    2000; or Revision 03,     A300 F4-605R and F4-622R.
                                    dated June 28, 2001.      A300 C4-605R Variant F.
A310-27-2089, Revision 02, dated   A310-27-2089, Revision     A310-203, -204, -221, and -222.
 June 28, 2001.                     01, dated August 25,      A310-304, -322, -324, and -325.
                                    2000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspection

    (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of specified components 
of the THSA in accordance with paragraph 1.E.(2)(a) and the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. 
Repair any discrepancy before further flight in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). TRW Aeronautical Systems/
Lucas Aerospace Component Maintenance Manual 27-44-13, dated 
September 14, 2001, is one acceptable method for the repair.
    (1) If the flight hours accumulated on the THSA can be 
positively determined: Inspect at the earlier of:
    (i) Before the accumulation of 47,000 total flight hours on the 
THSA, or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Within 25 years since the THSA was new or within 600 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) If the flight hours accumulated on the THSA cannot be 
positively determined: Inspect before the accumulation of 47,000 
total flight hours on the airplane, or within 600 flight hours after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Follow-on Repetitive Tasks

    (h) After the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: 
Do the repetitive tasks in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions and at the times specified in paragraph 1.E.(2)(b) of 
the service bulletin, as applicable, except as provided by paragraph 
(i) of this AD. The repetitive tasks are valid only until the THSA 
operational life exceeds 65,000 flight hours, 40,000 flight cycles, 
or 25 years, whichever occurs first. Before the THSA is operated 
beyond these extended life goals, it must be replaced with a new 
THSA, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD.

THSA Replacement

    (i) For any THSA, whether discrepant or not, that is replaced 
with a new THSA: Within 47,000 flight hours or 25 years, whichever 
occurs first, after the THSA is replaced, do the applicable tasks 
specified in paragraph 1.E.(2)(a) and the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter repeat 
the tasks within the repetitive intervals specified in paragraph 
1.E.(2)(b) of the applicable service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (k) French airworthiness directive 2001-242(B), dated June 27, 
2001, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6044, Revision 
04, dated September 10, 2001; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-
2089, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2001; as applicable, to perform 
the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet 
at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 14, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11700 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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