Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49188-49190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16910]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28258; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-251-AD; 
Amendment 39-15181; AD 2007-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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 the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    During a BCM (back-up control module) retrofit campaign, one 
resistor manufactured by SRT (Siegert) was found with an abnormal 
resistance drift. * * *
* * * * *
    When the aircraft is in control back-up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an incorrect value on 
these resistors may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and to possible 
impact on the Dutch Roll [uncommanded coupling of airplane roll and 
yaw motions].
* * * * *
    The unsafe condition is erratic motion of the rudder, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane due to dutch roll 
characteristics. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 2, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 2, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2007 (72 FR 
29082). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a BCM (back-up control module) retrofit campaign, one 
resistor manufactured by SRT (Siegert) was found with an abnormal 
resistance drift. This resistor was subject to humidity absorption 
and then to oxidation, which leads to increased resistor value.
    This oxidation has been determined as coming from a production 
quality issue.
    When the aircraft is in control back up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an incorrect value on 
these resistors may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and to possible 
impact on the Dutch Roll [uncommanded coupling of airplane roll and 
yaw motions].
    In order to detect a degradation of the BCM piloting laws due to 
resistor oxidation, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a 
repetitive ground operational test of the BCM fitted with resistor 
manufactured by SRT until accomplishment of terminating action 
(installation of BCM fitted with resistors manufactured by VISHAY).

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

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.

Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously. We determined that this change will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

[[Page 49189]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 20 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 15 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $24,000 or $1,200 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 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 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); 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2007-18-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-15181. Docket No. FAA-2007-28258; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-251-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 
2, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Model A330 airplanes, certificated in any category, with 
Modification 49144 installed in production, but without Production 
Modification 55185 or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3142 installed 
in-service.
    (2) Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, with Modification 49144 installed in production, but 
without Production Modification 55185 or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-27-4142 installed in-service.
    (3) Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, without Production Modification 55186 or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-27-5036 installed in-service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    During a BCM (back-up control module) retrofit campaign, one 
resistor manufactured by SRT (Siegert) was found with an abnormal 
resistance drift. This resistor was subject to humidity absorption 
and then to oxidation, which leads to increase the resistor value.
    This oxidation has been determined coming from a production 
quality issue.
    When the aircraft is in control back up configuration 
(considered to be an extremely remote case), an incorrect value on 
these resistors may cause degradation of the BCM piloting laws, 
potentially leading to erratic motion of the rudder and to possible 
impact on the Dutch Roll [uncommanded coupling of airplane roll and 
yaw motions].
    In order to detect a degradation of the BCM piloting laws due to 
resistor oxidation, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a 
repetitive ground operational test of the BCM fitted with resistor 
manufactured by SRT until accomplishment of terminating action 
(installation of BCM fitted with resistors manufactured by VISHAY).

The unsafe condition is erratic motion of the rudder, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane due to Dutch Roll 
characteristics.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours, perform 
an operational test of the BCM and back-up power supply (BPS) by 
BITE (built in test equipment), and as applicable, apply the 
corrective actions, in accordance with instructions defined in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3147, dated August 4, 2006; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-27-4147, dated August 4, 2006; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-27-5038, dated August 4, 2006; as applicable. 
Replacement of affected BCM in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3142, dated August 17, 2006; A340-27-4142, dated 
August 17, 2006; or A340-27-5036, dated August 17, 2006; cancels the 
mandatory repetitive operational test.
    (2) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install modified BCM in accordance with instructions given in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-27-3142, dated August 17, 2006; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-27-4142, dated August 17, 2006; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-27-5036, dated August 17, 2006; as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No Differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 49190]]

    (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. Send information to ATTN: Tim 
Backman, Aerospace Engineer; International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2006-0313, dated October 13, 2006; and the service 
bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD for related information.

                   Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
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      Airbus Service Bulletin--                     Dated--
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A330-27-3123.........................  December 13, 2004.
A330-27-3142.........................  August 17, 2006.
A330-27-3147, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
A340-27-4124.........................  December 13, 2004.
A340-27-4142.........................  August 17, 2006.
A340-27-4147, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
A340-27-5036.........................  August 17, 2006.
A340-27-5038, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
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Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.

              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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      Airbus Service Bulletin--                     Dated--
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A330-27-3123.........................  December 13, 2004.
A330-27-3142.........................  August 17, 2006.
A330-27-3147, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
A340-27-4124.........................  December 13, 2004.
A340-27-4142.........................  August 17, 2006.
A340-27-4147, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
A340-27-5036.........................  August 17, 2006.
A340-27-5038, including Appendix 01..  August 4, 2006.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-16910 Filed 8-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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