Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 199 (Tuesday, October 16, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58489-58491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20137]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28922; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-132-AD; 
Amendment 39-15225; AD 2007-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series 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:

    An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake 
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving 
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the 
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was 
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design, 
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes, 
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through 
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was 
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed 
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found 
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving 
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 20, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 20, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1622; 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 August 16, 2007 (72 
FR 45976). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake 
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving 
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the 
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was 
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design, 
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes, 
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through 
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was 
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed 
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found 
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving 
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure. In 
order to avoid recurrence of the failure mode described above, EASA 
issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-0178 to require the 
replacement of the parking brake pressure limiter (FIN 323292).
    During embodiment of SB (Service Bulletin) 32-2133 on an A310 as 
per AD 2006-0178 (EASA AD 2006-0178 corresponds to FAA AD 2007-02-
21, amendment 39-14908), an operator reported that the modified 
pressure limiter could not be fitted. Subsequent investigation 
concluded that A310 installation being slightly different from A300-
600 aircraft, the approved solution was not directly adaptable to 
A310 aircraft.

[[Page 58490]]

    * * * This new AD, dealing with the same subject, requires the 
replacement of the brake pressure limiter by accomplishment of 
Airbus SB A310-32-2133, which has been revised to include the 
adaptation kit for A310 aircraft.

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.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 68 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour. Labor costs may be covered under warranty as 
described in the service information. 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 $32,640, or $480 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://www.regulations.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:

2007-21-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-15225. Docket No. FAA-2007-28922; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-132-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
20, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, except airplanes on which Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 02, dated February 26, 2007, 
has been embodied in service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake 
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving 
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the 
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was 
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design, 
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes, 
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through 
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was 
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed 
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found 
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving 
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure. In 
order to avoid recurrence of the failure mode described above, EASA 
(European Aviation Safety Agency), issued Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2006-0178 to require the replacement of the parking brake 
pressure limiter (FIN 323292).
    During embodiment of SB (Service Bulletin) 32-2133 on an A310 as 
per AD 2006-0178 [EASA AD 2006-0178 corresponds to FAA AD 2007-02-
21, amendment 39-14908], an operator reported that the modified 
pressure limiter could not be fitted. Subsequent investigation 
concluded that A310 installation being slightly different from A300-
600 aircraft, the approved solution was not directly adaptable to 
A310 aircraft.
    * * * This new AD, dealing with the same subject, requires the 
replacement of the brake

[[Page 58491]]

pressure limiter by accomplishment of Airbus SB A310-32-2133, which 
has been revised to include the adaptation kit for A310 aircraft.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the parking brake pressure limiter (FIN 323292), in 
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-32-2133, Revision 02, dated February 26, 2007.
    (2) [Reserved]

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1622; 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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0151, dated 
May 22, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 02, 
dated February 26, 2007; and Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin 
C24264-32-848, dated February 15, 2006, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 
02, dated February 26, 2007, 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-20137 Filed 10-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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