Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60238-60240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20817]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0073; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-229-AD; 
Amendment 39-15240; AD 2007-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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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 cruise, an A330 operator experienced a LH (left-hand) 
wing tank pump <greek-i>1 low pressure message followed immediately 
by LH wing tank stand-by pump low pressure message, then LH wing 
tank pumps low pressure message. The flight crew opened the cross-
feed valve to feed the engine on LH wing from RH (right-hand) wing 
but RH wing tank pumps low-pressure message was displayed as well as 
advisory unbalanced fuel message. * * *
* * * * *
    It has been confirmed following fuel tank entry that outlet of 
the LH pump <greek-i>2 canister had broken due to static overload.
    If this situation is not corrected, it can lead to the loss of 
fuel on both engines in flight * * * [and] a dual engine flameout * 
* *.

    This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 8, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 8, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 this AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 60239]]

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2007-0216-E, dated August 8, 2007 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During cruise, an A330 operator experienced a LH (left-hand) 
wing tank pump <greek-i>1 low pressure message followed immediately 
by LH wing tank stand-by pump low pressure message, then LH wing 
tank pumps low pressure message. The flight crew opened the cross-
feed valve to feed the engine on LH wing from RH (right-hand) wing 
but RH wing tank pumps low-pressure message was displayed as well as 
advisory unbalanced fuel message. It was reported that the cross-
feed was closed in accordance with applicable procedure and the 
aircraft was landed successfully.
    It has been identified that both engines were gravity fed above 
the certified gravity feed ceiling for a brief period of time.
    It has been confirmed following fuel tank entry that outlet of 
the LH pump <greek-i>2 canister had broken due to static overload.
    If this situation is not corrected, it can lead to the loss of 
fuel on both engines in flight which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
    To prevent a dual engine flameout, this Emergency Airworthiness 
Directive (EAD) mandates an operational procedure which covers the 
scenario of small or large engine feed line ruptures and to add also 
a method to recover fuel in the unlikely event that the engine on 
the affected wing fails to restart at or below the gravity feed 
ceiling.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued A330 Temporary Revision 4.02.00/39, dated June 
21, 2007, to the Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between the 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because on 
the incident airplane, the outlet of the LH pump <greek-i>2 canister to 
the engine fuel feed line was found ruptured. During cruise, the 
flightcrew followed existing AFM procedures for a FUEL L WING PUMPS LO 
PR ECAM caution, which resulted in an unwanted fuel transfer through 
the ruptured part from the right wing inner tank to the left wing inner 
tank. Under certain conditions, this could result in the loss of fuel 
to both engines and a dual engine flameout. Therefore, we determined 
that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0073; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-229-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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.

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:

[[Page 60240]]

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:

2007-22-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15240. Docket No. FAA-2007-0073; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-229-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
8, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all certified models, all serial 
numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During cruise, an A330 operator experienced a LH (left-hand) 
wing tank pump <greek-i>1 low pressure message followed immediately 
by LH wing tank stand-by pump low pressure message, then LH wing 
tank pumps low pressure message. The flight crew opened the cross-
feed valve to feed the engine on LH wing from RH (right-hand) wing 
but RH wing tank pumps low-pressure message was displayed as well as 
advisory unbalanced fuel message. It was reported that the cross-
feed was closed in accordance with applicable procedure and the 
aircraft was landed successfully.
    It has been identified that both engines were gravity fed above 
the certified gravity feed ceiling for a brief period of time.
    It has been confirmed following fuel tank entry that outlet of 
the LH pump <greek-i>2 canister had broken due to static overload.
    If this situation is not corrected, it can lead to the loss of 
fuel on both engines in flight which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
    To prevent a dual engine flameout, this Emergency Airworthiness 
Directive (EAD) mandates an operational procedure which covers the 
scenario of small or large engine feed line ruptures and to add also 
a method to recover fuel in the unlikely event that the engine on 
the affected wing fails to restart at or below the gravity feed 
ceiling.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, revise the Procedures and Emergency sections of the 
Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the information 
in Airbus A330 Temporary Revision (TR) 4.02.00/39, dated June 21, 
2007. The TR revises the procedure to follow in the event of fuel 
pump low pressure warnings and adds operational procedures to follow 
in the event of a feed fuel line rupture.

    Note 1: The action required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be 
done by inserting into the appropriate AFM sections a copy of the TR 
listed in paragraph (f) of this AD. When this TR has been included 
in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be 
inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant information in the 
general revision is identical to that in the TR listed in paragraph 
(f) of this AD.


    Note 2: This AFM TR will be incorporated in another AFM TR 
associated to the introduction of Flight Warning Computer T2 
standard.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: 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:
    (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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency Airworthiness 
Directive 2007-0216-E, dated August 8, 2007, and Airbus A330 
Temporary Revision 4.02.00/39, dated June 21, 2007, to the Airbus 
A330 AFM, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus A330 Temporary Revision 4.02.00/39, 
dated June 21, 2007, to the Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual, to 
do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. (The issue date is identified only on the first page of 
the temporary revision; no other page of the document contains the 
date.)
    (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 12, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-20817 Filed 10-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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