Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 231 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67845-67847]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23343]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0269; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-158-AD; 
Amendment 39-15287; AD 2007-25-05]
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:

    It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the 
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg] 
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation 
hardening.
    This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the 
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not 
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU 
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
    The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts 
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts. * * 
*

The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser unit 
from the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability and 
possible damage to the airplane. This AD requires actions that are 
intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication, listed in the AD as of December 18, 
2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 2, 2008.

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, Docket Operations office (telephone 
(800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,

[[Page 67846]]

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0166, dated June 15, 2007 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the 
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg] 
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation 
hardening.
    This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the 
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not 
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU 
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
    The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts 
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts. 
Consequently, the 2/2 sleeve and affected pin on the TRU hinge 
n[deg] 5 must be removed from service by means of this AD.

The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser unit 
from the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability and 
possible damage to the airplane. The corrective action is removing the 
affected sleeves and pins and replacing them with new, properly 
hardened sleeves and pins. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision 01, dated 
May 3, 2007. 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.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

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

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

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-2007-0269; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-158-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 proposed 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:

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:

2007-25-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-15287. Docket No. FAA-2007-0269; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-158-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
18, 2007.

[[Page 67847]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -
343 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, 
except those on which Airbus modification 56129 has been embodied in 
production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017 has been embodied 
in service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine 
Exhaust.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    It has been discovered that a batch of sleeves and pins of the 
Rolls-Royce Trent 700 Thrust Reverser Unit (TRU) hinge n[deg] 
[number] 5 has not been subjected to the correct precipitation 
hardening.
    This production quality issue, if not corrected, can lead to the 
complete failure of the hinge n[deg] 5--the remaining hinges may not 
sustain ultimate load--resulting in the worst case to the TRU 
release from the pylon, which constitutes an unsafe condition.
    The degradation of the mechanical specifications of these parts 
puts into question the current design life goal of these parts. 
Consequently, the 2/2 sleeve and affected pin on the TRU hinge 
n[deg] 5 must be removed from service by means of this AD.

The unsafe condition is possible detachment of the thrust reverser 
unit from the airplane, which could result in reduced 
controllability and possible damage to the airplane. The corrective 
action is removing the affected sleeves and pins and replacing them 
with new, properly hardened sleeves and pins.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 13 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, do the following actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, 
Revision 01, dated May 3, 2007. Actions done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-
3017, dated January 24, 2007, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with this paragraph.
    (1) Replace all sleeves of the thrust reverser unit hinge number 
5 (left- and right-hand (LH and RH)) with new, properly hardened 
sleeves.
    (2) Identify and replace all affected pins of the thrust 
reverser unit hinge number 5 (LH and RH) with new, properly hardened 
pins.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: 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) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0166, dated June 15, 2007; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, dated January 24, 2007; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision 01, dated May 3, 2007; and 
Rolls-Royce Alert Service Bulletin RB.211-78-AF273, dated January 2, 
2007, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3017, Revision 
01, dated May 3, 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 November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23343 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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