Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 7, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10057-10059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-3855]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26707; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-157-AD; 
Amendment 39-14973; AD 2007-05-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes and Model 
A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine the part number of 
certain S4- and MZ-type spoiler servo controls (SSCs). For certain 
other airplanes, this AD requires inspecting to determine the part 
number of all SSCs. This AD also requires replacing any affected SSC 
with a new SSC. This AD results from a new load duty cycle defined by 
the manufacturer. Additional fatigue tests and calculations done on 
this basis indicated that the spoiler valve manifold of the S4-type 
SSCs, and, on certain airplanes, the maintenance cover of the MZ-type 
SSCs, may crack during its service life due to pressure impulse 
fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of certain 
SSCs, which could result in hydraulic leakage and consequent loss of 
SSC function and loss of the associated hydraulic system. These 
conditions could affect all three hydraulic systems, which could result 
in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 11, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 11, 
2007.

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: 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:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A330 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. That NPRM 
was published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2006 (71 FR 
78102). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting to determine the part 
number of certain S4- and MZ-type spoiler servo-controls (SSCs). For 
certain other airplanes, that NPRM proposed to require inspecting to 
determine the part number of all SSCs. That NPRM also proposed to 
require replacing any affected SSC with a new SSC.

Comments

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

Conclusion

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

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 27 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    It takes about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the 
inspection to determine the part number, at an average labor rate of 
$80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
inspection required by this AD for U.S. operators is $2,160, or $80 per 
airplane.

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

[[Page 10058]]

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):

2007-05-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-14973. Docket No. FAA-2006-26707; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-157-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 11, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes; certificated in any category; excluding airplanes on 
which AIRBUS Modification 44670 has been embodied in production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a new load duty cycle defined by the 
manufacturer. Additional fatigue tests and calculations done on this 
basis indicated that the spoiler valve manifold of the S4-type 
spoiler servo controls (SSCs), and, on certain airplanes, the 
maintenance cover of the MZ-SSCs, may crack during its service life 
due to pressure impulse fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fatigue cracking of certain SSCs, which could result in hydraulic 
leakage and consequent loss of SSC function and loss of the 
associated hydraulic system. These conditions could affect all three 
hydraulic systems, 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.

Determine the Part Number of the SSCs/Replace If Necessary

    (f) For Model A330-200 airplanes: Within 70 days after the 
effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part number of 
all SSCs in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 
2006.
    (1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph 
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service bulletin: No further action is required by this paragraph.
    (2) If the part number is identified in Table 1 of paragraph 
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs 
(f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), and (f)(2)(iii) of this AD in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the 
accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, 
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the 
accumulation of 11,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, 
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceed the total 
flight cycles specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this 
AD, as applicable, or if the total flight cycles are unknown: Before 
further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before 
further flight, identify the part number of the cylinder housing of 
the SSC by using a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated 
agent). Before further flight after determining the part number, 
accomplish the requirements specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) 
of this AD, as applicable.
    (g) For Model A330-300 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 
series airplanes: Within 70 days after the effective date of this 
AD, inspect to determine the part number of all SSCs in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; or A340-27-4139, 
Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; as applicable.
    (1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph 
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin: No further action is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) If the part number is identified in Table 1 of paragraph 
3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the 
accumulation of 14,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, 
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the 
accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, 
replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceed the total 
flight cycles specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this 
AD, as applicable, or if the total flight cycles are unknown: Before 
further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC.
    (3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before 
further flight, identify the part number of the SSC cylinder housing 
by using a method approved by either the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent). Before 
further flight after determining the part number, accomplish the 
requirements specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04, 
dated June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 
2006; refer to LIEBHERR Service Information Letters SIL 142, 
Revision 2, dated September 28, 2005; and SIL 190, dated September 
27, 2005; respectively, as additional sources of service information 
for accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of 
this AD.

Action Not Required

    (h) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated 
June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; 
recommend providing LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE with the part number and 
serial number of the cylinder housing of the SSC if the 
identification plate is missing; this AD requires identifying the 
part number of the SSC cylinder housing by using a method approved 
by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA 
(or its delegated agent).

[[Page 10059]]

Actions Done According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins

    (i) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this 
AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of that 
paragraph if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance 
with the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this 
AD.

               Table 1.--Previous Airbus Service Bulletins
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        Service Bulletin            Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3113....................  Original..........  September 15,
                                                       2003.
A330-27-3113....................  Revision 01.......  October 3, 2003.
A330-27-3113....................  Revision 02.......  June 11, 2004.
A330-27-3113....................  Revision 03.......  March 17, 2006.
A340-27-4139....................  Original..........  March 17, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Sec.  
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) EASA airworthiness directives 2006-0158 and 2006-0159, both 
dated June 7, 2006, also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 
04, dated June 13, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4139, 
Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; 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 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 February 22, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-3855 Filed 3-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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