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

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13103-13106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4671]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0230; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD; 
Amendment 39-15419; AD 2008-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, 
and A340-300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires an 
accelerated schedule of repetitive testing of the elevator servo 
control loops, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains 
the existing requirements, reduces the applicability of the existing 
AD, and adds terminating actions. This AD results from reports of 
failed elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls during 
certain phases of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of 
elevator control and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 16, 
2008.
    On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 
2005; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated 
October 3, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
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 address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

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

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2005-23-10, amendment 
39-14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005). The existing AD applies to 
all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 
26, 2007 (72 FR 65906). That NPRM proposed to retain the existing 
requirements, reduce the applicability of the existing AD, and add 
terminating actions.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comment that has been 
received on the NPRM.

Request To Extend Compliance Time for the Modification

    Air Transport Association (ATA) and one of its members, Northwest 
Airlines (NWA), state that the terminating action specified in the 
proposed AD should be mandated at a maximum of 24 months after the 
effective date for coordination with the aircraft C-check intervals. 
NWA adds that the repetitive tests of the elevator servo-loops will 
ensure continued safe operation until terminating action is 
accomplished.
    We do not agree with the request from ATA and NWA to extend the 
compliance time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this 
action, we considered the urgency associated with the subject unsafe 
condition, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect 
of accomplishing the required modification within a period of time that 
corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected 
operators. In light of these items, we have determined that a 17-month 
compliance time is appropriate. However, according to the provisions of 
paragraph (q) of the AD, we may approve requests to adjust the 
compliance time if the request includes data that justify that the new 
compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comment that has been submitted, and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
of the affected Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes to comply 
with this AD.

[[Page 13104]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Average                                                      Number of U.S.-
             Action                  Work     labor rate         Parts             Cost per  airplane          registered            Fleet cost
                                   hour(s)     per hour                                                        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2005-          1          $80  None..............  $80, per inspection cycle.                18  $1,440, per inspection
 23-10).                                                                                                                     cycle.
Modifications (new actions).....         28           80  The manufacturer    $2,240                                    18  $40,320.
                                                           states that it
                                                           will supply
                                                           required parts to
                                                           the operators at
                                                           no cost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, there are no affected Model A340-200 and A340-300 series 
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane is 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the 
modification would take about 10 work hours, at an average labor rate 
of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that it will supply 
required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this AD for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series 
airplanes to be $800 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 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 
removing amendment 39-14368 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), and by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-06-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-15419. Docket No. FAA-2007-0230; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-043-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-23-10.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in Table 1 of 
this AD, certificated in any category.

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Excluding those airplanes on
             Airbus model--                 which any of the following--            Has been installed--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-   Airbus modification 54833......  In production.
 300 series airplanes.
                                          Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27- In service.
                                           3136, Revision 01, dated July
                                           19, 2006.
                                          Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27- In service.
                                           4135, dated January 12, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of failed elevator servo 
controls due to broken guides. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases of 
takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator 
control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 13105]]

the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been 
done.

Requirements of AD 2005-23-10:

Service Information

    (f) The term ``AOT,'' as used in paragraphs (g) through (i) of 
this AD, means section 4.2. ``Description'' of the following service 
information, as applicable:
    (1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All 
Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005; 
and
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All 
Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.

Initial and Repetitive Elevator Servo-Loop Tests

    (g) Within 200 flight hours after November 29, 2005 (the 
effective date of AD 2005-23-10): Test the elevator servo-loops, in 
accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this 
AD. If the test of the elevator servo-loops passes, repeat the test 
at intervals not to exceed 140 flight hours or 8 days, whichever 
occurs first.

Failed Tests

    (h) If any test of the elevator servo-loops required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD fails: Before further flight, troubleshoot 
the cause of the test failure, and do the applicable corrective 
actions; in accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph 
(j) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the test at the times specified 
in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Reporting Requirement

    (i) Following each test required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
submit a report of the findings of only failed elevator servo-loop 
tests to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical 
Support, Attention: Mr. J. Laurent, SEE53, fax +33/(0)5.61.93.44.25; 
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of 
this AD. The report must include the description of the failure 
experienced during the test, the identified cause of the failure, 
and the number of flight hours and flight cycles on the airplane. 
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements contained in this 
AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the test was done after November 29, 2005: Submit the 
report within 10 days after the test.
    (2) If the test was done prior to November 29, 2005: Submit the 
report within 10 days after November 29, 2005.

New Requirements of This AD

New Service Information for Testing

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, do the actions required 
by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3138, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 
30, 2006; and
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-27-4137, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 
30, 2006.

Terminating Actions

    (k) Within 17 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the four elevator servo controls in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136, 
Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135, dated January 
12, 2006 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as 
applicable.

    Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3136 and A340-27-4135 
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-18, 
Revision 1, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph 
(k) of this AD.

    (l) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3136, dated January 12, 2006, are acceptable for 
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (k) of this 
AD.
    (m) Concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (k) 
of this AD, modify the four elevator servo controls in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3134, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2006 (for Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132, 
dated October 13, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); as applicable.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3134 and A340-27-4132 
refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-17, 
Revision 2, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph 
(m) of this AD.

    (n) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3134, dated October 13, 2005, are acceptable for 
compliance with the modification required by paragraph (m) of this 
AD.
    (o) Accomplishment of the modifications required by paragraphs 
(k) and (m) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (p) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, an elevator servo control, unless it has been 
modified in accordance with paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (q)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
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.

Related Information

    (r) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive 
2007-0008, dated January 9, 2007, also addresses the subject of this 
AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (s) You must use the applicable Airbus service information 
contained in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

                                Table 2.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service information                        Revision                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138..  01...........................  October 3, 2005.
Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137..  01...........................  October 3, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134.....  01...........................  May 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136.....  01...........................  July 19, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3138,      02...........................  May 30, 2006.
 excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132.....  Original.....................  October 13, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135.....  Original.....................  January 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4137,      02...........................  May 30, 2006.
 excluding Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in 
Table 3 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.

[[Page 13106]]



                                Table 3.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service information                        Revision                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134.....  01...........................  May 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136.....  01...........................  July 19, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3138,      02...........................  May 30, 2006.
 excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132.....  Original.....................  October 13, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135.....  Original.....................  January 12, 2006.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4137,      02...........................  May 30, 2006.
 excluding Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69065, November 14, 2005), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, 
dated October 3, 2005; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137, 
Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. 
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 March 3, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-4671 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
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