[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 7, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56115-56117]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27307]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 7, 1995 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 56115]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-196-AD; Amendment 39-9422; AD 95-23-01]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. This
action requires inspections to detect cracking, corrosion, and free
play in the spherical washers located in certain assemblies where the
aft flap track attaches to the wing trailing edge, and replacement of
the washers, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports
indicating that these washers can break under load. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent breakage of these washers,
which could result in structural damage to the attachment assembly and
eventually lead to separation of the flap from the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 22, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 22, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 8, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-196-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles D. Huber, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2589; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that there has
been a report of a broken spherical washer found in the rear flap
track-to-wing attachment assembly at track 4 on a production Model A330
series airplane prior to delivery. The cause of the breakage has been
attributed to stress fracture when the washer was under load. If the
washer breaks, the load is transferred to two fail-safe bolts. Although
the flaps are still operable in this condition, the fail-safe bolts are
able to withstand the load only for a limited period of time. Failure
of these two bolts could result in the separation of the affected flap
from the airplane. This condition, if not corrected, could adversely
affect the controllability of the airplane. Additionally, the departing
flap could pose a hazard to people and/or property on the ground.
The spherical washers that are subject to breakage are installed on
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes at the rear flap track-to-wing
trailing edge attachment assemblies on tracks 2 to 5 (left-hand and
right-hand).
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3016 (for Model A330
series airplanes), and Service Bulletin A340-57-4033 (for Model A340
series airplanes), both dated April 26, 1995. These service bulletins
describe procedures for conducting repetitive visual inspections to
detect cracking, corrosion, or free play in the spherical washer
installed at the aft flap track-to-wing trailing edge attachment
assemblies at tracks 2 to 5 (left-hand and right-hand). If any of these
discrepancies are found, the washer must be replaced prior to further
flight. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and
issued French airworthiness directives (CN) 95-129-013(B) applicable to
Model A330 series airplanes, and CN 95-130-024(B) applicable to Model
A340 series airplanes, both dated July 1, 1995, in order to assure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A330-57-3016 (for Model
A330 series airplanes) and Service Bulletin A340-57-4021 (for Model
A340 series airplanes), both dated April 26, 1995. These service
bulletins describe procedures for replacing the spherical washers
installed at the aft flap track-to-wing trailing edge attachment
assemblies with new spherical washers. These new washers are
manufactured from a different material having modified tolerances, and
will provide improved strength so as to minimize the risk of stress
cracking. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as
``recommended.''
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent breakage of
the spherical washers installed at the aft flap track-to-wing trailing
edge attachment assembly, which could result in structural damage to
the attachment and eventually lead to separation of the flap from the
airplane. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections to detect
cracking, corrosion, or free play in the spherical washer installed at
the aft flap track-to-
[[Page 56116]]
wing trailing edge attachment assemblies at tracks 2 to 5 (left-hand
and right-hand), and replacement of washers showing any of these
discrepancies. This AD also provides for an optional terminating action
for the repetitive inspections, consisting of replacement of all of the
washers with improved washers. The actions are required to be
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described
previously.
None of the Model A330 or A340 series airplanes affected by this
action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any
of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 36 work hours to
accomplish the required inspections, at an average labor charge of $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD
would be $2,160 per airplane per inspection.
Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating
action (replacement of washers), it would require approximately 38 work
hours to accomplish, at an average labor charge of $60 per work hour.
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to
operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the
optional terminating action would be $2,280 per airplane.
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. Register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 95-NM-196-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-23-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-9422. Docket 95-NM-196-AD.
Applicability: Model A330-301 series airplanes, having
manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN) 0030, 0037, 0045, 0054, 0055,
0059, and 0070, on which Airbus Modification 43222D40126 has not
been installed; Model A340 -211, -212, -311, and -312 series
airplanes, having MSN 0005 through 0009 inclusive, 0011, 0012
through 0016 inclusive, 0018 through 0029 inclusive, 0031 through
0033 inclusive, 0056 through 0058 inclusive, 0063, and 0074 through
0076 inclusive, on which Airbus Modification 43222D40126 has not
been installed; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority
provided in paragraph (c) of this AD to request approval from the
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the spherical washers installed at the aft
flap track attachment to the wing trailing edges, which could result
in structural damage to the attachment and eventually lead to
separation of the flap from the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 3,500 total flight cycles, or
within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, conduct a visual inspection to detect cracking, corrosion, or
free play in the spherical washer located at the aft flap track-to-
wing trailing edge attachment assemblies at tracks 2 through 5
(left-hand and right-hand), in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-57-3029, dated, April 26, 1995, for Model A330 series
airplanes; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4033,
[[Page 56117]]
dated April 26, 1995, for Model A340 series airplanes; as applicable.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight,
replace the spherical washer with a serviceable spherical washer in
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles.
(b) Terminating action for the requirements of this AD consists
of the replacement of all spherical washers located at the aft flap
track-to-wing trailing edge attachment assemblies at tracks 2
through 5 (left-hand and right-hand) with improved spherical
washers, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3016,
dated April 26, 1995, for Model A330 series airplanes; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-57-4021, dated April 26, 1995, for Model A340
series airplanes.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-57-3029, dated, April 26, 1995, for Model A330
series airplanes; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4033, dated
April 26, 1995, for Model A340 series airplanes; as applicable. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 22, 1995.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 30, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-27307 Filed 11-6-95; 8:45 am]
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