[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
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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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