[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 19 (Thursday, January 29, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4374-4376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1972]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFI Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-293-AD; Amendment 39-10295; AD 98-03-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


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 a one-time inspection of the free-fall actuators of the 
landing gear for discrepancies, and replacement of discrepant actuators 
with new, improved actuators. This action also requires eventual 
replacement of certain free-fall actuators. This amendment is prompted 
by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a 
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent electrical short circuits to the free-fall 
actuators of the landing gear, which could result in failure to extend 
the landing gear, and consequent damage to the airplane structure 
during landing.

DATES: Effective February 13, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 13, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 2, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-293-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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the 
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330 and 
A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during several attempted 
free-fall extensions of the landing gear, electrical short circuits and 
circuit breaker overloads have occurred. The cause of the short 
circuits was attributed to installation of incorrect screws in the 
motor brush housing of the free-fall actuators during manufacture. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical short circuits 
to the free-fall actuators of the landing gears, which could result in 
failure to extend the landing gear, and consequent damage to the 
airplane structure during landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A340-32-4066, Revision 1, and 
A340-32-3042, Revision 1, both dated September 19, 1995, which describe 
procedures for a one-time inspection of the free-fall actuators of the 
landing gear to ensure that no electrical short circuit occurs, and to 
ensure that replacement free-fall actuators having correct serial 
numbers are installed. The service bulletins also describe procedures 
for eventual replacement of certain actuators with new, improved 
actuators. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued French airworthiness directives 95-187-020(B) and 95-189-032(B), 
both dated September 27, 1995, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type

[[Page 4375]]

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.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    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 requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the Airbus Model A330 and 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 3 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
inspection would be $180 per airplane.
    It would require approximately 16 to 28 work hours (depending upon 
airplane configuration) to accomplish the replacement, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be supplied by 
the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
between $960 and $1,680 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    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, prior 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 97-NM-293-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-03-03 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10295. Docket 97-NM-293-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1995; 
and Model A340 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-32-4066, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1995; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent electrical short circuits to the free-fall actuators 
of the landing gear, which could result in failure to extend the 
landing gear, and consequent damage to the airplane structure during 
landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the free-fall actuators of the landing gear for

[[Page 4376]]

discrepancies, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-
3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-32-4066, 
Revision 1 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated September 
19, 1995; as applicable. Prior to further flight, replace any 
discrepant actuator with a new, improved actuator in accordance with 
the applicable service bulletin.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3042 and A340-32-4066 
both reference LUCAS AEROSPACE Alert Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001, 
dated July 28, 1995, as an additional source of service information.

    (b) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace any free-fall actuator having a serial number specified in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) or A340-32-4066, Revision 1 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both dated September 19, 1995, with a new, improved 
actuator in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a free-fall actuator, type AR02403, AR02404, or 
AR02405 having a serial number specified in Lucas Aerospace Limited 
Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001, dated July 28, 1995.
    (d) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus service bulletins, which contain the specified list of 
effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Service Bulletin Referenced and                          Revision Level Shown                                  
               Date                     Page Number              on Page               Date Shown on Page       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-32-3042,....................  1-4, 9, 11, 13.......  1...................  September 19, 1995              
Revision 1,                                                                                                     
September 19, 1995...............  5-8, 10, 12, 14......  Original............  August 2, 1995                  
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A340-32-4066,....................  1-5, 11, 13, 15......  1...................  September 19, 1995              
Revision 1,                                                                                                     
September 19, 1995...............  6-10, 12, 14, 16.....  Original............  August 2, 1995                  
                                                                                                                
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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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 95-187-020(B) and 95-189-032(B), both dated 
September 27, 1995.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1972 Filed 1-28-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P