[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 5 (Friday, January 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1108-1110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-51]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-297-AD; Amendment 39-10980; AD 99-01-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -
311, -312, and -313 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 all Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -
313 series airplanes. This action requires repetitive operational tests 
to ensure proper operation of the actuator of the secondary locks of 
the thrust reversers; and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the inadvertent opening of 
a thrust reverser door in the event of failure of the primary and 
secondary locks of the thrust reverser. Such inadvertent opening could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective January 25, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 25, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 8, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-297-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; and ROHR, Inc., 805 Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, California 
91912. 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 all Airbus Model A340-211, -
212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that 
it has received reports indicating that the thrust reverser 
``UNLOCKED'' warning message has been displayed on the electronic 
centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) in the cockpit during takeoff and, 
in some instances, during flight. This warning message indicates 
failure of the primary lock of the thrust reverser. Failure of the 
primary locks has been attributed to binding/stiffness of the internal 
mechanism. In all cases, the thrust reverser doors were maintained 
closed by the secondary locks of the thrust reversers. No defects of 
the secondary locks have been reported. Malfunction of the actuator of 
the secondary lock of the thrust reverser, in conjunction with a 
failure of the primary lock, could result in inadvertent opening of a 
thrust reverser door. Such inadvertent opening, if not corrected, could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A340-78-4012, Revision 01, dated 
December 19, 1996, which describes procedures for repetitive 
operational tests (referred to in the service bulletin as inspections), 
to ensure proper operation of the actuator of the secondary locks of 
the thrust reversers. The DGAC classified the Airbus service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 96-245-050(B)R1, 
dated April 8, 1998, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in France. Additionally, the DGAC specifies an 
alternate means of compliance for certain airplanes on which another 
modification has been accomplished.
    The Airbus service bulletin references ROHR Service Bulletin 
RA34078-47,

[[Page 1109]]

Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996, which describes procedures for 
repetitive operational tests of the secondary locks of the thrust 
reversers, and corrective actions. The corrective actions involve 
replacement of the actuator of the secondary lock with a new or 
serviceable acturator, if necessary.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

FAA's Conclusions

    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.

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 is being issued to prevent the 
inadvertent opening of a thrust reverser door in the event of failure 
of the primary and secondary locks of the thrust reverser. Such 
inadvertent opening could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the 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 8 work hours to 
accomplish the required operational test, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD 
would be $480 per airplane, per test cycle.

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 98-NM-297-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:

99-01-15  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10980. Docket 98-NM-297-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -
313 series airplanes; 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.

[[Page 1110]]

    To prevent the inadvertent opening of a thrust reverser door in 
the event of failure of the primary and secondary locks of the 
thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to the 
accumulation of 1,300 total flight hours, or within 500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform 
an operational test (inspection) to ensure proper operation of the 
actuator of the secondary locks of the thrust reversers, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78-4012, Revision 01, 
dated December 19, 1996. Thereafter, repeat the operational test at 
intervals not to exceed 1,300 flight hours.

    Note 2: The Airbus service bulletin references ROHR Service 
Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996, which 
describes procedures for repetitive operational tests of the 
secondary locks of the thrust reversers, and corrective actions. The 
corrective actions involve replacement of the actuator of the 
secondary lock with a new or serviceable actuator, if necessary.

    (b) For airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 45150 and 45486 
has been installed, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78-
4013, dated May 26, 1997, has been accomplished: Prior to the 
accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or within 500 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform 
an operational test (inspection) as required in paragraph (a) of 
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the operational test at intervals not to 
exceed 4,000 flight hours.
    (c) If any discrepancy is detected during any operational test 
(inspection) required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to 
further flight, replace the actuator of the secondary lock with a 
new or serviceable actuator, in accordance with ROHR Service 
Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996.
    (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 operational tests shall be done in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78-4012, Revision 01, dated December 
19, 1996. The replacement shall be done in accordance with ROHR 
Service Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996, 
which contains the specified list of effective pages:

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                         Revision level shown on
        Page No.                   page             Date shown on page
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1, 5, 6................  1......................  November 30, 1996.
2-4, 7.................  Original...............  September 16, 1996.
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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; and ROHR, Inc., 850 
Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, California 91912. 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 directive 96-245-050(B)R1, dated April 8, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-51 Filed 1-7-99; 8:45 am]
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