[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 33 (Friday, February 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8225-8227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3732]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 33 / Friday, February 19, 1999 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 8225]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-316-AD; Amendment 39-11041; AD 99-04-16]
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 operational test to detect discrepancies of 
the delay valves and check valves of the main landing gear (MLG); and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires 
replacement of the retraction bracket assemblies of the MLG with new or 
reworked retraction bracket assemblies. 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 failure of the retraction bracket assemblies of the 
MLG, which could result in an undampened extension of the MLG, damage 
to the sidestay and attachment structure, and possible collapse of the 
MLG.

DATES: Effective March 8, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 8, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 22, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-316-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 the finishing 
process of the retraction brackets of the MLG, small particles of hot 
material may have been embedded into the surface of the retraction 
brackets, which may affect the fatigue life of a retraction bracket 
assembly. Subsequently, fretting was discovered on the surface of the 
bushing holes of the retraction brackets of the MLG, which also may 
affect the fatigue life of the retraction bracket assemblies. Failure 
of a retraction bracket assembly, if not corrected, could result in an 
undampened extension of the MLG, damage to the sidestay and attachment 
structure, and possible collapse of the MLG.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-32-3058, Revision 1 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes), and A340-32-4082, Revision 01 (for Model 
A340 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 1997. These service 
bulletins describe procedures for a one-time operational test to detect 
discrepancies of the delay valves and check valves of the main landing 
gear (MLG); and corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective 
actions involve replacing any discrepant delay valve or check valve 
with a new delay valve or check valve. A discrepant delay valve or 
check valve could indicate that the retraction bracket assembly has 
operated at a higher stress level, thereby lowering the fatigue life of 
the retraction bracket.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletins A330-32-3066 (for Model 
A330 series airplanes), and A340-32-4092 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both dated November 18, 1996. These service bulletins 
describe procedures for replacing the left and right retraction bracket 
assemblies of the MLG with new or reworked retraction bracket 
assemblies.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins 
described previously is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directives 97-007-042(B)R2 
(for Model A330 series airplanes), and 97-008-058(B)R1 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), both dated April 9, 1997, in order to assure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3066 and A340-32-4092 reference 
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-62, Revision 1, dated October 
16, 1996, and A33/34-32-80, Revision 1, dated October 17, 1996 (for 
both Model A330 and A340 series airplanes), as additional sources of 
service information for replacing the left and right retraction bracket 
assemblies of the MLG with new or reworked retraction bracket 
assemblies.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are 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.

[[Page 8226]]

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 failure of the 
retraction bracket assemblies of the MLG, which could result in an 
undampened extension of the MLG; damage to the sidestay and attachment 
structure, and possible collapse of the MLG. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus 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 6 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 the 
operational test required by this AD would be $360 per airplane.
    It would require approximately 4 to 8 work hours to accomplish the 
required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the 
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement 
required by this AD would range from $240 to $480 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-316-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:

99-04-16  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11041. Docket 97-NM-316-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes having 
retraction bracket part numbers as listed in paragraph 1.A. 
(``Effectivity'') of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3058, Revision 
1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-32-4082, Revision 01 
(for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 1997; 
except those airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3066 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32-4092 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), both dated November 18, 1996, has been 
accomplished; 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 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 failure of the retraction bracket assemblies of the 
main landing gear (MLG), which could result in an undampened 
extension of the MLG, damage to the sidestay and attachment 
structure, and possible collapse of the MLG, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 2,400 total landings, or within 
200 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, perform a one-time operational test to detect discrepancies 
of the left and right delay valves and check valves of the MLG, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin

[[Page 8227]]

A330-32-3058, Revision 1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-
32-4082, Revision 01 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated 
February 25, 1997. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further 
flight, replace any discrepant delay valve or check valve with a new 
delay valve or check valve in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (b) Replace the left and right retraction bracket assemblies of 
the MLG with new or reworked retraction bracket assemblies in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3066 (for Model A330 
series airplanes), or A340-32-4092 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both dated November 18, 1996, at the time specified in 
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2), of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If no discrepancy is detected during the operational test 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Accomplish the replacement 
prior to the accumulation of 4,300 total landings, or within 200 
landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (2) If any discrepancy is detected during the operational test 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Accomplish the replacement 
prior to the accumulation of 3,250 total landings, or within 200 
landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3066 and A340-32-4092 
reference Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-62, Revision 1, 
dated October 16, 1996, and A33/34-32-80, Revision 1, dated October 
17, 1996 (for both Model A330 and A340 series airplanes), as 
additional sources of service information for replacing the left and 
right retraction bracket assemblies of the MLG with new or reworked 
retraction bracket assemblies.

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a retraction bracket assembly having part number (P/
N) 201428224, 201428225, 201428226, 201428227, 201428251, 201428252, 
201428253, 201428254, 201478207, 201478208, 201478210, 201478211, 
201478217, 201478218, 201478220, or 201478221.
    (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 
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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-32-3066, dated November 18, 1996; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-32-4092, dated November 18, 1996; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-32-3058, Revision 1, dated February 25, 1997; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4082, Revision 01, dated February 
25, 1997, which contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Revision level
    Page number shown on page        shown on page    Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-5.............................  01................  Feb. 25, 1997.
6-10............................  Original..........  Nov. 18, 1996.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 97-007-042(B)R2 and 97-008-058(B)R1, both 
dated April 9, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 8, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 1999.
John J. Hickey,
 Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-3732 Filed 2-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U