[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37315-37317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14955]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-62-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 
series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections to 
check for backlash of the spherical bearing of the active aileron 
servo-controls, and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This 
proposal also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. This action is necessary to detect and correct excess 
backlash of the spherical bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, 
which could result in failure of the active aileron servo-controls and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 14, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-62-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-62-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-62-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No.

[[Page 37316]]

2000-NM-62-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

    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 it has received reports of servo-
control rod end failures occurring on the active aileron. These 
failures have been attributed to wear and migration of the Teflon liner 
of the eye-end spherical bearing, which then caused metal-to-metal 
contact. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
failure of the active aileron servo-controls and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3073, 
Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes), and A340-27-4079, 
Revision 01 (for Model A340 series airplanes), each dated January 18, 
2000. These service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive 
inspections to check for backlash of the spherical bearing of the 
active aileron servo-controls, and follow-on corrective actions, if 
necessary. Follow-on corrective actions involve, among other things, 
installing new ECP7 standard servo-controls and performing repetitive 
inspections, or replacing ECP7 standard servo-controls with ECP8 or 
ECP9 standard servo-controls, which would eliminate the need for the 
repetitive inspections required by this proposed AD.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directives 2000-014-108(B) (for Model A330 series 
airplanes) and 2000-017-134(B) (for Model A340 series airplanes), each 
dated January 12, 2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in France.
    Additionally, Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-27-3075, 
dated September 24, 1999, and A330-27-3054, Revision 01, dated November 
8, 1999 (for Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-27-4081, dated 
September 24, 1999, and A340-27-4062, Revision 01, dated November 8, 
1999 (for Model A340 series airplanes). These service bulletins are 
referenced in the previously described service bulletins as additional 
sources of service information for the installation of ECP8 or ECP9 
standard servo-controls, which would eliminate the need for the 
repetitive inspections.

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 21.29) 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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed AD and Relevant Service Information

    The Airbus service bulletins (A330-27-3073 and A340-27-4079) 
identify various compliance times for replacement of the active aileron 
servo-controls, depending upon the amount of backlash detected; the 
French airworthiness directives support those criteria. However, this 
proposed AD would require that, if any backlash greater than 0.2 
millimeter (mm) (0.0078 inch) is detected, corrective actions be 
accomplished prior to further flight. The FAA has determined that, 
because of the safety implications and consequences associated with 
excess backlash, any subject active aileron servo-control that is found 
to have an amount of backlash exceeding the specified limits of this AD 
must be replaced prior to further flight.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 20 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$3,600, or $1,200 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted.
    Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating 
action, it would take approximately between 16 and 20 work hours per 
airplane, depending upon the airplane model, to accomplish the proposed 
optional terminating action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this optional 
terminating action on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $960 
and $1,200 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 2000-NM-62-AD.


[[Page 37317]]


    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, except those airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 47433 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3075 or A340-27-
4081) or Airbus Modification 45512 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-
3054 or A340-27-4062) has been installed.

    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 otherwise 
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 (e) 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 detect and correct excess backlash of the spherical 
bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, which could result in 
failure of the active aileron servo-control and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Perform an inspection to check for backlash of the spherical 
bearing of the active aileron servo-controls, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3073, Revision 01 (for Model A330 
series airplanes), or A340-27-4079, Revision 01 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), each dated January 18, 2000; as applicable; at 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
have accumulated 13,000 total flight hours or less: Perform the 
inspection within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, or 
within 6 months after accumulating 9,000 total flight hours, 
whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, 
have accumulated more than 13,000 total flight hours: Perform the 
inspection within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.

Repetitive Inspections

    (b) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD, no backlash is detected, or if any backlash is detected that is 
less than or equal to 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.0078 inch) on all 
active aileron servo-controls, repeat the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 
months or until the actions of paragraph (d) of this AD are 
accomplished on all active aileron servo-controls.

Corrective Actions

    (c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) 
of this AD, any backlash is detected that is more than 0.2 mm 
(0.0078 inch), prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements 
of either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3073, Revision 01 (for Model A330 
series airplanes), or A340-27-4079, Revision 01 (for Model A340 
series airplanes); each dated January 18, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) Replace discrepant active aileron servo-controls with new 
ECP7 standard servo-controls in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin, and repeat the inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months or 
until the requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD are accomplished; 
or
    (2) Replace discrepant active servo-controls with ECP8 or ECP9 
standard servo-controls, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.

    Note 2: Any inspection or replacement accomplished prior to the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3073 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-
4079 (for Model A340 series airplanes), each dated August 31, 1999, 
is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
requirement specified by this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (d) Replacement of all active servo-controls with ECP8 or ECP9 
standard servo-controls, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-27-3075, dated September 24, 1999, and A330-27-3054, Revision 
01, dated November 8, 1999 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or 
A340-27-4081, dated September 24, 1999, and A340-27-4062, Revision 
01, dated November 8, 1999 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as 
applicable; constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2000-014-108(B) and 2000-017-134(B), each 
dated January 12, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-14955 Filed 6-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P