[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 5, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 75877-75879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-30951]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-118-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 identifying the part and 
serial numbers of the pressure reducing valve on each air 
pressurization unit, testing pressure reducing valves and air 
pressurization units having affected serial numbers, and replacing 
faulty valves or units with new parts. This action is necessary to 
prevent the simultaneous failure of two air pressurization units, which 
could result in loss of three hydraulic circuits and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 4, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-118-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 be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-118-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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, 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 action 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 No. 2000-NM-118-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. 2000-NM-118-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 air pressurization units 
(``Pressurization Units, Air'' or ``PUA'') have failed on three Model 
A330 series airplanes. Two potential failure modes, linked to defects 
in the seal quality of the internal pressure reducing valve, have been 
identified on these air pressurization units. The simultaneous failure 
of two units could result in the loss of three hydraulic circuits and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Similar Model

    The same air pressurization units are installed on Model A330 and 
A340 series airplanes. Therefore, Model A340 series airplanes are also 
subject to the unsafe condition identified by this proposed AD.

[[Page 75878]]

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-29A3073 and A340-29A4058, 
both Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated April 10, 2000. The 
service bulletins describe procedures for a one-time special detailed 
visual inspection to identify the part and serial numbers of the 
pressure reducing valve on each air pressurization unit, testing 
affected valves and units, repairing a faulty valve by replacing either 
the valve or the entire unit with a new part, and reidentifying 
functional air pressurization units. These procedures are intended to 
detect air pressurization units that might contain defective pressure 
reducing valves. Replacing defective valves or units improves the 
reliability of the reservoir's pressurization system. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified 
these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness 
directives 2000-138-118(B) and 2000-139-143(B), both dated March 22, 
2000, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in France.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to Le Bozec Filtration & Systems 
Service Bulletin 4020Q8-29-03, dated December 17, 1999, as an 
additional source of service information for accomplishment of the 
actions specified by this proposed AD.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 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. 
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 work hour 
per airplane to inspect it, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this proposed AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $60 per airplane. However, the FAA 
has been advised that all affected airplanes currently on the U.S. 
Register are in compliance with the actions of this proposed AD.
    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. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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-118-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; fitted with any air pressurization 
unit (``Pressurization Unit, Air'' or ``PUA'') having part number 
(P/N) 4020 Q8-3.

    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 (c) 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 the simultaneous failure of two air pressurization 
units, which could result in loss of three hydraulic circuits and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine the P/N 
and serial number (S/N) of the pressure reducing valve on each air 
pressurization unit, per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29A3073 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-29A4058 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated April 10, 
2000; as applicable.
    (1) If no P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment per the 
applicable service bulletin, you have fulfilled the requirements of 
this AD.
    (2) If any P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment per 
the applicable service bulletin: Prior to further flight, perform 
applicable tests and repairs in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An

[[Page 75879]]

intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, 
installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or 
irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a 
direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by 
the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, 
etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures 
may be required.''


    Note 3: An inspection per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29A3073, 
dated January 18, 2000 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-
29A4058, dated January 20, 2000 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) 
of this AD.


    Note 4: The Airbus service bulletins refer to Le Bozec 
Filtration & Systems Service Bulletin 4020Q8-29-03, dated December 
17, 1999, as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishment of the actions specified by this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, you may not install any 
air pressurization unit having P/N 4020 Q8-3 on any airplane, unless 
all actions have been accomplished for that part in accordance with 
the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 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 5: 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

    (d) 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.

    Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2000-138-118(B) and 2000-139-143(B), both 
dated March 22, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 29, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-30951 Filed 12-4-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P