[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 250 (Thursday, December 28, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 82259-82261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-32763]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-399-AD; Amendment 39-12051; AD 2000-25-53]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-25-53, which was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Airbus Model A330 
series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires either 
repetitive detailed visual inspections or repetitive borescopic 
inspections to detect cracking or other damage of the barrel nuts of 
the engine aft mount; and replacement of any cracked nut and its 
associated bolt with a new nut and bolt, or replacement of all 4 nuts 
and their associated bolts if two or more nuts on the same engine mount 
are found cracked. This action is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and 
correct cracking of the aft engine mount nut, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the engine-to-pylon aft mount assembly, 
or, in the case of multiple cracked nuts, possible loss of an engine.

DATES: Effective January 2, 2001, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2000-25-53, 
issued December 9, 2000, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 2, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 29, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-399-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-399-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 applicable service information 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

[[Page 82260]]

Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2797; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 9, 2000, the FAA issued 
emergency AD 2000-25-53, which is applicable to certain Airbus Model 
A330 series airplanes. That action was prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by the Direction 
Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness 
authority for France.
    The DGAC recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may 
exist on certain Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. The DGAC advises 
that there have been at least 5 occurrences of cracked aft engine mount 
nuts with two found broken (having a crack from the top to the bottom 
of the nut). Analysis of failed aft engine mount nuts has not yet 
identified the root cause; however, the cracks resulted from tensile 
overstress. The DGAC further advises that use of an anti-seize 
compound, rather than engine oil, for bolt/nut lubrication decreases 
the frictional loads on the threads of the bolt and nut, and 
significantly increases the preload for a given torque value. If 
excessive torque is applied to the bolt, the resultant preload on the 
bolt and nut can cause overstress and failure of the nut. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the engine-to-pylon aft mount assembly, or, in the case of 
multiple cracked nuts, possible loss of an engine.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-71A3014, dated 
December 8, 2000, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed 
visual or borescopic inspections to detect cracking and other damage of 
the barrel nuts of the engine aft mount. Corrective actions include 
replacing any damaged nut and its associated bolt with a new nut and 
bolt having the same part number. If two or more nuts on the same 
engine mount are found broken (i.e., having a crack from the top to the 
bottom of the nut), the AOT prescribes replacement of all four nuts and 
their associated bolts. The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and 
issued French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2000-523-134(B), 
dated December 8, 2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in France.
    Airbus AOT A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000, refers to Pratt & 
Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-16, Revision 1, dated September 
15, 1999, as an additional source of service information for replacing 
the nuts and bolts.

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 21.29) 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 the Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United 
States, the FAA issued emergency AD 2000-25-53 to detect and correct 
cracking of the aft engine mount nut, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the engine-to-pylon aft mount assembly, or, in 
the case of multiple cracked nuts, possible loss of an engine. The AD 
requires either repetitive detailed visual inspections or repetitive 
borescopic inspections to detect cracking or other damage of the barrel 
nuts of the engine aft mount; and replacement of any cracked nut and 
its associated bolt with a new nut and bolt, or replacement of all 4 
nuts and their associated bolts if two or more nuts on the same engine 
mount are found cracked. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the AOT previously described.

Explanation of Applicability

    This AD is applicable to Airbus Model A330 series airplanes 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines fitted with engine 
aft mount nuts and bolts installed in accordance with Airbus 
Modification 46948 (installed on in-service airplanes per Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-71-3012). The modification involves installing 
bolts and nuts made of MP159 material, to replace nuts and bolts made 
of the INCO718 material previously used. The Pratt & Whitney service 
bulletin, described previously, describes instructions for installing 
these parts, as referenced by Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3012.

Editorial Changes

    Certain typographical errors were discovered in the version of AD 
2000-25-53 that was sent previously to U.S. owners and operators of 
Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. Specifically, there were two notes 
identified as Note ``2'' and two notes identified as Note ``3.'' The 
notes have been correctly identified in this AD.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer reports 
that further analysis is required to identify the root cause of the 
barrel nut failure. Continued inspections will provide better insight 
into the nature, cause, and prevalence of the cracking. If further 
action is identified to address the unsafe condition, the FAA may 
consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on December 9, 2000, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Airbus Model A330 series airplanes. These conditions still exist, and 
the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 
section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to 
make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an 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

[[Page 82261]]

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 2000-NM-399-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
    A copy of it, if filed, 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:

2000-25-53 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12051. Docket 2000-NM-399-
AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & 
Whitney 4000 series engines, certificated in any category; fitted 
with engine aft mount nuts and bolts installed in accordance with 
Airbus Modification 46948 (installed on in-service airplanes per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3012).

    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 (b) 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 cracking of the aft engine mount nut, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine-to-
pylon aft mount assembly, or, in the case of multiple cracked nuts, 
possible loss of an engine, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Before the next flight, perform either a detailed visual or 
borescopic inspection to detect cracking or other damage of all 4 
barrel nuts of each engine aft mount, in accordance with paragraph 
4.2.1 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-71A3014, dated 
December 8, 2000. If any cracking or damage is detected, before 
further flight, replace nuts and their associated bolts, as 
applicable, in accordance with paragraph 4.2.2 of the AOT. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at least every 50 flight cycles.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An 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: Airbus AOT A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000, refers 
to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-16, Revision 1, 
dated September 15, 1999, as an additional source of service 
information for replacing the nuts and bolts.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 4: 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

    (c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All 
Operators Telex A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
telegraphic airworthiness directive T2000-523-134(B), dated December 
8, 2000.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 2001, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 2000-25-53, issued December 9, 2000, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 18, 2000.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-32763 Filed 12-27-00; 8:45 am]
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