[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 12 (Thursday, January 18, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4656-4658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-1233]



[[Page 4656]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-292-AD; Amendment 39-12079; AD 2001-01-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, -321, and -322 
Series Airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A330-301, -321, and -322 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series 
airplanes. The existing AD requires repetitive replacements of the yaw 
damper actuator installed on active position with a new or overhauled 
actuator. This action adds a requirement, for certain airplanes, to 
install upgraded flight control primary computers, which terminates the 
requirement for the repetitive actuator replacements for those 
airplanes. This action is necessary to prevent hydraulic leakage from 
the yaw damper actuator installed on active position, due to premature 
wear of the dynamic seals between the actuator piston and the piston 
bearing. Hydraulic leakage could lead to the complete loss of the green 
hydraulic circuit, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective February 2, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of February 2, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of January 24, 2000 (64 FR 71004, December 20, 
1999).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 20, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-292-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-292-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 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 10, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-
26-12, amendment 39-11471 (64 FR 71004, December 20, 1999). That AD is 
applicable to all Airbus Model A330-301, -321, and -322 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series 
airplanes. That AD requires repetitive replacements of the yaw damper 
actuator installed on active position with a new or overhauled 
actuator. That AD was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent hydraulic leakage 
from the yaw damper actuator installed on active position due to 
premature wear of the dynamic seals between the actuator piston and the 
piston bearing. Hydraulic leakage could lead to complete loss of the 
green hydraulic circuit, which could result in reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    As described in the proposed NPRM to AD 99-26-12, hydraulic fluid 
leakage from the yaw damper actuator has been attributed to premature 
wear of certain dynamic seals. Investigation revealed a link between 
the leakage and small inputs sent by the flight control primary 
computers (FCPC).
    In the preamble to AD 99-26-12, the FAA specified that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that the 
manufacturer was developing a modification to positively address the 
unsafe condition. The FAA indicated that it may consider further 
rulemaking action once the modification was developed, approved, and 
available. The manufacturer now has developed such a modification for 
Model A330 series airplanes, and the FAA has determined that further 
rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from 
that determination.
    A similar modification has been developed for Model A340 series 
airplanes. There currently are no such airplanes on the U.S. Register. 
The A340 modification will be included in the FAA Required Modification 
List for these airplanes. Actions identified on this list must be 
accomplished before the airplane may be imported into the United 
States.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins for Model A330 
series airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Service bulletin           Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3068.....................  Original........  July 29, 1999.
A330-27-3071.....................  Original........  November 19, 1999.
A330-27-3055.....................  02..............  March 24, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Service Bulletins A330-27-3068 and A330-27-3071 describe procedures 
for obtaining new software standards for the FCPCs by replacing or 
reprogramming the on-board replaceable modules, or by replacing the 
FCPCs with new, improved FCPCs. The actions specified by these service 
bulletins are intended to prevent premature wear and subsequent leakage 
of the active and damping yaw actuators.
    Revision 02 of Service Bulletin A330-27-3055 was issued to, among 
other things, add a detailed visual inspection of the FCPC part numbers 
and revise certain repair procedures for replacing the yaw damper 
actuator. The actions otherwise are the same as those described in 
Revision 01 of the service bulletin, which was referred to in AD 99-26-
12 as the appropriate source of service information for replacing the 
yaw damper actuator.
    The DGAC classified the service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive 2000-076-115(B) R1, dated March 22, 
2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of

[[Page 4657]]

affected Model A330 series airplanes in France.

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 21.19) 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 hydraulic 
leakage from the yaw damper actuator installed on active position, 
which could lead to complete loss of the green hydraulic circuit and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD supersedes 
AD 99-26-12 to continue to require repetitive replacements of the yaw 
damper actuator installed on active position with a new or overhauled 
yaw damper actuator. This AD adds a requirement, for affected Model 
A330 series airplanes, to install upgraded FCPCs, which terminates the 
requirement for repetitive actuator replacements for those airplanes. 
The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 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 2 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $390 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD is estimated to be 
$510 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.
    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 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 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 No. 2000-NM-292-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.
    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 removing amendment 39-11471 (64 FR 
71004, December 20, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12079, to read as follows:

2001-01-09  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12079. Docket 2000-NM-
292-AD. Supersedes AD 99-26-12, Amendment 39-11471.
    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category: Model A330-301, -321, and -322 series airplanes; excluding 
those on which Airbus Modification 46964 or 47221 has been 
installed; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
series airplanes.


[[Page 4658]]


    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 hydraulic leakage from the yaw damper actuator, which 
could lead to complete loss of the green hydraulic circuit and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-26-12

Repetitive Replacement

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 6,500 total flight hours, or 
within 500 flight hours after January 24, 2000 (the effective date 
of AD 99-26-12, amendment 39-11471), whichever occurs later, replace 
the yaw damper actuator installed on active position with a new or 
overhauled yaw damper actuator in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3055, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998, or Revision 
02, dated March 24, 2000 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-
27-4063, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the replacement at 
intervals not to exceed 6,500 flight hours. For Model A330 series 
airplanes, after the effective date of this AD, only Revision 02 of 
Service Bulletin A330-27-3055 may be used.

    Note 2: Replacement of yaw dampers accomplished prior to January 
24, 2000, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3055, 
dated August 26, 1997 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-27-4063, dated August 26, 1997 (for Model A340 
series airplanes); as applicable; is an acceptable method of 
compliance for the initial replacement required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Terminating Action

    (b) For Model A330 series airplanes: Within 18 months after the 
effective date of this AD, install 3 upgraded flight control primary 
computers (FCPC), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
27-3071, dated November 19, 1999, or A330-27-3068, dated July 29, 
1999; as applicable. Accomplishment of the installation terminates 
the requirements of this AD for Model A330 series airplanes.

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an FCPC, part number LA2K01500A40000 or LA2K1A100D20000, on any 
Model A330 series airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 any approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD may be obtained from 
the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus service bulletins, as applicable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Service bulletin number        Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-27-3055....................  Revision 01.......  July 1, 1998
A330-27-3055....................  Revision 02.......  March 24, 2000
A340-27-4063....................  Revision 01.......  July 1, 1998
A330-27-3071....................  Original..........  November 19, 1999
A330-27-3068....................  Original..........  July 29, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3055, Revision 02, dated March 24, 2000; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3071, dated November 19, 1999; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-27-3068, dated July 29, 1999; is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-27-3055, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-27-4063, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998; was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 24, 
2000 (64 FR 71004, December 20, 1999).
    (3) Copies of any of these service bulletins 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 1998-100-067(B) R2, dated May 19, 1999; 98-
104-083(B), dated February 25, 1998; and 2000-076-115(B) R1, dated 
March 22, 2000.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 2, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-1233 Filed 1-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U