[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 83 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21294-21296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10593]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-230-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 
installation of a retainer device on the attachment pin of the brake 
torque rod of the main landing gear (MLG). This action is necessary to 
prevent the attachment pin from fully migrating from the brake torque 
rod and to prevent the collar from detaching from the MLG; these 
conditions could result in loss of braking on two wheels and the 
inability to extend the MLG. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 30, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-230-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-230-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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,

[[Page 21295]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-230-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 2000-NM-230-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 a report of a failed 
crossbolt of the the brake rod attachment pin and a partially migrated 
attachment pin on the main landing gear (MLG) of a Model A330 series 
airplane. After the airplane landed, a walkaround inspection revealed 
that the attachment pin had migrated nearly half its length. The collar 
and the head and tail of the crossbolt, which retain the attachment pin 
in position, were missing. The complete migration of an attachment pin 
will result in the loss of braking on two wheels. It is also possible 
that the free movement of a disconnected brake torque rod could 
restrict the extension of the MLG.
    The MLG on Model A330 and A340 series airplanes is similar; 
therefore, both airplane models are subject to the unsafe condition 
identified in this proposed AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-32-3119 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) and A340-32-4157 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both dated July 13, 2000. The service bulletins describe procedures for 
installing a retainer device on the attachment pin of the brake torque 
rods of the MLG. The retainer will:
     Prevent the attachment pin from fully migrating if the 
crossbolt fails and the collar moves out of position;
     Allow for easier detection of a failed crossbolt and a 
loose collar; and
     Prevent the collar from becoming detached from the MLG.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directives 2000-478-130(B) and 2000-479-157(B), 
both dated November 29, 2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in France. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.
    The service bulletins refer to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33/
34-32-163 and A33/34-32-164, both dated March 1, 2000, as additional 
sources of service information for accomplishment of the installation 
required by this 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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 7 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed retainer installation, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. There would be no charge for required parts. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the retainer installation 
proposed by this AD is estimated to be $1,680, or $240 per airplane.
    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 proposed 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

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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-230-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus 
Modification 47917 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3119 or A340-32-
4157) has been incorporated in production.

    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 (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 attachment pin from fully migrating from the 
brake torque rod and the collar from detaching from the main landing 
gear (MLG), which could result in loss of braking on two wheels and 
the inability to extend the MLG, accomplish the following:

Installation of Retainer Device

    (a) Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
a retainer device on the attachment pin of the brake torque rods of 
the MLG, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3119 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32-4157 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), both dated July 13, 2000.

    Note 2: The Airbus service bulletins refer to Messier-
Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-163 and A33/34-32-164, both dated 
March 1, 2000, as additional sources of service information for 
accomplishment of the installation required by this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an MLG on any airplane unless it has been modified 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, 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 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

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec. 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 2000-478-130(B) and 2000-479-157(B), both 
dated November 29, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-10593 Filed 4-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U