[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22432-22434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10726]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-352-AD; Amendment 39-12214; AD 2001-09-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. This 
action requires a one-time inspection to verify the proper 
configuration of the drive assemblies for the low-pressure and, for 
certain airplanes, the cross-feed fuel valves; and corrective action, 
if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the low-
pressure and/or cross-feed fuel valves, which could result in the 
inability to shut off the fuel supply to the engine and exacerbate an 
engine fire, or the inability to cross-feed fuel when required. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 21, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 21, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 4, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket 2000-NM-352-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-352-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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the 
FAA

[[Page 22433]]

that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330 and 
A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that an operator of a Model 
A340 series airplane experienced an engine shutdown less than a minute 
after engine startup. Subsequent inspection of the low-pressure fuel 
valve drive of the engine revealed that a thrust washer was missing 
from the drive assembly. The reason for the missing washer is unknown. 
The absence of the washer allowed excessive movement of the spindle in 
the drive assembly, which caused the spindle to disconnect from the 
actuator. Because the actuator was not connected to the spindle of the 
drive assembly, the fuel valve could not be operated. Failure of the 
low-pressure fuel valve, if not corrected, could result in the 
inability to shut off the fuel supply to the engine and exacerbate an 
engine fire.
    The subject low-pressure fuel valves are installed on certain Model 
A330 and A340 series airplanes. Therefore, those Model A330 series 
airplanes are also subject to the unsafe condition identified in this 
AD.
    Failure of the cross-feed valves could result in the inability to 
cross-feed fuel when required only on Model A330 series airplanes 
flying under extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS).

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-28A3069 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) and A340-28A4087 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both dated July 27, 2000. The service bulletins describe procedures for 
a one-time inspection to verify the proper configuration of the drive 
assemblies for the low-pressure and cross-feed fuel valves. If the 
washer is missing, the service bulletins provide procedures for 
installing a new thrust washer. If excessive movement of the drive 
spindle is detected, the service bulletins provide procedures for 
inspecting the drive assembly to detect damage and wear and replacing 
unserviceable parts with serviceable parts. These actions are intended 
to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC classified the 
service bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness 
directives 2000-406-125(B) and 2000-405-152(B), both dated September 
20, 2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 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 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 that may be 
registered in the United States at some time in the future, this AD is 
being issued to prevent failure of the low-pressure and/or cross-feed 
fuel valves, which could result in the inability to shut off the fuel 
supply to the engine and exacerbate an engine fire, or the inability to 
cross-feed fuel when required. This AD requires the actions specified 
in 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 16 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$960 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 2000-NM-352-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

[[Page 22434]]

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-09-09  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12214. Docket 2000-NM-
352-AD.

    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category, listed in the following table:

                         Table 1--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Having serial
        Model/series                numbers--          Equipped with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-202, -223, -243, -301, - 0012 through 0314     Low-pressure fuel
 321, -322, -323, -341, -      inclusive, 0316       valves having part
 342, -343.                    through 0319          number (P/N)
                               inclusive, 0321,      HTE900212 or
                               0322, 0325 through    HTE900160, and
                               0328 inclusive.       having a cross-feed
                                                     valve having P/N
                                                     HTE900162.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, - 0002 through 0327     Low-pressure fuel
 312, -313.                    inclusive.            valves having P/N
                                                     HTE900212 or
                                                     HTE900160.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 failure of the low-pressure and/or cross-feed fuel 
valves, which could result in the inability to shut off the fuel 
supply to the engine and exacerbate an engine fire, or the inability 
to cross-feed fuel when required, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 1,450 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the drive 
assemblies for the low-pressure and cross-feed fuel valves to detect 
discrepancies (incorrect configuration including a missing thrust 
washer and excessive movement of the drive spindle), in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28A3069 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes) or A340-28A4087 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both 
dated July 27, 2000; as applicable. If any discrepancy is found: 
Prior to further flight, perform applicable corrective actions 
(including inserting a new washer, inspecting the drive assembly to 
detect damage and wear, repairing cracking, and replacing 
unserviceable parts with serviceable parts) in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.

    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.''

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a low-pressure fuel valve having P/N HTE900212 or 
HTE900160, unless that valve has been inspected and applicable 
corrective actions have been performed 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, 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

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-28A3069, dated July 27, 2000; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-28A4087, dated July 27, 2000; as applicable. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2000-406-125(B) and 2000-405-152(B), both 
dated September 20, 2000.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 21, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-10726 Filed 5-3-01; 8:45 am]
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