[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 112 (Monday, June 11, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31143-31145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13996]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-12252; AD 2001-11-09]
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) that 
is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. 
This action requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of 
the transfer tubes and the collar of the ball nut of the trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA); and corrective action, if 
necessary. This action is necessary to prevent degraded operation of 
the THSA due to the entrance of water into the ball nut. Degraded 
operation could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 26, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 26, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before July 11, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-135-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. 2001-NM-135-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.

[[Page 31144]]

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: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus 
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that four cases 
of transfer tube disconnection from the ball nut of the trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been detected during 
greasing of in-service Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. The cause 
was found to be water entering the ball nut of the THSA, resulting in 
jamming of the ball transfer path when the water froze. There are three 
independent circuits of balls. The loss of one or two circuits does not 
impact the THSA operation, as it continues to operate on the remaining 
circuits. If three circuits are lost, then the THSA operates on the 
fail-safe nut. Due to the high friction between the fail-safe nut and 
the screw, THSA operation will be inefficient and it will lock after a 
few movements. This degraded operation is not detectable by the flight 
crew as long as the THSA is not locked and could damage the screw and 
the fail-safe nut. Jamming of the ball transfer paths, if not 
corrected, could result in degraded operation of the THSA and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operator Telexes (AOT) A330-27A3088 and A340-
27A4093, both dated April 5, 2001, which describe procedures for 
repetitive detailed visual inspections of the ball nut in the area of 
the transfer tubes for, among other things, evidence of ball migration 
from the ball nut; distortion of the collar or transfer tubes; or 
disconnection of the transfer tubes from the ball nut; and replacement 
of the THSA, if necessary. The DGAC classified these AOTs as mandatory 
and issued French airworthiness directives 2001-141(B) and 2001-140(B), 
both dated April 18, 2001, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in finance.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in 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 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 degraded 
operation of the THSA due to the entrance of water into the ball nut, 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD 
requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable AOT 
described previously. This AD also requires that operators report 
results of inspection findings to Airbus.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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.
    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 Number 2001-NM-135-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.

[[Page 31145]]

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:

2001-11-09   Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12252. Docket 2001-NM-
135-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, equipped with a trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer actuator (THSA) part number 47172, and on which Airbus 
Modification 45299 has been performed.

    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 degraded operation of the THSA due to the entrance of 
water into the ball nut, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 150 flight hours from the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies in the 
THSA (including distortion of the transfer tubes, disconnection of 
the tubes, and distortion of the collar of the ball nut), in 
accordance with All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-27A3088 (for Model 
A330 series airplanes) or A340-27A4093 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both dated April 5, 2001, as applicable. If any 
discrepancy, as defined in paragraph 4-2-2/Rejection Criteria of the 
applicable AOT, is detected, prior to further flight, replace the 
THSA with a serviceable one, per the applicable AOT.

    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.''

    (b) At intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours, repeat the 
inspection mandated in paragraph (a) of this AD.

Report of Inspection Findings

    (c) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and 
negative) to Airbus; at the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection 
results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane 
serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the 
airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after 
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days 
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of 
this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished 
prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 
days after the effective date of this AD.

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, 
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

    (e) 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

    (f) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3088, dated April 5, 2001; 
or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4093, dated April 5, 2001; 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 2001-141(B) and 2001-140(B), both dated 
April 18, 2001.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 26, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-13996 Filed 6-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U