[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 63 (Thursday, April 1, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17109-17111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7293]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-277-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This proposal would require 
inspecting the ram air turbine actuator (RAT) to determine its serial 
number; and re-identifying the RAT actuator, inspecting the RAT 
actuator to determine whether the rotary solenoids are in the correct 
position, and replacing the RAT actuator, as applicable. This action is 
necessary to prevent failure of the RAT actuator to deploy when 
necessary during flight, which could result in reduced controllability 
of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 3, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-277-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. 2003-NM-277-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Airbus, 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: Gary Lium, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1112; 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

[[Page 17110]]

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 2003-NM-277-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 No. 2003-NM-277-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 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, A340-200, 
and A340-300 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during ground 
tests on a Model A330 series airplane, the ram air turbine (RAT) 
actuator failed to deploy when commanded. Investigation revealed that 
the failure was caused by incorrectly adjusted rotary solenoids in the 
RAT actuator. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure 
of the RAT actuator to deploy when necessary during flight, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
    The same RAT actuator part numbers that are installed on Model A330 
series airplanes are also installed on Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. Therefore, those airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition revealed on the Model A330 series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-29-3083, dated August 6, 
2002; and A340-29-4064, Revision 01, dated August 8, 2002. Those 
service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the RAT actuator 
to determine its serial number, and re-identifying RAT actuators that 
are not affected (i.e., subject to additional inspection) with a new 
part number. For a RAT actuator with an affected serial number, the 
service bulletins describe procedures for performing a detailed 
inspection of the RAT actuator to determine whether the rotary 
solenoids are in the correct position; and replacing the RAT actuator 
with a new or serviceable actuator (including adjusting and testing the 
replaced RAT), or re-identifying the RAT actuator with a new part 
number, as applicable. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
applicable service bulletin is intended to adequately address the 
identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified these service 
bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directives 2002-
422(B) R1 and 2002-423(B) R1, both dated January 22, 2003, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS06M-29-16, dated July 18, 2002; and Liebherr-Aerospace 
Service Bulletin 1560A-29-03, dated July 8, 2002; as additional sources 
of service information for identifying and inspecting subject RAT 
actuators, determining whether inspection findings are within 
acceptable limits, and re-identifying actuators if necessary.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are 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 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 Airbus service bulletins described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and Service Bulletins

    Although the Liebherr-Aerospace service bulletin described 
previously specifies completing and returning a sheet recording 
compliance with that service bulletin, this proposed AD would not 
require this action.
    Although the Airbus and Liebherr-Aerospace service bulletins 
described previously specify returning removed actuators to Liebherr-
Aerospace for inspection, this proposed AD would not require this 
action.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 9 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspection, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $2,340, or $260 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 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.
    Currently, there are no affected Model A340-200 or -300 airplanes 
on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane is imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will be subject to the 
same costs stated above for the Model A330 series airplanes.

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

[[Page 17111]]

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 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: Docket 2003-NM-277-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330, A340-200, and 340-300 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a ram air 
turbine (RAT) module, Model ERPS06M, having part number (P/N) 
766351, 768084, 770379, 770952, or 770952A; and containing RAT 
actuator P/N 5911905, 5911326, or 5913234.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the RAT actuator to deploy when necessary 
during flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins listed in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Although these service 
bulletins specify returning removed actuators to Liebherr-Aerospace 
for inspection, this AD does not require this action.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-29-3083, dated August 6, 2002.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-29-4064, Revision 01, dated August 8, 2002.

    Note 1: The service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand 
Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-16, dated July 18, 2002; and Liebherr-
Aerospace Service Bulletin 1560A-29-03, dated July 8, 2002; as 
additional sources of service information for identifying and 
inspecting subject RAT actuators, determining whether inspection 
findings are within acceptable limits, and re-identifying actuators 
if necessary. Although the Liebherr-Aerospace service bulletin 
specifies completing and returning a sheet recording compliance with 
that service bulletin and returning removed actuators for 
inspection, this AD does not require these actions.

Serial Number Inspection

    (b) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the RAT actuator to determine its serial number (S/N), per 
the applicable service bulletin. If the RAT actuator has a S/N 
greater than 1286, re-identify the RAT actuator, per the applicable 
service bulletin. No further action is required by this paragraph.

Inspection to Determine Position of Rotary Solenoids

    (c) If the RAT actuator has a S/N less than or equal to 1286: 
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-
time detailed inspection of the RAT actuator to determine whether 
the rotary solenoids are in the correct position, per the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (1) If the position of the rotary solenoids is within the limits 
specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, 
re-identify the RAT actuator, per the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) If the position of the rotary solenoids is outside the 
limits specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further 
flight, replace the RAT actuator with a new or serviceable actuator, 
per the applicable service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

Parts Installation

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a RAT actuator having P/N 5911905, 5911326, or 
5913234, unless the actions required by this AD are accomplished.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2002-422(B) R1 and 2002-423(B) R1, both 
dated January 22, 2003.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 25, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7293 Filed 3-31-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P