[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 130 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41211-41213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15516]



[[Page 41211]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18565; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-168-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 Series Airplanes; and A340-541 and -642 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and 
A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting 
for damage to certain actuators of the low-pressure shut-off valve 
(LPSOV), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of damage to the LPSOV 
pedestal. We are proposing this AD to ensure that, in the event of an 
engine fire, the LPSOV actuator functions properly to delay or block 
the fuel flow to the engine and prevent an uncontrollable fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France.
    You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18565; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-168-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our 
docket website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposal, comments, 
and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management Facility 
office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an 
unsafe condition associated with valves operated by the twin motor 
actuator (TMA) in the fuel-feed system may exist on certain Airbus 
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. A locating pin (dowel) inside the 
actuator mounting flange is designed to engage with a slot in the valve 
drive assembly to align the actuator and low-pressure shut-off valve 
(LPSOV) before a V-band clamp is installed to secure the assembly. 
During a maintenance engine run-up, a fuel-feed valve was found partly 
open; however, the fuel system indicated the valve was closed, and no 
electronic centralized aircraft monitor warning was triggered. 
Subsequent investigation indicated that the actuator had been installed 
in an incorrect position relative to the valve, and the locating pin 
and the slot were damaged. After the LPSOV, associated pedestal 
assembly, and TMA were subsequently replaced, the valve assembly 
operated correctly. Further investigation showed that a V-band clamp 
can be installed if the pin is too far from the actuator mounting 
flange and the pin isn't engaged in the slot. The potential resulting 
damage to the pedestal, in the event of an engine fire, could prevent 
the LPSOV actuator from properly functioning to delay or block the fuel 
flow to the engine, which could result in an uncontrollable fire.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-28-3083 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) and A340-28-4098 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both dated March 25, 2003. The service information specifies 
identifying the part number of the low-pressure fuel-feed actuators. 
For certain actuator part numbers, the service bulletins describe the 
following procedures, including related investigative and corrective 
actions:

[[Page 41212]]

     Inspecting for damage to the LPSOV pedestal, including the 
locating slot and pin of the actuator;
     Measuring the distance from the face of the mounting 
flange to the top of the locating pin;
     Repairing the actuator if that distance exceeds certain 
limits; and
     Remeasuring the flange-to-pin distance before reinstalling 
an actuator with the subject part number.
    We have determined that accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service information will adequately address the unsafe condition. 
The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French 
airworthiness directives 2003-359(B) and 2003-360(B), both dated 
October 1, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in France.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to FR-HITEMP Service Bulletin 
HTE190021-28-2, dated March 17, 2003, as an additional source of 
service information for measuring the flange-to-pin distance and 
correcting any discrepancy.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service information described previously.

Clarification of Proposed Applicability

    The French airworthiness directives specify that Model A330 and 
A340 series airplanes are affected if they are equipped with LPSOV 
actuators having certain part numbers. The Airbus service bulletins, 
which are mandated by the French airworthiness directives, specify that 
operators first identify the part numbers of the actuators. This 
proposed AD would therefore apply to all Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes and require part number identification.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Average                                    Number of U.S.-
            Action                Work     labor rate         Parts          Cost per     registered      Fleet
                                  hours     per hour                         airplane      airplanes      cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection....................        1           $65   No parts.........         $65              15      $715
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    Currently, there are no U.S.-registered Model A340 series 
airplanes; however, if any Model A340 will be imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future, the estimated costs in the above table 
would apply.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-18565; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
168-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this airworthiness directive (AD) action by August 9, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of damage to the pedestal 
of the low-pressure shut-off valve (LPSOV). We are issuing this AD 
to ensure that, in the event of an engine fire, the LPSOV actuator 
functions properly to delay or block the fuel flow to the engine and 
prevent an uncontrollable fire.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Part Number Identification

    (f) At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD, 
identify the part number (P/N) of the LPSOV actuator.

[[Page 41213]]



                       Table 1.--Compliance Times
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                                           Do the actions specified in
              For Model--                paragraph (f) of this AD at the
                                         earlier of the following times:
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A330 series airplanes..................  Within 16,000 flight hours
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD
                                          or
                                         Within 53 months after the
                                          effective date of this AD.
A340 series airplanes..................  Within 12,000 flight hours
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD
                                          or
                                         Within 39 months after the
                                          effective date of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) For P/N FRH010041: No further action is required by this AD.
    (2) For P/N HTE190021 or HTE190026: Before further flight, do a 
detailed inspection for damage to the LPSOV pedestal, and measure 
the distance between the face of the mounting flange and the top of 
the locating pin (dowel). Do the actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3083 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-28-4098 (for Model A340 
series airplanes), both dated March 25, 2003. Do all related 
investigative and corrective actions before further flight in 
accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable.

    Note 1: 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.''


    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-28-3083 and A340-28-4098 
refer to FR-HITEMP Service Bulletin HTE190021-28-2, dated March 17, 
2003, as an additional source of service information for measuring 
the flange-to-pin distance.

Parts Installation

    (g) As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install 
an actuator P/N HTE190021 or HTE190026 on any airplane unless the 
actuator has been measured, and all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions have been done, in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (i) French airworthiness directives 2003-359(B) and 2003-360(B), 
both dated October 1, 2003, also address the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15516 Filed 7-7-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P