[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 38 (Monday, February 28, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9555-9558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3783]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20452; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-206-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for 
discrepancies of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the 
aileron servo-controls, corrective actions if necessary, and eventual 
replacement of all the attachment bolts of the aileron servo-controls. 
This proposed AD is prompted by several cases of bushing migration on 
the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo-
controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of the 
actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. We are proposing this AD 
to prevent rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the 
aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration and 
consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30, 2005.

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 9:00 
a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus, 1

[[Page 9556]]

Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2005-20452; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-206-AD.

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-2005-99999.'' 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 relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20452; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-206-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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can 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 can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 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 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, A340-200, and A340-
300 series airplanes. The DGAC advises of several cases of bushing 
migration on the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron 
servo-controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of 
the actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. Investigation 
revealed that, in cases of bushing migration, the cracking is due to 
fatigue initiated by very high unsymmetrical loads. It has been 
determined that airplanes affected are those equipped with aileron 
servo-controls with ECP-8 or ECP-9 standard installed in service. These 
aileron servo-controls are equipped with new attachment bolts with a 
reduced diameter and small head. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings 
of the aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration 
and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the service bulletins listed in the table below, 
which describe procedures for modifying the aileron servo-controls.

       Service Bulletins for Modifying the Aileron Servo-Controls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Airbus service
        Airbus model                bulletin        Procedures described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330 series.................  A330-57-3076,         Modifying the
                               Revision 01, dated    attachment bolt of
                               June 1, 2004.         the aileron servo-
                                                     controls.
A340-200 and -300 series....  A340-57-4084,         Modifying the
                               Revision 01, dated    attachment bolt of
                               June 1, 2004.         the aileron servo-
                                                     controls.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Airbus has also issued Service Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-
4083, both Revision 02, both including Appendix 01, both dated May 28, 
2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive detailed 
visual inspections for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard 
actuator fitting of the aileron servo-controls, any related 
investigative/corrective actions; and eventual replacement of all the 
attachment bolts of the aileron servo-controls with large-head bolts. 
The related investigative/corrective actions are included in Figure 2, 
Sheets 1 through 5, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin. The investigative/corrective actions 
include, among other things:
     Accomplishing a detailed visual inspection for bushing 
migration of the rod end fittings of the inboard and outboard aileron 
servo-controls.
     If there is no bushing migration: Applying a paint mark on 
the fitting and bushing, or accomplishing follow-on detailed visual 
inspections to monitor bushing rotation or migration.
     If the bushing is missing (full migration): Accomplishing 
a special detailed inspection for cracking of the aileron fitting.
     If any discrepancies are found (bushing rotation or 
partial migration, missing bushing, cracks): Replacing

[[Page 9557]]

with a new bushing or repairing the bushing.
     If the bushing migration is outside the limits specified 
in the service bulletins: Contacting Airbus for repair procedures.
    The service bulletins also recommend submitting an inspection 
report to Airbus with the results of the detailed visual inspections.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
    The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French 
airworthiness directives F-2004-067 and F-2004-068, both dated May 26, 
2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.

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 us informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Among 
Proposed AD, French Airworthiness Directives, and Service 
Information.''

Differences Among Proposed AD, French Airworthiness Directives, and 
Service Information

    The French airworthiness directives and Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083 specify that operators may contact the 
manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, but this 
proposed AD would require operators to repair those conditions per a 
method approved by either the FAA or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). 
In light of the type of repair that would be required to address the 
unsafe condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness 
agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair 
approved by either the FAA or the DGAC would be acceptable for 
compliance with this proposed AD.
    Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083 recommend 
reporting inspection results to the airplane manufacturer; however, 
this proposed AD would not contain that requirement.
    French airworthiness directive F-2004-068 requires that all Model 
A340 series airplanes be retrofitted with the ECP-9 standard aileron 
servo-controls before December 31, 2004. Since issuance of that 
airworthiness directive, the manufacturer has verified that all Model 
A340 series airplanes have been retrofitted with the ECP-9 standard, as 
recommended in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4062. Therefore, this 
proposed AD differs from French airworthiness directive F-2004-068 by 
excluding the requirements to modify aileron servo controls with ECP-7 
and ECP-8 standards for those airplanes. The manufacturer has also 
verified that all Model A330 series airplanes had the ECP-9 standard 
installed by either Airbus Modification 45512 or by retrofit, as 
recommended in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3054. Therefore, this 
proposed AD excludes those requirements for Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes that were equipped with ECP-7 and ECP-8 standard aileron 
servo-controls because those airplanes have had the ECP-9 standard 
installed. For these reasons, accomplishing the modifications of the 
aileron servo-controls to ECP-9 standard by accomplishing the 
concurrent service bulletins specified in Airbus Service Bulletins 
A330-57-3076, Revision 01, and A330-57-4084, Revision 01, is not 
required by this proposed AD.
    The differences cited above have been coordinated with the DGAC.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    The Airbus service bulletins specify to do a ``detailed visual 
inspection'' for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard actuator 
fitting of the aileron servo-controls. This proposed AD instead 
requires a ``detailed inspection,'' which is defined in Note 2 of this 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The proposed inspection would take about 16 work hours per airplane 
(2 hours per fitting), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed inspection 
is $20,800, or $1,040 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The proposed replacement would take about 12 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts 
would be free of charge. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of 
the proposed replacement is $15,600, or $780 per airplane.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    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,

[[Page 9558]]

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 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-20452; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
206-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by March 30, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, except those on 
which Airbus Modification 50660 has been accomplished.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by several cases of bushing migration 
on the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo-
controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of the 
actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of 
the aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration 
and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

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.

Service Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD.

                                       Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    And, for actions done before the effective
         For airbus model--               Use airbus service        date of this AD, credit is given for prior
                                              bulletin--                   accomplishment of revision--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330 series airplanes..............  A330-27-3075, Revision 02,   None.
                                      dated May 28, 2004.
A330 series airplanes..............  A330-57-3076, Revision 01,   Original dated March 14, 2003.
                                      dated June 1, 2004.
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.  A340-27-4083, Revision 02,   None.
                                      dated May 28, 2004.
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.  A340-57-4084,Revision 01,    Original, dated March 14, 2003.
                                      dated June 1, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083 
recommend reporting inspection results to the airplane manufacturer; 
however, this AD does not contain that requirement.

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions

    (h) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the inboard 
and outboard actuator fitting of the aileron servo-controls, in 
accordance with the service bulletin. Accomplish any related 
corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the 
service bulletin, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 
flight hours.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

    (i) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD, and the service bulletin specifies to 
contact Airbus for an appropriate action. Before further flight, 
repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Where differences in the 
compliance times or corrective actions exist between the service 
bulletin and this AD, the AD prevails.

Replacement

    (j) Replace all the small-head attachment bolts of the aileron 
servo-controls with large-head attachment bolts at the earlier of 
the times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) Before further flight if no discrepancies are found after 
accomplishing three consecutive inspections, as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directives F-2004-067 and F-2004-068, 
both dated May 26, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 16, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3783 Filed 2-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P