[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15354-15358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4442]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24246; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-115-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require an inspection for anti-fretting material contamination of 
the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the flow metering system (FMS) 
and flow metering compact unit (FMCU) in the lower deck cargo 
compartment (LDCC) and bulk crew rest compartment (BCRC), as 
applicable; other specified actions; and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD results from a report that the FMS and FMCU 
of the fire extinguishing system may be blocked by anti-fretting 
material contamination. We are proposing this AD to prevent such anti-
fretting material contamination, which could reduce the effectiveness 
of the fire extinguisher system to discharge fire extinguishing agents 
and to lower the concentration of Halon gas in the LDCC or BCRC in a 
timely manner. An ineffective fire extinguisher system in the event of 
a fire could result in an uncontrollable fire in the LDCC or BCRC.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 27, 2006.

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.
     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.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
24246; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-115-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 received 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 that Web site, 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.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or 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 Docket Management System 
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 may exist on all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and A340-
642 airplanes. The DGAC advises that the flow metering system (FMS) and 
the flow metering compact unit (FMCU) (only on Model A340-200 and -300 
series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes) of the 
fire extinguishing system may be blocked by anti-fretting material 
contamination. The origin of this anti-fretting material contamination 
inside the piping, filters, and pressure reducers may come from 
manufacturing of the parts, as well as installation on airplanes during 
production or maintenance. After the first activation of the fire 
extinguishing system, the DGAC advises to assume that the FMS or FMCU 
is contaminated, and that the fire

[[Page 15355]]

extinguishing system may not be fully operable for its next use.
    Anti-fretting material contamination, if not corrected, could 
reduce the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher system to discharge 
fire extinguishing agents and to lower the concentration of Halon gas 
in the lower deck cargo compartment (LDCC) or bulk crew rest 
compartment (BCRC) in a timely manner. An ineffective fire extinguisher 
system in the event of a fire could result in an uncontrollable fire in 
the LDCC or BCRC.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:

                            Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                   Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301,  A330-26-3031, Revision 02,
 -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343   dated February 1, 2005.
 airplanes.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -  A340-26-4031, Revision 02,
 313 airplanes.                           dated February 1, 2005.
A340-541 airplanes.....................  A340-26-5007, dated January 31,
                                          2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The service bulletins describe procedures for doing a one-time 
general visual inspection for anti-fretting material contamination of 
the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the FMS in the LDCC; doing 
applicable corrective actions if necessary; and doing related 
investigative and other specified actions. The applicable corrective 
actions include cleaning any contaminated pressure reducer, pressure 
switch, plumbing part, and Halon filter; and replacing any of those 
parts with a new part if contamination cannot be removed. The related 
investigative and other specified actions include inspecting the fire 
extinguishing bottle to determine if it has been activated, cleaning 
Halon filters and plumbing parts, and applying anti-fretting material.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A340-26-5008, dated January 
31, 2005 (for Model A340-642 airplanes). The service bulletin describes 
procedures for doing a one-time general visual inspection for anti-
fretting material contamination of the plumbing parts of the FMCU in 
the LDCC; doing applicable corrective actions if necessary; and doing 
other specified actions. The applicable corrective actions include 
replacing any plumbing part with a new part if contamination cannot be 
removed. The other specified actions include replacing the FMCU with 
new FMCUs, cleaning plumbing parts, and applying anti-fretting 
material.
    In addition, Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:

                            Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                   Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.....  A340-26-4035, dated February
                                          22, 2005.
A340-541 and -642 airplanes............  A340-26-5009, dated January 31,
                                          2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The service bulletins describe procedures for doing a one-time 
general visual inspection for anti-fretting material contamination of 
the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the FMS in the BCRC; doing 
applicable corrective actions if necessary; and doing related 
investigative and other specified actions. The applicable corrective 
actions include cleaning any contaminated pressure reducer, pressure 
switch, plumbing part, and Halon filter; and replacing any of those 
parts with a new part if contamination cannot be removed. The related 
investigative and other specified actions include inspecting the fire 
extinguishing bottle to determine if it has been activated, cleaning 
Halon filters and plumbing parts, and applying anti-fretting material.
    Further, after October 1, 2004, Airbus revised the following Airbus 
aircraft maintenance manuals (AMMs):

                                  AMMs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          For model--             Page block--             Of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -               201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
 243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -                   A330 AMM (LDCC-FMS).
 341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
A340-311, -312, and -313                    201  Chapter 26-28-00 of
 airplanes.                                       A340 AMM (BCRC-FMS).
A340-541 and -642 airplanes....             201  Chapter 26-28-00 of
                                                  A340-500/-600 AMM
                                                  (BCRC-FMS).
A340-642 airplanes.............             201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
                                                  A340-600 AMM (LDCC-
                                                  FMU).
A340-211, -212, and -213                    201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
 airplanes, and A340-311, -312,                   A340 AMM (LDCC-FMS).
 and -313 airplanes.
A340-541 and -642 airplanes....             201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
                                                  A340-500/-600 AMM
                                                  (LDCC-FMS).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The revised AMMs describe procedures for restoring the fire 
extinguishing system in the LDCC and in the BCRC, as applicable, after 
any activation, and include a caution note in the work instructions 
about how to apply anti-fretting material during the restoration, 
which, when followed, prevents a malfunction of the system.
    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-2005-019 R1 (for Model A330-200 and A330-300 
series airplanes), and F-2005-020 R1 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 
series airplanes, and Model A340-541

[[Page 15356]]

and A340-642 airplanes); both dated May 11, 2005; 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 the FAA 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 airplanes 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.

Clarification Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness 
Directives

    The French airworthiness directives specify the following 
compliance times for inspecting the FMCU and FMS in the LDCC:

           Compliance Times in French Airworthiness Directives
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            For airplanes--                      Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On which the fire extinguishing system   Within 6,600 flight hours after
 is confirmed to have never been          the effective date of the AD.
 activated.
On which the fire extinguishing system   Within 2,400 flight hours after
 has been activated at least once or it   the effective date of the AD.
 is uncertain whether it has ever been
 activated or not.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Like the French airworthiness directive, the proposed AD would 
require all affected airplanes to do the proposed actions within 2,400 
flight hours after the effective date of the AD or within 6,600 flight 
hours after the effective date of the AD if an operator can 
conclusively determine that the fire extinguishing system has never 
been activated. However, the French airworthiness directive does not 
specify the means of making that determination. We have determined that 
reviewing an airplane log book is not a reliable way to determine if a 
fire extinguishing bottle has been activated, and that the only means 
of making this determination is by reviewing the airplane maintenance 
records. Therefore, this proposed AD would allow the proposed 
inspections to be done within 6,600 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, provided that reviewing the airplane maintenance 
records can conclusively determine that the fire extinguishing system 
has never been activated before the effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                   Number of U.S.-
               Action                      Work hours        Average labor       Parts        Cost per  airplane     registered          Fleet cost
                                                             rate per hour                                            airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and restoration.........  Between 7 and 9                   $65            None  Between $455 and $585              25  $11,375 and $14,625
                                      depending on                                           depending on                           depending on
                                      airplane                                               airplane                               airplane
                                      configuration.                                         configuration.                         configuration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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:

[[Page 15357]]

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-24246; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
115-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 27, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes in table 1 of this AD; 
certificated in any category.

                      Table 1.--Affected Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           All airbus model--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(3) A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(4) A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(5) A340-541 airplanes.
(6) A340-642 airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that the flow metering system 
(FMS) and the flow metering compact unit (FMCU) of the fire 
extinguishing system may be blocked by anti-fretting material 
contamination. We are issuing this AD to prevent such anti-fretting 
material contamination, which could reduce the effectiveness of the 
fire extinguisher system to discharge fire extinguishing agents and 
to lower the concentration of Halon gas in the lower deck cargo 
compartment (LDCC) and bulk crew rest compartment (BCRC) in a timely 
manner. An ineffective fire extinguisher system in the event of a 
fire could result in an uncontrollable fire in the LDCC or BCRC.

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.

Restoration

    (f) After the effective date of this AD, after any activation of 
the fire extinguishing system, before further flight, restore the 
fire extinguishing system in the LDCC and in the BCRC, as 
applicable, in accordance with a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or 
its delegated agent). The applicable airplane maintenance manual 
(AMM) in table 2 of this AD is one approved method, provided that 
the following caution note is included in the work instructions of 
that AMM:
``CAUTION: APPLY A SMALL QUANTITY OF THE CORRECT GREASE TO THE MALE 
THREADS OF THE CONNECTIONS. THIS WILL PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE THREADS. 
MAKE SURE THAT THE GREASE DOES NOT GO INTO THE PIPES. GREASE IN THE 
PIPES CAN CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OF THE SYSTEM.''

                             Table 2.--AMMs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          For model--             Page block--             Of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-201, -202, -203, -223,             201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
 -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -                  A330 AMM (LDCC-FMS).
 341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) A340-311, -312, and -313                201  Chapter 26-28-00 of
 airplanes.                                       A340 AMM (BCRC-FMS).
(3) A340-541 and -642 airplanes             201  Chapter 26-28-00 of
                                                  A340-500/-600 AMM
                                                  (BCRC-FMS).
(4) A340-642 airplanes.........             201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
                                                  A340-600 AMM (LDCC-
                                                  FMCU).
(5) A340-211, -212, and -213                201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
 airplanes, and A340-311, -312,                   A340 AMM (LDCC-FMS).
 and -313 airplanes.
(6) A340-541 and -642 airplanes             201  Chapter 26-23-00 of
                                                  A340-500/-600 AMM
                                                  (LDCC-FMS).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspections of FMS in the LDCC

    (g) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) 
of this AD inclusive, on which the date of issuance of the original 
standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness is before October 2, 
2004: Except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD, within 2,400 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time 
general visual inspection for anti-fretting material contamination 
of the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the FMS in the LDCC, do 
applicable corrective actions if necessary; and related 
investigative and other specified actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin in 
table 3 of this AD. The applicable corrective and related 
investigative and other specified actions must be done before 
further flight.

       Table 3.--Service Bulletins for Inspecting FMS in the LDCC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                   Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -  A330-26-3031, Revision 02,
 301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and   dated February 1, 2005.
 -343 airplanes.
(2) A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312,    A340-26-4031, Revision 02,
 and -313 airplanes.                      dated February 1, 2005.
(3) A340-541 airplanes.................  A340-26-5007, dated January 31,
                                          2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Inspection of FMCU in LDCC

    (h) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(6) of this AD, on 
which the date of the original standard airworthiness certificate or 
the date of issuance of the original export certificate of 
airworthiness is before October 2, 2004: Except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, within 2,400 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection 
for anti-fretting material contamination of the plumbing parts of 
the FMCU in the LDCC, and do applicable corrective and other 
specified actions. The actions must be done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-26-5008, 
dated

[[Page 15358]]

January 31, 2005. The applicable corrective and other specified 
actions must be done before further flight.

Inspection of the FMS in the BCRC

    (i) For airplanes identified in Table 4 of this AD, on which the 
date of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date 
of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness is 
before October 2, 2004: Except as provided by paragraph (j) of this 
AD, within 2,400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
do a one-time general visual inspection for anti-fretting material 
contamination of the Halon filters and plumbing parts of the FMS in 
the BCRC, do applicable corrective if necessary; and related 
investigative and other specified actions. The actions must be done 
in accordance with the applicable service bulletin in table 4 of 
this AD. The applicable corrective and related investigative and 
other specified actions must be done before further flight.

       Table 4.--Service Bulletins for Inspecting FMS in the BCRC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Do the actions
                                                          in accordance
                                                            with the
 For airplanes identified in--        On which--         accomplishment
                                                        instructions of--
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Paragraphs (c)(5) and       The BCRC was            Airbus Service
 (c)(6) of this AD.              incorporated in         Bulletin A340-
                                 production in           26-5009, dated
                                 accordance with any     January 31,
                                 Airbus modification     2005.
                                 47198, 47884, 48895,
                                 48710, 49316, 50107,
                                 50900, or 51320.
(2) Paragraph (c)(4) of this    The BCRC was            Airbus Service
 AD.                             incorporated in         Bulletin A340-
                                 production in           26-4035, dated
                                 accordance with         February 22,
                                 Airbus modification     2005.
                                 50901.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time

    (j) The inspection required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of 
this AD may be done within 6,600 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, provided that you can conclusively determine from 
reviewing the airplane maintenance records that the fire 
extinguishing system has never been activated before the effective 
date of this AD. A log book entry is not acceptable for determining 
if a fire extinguishing bottle has been activated.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directives F-2005-019 R1 (for Model 
A330-200 and A330 -300 series airplanes), and F-2005-020 R1 (for 
Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and 
A340-642 airplanes), both issued May 11, 2005, also address the 
subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-4442 Filed 3-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P