[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40942-40945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11417]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-059-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires 
repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of the 
bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would add a 
requirement for replacement of the existing bracket with a titanium-
reinforced bracket, which would end the repetitive inspections in the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would also require related investigative 
and corrective actions while

[[Page 40943]]

accomplishing the replacement, and would reduce the applicability in 
the existing AD. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking 
damage found on certain brackets that were replaced per the 
requirements in the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent a 
cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with failure of the 
horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left part of the 
flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 18, 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 ``Docket No. 
FAA-2006-25389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-059-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

    On March 8, 2005, we issued AD 2005-06-08, amendment 39-14016 (70 
FR 13345, March 21, 2005), for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes. That AD requires repetitive inspections of a 
certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the 
airplane structure; replacement of the bracket with a new, improved 
bracket; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
That AD resulted from reports of cracking of a certain bracket that 
attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure. We 
issued that AD to detect and correct a cracked bracket. Failure of this 
bracket, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result in 
collapse of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since AD 2005-06-08 was issued, cracking damage found on certain 
brackets that were replaced per the requirements in the existing AD. In 
addition, the preamble to AD 2005-06-08 explained that we considered 
the requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-25-3227 and A340-25-4230, 
both Revision 01, both dated May 3, 2005. (The original issue of the 
service bulletins was referenced as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing the actions in the existing AD.) Revision 
01 of the service bulletins is essentially the same as the original.
    Airbus has also issued new Service Bulletins A330-25-3249 and A340-
25-4245, both dated May 3, 2005. The service bulletins describe 
procedures for replacing the existing bracket that attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to the airplane structure with a titanium-
reinforced bracket, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. The replacement eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections. The related investigative action includes a detailed 
inspection for cracking of the bracket; the corrective action includes 
a detailed inspection of the horizontal beam if two lugs are fully 
broken. The service bulletins recommend contacting Airbus for repair of 
cracking. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandated the service 
information and issued airworthiness directives 2006-0045 and 2006-
0047, both dated February 16, 2006, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the European Union.

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. As described in FAA 
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European 
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,'' 
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the EASA'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.
    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2005-06-08 and would retain 
certain requirements of the existing AD; however, the reporting 
requirement is no longer necessary and is not retained

[[Page 40944]]

in this proposed AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing 
the actions specified in the new service information described 
previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between Proposed AD 
and EASA Airworthiness Directives.''

Differences Between Proposed AD and EASA Airworthiness Directives

    The referenced EASA airworthiness directives require contacting 
Airbus for instructions on how to repair certain conditions. This 
proposed AD requires repairing those conditions using a method that we 
or the EASA approve. 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 we or the EASA (or its delegated agent) approve 
would be acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD.
    In addition, the referenced EASA airworthiness directives are not 
clear regarding the requirement to replace not only brackets having 
part number (P/N) F2511012920000 but also brackets having P/N 
F2511012920095 (the P/N for the replacement bracket in the existing 
AD). We have clarified that brackets with the latter P/Ns must also be 
replaced with titanium-reinforced brackets having P/N F2511305220096, 
since both of these brackets are susceptible to eventual cracking 
damage. Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-3227 and A340-25-4230 specify 
replacing brackets having P/N F2511012920000 with brackets having P/N 
F2511012920095, and both P/Ns are subject to repetitive inspection 
requirements. The proposed AD clarifies that both P/Ns would be 
required to be replaced, as specified in paragraph (k) of the new 
requirements.
    Although the referenced EASA airworthiness directives specify the 
bracket location as ``the left-hand bracket,'' this proposed AD does 
not include that description. The part numbers for affected brackets 
are located only on the left-hand side of the cockpit instrument panel; 
therefore, we have used the term ``certain brackets'' to be consistent 
with the language used in the existing AD.

Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 24 Model A330 series airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    The inspections that are required by AD 2005-06-08 and retained in 
this proposed AD take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated 
cost of the currently required actions is $80 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The new proposed replacement and investigative actions would take 
about 9 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost about $330 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the new actions specified in this 
proposed AD for U.S. operators is $25,200, or $1,050 per airplane.
    There are currently no affected Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry. However, if one of these airplanes is 
imported and put on the U.S. Register in the future, these cost 
estimates would also apply to those airplanes.

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:

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 
removing amendment 39-14016 (70 FR 13345, March 21, 2005) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-25389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
059-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 
18, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-06-08.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; except airplanes on 
which Airbus Modification 53446 has been incorporated in production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of cracking damage found on 
certain brackets that were replaced to address an unsafe condition. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent a cracked bracket. Failure of this 
bracket, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result 
in collapse of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 40945]]

the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been 
done.

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2005-06-08

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-3227 
(for Model A330 series airplanes) and A340-25-4230 (for Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes), both Revision 01, both dated May 3, 
2005; as applicable. Accomplishment before the effective date of 
this AD of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-3227 and A340-25-4230, 
both including Appendix 01; both dated June 17, 2004; as applicable, 
is an acceptable means of compliance for paragraphs (g), (h), and 
(i) of this AD.

Initial Inspection

    (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the bracket 
having part number (P/N) F2511012920000, which attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to airplane structure, in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation 
of 16,500 total flight cycles, or within 60 days after April 25, 
2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-06-08), whichever is later.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Prior to the 
accumulation of 9,700 total flight cycles, or within 2,700 flight 
cycles after April 25, 2005, whichever is later.

    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.''

No Cracking/Repetitive Inspections

    (h) If no crack is found during the initial inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Repeat the inspection thereafter at the 
applicable interval specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this 
AD, until the replacement specified in paragraph (k) of this AD has 
been accomplished.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Intervals not to exceed 
13,800 flight cycles.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Intervals not 
to exceed 7,000 flight cycles.

Crack Found/Replacement and Repetitive Inspections

    (i) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Do the actions in paragraphs (i)(1) 
and (i)(2) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this 
AD, until accomplishment of the replacement required by paragraph 
(k) of this AD.
    (1) Before further flight: Replace the cracked bracket with a 
new, improved bracket having P/N F2511012920095, in accordance with 
the service bulletin.
    (2) Repeat the inspection of the replaced bracket as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, at the time specified in paragraph 
(i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. Then, do repetitive inspections 
or replace the bracket as specified in paragraph (h) or (i) of this 
AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Model A330 series airplanes: Within 16,500 flight cycles 
after replacing the bracket.
    (ii) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Within 9,700 
flight cycles after replacing the bracket.
    (j) If both flanges of a bracket are found broken during any 
inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
bracket as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD and perform any 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions (which may 
include inspections for damage to surrounding structure caused by 
the broken bracket, and corrective actions for any damage that is 
found), in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated 
agent).

New Requirements of This AD

Replacement of Brackets/Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (k) Except as required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Within 72 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing 
brackets having P/N F2511012920000 or P/N F2511012920095 with 
titanium-reinforced brackets having P/N F2511305220096; and perform 
any related investigative and corrective actions (which may include 
detailed inspections for cracking of the bracket or damage to 
surrounding structure caused by a broken bracket, and applicable 
corrective actions for any damage that is found); in accordance with 
the service bulletin. If any crack is found, before further flight, 
repair in accordance with the service bulletin. Replacement of the 
affected bracket with a titanium-reinforced bracket having P/N 
F2511305220096 ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph 
(h) or (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(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 14 CFR 
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

    (m) EASA airworthiness directives 2006-0045 and 2006-0047, both 
dated February 16, 2006, also address the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 11, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-11417 Filed 7-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P