[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 153 (Thursday, August 9, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44737-44740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15413]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28036; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD; 
Amendment 39-15145; AD 2007-16-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 
Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority 
of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of 
an evacuation slide raft to inflate, which could delay the evacuation 
of passengers in case of an emergency. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 13, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to allow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we 
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe 
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this 
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2007 (72 
FR 21164). That NPRM proposed to require a set of modifications of the 
slide raft assembly of each door and the slide raft, as applicable, 
which consists of: continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers 
with rounded grommets; and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor 
block for the slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure. The 
MCAI states that several operators have reported non-automatic 
deployment of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all 
cases, the slide raft released correctly from the door but did not 
inflate automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly 
inflated the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft 
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two potential 
root causes: non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and stiction 
(static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This situation, 
if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of passengers in case of 
an emergency. A new design solution has been developed to ensure the 
automatic slide raft deployment, which consists of: continuous ``speed 
lacing'' cord and new soft covers with rounded grommets (this 
modification ensures that the lacing opens); and a new shorter firing 
cable, a new anchor block for the slide raft packboard and a new 
folding procedure (this modification ensures automatic deployment 
regardless of the inflatable paint condition). Both modifications 
together ensure the automatic deployment function. The MCAI requires 
accomplishment of the set of modifications.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Clarification of Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of this AD to match the MCAI and 
the current FAA type certification data sheet for the affected 
airplanes. The revision clarifies the applicability and does not add to 
or change the affected airplanes.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously. We determined that this change will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

[[Page 44738]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable in a U.S. court of 
law. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively 
from the information provided in the MCAI and related service 
information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements, if 
any, take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects 
about 28 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes 
about 66 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $3,860 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $255,920, or $9,140 per product.

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 determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2007-16-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15145. Docket No. FAA-2007-28036; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 13, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) The requirements of this AD relate to those specified in AD 
2006-04-03, amendment 39-14484.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 
series airplanes, certificated in any category; all certified 
models, all serial numbers; except those with the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) specified modifications installed in 
production, or the equivalent service bulletins installed in service 
(as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD), provided no slide has 
been replaced since either airplane delivery or service bulletin 
installation, as applicable.

                  Table 1.--Exceptions to Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Airbus modifications
       Airplane model             Configuration         installed in
                                                         production
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330, A340-200, -300........  With Modification     50806, 50807, 55071,
                               40161 (optional       and 55072.
                               Type A door 3).
A330, A340-200, -300........  Without Modification  50806 and 55071.
                               40161 (Type 1 door
                               3).
A340-500....................  All.................  Either 50806, 50807,
                                                     and 55071, or 50806
                                                     and 55071.
A340-600....................  All.................  50806, 50808, 55071,
                                                     and 55073.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Table 2.--Exceptions to Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Airbus Service Bulletins
            Airplane model                    installed in service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330..................................  A330-25-3173, Revision 01, dated
                                         August 2, 2006; and A330-25-
                                         3301, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-200, -300........................  A340-25-4191, Revision 01, dated
                                         August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
                                         4273, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-500, -600........................  A340-25-5004, Revision 01, dated
                                         August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
                                         5110, dated March 24, 2006.
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[[Page 44739]]

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states that several operators have reported non-automatic deployment 
of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all cases, the 
slide raft released correctly from the door but did not inflate 
automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly inflated 
the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft 
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two 
potential root causes: Non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and 
stiction (static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This 
situation, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of 
passengers in case of an emergency. A new design solution has been 
developed to ensure the automatic slide raft deployment, which 
consists of: Continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers 
with rounded grommets (this modification ensures that the lacing 
opens); and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor block for the 
slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure (this modification 
ensures automatic deployment regardless of the inflatable paint 
condition). Both modifications together ensure the automatic 
deployment function. The MCAI requires accomplishment of the set of 
modifications.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For slide raft part numbers (P/Ns) 7A1508-003/-005/-007/-
023/-025/-027/ -029/-115; P/Ns 7A1539-003/-004/-005/ -006/-007/-008/
-023/-024/-025/-026/-027/ -028/-029/-030/-115/ -116; P/Ns 7A1510 -
003/-004/-005/-006/-007/-008/-023/-024/ -025/-026/-027/-028/-029/-
030/-115/-116; and P/Ns 4A3934-1/-2/-001/-002: No later than 36 
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the slide raft in 
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3173, A340-25-4191, or A340-25-5004, all Revision 01, all 
dated August 2, 2006; as applicable; and modify the slide raft 
assembly of each door in accordance with the instructions given in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110, 
all dated March 24, 2006; as applicable.
    (2) For slide raft P/Ns 7A1508-033/-035/-037/-119/-121; P/Ns 
7A1539-033/-034/ -035/-036/-037/-038/-119/-120/-121/-122; P/Ns 
7A1510-033/-034/-035/-036/-037/ -038/ -119/-120/-121/-122; and P/Ns 
4A3934-5/-6/-7/-8: No later than 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, modify the slide raft assembly of each door in 
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110, all dated March 24, 
2006; as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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. Send information to ATTN: Tim 
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (g) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0354, dated 
November 28, 2006; and the Airbus Service Bulletins specified in 
Table 3 of this AD for related information.

                                       Table 3.--Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service Bulletin                        Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25-3173..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3301..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4273..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5110..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (h) You must use the service information specified in Table 4 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point, Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or 
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

                                  Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service Bulletin                           Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25-3173..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3225..........................  01.................................  September 30, 2004.
A330-25-3301..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4228..........................  01.................................  September 30, 2004.
A340-25-4273..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004..........................  01.................................  August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5054..........................  Original...........................  August 2, 2004.
A340-25-5110..........................  Original...........................  March 24, 2006.
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[[Page 44740]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-15413 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P