[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 168 (Thursday, August 30, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50042-50046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17011]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29073; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-178-AD; 
Amendment 39-15184; AD 2007-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary 
power unit) generator failures on ground.
    Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU 
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the 
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
    Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire 
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly 
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
* * * * *

    This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 14, 
2007.
    On June 26, 2007 (72 FR 31973, June 11, 2007), the Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
other publications.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 1, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room

[[Page 50043]]

W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

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 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the 
ground floor of the West 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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 30, 2007, we issued AD 2007-12-10, Amendment 39-15088 (72 FR 
31973, June 11, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address an 
unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2007-12-10, it has been determined that the 
drive end bearing (DEB) failures did not occur instantly, and small 
debris in the filter could be detected before collapse of the DEB. The 
one-time inspection mandated by AD 2007-12-10 only detects large 
debris.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2007-0188R1, dated July 24, 2007 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary 
power unit) generator failures on ground.
    Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU 
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the 
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabiliser compartment.
    Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire 
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly 
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
    Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the 
root causes. It has been evidenced that for both events, this 
unknown root cause initiates a collapse of the Drive End Bearing 
(DEB) leading to an uncontained failure. Evidence shows also that 
the DEB failures were not instantaneous, and therefore, the 
detection of small debris could indicate early stage of DEB failure.
    A one-time inspection for detection of large-scale debris in the 
Generator Scavenge inlet screen (last chance filter) of the APU 
allowing to identify APU Generator in a state close to failure has 
been rendered mandatory by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0080-R1 
[that AD corresponds to FAA AD 2007-12-10].
    The original Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0188-E 
mandated a repetitive inspection of the APU Generator Scavenge 
filter element and filter housing and APU Generator Drain plug for 
signs of small debris coming from the APU Generator and therefore to 
detect any APU Generator failure in an early stage.
* * * * *

    The corrective action includes retaining the requirements of the 
existing AD (a one-time inspection of the inlet screen and, for certain 
airplanes, a check of the differential pressure indicator button, and 
applicable corrective actions). The corrective action adds repetitive 
inspections of the APU Generator scavenge oil filter element and 
housing and the APU Generator drain plug for signs of metallic debris, 
and applicable corrective actions. Those corrective actions include 
shipping the debris to Airbus or Goodrich. The corrective actions also 
include the following:
     Replacing the APU generator scavenge oil filter for 
airplanes on which metallic debris is found.
     Inspecting the inside filter element and outer diameter of 
the filter housing for damage to the packing and replacing the packing 
if damaged.
     Cleaning the generator drain plug and reinstalling the 
plug with a new seal for airplanes on which no metallic debris or 
metallic debris within acceptable criteria is found.
     Keeping the APU inoperative.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telexes (AOTs) A330-24A3044 and 
A340-24A5021, both Revision 01, both dated July 20, 2007; and AOT A340-
24A4057, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2007. The actions described in 
this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between the 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 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an 
uncontained APU failure can lead to damage to the APU fire wall, which 
might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly leading to an 
uncontrolled fire. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity 
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-29073; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-178-

[[Page 50044]]

AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this AD because 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 we 
receive about this AD.

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 this AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 removing Amendment 39-15088 (72 FR 
31973, June 11, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2007-18-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15184. Docket No. FAA-2007-29073; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-178-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 14, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-12-10.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 and A340 airplanes; 
certificated in any category; all certified models, all serial 
numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: 
Electrical power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Two A330 operators have reported uncontained APU (auxiliary 
power unit) generator failures on ground.
    Preliminary investigations confirmed an uncontained APU 
Generator failure with subsequent aircraft structural damages to the 
APU compartment and, in one case, to the stabilizer compartment.
    Loose APU generator parts can lead to damage to the APU fire 
wall which might reduce its fire extinguishing capability, possibly 
leading to a temporary uncontrolled fire which constitutes an unsafe 
condition.
    Further detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the 
root causes. It has been evidenced that for both events, this 
unknown root cause initiates a collapse of the Drive End Bearing 
(DEB) leading to an uncontained failure. Evidence shows also that 
the DEB failures were not instantaneous, and therefore, the 
detection of small debris could indicate an early stage of DEB 
failure.
    A one-time inspection for detection of large-scale debris in the 
Generator Scavenge inlet screen (last chance filter) of the APU 
allowing to identify APU Generator in a state close to failure has 
been rendered mandatory by Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0080-R1 
[that AD corresponds to FAA AD 2007-12-10].
    The original Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0188-E 
mandated a repetitive inspection of the APU Generator Scavenge 
filter element and filter housing and APU Generator Drain plug for 
signs of small debris coming from the APU Generator and therefore to 
detect any APU Generator failure in an early stage.
    The corrective action includes retaining the requirements of the 
existing AD (a one-time inspection of the inlet screen and, for 
certain airplanes, a check of the differential pressure indicator 
button, and applicable corrective actions). The corrective action 
adds repetitive inspections of the APU Generator scavenge oil filter 
element and housing and the APU Generator drain plug for signs of 
metallic debris, and applicable corrective actions. Those corrective 
actions include shipping the debris to Airbus or Goodrich. The 
corrective actions also include the following: Replacing the APU 
generator scavenge oil filter for airplanes on which metallic debris 
is found; inspecting the inside filter element and outer diameter of 
the filter housing for damage to the packing and replacing the 
packing if damaged; cleaning the generator drain plug and 
reinstalling the plug with a new seal for airplanes on which no 
metallic debris or metallic debris within acceptable criteria is 
found; or keeping the APU inoperative.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-12-10

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original 
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of 
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is before 
March 1, 2007: Within 63 days after June 26, 2007, in accordance 
with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-
24A3042, A340-24A4056, or A340-24A5020, all Revision 02, all dated 
April 12, 2007; as applicable: Inspect the inlet screen (last chance 
filter) for the generator scavenge-oil pump for signs of debris and, 
as applicable, apply all associated corrective actions before 
further flight.
    (2) For Model A330 aircraft operating under MMEL (master minimum 
equipment list) Item 24-22-01 ``AC Main Generation'' or MMEL Item 
36-11-01 ``Bleed Air Supply System Failure'' and on which the date 
of issuance of the original French standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original French export 
certificate of airworthiness is before March 1, 2007: As of June 26, 
2007, before each flight, perform a check of the differential 
pressure indicator button on the lube filter and the generator 
scavenge filter in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT 
A330-24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007, until 
accomplishment of paragraph (g)(5) of this AD.

    Note 1: The repetitive checks before each flight specified in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD are not required for airplanes operated 
under

[[Page 50045]]

MMEL Item 36-11-01, provided the APU generator has been removed or 
deactivated in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-
24A3042, Revision 02, dated April 12, 2007.

    (3) Actions done before June 26, 2007, in accordance with the 
applicable Airbus service information in Table 1 of this AD are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding provisions of 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

      Table 1.--Acceptable Earlier Revisions of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex      Revision level            Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042..................  Original.........  March 22, 2007.
A330-24A3042..................  01...............  March 29, 2007.
A340-24A4056..................  Original.........  March 22, 2007.
A340-24A4056..................  01...............  March 29, 2007.
A340-24A5020..................  Original.........  March 22, 2007.
A340-24A5020..................  01...............  March 29, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance

    (g) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original 
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of 
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is on or 
before July 1, 2007: Within 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.1 of the 
applicable Airbus service information specified in Table 2 of this 
AD: Clean and inspect the APU Generator scavenge oil filter element 
and housing and inspect the APU generator drain plug to detect 
metallic debris, and apply all applicable associated corrective 
actions before further flight.

                      Table 2.--Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex    Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4057.................  02..............  August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5021.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Within 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating hours, 
whichever occurs later, after accomplishing the inspection required 
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, in accordance with the instructions 
of paragraph 4.2.2 of the applicable Airbus service information 
specified in Table 2 of this AD: Inspect the APU generator scavenge 
oil filter element and housing and the APU generator drain plug to 
detect metallic debris; and apply all applicable associated 
corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 450 aircraft flight hours or 
200 APU operating hours, whichever occurs later.
    (3) For airplanes on which the date of issuance of the original 
French standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of 
the original French export certificate of airworthiness is after 
July 1, 2007: Within 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating 
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2 of the 
applicable Airbus service information specified in Table 2 of this 
AD: Inspect the APU generator scavenge oil filter element and 
housing and the APU generator drain plug to detect metallic debris; 
and apply all applicable associated corrective actions before 
further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 450 aircraft flight hours or 200 APU operating hours, 
whichever occurs later.
    (4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD, in 
accordance with the applicable Airbus service information in Table 3 
of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.

      Table 3.--Acceptable Earlier Revisions of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex    Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044.................  Original........  July 5, 2007.
A340-24A4057.................  Original........  July 5, 2007.
A340-24A4057.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
A340-24A5021.................  Original........  July 5, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) For Model A330 aircraft operating under MMEL Item 24-22-01, 
``AC Main Generation,'' or MMEL Item 36-11-01, ``Bleed Air Supply 
System Failure'': Unless the APU generator has been deferred in 
accordance with the MMEL by deactivation (quill shaft removed) or 
removal, the inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) or (g)(3), as 
applicable, of this AD must be performed prior to the first flight 
of the specified MMEL repair time interval. Accomplishing the 
actions in this paragraph terminates the actions required by 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

    Note 2: For A330 aircraft, MMEL Item 24-22-01 (AC Main 
Generation) and/or MMEL Item 36-11-01 (Bleed Air Supply System 
Failure) require that the APU be used during the entire flight.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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

[[Page 50046]]

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

    (i) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive (EAD) 2007-0188R1, dated July 24, 2007, and the AOTs 
specified in Table 2 of this AD, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the applicable Airbus service information 
specified in Table 4 of this AD to do the actions required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (Only the first page of these 
documents contains the document number, revision level, and date; no 
other pages of these documents contain this information.)
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the Airbus service information 
specified in Table 5 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of the Airbus service information 
specified in Table 6 of this AD on June 26, 2007 (72 FR 31973, June 
11, 2007).
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    (4) 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.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex    Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
A330-24A3044.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4056.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
A340-24A4057.................  02..............  August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5020.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
A340-24A5021.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Table 5.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex    Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3044.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
A340-24A4057.................  02..............  August 14, 2007.
A340-24A5021.................  01..............  July 20, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Table 6.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus all operators telex    Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-24A3042.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
A340-24A4056.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
A340-24A5020.................  02..............  April 12, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2007.
Daniel I. Cheney,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-17011 Filed 8-29-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P