[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 211 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61796-61800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21394]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0076; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-241-AD; 
Amendment 39-15246; AD 2007-22-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

    During MLG (main landing gear) lubrication, a crack was found 
visually in the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one A330 in 
service aircraft. * * * This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could affect the structural integrity of the MLG 
attachment.

    Failure of the forward lug could result in collapse of the MLG upon 
landing. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 16, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 16, 
2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in the AD as of February 
15, 2007 (72 FR 4416, January 31, 2007).
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 3, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 this AD, 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.

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 January 23, 2007, we issued AD 2007-03-04, Amendment 39-14915 
(72 FR 4416, January 31, 2007). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2007-03-04, it has been determined that the 
previous modification/repair (interference fit bushings) cannot be 
considered as terminating action to the inspection because of the 
unknown root cause of the cracking.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2007-0247 R1-E, dated September 7, 
2007, corrected October 4, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    During MLG (main landing gear) lubrication, a crack was found 
visually in the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one A330 in 
service aircraft. The crack had extended through the entire 
thickness of the forward lug at approximately the 4 o'clock position 
(when looking forward). Despite intensive investigation so far, 
Airbus has not been able to determine the root cause of this single 
event. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect 
the structural integrity of the MLG attachment.
    Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2006-0364-E [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2007-03-04] was issued to require repetitive 
detailed visual inspections of the LH (left hand) and RH (right 
hand) wing MLG rib 6

[[Page 61797]]

aft bearing lugs. This new EAD, which supersedes EAD 2006-0364-E, is 
issued to:

--Expand the applicability to all A330 and A340 series aircraft, 
because the interference fit bushes cannot be considered as a 
terminating action, owing to unknown root cause; and
--Add a second parameter quoted in Flight Hours (FH) to the 
inspection interval in order to reflect the aircraft utilisation in 
service.

    Failure of the forward lug could result in collapse of the MLG upon 
landing. If any crack is detected, the corrective action is contacting 
Airbus for repair instructions and replacing the cracked MLG rib 6 
fitting before further flight. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-57-3096, Revision 02, 
dated August 13, 2007; A340-57-4104, Revision 02, dated September 5, 
2007; and A340-57-5009, Revision 01, dated August 13, 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 
during an MLG maintenance task for lubrication, a crack was found 
visually in the wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one in-
service A330 airplane. The crack had extended through the entire 
thickness of the forward lug at the 4 o'clock position. The root cause 
has not been determined and therefore the previous modification/repair 
(interference fit bushings) cannot be considered as terminating action 
to the inspections. Inspections are now necessary on all Model A330-
200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series 
airplanes, both with and without a previous modification/repair 
installed. Failure of the MLG attachment could result in MLG collapse 
upon landing. 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-2007-0076; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-241-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://www.regulations.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 39-14915 (72 FR 
4416, January 31, 2007) and adding the following new AD:


[[Page 61798]]


2007-22-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-15246. Docket No. FAA-2007-0076; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-241-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
16, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-03-04.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, 
A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all certified models, all serial 
numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Reason

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

    During MLG (main landing gear) lubrication, a crack was found 
visually in the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one A330 in 
service aircraft. The crack had extended through the entire 
thickness of the forward lug at approximately the 4 o'clock position 
(when looking forward). Despite intensive investigation so far, 
Airbus has not been able to determine the root cause of this single 
event. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect 
the structural integrity of the MLG attachment.
    Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2006-0364-E was issued 
to require repetitive detailed visual inspections of the LH (left 
hand) and RH (right hand) wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs. This new 
EAD, which supersedes EAD 2006-0364-E, is issued to:

--Expand the applicability to all A330 and A340 series aircraft, 
because the interference fit bushes cannot be considered as a 
terminating action, owing to unknown root cause; and
--Add a second parameter quoted in Flight Hours (FH) to the 
inspection interval in order to reflect the aircraft utilisation in 
service.

    Failure of the forward lug could result in collapse of the MLG 
upon landing. If any crack is detected, the corrective action is 
contacting Airbus for repair instructions and replacing the cracked 
MLG rib 6 fitting before further flight.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2007-03-04

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance 
with the instructions defined in the applicable service bulletin 
listed in Table 1 of this AD. After the effective date of this AD, 
the following Airbus Service Bulletins must be used, as applicable: 
A330-57-3096, Revision 02, dated August 13, 2007; A340-57-4104, 
Revision 02, dated September 5, 2007; and A340-57-5009, Revision 01, 
dated August 13, 2007.

                                      Table 1.--Airbus Service Information
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        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision level                            Date
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A330-57A3096...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A330-57A3096...........................  02........................  August 13, 2007.
A340-57A4104...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57A4104...........................  02........................  September 5, 2007.
A340-57A5009...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57-5009...........................  01........................  August 13, 2007.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i), 
(f)(1)(ii), and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD: Within 60 months since first 
flight, or 14 days after February 15, 2007 (the effective date of AD 
2007-03-04), whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual 
inspection of the LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing MLG rib 6 
aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on the two 
lugs.
    (i) Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes, except 
those on which Airbus modification 49353 has been embodied in 
production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3082 has been 
embodied in service on both wings, and except those that have been 
repaired on both wings as per Airbus UK Limited Repair Drawing R572-
56230, or Airbus A330 Structural Repair Manual 57-26-13, page block 
201.
    (ii) Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes, except 
those on which Airbus modification 49353 has been embodied in 
production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4088 has been 
embodied in service on both wings, and except those that have been 
repaired on both wings as per Airbus UK Limited Repair Drawing R572-
56230, or Airbus A340 Structural Repair Manual 57-26-13, page block 
201.
    (iii) Airbus Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes, 
except those on which Airbus modification 50040 or 51585 has been 
embodied in production.
    (2) If any crack is detected, contact Airbus immediately and 
proceed with the replacement of the MLG rib 6 before further flight. 
Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD 
thereafter as specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
    (3) If no crack is detected, repeat the inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed the 
applicable interval specified in paragraph (f)(3)(i), (f)(3)(ii), or 
(f)(3)(iii) of this AD, until the first inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is done. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter as specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. If any crack 
is detected during the repeat inspections, before further flight, 
apply the corrective action mentioned in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD 
as applicable.
    (i) 300 flight cycles (FC) for Model A330 airplanes.
    (ii) 200 FC for Model A340-200 and A340-300 airplanes.
    (iii) 100 FC for Model A340-500 and A340-600 airplanes.

New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance

    (g) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For airplanes not affected by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: 
Within 60 months since first flight, or 14 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do the action required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD in accordance with the instructions 
defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, Revision 02, dated 
August 13, 2007; A340-57-4104, Revision 02, dated September 5, 2007; 
or A340-57-5009, Revision 01, dated August 13, 2007; as applicable. 
If any crack is detected during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, before further flight do the actions required by 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
    (2) For all airplanes: Repeat the detailed visual inspection for 
cracking of the LH and RH wing MLG Rib 6 bearing lugs (forward and 
aft) at the applicable interval specified in Table 2 of this AD, 
except as provided by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. If any crack is 
detected during any inspection required by this paragraph, before 
further flight do the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this 
AD.

    Note 1: Replacement of the MLG Rib 6 fitting in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD does not constitute terminating action 
for the inspection requirements of this AD.


    Note 2: If the MLG Rib 6 fitting is replaced in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, the first inspection threshold for the 
replaced MLG Rib 6 is 5 years after such replacement.

    (3) For airplanes that have been inspected before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with the applicable service bulletin 
specified in Table 3 of this AD: Apply the new interval specified in 
Table 2 of this AD from the first inspection, scheduled in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, 
that occurs after the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 61799]]



                                    Table 2.--Repetitive Inspection Intervals
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                   Model                                      Interval (whichever occurs first)
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A330-200 series airplanes.................  300 flight cycles or 1,500 flight hours.
A330-300 series airplanes.................  300 flight cycles or 900 flight hours.
A340-200 series airplanes.................  200 flight cycles or 800 flight hours.
A300-300 series airplanes, except WV27....  200 flight cycles or 800 flight hours.
A340-300 series airplanes, WV27...........  200 flight cycles or 400 flight hours.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes........  100 flight cycles or 500 flight hours.
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                                Table 3.--Earlier Revisions of Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision Level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-57A3096...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A330-57A3096...........................  01........................  April 18, 2007.
A340-57A4104...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57-4104...........................  01........................  August 13, 2007.
A340-57A5009...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
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    (4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3096, Revision 01, 
dated April 18, 2007; and A340-57-4104, Revision 01, dated August 
13, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.

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, 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, 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 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.
    (4) Special Flight Permits: We are not allowing special flight 
permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199).

Related Information

    (i) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0247 R1-E, dated September 7, 2007 
(corrected October 4, 2007), and the service bulletins listed in 
Table 4 of this AD, for related information.

                                       Table 4.--Related Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A330-57-3096.......................  02........................  August 13, 2007.
(2) A340-57-4104.......................  02........................  September 5, 2007.
(3) A340-57-5009.......................  01........................  August 13, 2007.
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Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service bulletins identified in Table 5 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.

                                  Table 5.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-57A3096...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A330-57-3096, excluding Appendix 01....  02........................  August 13, 2007.
A340-57A4104...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57-4104, excluding Appendix 01....  02........................  September 5, 2007.
A340-57A5009...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57-5009, excluding Appendix 01....  01........................  August 13, 2007.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information identified in 
Table 6 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

[[Page 61800]]



                                Table 6.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-57-3096, excluding Appendix 01....  02........................  August 13, 2007.
A340-57-4104, excluding Appendix 01....  02........................  September 5, 2007.
A340-57-5009, excluding Appendix 01....  01........................  August 13, 2007.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information identified in 
Table 7 of this AD on February 15, 2007 (72 FR 4416, January 31, 
2007).

                             Table 7.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-57A3096...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57A4104...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
A340-57A5009...........................  Original..................  December 5, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 24, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-21394 Filed 10-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P