[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 231 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67868-67870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23338]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0266; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-170-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Model A330 series airplanes and Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit the flightcrew from performing 
CAT 2 and CAT 3 automatic landings and roll-outs at certain airports. 
This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the AFM 
revision. This proposed AD results from data showing that the magnetic 
variation table installed in certain Honeywell and Northrop Grumman air 
data inertial reference units (ADIRUs) is obsolete at certain airports. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent the airplane from departing the 
runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or roll-out, due to 
differences between actual magnetic variation and the values in the 
ADIRU magnetic variation tables.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2008.

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 W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket 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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0266; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-170-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this

[[Page 67869]]

proposed 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the technical 
agent for the Member States of the European Union, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330 series 
airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with 
certain Honeywell or Northrop Grumman air data inertial reference units 
(ADIRUs). The EASA advises that the magnetic variation table installed 
in certain Honeywell and Northrop Grumman ADIRUs is obsolete at certain 
airports. Studies have shown that, for a given airport, a difference 
greater than 3 degrees between the real magnetic variation and the 
variation in the ADIRU could result in misinformation to the flightcrew 
during the phases of CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or roll-out. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the airplane departing the 
runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or roll-out.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following temporary revisions (TRs) to the 
A330 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM): TR 2.05.00/67, Issue 2, dated 
September 19, 2007; and TR 2.05.00/68, dated March 31, 2006. Airbus has 
also issued the following TRs to the A340 AFM: TR 2.05.00/87, Issue 2, 
dated September 19, 2007; and TR 2.05.00/88, dated March 31, 2006. The 
TRs provide operational limitations that prohibit the flightcrew from 
performing CAT 2 and CAT 3 automatic landings and roll-outs at airports 
where the difference between the real magnetic deviation and the 
deviation in the ADIRU is greater than 3 degrees. The TRs also list the 
affected airports and date by which automatic landings and roll-outs 
are prohibited.
    We have reviewed the service bulletins listed in the ``Optional 
Terminating Action'' table, which describe procedures for replacing 
certain ADIRUs with new, improved ADIRUs. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the applicable service bulletin would end the need for the 
AFM revision.

                       Optional Terminating Action
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                Model--                     Airbus service bulletin--
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A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes   A330-34-3132, dated December
 equipped with certain Northrop Grumman   16, 2003; or Revision 01,
 ADIRUs.                                  dated August 18, 2004.
                                         A330-34-3159, dated February
                                          10, 2005.
A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes   A330-34-3104, dated July 17,
 equipped with certain Honeywell ADIRUs.  2003.
                                         A330-34-3165, dated June 28,
                                          2006.
A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes   A340-34-4141, dated December
 equipped with certain Northrop Grumman   16, 2003; or Revision 01,
 ADIRUs.                                  dated August 18, 2004.
                                         A340-34-4163, dated February
                                          10, 2005.
A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes   A340-34-4114, dated July 17,
 equipped with certain Honeywell ADIRUs.  2003.
                                         A340-34-4166, dated June 28,
                                          2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated 
the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0232, 
dated August 7, 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 airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require revising 
the AFM to prohibit the flightcrew from performing CAT 2 and CAT 3 
automatic landings and roll-outs at certain airports. This proposed AD 
also provides an optional terminating action for the AFM revision.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 40 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would 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 proposed AD for U.S. operators is $3,200, or $80 
per airplane.

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:

[[Page 67870]]

    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 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-0266; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
170-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 
2, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; 
equipped with the air data inertial reference units (ADIRUs) 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Honeywell ADIRUs having part numbers (P/Ns) HG2030AC0X 
(where X is any number between 0 and 9 inclusive) and P/Ns 
HG2030ADYY (where YY is any number between 00 and 10 inclusive).
    (2) Northrop Grumman (formerly Litton) ADIRUs having P/Ns 
465020-030303ZZ (where ZZ is any number between 00 and 12 
inclusive).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from data showing that the magnetic 
variation table installed in certain Honeywell and Northrop Grumman 
ADIRUs is obsolete at certain airports. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the airplane from departing the runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 
3 automatic landing or roll-out, due to differences between actual 
magnetic variation and the values in the ADIRU magnetic variation 
tables.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Temporary Revision (TR) References

    (f) The term ``Temporary Revision,'' as used in this AD, means 
the following TRs, as applicable:
    (1) For Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Honeywell ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: 
Airbus TR 2.05.00/67, Issue 2, dated September 19, 2007, to the 
Airbus A330 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM);
    (2) For Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Northrop Grumman ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this AD: Airbus TR 2.05.00/68, dated March 31, 2006, to the Airbus 
A330 AFM;
    (3) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Honeywell ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: 
Airbus TR 2.05.00/87, Issue 2, dated September 19, 2007, to the 
Airbus A340 AFM;
    (4) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Northrop Grumman ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this AD: Airbus TR 2.05.00/88, dated March 31, 2006, to the Airbus 
A340 AFM.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (g) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the Airbus A330 or A340 AFM, as 
applicable, to prohibit the flightcrew from performing CAT 2 and CAT 
3 automatic landings and roll-outs at certain airports by 
incorporating the applicable Temporary Revision into the AFM. 
Operate the airplane according to the limitations in the applicable 
TR.
    (h) When the information in the applicable TR has been 
incorporated into the general revisions of the Airbus A330 or A340 
AFM, as applicable, the general revisions may be inserted into the 
AFM, and the TR may be removed from the AFM.

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) Replacing the ADIRUs with new, improved ADIRUs as specified 
in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), or (i)(4) of this AD terminates 
the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Honeywell ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, 
doing the replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3165, dated June 28, 
2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3104, dated July 17, 2003.
    (2) For Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Northrop Grumman ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this AD, doing the replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3132, dated December 
16, 2003, or Revision 01, dated August 18, 2004; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-34-3159, dated February 10, 2005.
    (3) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Honeywell ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, 
doing the replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4166, dated June 28, 
2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4114, dated July 17, 2003.
    (4) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes equipped 
with any Northrop Grumman ADIRU identified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this AD, doing the replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4141, dated December 
16, 2003, or Revision 01, dated August 18, 2004; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-34-4163, dated February 10, 2005.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
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.

Related Information

    (k) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive 
2006-0232, dated August 7, 2006, also addresses the subject of this 
AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23338 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P