[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10168-10171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4649]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0980; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-15834; AD 2009-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-
300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections 
of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to 
the airplane structure; related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary; and replacement of the existing bracket with a titanium-
reinforced bracket, which ends the repetitive inspections in the 
existing AD. This new AD adds requirements only for airplanes on which 
the existing bracket was replaced with a titanium-reinforced bracket in 
accordance with the existing AD. The additional requirement is a one-
time inspection to determine if certain fasteners are broken or 
cracked, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a 
report that incorrect torque values could damage the bracket. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, 
combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse 
of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 14, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 14, 
2009.
    On February 8, 2007 (72 FR 256, January 4, 2007), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the AD.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80, e-mail 
[email protected].

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Document Management Facility 
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 address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 10169]]

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-26-12, amendment 
39-14870 (72 FR 256, January 4, 2007), for certain Airbus Model A330, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2006-26-12 requires 
repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of the 
bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. AD 2006-26-12 further requires 
replacement of the existing bracket with a titanium-reinforced bracket, 
which ends the repetitive inspections. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on September 17, 2008 (73 FR 53770). That NPRM 
proposed to add requirements only for airplanes on which the existing 
bracket was replaced with a titanium-reinforced bracket in accordance 
with the existing AD. The additional requirement is a one-time 
inspection to determine if certain fasteners are broken or cracked, and 
corrective actions if necessary.

Explanation of Change to Paragraph (f) of This AD

    We have removed the ``Service Bulletin Reference'' paragraph from 
this AD. (That paragraph was identified as paragraph (f) in the NPRM.) 
Instead, we have spelled out the service bulletin citations throughout 
this AD.

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.

Conclusion

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

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD. This AD affects about 24 Model A330 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry. There are currently no affected Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes of U.S. registry. However, if one of 
these airplanes is imported and put on the U.S. Register in the future, 
these cost estimates would also apply to those airplanes.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                Average labor                      Cost per
            Action               Work hours     rate per hour       Parts          airplane         Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections (required by AD                 1             $80              $0  $80 per           $1,920 per
 2006-26-12).                                                                   inspection        inspection
                                                                                cycle.            cycle.
Replacement and investigative               9              80             330  $1,050..........  $25,200.
 actions (required by AD 2006-
 26-12).
One-time inspection (new                    2              80               0  $160............  Up to $3,840.
 action).
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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 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. 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14870 (72 FR 256, January 4, 2007) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2009-05-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-15834. Docket No. FAA-2008-0980; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-008-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 14, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-26-12.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330 airplanes, and 
Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any 
category; except those airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 53446 has been 
incorporated in production.

[[Page 10170]]

    (2) Model A330 airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3249, Revision 01, dated July 10, 2007, has been 
embodied in service.
    (3) Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes on which Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-25-4245, Revision 01, dated July 10, 
2007, has been embodied in service.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that incorrect torque values 
could damage a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck 
instrument panel to the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with 
failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left 
part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2006-26-12

Initial Inspection

    (f) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or 
(f)(2) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the bracket 
having part number (P/N) F2511012920000, which attaches the flight 
deck instrument panel to the airplane structure, in accordance with 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3227 or A340-25-4230, both 
Revision 01, both dated May 3, 2005, as applicable.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation 
of 16,500 total flight cycles, or within 60 days after April 25, 
2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-06-08, amendment 39-14016, which 
was superseded by AD 2006-26-12), whichever is later.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Prior to the 
accumulation of 9,700 total flight cycles, or within 2,700 flight 
cycles after April 25, 2005, whichever is later.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

No Cracking/Repetitive Inspections

    (g) If no crack is found during the initial inspection required 
by paragraph (f) of this AD: Repeat the inspection thereafter at the 
applicable interval specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-
3227 or A340-25-4230, both Revision 01, both dated May 3, 2005, as 
applicable, until the replacement specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD has been accomplished.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Intervals not to exceed 
13,800 flight cycles.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Intervals not 
to exceed 7,000 flight cycles.

Crack Found/Replacement and Repetitive Inspections

    (h) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD: Do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this 
AD, in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-
3227 or A340-25-4230, both Revision 01, both dated May 3, 2005, as 
applicable, until accomplishment of the replacement required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) Before further flight: Replace the cracked bracket with a 
new, improved bracket having P/N F2511012920095, in accordance with 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3227 or A340-25-4230, both 
Revision 01, both dated May 3, 2005, as applicable.
    (2) Repeat the inspection of the replaced bracket as required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, at the time specified in paragraph 
(h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD. Then, do repetitive inspections 
or replace the bracket as specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this 
AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Model A330 series airplanes: Within 16,500 flight cycles 
after replacing the bracket.
    (ii) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Within 9,700 
flight cycles after replacing the bracket.
    (i) If both flanges of a bracket are found broken during any 
inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
bracket as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD and perform any 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions (which may 
include inspections for damage to surrounding structure caused by 
the broken bracket, and corrective actions for any damage that is 
found), in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated 
agent).

Replacement of Brackets/Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (j) Except as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Within 72 
months after February 8, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2006-26-12), 
replace existing brackets having P/N F2511012920000 or P/N 
F2511012920095 with titanium-reinforced brackets having P/N 
F2511305220096; and perform any related investigative and corrective 
actions (which may include detailed inspections for cracking of the 
bracket or damage to surrounding structure caused by a broken 
bracket, and applicable corrective actions for any damage that is 
found); in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or 
A340-25-4245, both dated May 3, 2005; or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3249 or A340-25-4245, both Revision 01, both dated 
July 10, 2007; as applicable. After the effective date of this AD, 
use only Revision 01 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-
3249 or A340-25-4245, both dated July 10, 2007; as applicable. If 
any crack is found, before further flight, repair in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or A340-25-4245, both dated May 
3, 2005; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or A340-
25-4245, both Revision 01, both dated July 10, 2007; as applicable. 
After the effective date of this AD, use only Revision 01 of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or A340-25-4245, both dated 
July 10, 2007; as applicable. Replacement of the affected bracket 
with a titanium-reinforced bracket having P/N F2511305220096 ends 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this 
AD. Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 and A340-25-4245, 
both dated May 3, 2005; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-
25-3249 and A340-25-4245, both Revision 01, both dated July 10, 
2007; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

New Requirements of This AD

One-time Inspection

    (k) For airplanes on which the actions required by paragraph (j) 
of this AD have been accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD: At the applicable time in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, 
remove the fasteners of the titanium-reinforced bracket and, if a 
fastener is broken, do a detailed inspection for cracking of the 
horizontal beam. Do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or 
A340-25-4245, both Revision 01, both dated July 10, 2007, as 
applicable. Where Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or 
A340-25-4245, both Revision 01, both dated July 10, 2007, specifies 
to contact Airbus, before further flight, repair in accordance with 
a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated 
agent).
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation 
of 16,500 total flight cycles, or within 20 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Prior to the 
accumulation of 12,400 total flight cycles, or within 20 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletins

    (l) This AD provides credit for actions performed in accordance 
with the service bulletins identified in paragraphs (1)(1) and 
(l)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (f), (g), 
and (h) of this AD before February 8, 2007, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3227 or A340-25-4230, both including 
Appendix 01, both dated June 17, 2004, as applicable, is acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of those paragraphs.
    (2) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (j) and 
(k) of this AD before the

[[Page 10171]]

effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3249 or A340-25-4245, both dated May 3, 
2005, as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of those paragraphs.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; 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) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-26-12 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

    (n) EASA airworthiness directives 2007-0281 and 2007-0282, both 
dated November 6, 2007, also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the service information contained in Table 1 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise.

             Table 1--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document                  Revision               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service        Revision 01......  July 10, 2007.
 Bulletin A330-25-3249.
Airbus Mandatory Service        Revision 01......  July 10, 2007.
 Bulletin A340-25-4245.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-   Revision 01......  May 3, 2005.
 25-3227, excluding Appendix
 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-   Original.........  May 3, 2005.
 25-3249.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-   Revision 01......  May 3, 2005.
 25-4230, excluding Appendix
 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-   Original.........  May 3, 2005.
 25-4245.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in 
Table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

             Table 2--New Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document                  Revision               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service        Revision 01......  July 10, 2007.
 Bulletin A330-25-3249.
Airbus Mandatory Service        Revision 01......  July 10, 2007.
 Bulletin A340-25-4245.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in 
Table 3 of this AD on February 8, 2007 (72 FR 256, January 4, 2007).

         Table 3--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document                  Revision               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-   Revision 01......  May 3, 2005.
 25-3227, excluding Appendix
 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-   Original.........  May 3, 2005.
 25-3249.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-   Revision 01......  May 3, 2005.
 25-4230, excluding Appendix
 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-   Original.........  May 3, 2005.
 25-4245.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80, e-mail 
[email protected].
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, February 20, 2009.
Ali Bahrami
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-4649 Filed 3-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P