[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 184 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57880-57882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23738]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This 
proposed 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 High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
* * * * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 8, 
2010.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 44 51; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced 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.

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 proposed 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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-2010-0854; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-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 proposed AD based on those comments.
    We have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that 
address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to 
provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The 
comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which 
is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.
    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

    On January 16, 2007, we issued AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909 
(72 FR 3708, January 26, 2007). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2007-02-22, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-
0111R1, dated August 26, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.

[[Page 57881]]

    For the reason described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the flap transmission system and associated 
components [for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed 
rubber gaiter, wiper rings and straps], and corrective action(s), 
depending on findings. [The corrective action is replacing missing, 
damaged, or incorrectly installed components.]
    This [EASA] AD has been revised to correct the compliance time 
of 400 flight cycles in paragraph (3) into 400 flight hours. In 
addition, paragraph (4) has been introduced to clarify that the 
corrective actions do not end the requirement to continue the 
repetitive inspections, and some editorial changes for reasons of 
standardization. These do not affect the requirements of this AD as 
originally intended.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 
01, dated March 21, 2008. 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 Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In 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 proposed 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 proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 46 products of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2007-02-22 and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the currently required actions is $255 per product.
    We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the revised requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $11,730, or $255 
per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14909 (72 FR 
3708, January 26, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-
261-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 8, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -
222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any 
category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

Reason

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

    During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the 
scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, 
Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding 
bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by 
corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such 
as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
functional integrity of the flap transmission system.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

[[Page 57882]]

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-02-22, With Revised Service 
Information and Reduced Compliance Time for Corrective Action

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (g) Within 2,500 flight cycles after March 2, 2007 (the 
effective date of AD 2007-02-22): Do a detailed inspection for any 
missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the 
splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; and a detailed 
inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber 
gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the 
flap transmission; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 
17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. Repeat the inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles. After the effective 
date of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-
2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.

    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.''

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper 
rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the applicable 
component with a serviceable component in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
dated February 17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. After the effective date 
of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, 
Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has been done before the effective date of this AD: 
Within 400 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has not been done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Within 400 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Actions

    (i) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) do 
not terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) 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: Dan 
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Before 
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, 
notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal 
avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal 
inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC 
approval letter must specifically reference this AD. AMOCs approved 
previously in accordance with AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909, are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD.
    (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 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2006-0111R1, dated August 26, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008; 
for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23738 Filed 9-22-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P