[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 1 (Monday, January 3, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50-56]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32992]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1274; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-090-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. 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:

    DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] 
France AD 1992-106-132(B) * * * was issued to require a set of 
inspection and modification tasks which addressed JAR/FAR [Joint 
Aviation Regulation/Federal Aviation Regulation] 25-571 requirements 
related to damage-tolerance and fatigue evaluation of structure. * * 
*
* * * * *

The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the wings. 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 February 17, 
2011.

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-2010-1274; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-090-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 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 Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0057, dated March 13, 2009 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] 
France AD 1992-106-132(B) original

[[Page 51]]

issue up to revision 7 was issued to require a set of inspection and 
modification tasks which addressed JAR/FAR [Joint Aviation 
Regulation/Federal Aviation Regulation] 25-571 requirements related 
to damage-tolerance and fatigue evaluation of structure.
    Following the Extended Design Service Goal activities as part of 
the Structure Task Group for the Airbus A310 program, EASA published 
AD 2007-0053, which replaced DGAC France AD F-1992-106-132R7.
    Since the issuance of AD 2007-0053R1, the thresholds and the 
intervals of Airbus Service Bulletins (SB) A310-57-2050 and A310-57-
2064 have been updated.
    Consequently, this new [EASA] AD takes over the requirements of 
paragraphs 1.15 and 1.17 of EASA AD 2007-0053R1, which has been 
revised accordingly * * * and requires the accomplishment of Airbus 
SB A310-57-2048 at revision 01.

The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the wings. The 
required actions are as follows, depending on airplane configuration:
     Cold working of trellis boom drainage holes.
     Repetitive detailed or rotating probe inspections for 
cracking in the drain holes on the lower skin panel in the center wing 
box between frames 42 and 46 and corrective actions if necessary. 
Corrective actions include repairing cracking and contacting the FAA or 
EASA for repair and doing the repair.
     Repetitive eddy current inspections for cracking of the 
upper corner angle fitting and the vertical tee fitting at left and 
right frame 40, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions 
include repairing, replacing the internal angle fitting and contacting 
the FAA or EASA for repair and doing the repair.

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

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    We are considering issuing three other NPRMs related to this NPRM:
     Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-092-AD. That NPRM proposes 
to supersede AD 98-26-01, amendment 39-10942 (63 FR 69179, December 16, 
1998), to continue to require certain actions specified in that AD. 
However, that NPRM does not restate paragraphs (p) and (r) of AD 98-26-
01. Instead, certain requirements of paragraphs (p) and (r) of that AD 
are included in this NPRM, Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-090-AD.
     Directorate Identifiers 2010-NM-089-AD and 2010-NM-091-AD. 
Both of these NPRMs include the requirements of certain other 
paragraphs of AD 98-26-01.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the service bulletins listed in the table that 
follows:

                                           Table--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Service bulletin                        Revision                              Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57- 01..........................  May 22, 2007.
 2048.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57- 02..........................  August 27, 2009.
 2050, including Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57- 02..........................  December 21, 2007.
 2064, including Appendix 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 44 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 137 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
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 $512,380, or $11,645 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

[[Page 52]]

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 adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2010-1274; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-
090-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 17, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

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

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] 
France AD 1992-106-132(B) original issue up to revision 7 was issued 
to require a set of inspection and modification tasks which 
addressed JAR/FAR [Joint Aviation Regulation/Federal Aviation 
Regulation] 25-571 requirements related to damage-tolerance and 
fatigue evaluation of structure. * * *.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the wings.

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.

Cold Working of Trellis Boom Drainage Holes

    (g) For Model A310-203, -204, -222, -304, -322 and -324 
airplanes, except airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), 
and (g)(3) of this AD: Within the applicable time specified in Table 
1 of this AD, cold work the trellis boom drainage holes, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A310-57-2048, Revision 01, dated May 22, 2007. 
Certain compliance times specified in Table 1 of this AD are 
applicable to short range use, average flight time (AFT) equal to or 
less than 3.6 hours; or long range use, AFT exceeding 3.6 hours.

         Table 1--Compliance Times for Paragraph (g) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Airplanes, as identified in   Compliance time (whichever occurs later)
  Airbus mandatory service
   bulletin A310-57-2048,
 revision 01, dated May 22,
            2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration 01 airplanes..  Prior to the          Within 6 months
                               accumulation of       after the effective
                               31,800 total flight   date of this AD.
                               cycles or 63,600
                               total flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
Configuration 02 airplanes..  Prior to the          Within 6 months
                               accumulation of       after the effective
                               40,000 total flight   date of this AD.
                               cycles or 80,000
                               total flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
Configuration 03 short range  Prior to the          Within 6 months
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       after the effective
                               30,950 total flight   date of this AD.
                               cycles or 86,750
                               total flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
Configuration 03 long range   Prior to the          Within 6 months
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       after the effective
                               24,100 total flight   date of this AD.
                               cycles or 120,600
                               total flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus modification 06130 was done in 
production.
    (2) Airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
57-2048 was done in service.
    (3) Airplanes on which rework of cracked drain holes was done in 
accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2050.

Inspection of Trellis Boom Drainage Holes

    (h) For all airplanes: Within the applicable intervals specified 
in Table 2 of this AD, perform a detailed or rotating probe 
inspection for cracking in the drain holes on the lower skin panel 
in the center wing box between frames 42 and 46, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A310-57-2050, Revision 02, dated August 27, 2009. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed the applicable 
times specified in Table 3 of this AD. Certain compliance times 
specified in Tables 2 and 3 of this AD are applicable to short range 
use, average flight time (AFT) equal to or less than 3.6 hours; or 
long range use, AFT exceeding 3.6 hours.

         Table 2--Compliance Times for Paragraph (h) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Airplanes, as identified in   Compliance time (whichever occurs later)
  Airbus mandatory service
   bulletin A310-57-2050,
  revision 02, dated August
          27, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration 01 airplanes..  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
                               accumulation of       cycles or 2,000
                               17,800 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 35,600      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.

[[Page 53]]

 
 Airplanes, as identified in   Compliance time (whichever occurs later)
  Airbus mandatory service
   bulletin A310-57-2050,
  revision 02, dated August
          27, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration 02 airplanes    Within 32,850 flight  Within 1,000 flight
 on which Airbus Mandatory     cycles or 65,700      cycles or 2,000
 Service Bulletin A310-57-     flight hours,         flight hours,
 2048 has been done within     whichever occurs      whichever occurs
 the ``recommended''           first, after          first, after the
 compliance times specified    accomplishing         effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         Airbus Mandatory      this AD.
 ``Accomplishment              Service Bulletin
 Timescale,'' of Airbus        A310-57-2048.
 Mandatory Service Bulletin
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,
 dated May 22, 2007.
Configuration 02 airplanes    Within 8,600 flight   Within 1,000 flight
 on which Airbus Mandatory     cycles or 17,250      cycles or 2,000
 Service Bulletin A310-57-     flight hours,         flight hours,
 2048 has not been done        whichever occurs      whichever occurs
 within the ``recommended''    first, after          first, after the
 compliance times specified    accomplishing the     effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         detailed inspection   this AD.
 ``Accomplishment              specified in Airbus
 Timescale,'' of Airbus        Mandatory Service
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    Bulletin A310-57-
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,    2048;
 dated May 22, 2007.          OR..................
                              Within 11,400 flight
                               cycles or 22,800
                               flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first, after
                               accomplishing the
                               rotating probe
                               inspection
                               specified in Airbus
                               Mandatory Service
                               Bulletin A310-57-
                               2048.
Configuration 03 airplanes..  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
                               accumulation of       cycles or 2,000
                               22,300 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 44,550      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 04 airplanes..  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
                               accumulation of       cycles or 2,000
                               41,550 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 83,100      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 05 airplanes    Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
 on which Airbus Mandatory     accumulation of       cycles or 2,000
 Service Bulletin A310-57-     40,000 total flight   flight hours,
 2048 has been done within     cycles or 80,000      whichever occurs
 the ``recommended''           total flight hours,   first, after the
 compliance times specified    whichever occurs      effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         first.                this AD.
 ``Accomplishment
 Timescale,'' of Airbus
 Mandatory Service Bulletin
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,
 dated May 22, 2007.
Configuration 05 airplanes    Within 10,600 flight  Within 1,000 flight
 on which Airbus Mandatory     cycles or 21,150      cycles or 2,000
 Service Bulletin A310-57-     flight hours,         flight hours,
 2048 has not been done        whichever occurs      whichever occurs
 within the ``recommended''    first, after          first, after the
 compliance times specified    accomplishing the     effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         detailed inspection   this AD.
 ``Accomplishment              specified in Airbus
 Timescale,'' of Airbus        Mandatory Service
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    Bulletin A310-57-
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,    2048;
 dated May 22, 2007.          OR..................
                              Within 13,900 flight
                               cycles or 27,800
                               flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first, after
                               accomplishing the
                               rotating probe
                               inspection
                               specified in Airbus
                               Mandatory Service
                               Bulletin A310-57-
                               2048.
Configuration 06 short range  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       cycles or 2,800
                               17,250 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 48,400      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 06 long range   Prior to the          Within 800 flight
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       cycles or 4,000
                               13,450 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 67,250      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 07 short range  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       cycles or 2,800
                               32,150 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 90,050      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 07 long range   Prior to the          Within 800 flight
 airplanes.                    accumulation of       cycles or 4,000
                               25,050 total flight   flight hours,
                               cycles or 125,150     whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Configuration 08 short range  Prior to the          Within 1,000 flight
 airplanes on which Airbus     accumulation of       cycles or 2,800
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    30,950 total flight   flight hours,
 A310-57-2048 has been done    cycles or 86,750      whichever occurs
 within the ``recommended''    total flight hours,   first, after the
 compliance times specified    whichever occurs      effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         first.                this AD.
 ``Accomplishment
 Timescale,'' of Airbus
 Mandatory Service Bulletin
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,
 dated May 22, 2007.

[[Page 54]]

 
 Airplanes, as identified in   Compliance time (whichever occurs later)
  Airbus mandatory service
   bulletin A310-57-2050,
  revision 02, dated August
          27, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration 08 short range  Within 8,200 flight   Within 1,000 flight
 airplanes on which Airbus     cycles or 23,000      cycles or 2,800
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    flight hours,         flight hours,
 A310-57-2048 has not been     whichever occurs      whichever occurs
 done within the               first, after          first, after the
 ``recommended'' compliance    accomplishing the     effective date of
 times specified in            detailed inspection   this AD.
 paragraph 1.E.(2),            specified in Airbus
 ``Accomplishment              Mandatory Service
 Timescale,'' of Airbus        Bulletin A310-57-
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    2048;
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,   OR..................
 dated May 22, 2007.          Within 10,800 flight
                               cycles or 30,300
                               flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first, after
                               accomplishing the
                               rotating probe
                               inspection
                               specified in Airbus
                               Mandatory Service
                               Bulletin A310-57-
                               2048.
Configuration 08 long range   Prior to the          Within 800 flight
 airplanes on which Airbus     accumulation of       cycles or 4,000
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    24,100 total flight   flight hours,
 A310-57-2048 has been done    cycles or 120,600     whichever occurs
 within the ``recommended''    total flight hours,   first, after the
 compliance times specified    whichever occurs      effective date of
 in paragraph 1.E.(2),         first.                this AD.
 ``Accomplishment
 Timescale,'' of Airbus
 Mandatory Service Bulletin
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,
 dated May 22, 2007.
Configuration 08 long range   Within 6,400 flight   Within 800 flight
 airplanes on which Airbus     cycles or 31,950      cycles or 4,000
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    flight hours,         flight hours,
 A310-57-2048 has not been     whichever occurs      whichever occurs
 done within the               first, after          first, after the
 ``recommended'' compliance    accomplishing the     effective date of
 times specified in            detailed inspection   this AD.
 paragraph 1.E.(2),            specified in Airbus
 ``Accomplishment              Mandatory Service
 Timescale,'' of Airbus        Bulletin A310-57-
 Mandatory Service Bulletin    2048;
 A310-57-2048, Revision 01,   OR..................
 dated May 22, 2007.          Within 8,400 flight
                               cycles or 42,150
                               flight hours,
                               whichever occurs
                               first, after
                               accomplishing the
                               rotating probe
                               inspection
                               specified in Airbus
                               Mandatory Service
                               Bulletin A310-57-
                               2048.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Table 3--Repetitive Intervals for Paragraph (h) of This AD, Depending on Most Recent Inspection Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Airplanes, as identified in Airbus       Type of inspection done
mandatory service bulletin A310-57-2050,       during most recent         Repetitive interval  (not to exceed)
   revision 02, dated August 27, 2009              inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration 01 and 02 airplanes.......  Detailed inspection........  8,600 flight cycles or 17,250 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
                                          Rotating probe inspection..  11,400 flight cycles or 22,800 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
Configurations 03, 04, and 05 airplanes.  Detailed inspection........  10,600 flight cycles or 21,150 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
                                          Rotating probe inspection..  13,900 flight cycles or 27,800 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
Configurations 06, 07, and 08 short       Detailed inspection........  8,200 flight cycles or 23,000 flight
 range airplanes.                                                       hours, whichever occurs first.
                                          Rotating probe inspection..  10,800 flight cycles or 30,300 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
Configurations 06, 07, and 08 long range  Detailed inspection........  6,400 flight cycles or 31,950 flight
 airplanes.                                                             hours, whichever occurs first.
                                          Rotating probe inspection..  8,400 flight cycles or 42,150 flight
                                                                        hours, whichever occurs first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corrective Actions for Paragraph (h) of This AD

    (i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2050, 
Revision 02, dated August 27, 2009; except where the service 
bulletin specifies to contact Airbus, before further flight, repair 
in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
or EASA (or its delegated agent).

Inspection of Fuselage Frame 40 Upper Corner Fitting

    (j) For all airplanes: Within the applicable time specified in 
Table 4 of this AD, perform an eddy current inspection for cracking 
of the upper corner fitting at left and right frame 40, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A310-57-2064, Revision 02, dated December 21, 2007. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed the 
applicable times specified in Table 5 of this AD. Certain compliance 
times specified in Tables 4 and 5 of this AD are applicable to short 
range use, average flight time (AFT) equal to or less than 3.23 
hours; or long range use, AFT exceeding 3.23 hours.

[[Page 55]]



         Table 4--Compliance Times for Paragraph (j) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane configurations        Compliance time (whichever occurs later)
 identified in Airbus
 mandatory service bulletin
 A310-57-2064, revision 02,
 dated December 21, 2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A310-203, -204, -221,   Prior to the          Within 1,300 flight
 and -222 airplanes            accumulation of       cycles or 2,700
 identified as Configuration   15,100 total flight   flight hours,
 01.                           cycles or 30,300      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Model A310-203, -204, -221,   Prior to the          Within 1,300 flight
 and -222 airplanes            accumulation of       cycles or 2,700
 identified as                 21,400 total flight   flight hours,
 Configurations 02 and 03.     cycles or 42,800      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Model A310-304, -322, -324,   Prior to the          Within 600 flight
 and -325 short range          accumulation of       cycles or 1,800
 airplanes identified as       14,700 total flight   flight hours,
 Configuration 01.             cycles or 41,300      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Model A310-304, -322, -324,   Prior to the          Within 600 flight
 and -325 short range          accumulation of       cycles or 1,800
 airplanes identified as       20,700 total flight   flight hours,
 Configurations 02 and 03.     cycles or 58,300      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Model A310-304, -322, -324,   Prior to the          Within 500 flight
 and -325 long range           accumulation of       cycles or 2,650
 airplanes identified as       12,800 total flight   flight hours,
 Configuration 01.             cycles or 64,000      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
Model A310-304, -322, -324,   Prior to the          Within 500 flight
 and -325 long range           accumulation of       cycles or 2,650
 airplanes identified as       18,000 total flight   flight hours,
 Configurations 02 and 03.     cycles or 90,400      whichever occurs
                               total flight hours,   first, after the
                               whichever occurs      effective date of
                               first.                this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


       Table 5--Repetitive Intervals for Paragraph (j) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Repetitive interval  (not to
             Airplanes                             exceed)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -    8,750 flight cycles or 17,550
 222 airplanes.                       flight hours, whichever occurs
                                      first.
Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -    5,800 flight cycles or 16,300
 325 short range airplanes.           flight hours, whichever occurs
                                      first.
Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -    4,800 flight cycles or 24,050
 325 long range airplanes.            flight hours, whichever occurs
                                      first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corrective Actions for Paragraph (h) of This AD

    (k) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this 
AD, any crack is found, prior to further flight, do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2064, 
Revision 02, dated December 21, 2007; except where the service 
bulletin specifies to contact Airbus, before further flight, repair 
in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
or EASA (or its delegated agent).

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (l) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2048, dated April 
23, 1990, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (m) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2050, dated April 
23, 1990; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2050, 
Revision 01, dated May 22, 2007; are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs 
(h) and (i) of this AD.
    (n) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2064, dated August 
24, 1995; or Revision 01, dated January 5, 2001; are acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs 
(j) and (k) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No Differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (o) 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: 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.
    (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

    (p) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2009-0057, dated 
March 13, 2009, and the service bulletins listed in Table 6 of this 
AD, for related information.

                                           Table 6--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Service bulletin                        Revision                              Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57- 01..........................  May 22, 2007.
 2048.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A31-57-  02..........................  August 27, 2009.
 2050.

[[Page 56]]

 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57- 02..........................  December 21, 2007.
 2064.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Issued in Renton, Washington on December 17, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-32992 Filed 12-30-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P