[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6543-6548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2430]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0852; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-16594; AD 2011-03-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

[[Page 6544]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
that applies to the products listed above. This AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 14, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 14, 
2011.
    On November 16, 2005 (70 FR 59263, October 12, 2005), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
certain other publications listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 8, 2010 
(75 FR 54536), and proposed to supersede AD 2005-20-32, Amendment 39-
14329 (70 FR 59263, October 12, 2005). That NPRM proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].
    DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] 
France AD F-2004-118 R1 (EASA approval N. 2004-10125) required a 
one-time inspection of elevators skin panels installed on MSN up to 
091, to detect potential liquid ingress and repair as necessary, in 
accordance with Airbus inspection service bulletins (ISB) A330-55-
3032 and A340-55-4029.
    Following the AD issuance, further in-service experience has 
shown that in order to ensure the structural integrity of all A330/
A340 elevators skin panels with sandwich construction (excluding 
A340-500/-600), it is necessary to perform the same elevators panels 
inspection and to repair as necessary, but in a repetitive manner.
    The aim of this AD, which supersedes DGAC France AD F-2004-118 
R1, is to require this additional inspection program in order to 
maintain the structural integrity of the elevators.

The required actions include repetitive special detailed inspections 
and repetitive re-protection of the elevator assembly. The special 
detailed inspections consist of the following actions:
     Repetitive endoscopic inspections for damage (such as a 
scratch, disbonding, or a tear) of the inner skin of the upper and 
lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, and if any damage 
is found, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the 
instructions.
     Repetitive tap tests for debonding in the inner side of 
the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides, and if any debonding 
is found, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the 
instructions.
     Repetitive thermographic inspections for indications of 
trapped water in the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides of 
the airplane, and if any indications of trapped water are found, doing 
applicable corrective actions (including, but not limited to, repeating 
the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the damaged area, 
doing a general visual inspection to determine if there is an existing 
repair, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the instructions, 
re-protecting the affected surfaces, and repairing holes).
     Repetitively re-protect the elevator assembly (including 
doing a general visual inspection to determine damage and repair if 
necessary, a general visual inspection to determine if the drainage 
holes are clean and not obstructed and cleaning the drainage holes if 
necessary, a general visual inspection to determine the status of the 
static discharges contour and sealing the static discharges contour if 
necessary, and installing front spar access hole covers).
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

New Service Information

    The NPRM referred to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both dated December 22, 2003, as 
appropriate sources of service information for certain actions. Airbus 
has revised this service information. Airbus has issued Mandatory 
Service Bulletins A330-55-3032, Revision 01 including Appendix 01, 
dated March 29, 2005; and A340-55-4029, Revision 01, dated March 29, 
2005; which among minor changes, change the classification of these 
service bulletins from recommended to mandatory. We have revised this 
final rule to also refer to Revision 01 of these service bulletins as 
appropriate sources of service information for certain actions.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received.

Request for a New AD Instead of a Superseding AD

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) requested that we mandate a new AD 
instead of superseding AD 2005-20-32, to eliminate possible confusion 
for operators in complying with the requirements of the NPRM and the AD 
being superseded. Delta explained that AD 2005-20-32 applied to a 
specific range of elevator parts and serial numbers that required 
inspection, repair, and re-protection, as required by Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-55-3032, dated December 22, 2003. Delta reasoned that 
paragraph (h) of AD 2005-20-32, states that installation of an affected 
elevator after the AD effective date, November 16, 2005, was not 
approved unless the subject elevator complied with paragraph (h) of AD 
2005-20-32. Delta reasoned further that the NPRM applies to a larger 
population of elevators and has inspections, repairs (if required), and 
re-protection, as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-
55-3039, dated August 7, 2009. Delta stated that the thresholds in the 
NPRM are based on previous inspections required by Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-55-3032, dated December 22, 2003.
    We assume that Delta intended to refer to paragraph (i) instead of 
(h) of

[[Page 6545]]

AD 2005-20-32, which states that installation of an affected elevator 
after the AD effective date, November 16, 2005, is not approved unless 
the subject elevator complies with paragraph (h) of AD 2005-20-32. We 
disagree with mandating a new AD instead of this final rule, which 
supersedes AD 2005-20-32. Operators that comply with the new 
requirements of this final rule terminate the restated requirements of 
AD 2005-20-32. Restating the requirements of AD 2005-20-32 is necessary 
because some of the new required inspection thresholds in this final 
rule are calculated from the date the inspection was performed, as 
specified in AD 2005-20-32. We have not changed this final rule in this 
regard.

Request for Removal of Reporting Requirements

    Delta requested that we remove the reporting requirements of 
paragraph (n) of the NPRM. Delta explained that requiring operators to 
report their findings (both positive and negative) to Airbus does not 
affect safety of flight, but instead puts operators at risk of non-
compliance for failure to report findings within the required timeline, 
and is a duplication of records that is a burden to operators. Delta 
indicated that they maintain records of accomplishment of mandated 
work. Delta argued further, that removal of the reporting requirement 
would be consistent with the FAA's ruling per AD 2005-20-32, which 
notes:

    ``We require operators to submit information relevant to AD 
actions only when our analyses indicate that such information is 
needed to ensure safety or to document compliance. We cannot require 
operators to submit information to improve processes. We have not 
changed the AD in this regard.''

    We disagree to remove the reporting requirements of this final 
rule. We mandate reporting to Airbus in support of collecting the 
inspection results, which are helpful to Airbus in developing a final 
fix to the problem, a potential change in the design of the affected 
part, or the manufacturing process. We have not changed this final rule 
in this regard.

Request for Reference to Paragraph (k)

    Delta requested that we revise paragraph (o) to include a reference 
to paragraph (k) instead of paragraph (l) in the NPRM. Delta explained 
that the following sentence in paragraph (o) of the NPRM, which states:

    ``do not install any elevator identified in Table 1 of this AD 
on any airplane, unless the elevator has been inspected in 
accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD and all applicable 
corrective actions have been done.''

contains a typographical error and should include a reference to 
paragraph (k) for inspections and paragraph (l) for corrective actions.
    We agree to include a reference to paragraph (k) instead of 
paragraph (l), in paragraph (o) of the final rule. We have revised the 
final rule accordingly.

Conclusion

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

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 56 products of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2005-20-32 and retained in this 
AD take about 1 work-hour 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 $85 per product.
    We estimate that it will take about 14 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $66,640, or $1,190 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 6546]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14329 (70 FR 
59263, October 12, 2005) and adding the following new AD:

2011-03-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-16594. Docket No. FAA-2010-0852; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-005-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
14, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-20-32, Amendment 39-14329.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes, and A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; 
certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers, if 
equipped with any of the elevator part numbers (P/N) identified in 
Table 1 of this AD (``ZZ'' indicates a number from 00 up to 99 
inclusive).

                     Table 1--Elevator Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    For the left-hand  elevator          For the right-hand  elevator
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P/N F55280000000ZZ                   P/N F55280000001ZZ
P/N F55280000002ZZ                   P/N F55280000003ZZ
P/N F55280000004ZZ                   P/N F55280000005ZZ
P/N F55280000006ZZ                   P/N F55280000007ZZ
P/N F55280000008ZZ                   P/N F55280000009ZZ
P/N F55280000012ZZ                   P/N F55280000013ZZ
P/N F55280002000ZZ                   P/N F55280002001ZZ
P/N F55280005000ZZ                   P/N F55280005001ZZ
P/N F55280005002ZZ                   P/N F55280005003ZZ
P/N F55280005004ZZ                   P/N F55280005005ZZ
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: 
Stabilizers.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].
* * * * *

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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-20-32

Service Bulletin Exceptions for Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029

    (g) Where Airbus Service Bulletins A330-55-3032 and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both dated December 22, 2003; and 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both Revision 1, both dated March 29, 
2005; recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before 
further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved 
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation 
Civile (or its delegated agent); or EASA (or its delegated agent).
    (h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both dated December 22, 2003; and 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both Revision 1, both dated March 29, 
2005; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

Determining Part Number, Serial Number

    (i) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: At the later of the times 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, perform an 
inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the 
left- and right-hand elevator assemblies. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number and serial number of each elevator assembly can be 
conclusively determined from that review. If neither elevator 
assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified 
in Table 2 of this AD, no further action is required by this 
paragraph. If either elevator assembly has a part number and serial 
number combination identified in Table 2 of this AD, do paragraph 
(j) of this AD. Doing the actions in paragraph (k) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) Within 10 years after the date of the first flight of the 
airplane, or before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, 
whichever is first.
    (2) Within 18 months after November 16, 2005 (the effective date 
of AD 2005-20-32).

                   Table 2--Affected Elevator Part Numbers and Serial Numbers in AD 2005-20-32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Part                                Affected part Nos.                   Affected serial Nos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Left-hand elevator assembly........  F55280000000, F55280000004.....................  CG1002 through CG1091
                                                                                       inclusive, CG1093,
                                                                                       CG1094, CG2001.
Right-hand elevator assembly.......  F55280000001, F55280000005.....................  CG1002 through CG1094
                                                                                       inclusive, CG2001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspections

    (j) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: If the left- or right-hand 
elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination 
identified in Table 2 of this AD, before further flight after 
accomplishing paragraph (i) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs 
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Doing the 
actions in paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) Perform an endoscopic inspection to detect damage (such as a 
scratch, disbonding, or a tear), and a tap test and a thermographic 
inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the upper and 
lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable; or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, 
-202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes) or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for 
Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both 
Revision 1, both dated March 29, 2005, as applicable; except as 
provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (2) If any damage is found, before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (including, but not limited to, 
repeating the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the 
damaged area, and performing a tap test around the areas where 
moisture is indicated), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model 
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 
(for Model A340-211, -212, -213,

[[Page 6547]]

-311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003, as 
applicable; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for 
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes), both Revision 1, both dated March 29, 2005, as 
applicable; except as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (3) Re-protect the elevator assembly (including performing a 
general visual inspection to determine if the drainage holes are 
clean, a general visual inspection to determine the condition of the 
sealant covering the static discharges contour, and applicable 
corrective actions), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model 
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 
(for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), 
both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable; or Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, 
-212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both Revision 1, both 
dated March 29, 2005, as applicable; except as provided by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

New Requirements of This AD

Repetitive Inspection

    (k) Within the applicable time in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of 
this AD, do a special detailed inspection for discrepancies 
(scratches, debonding, tears, and indications of trapped water), on 
the elevator upper and lower skin panels, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or 
A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months from the date of the 
elevator's first flight after the last inspection. Doing the special 
detailed inspection specified in this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
    (1) For elevators identified in Table 1 of this AD that have not 
been inspected in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, 
-321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes) both dated December 22, 2003; and Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -
203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and 
-343 airplanes) or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 
(for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), 
both Revision 1, both dated March 29, 2005: Within 144 months since 
the date of the elevator's first flight on any airplane, or within 
24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (2) For elevators identified in Table 1 of this AD that have 
been inspected in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, 
-321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes) both dated December 22, 2003; or Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -
203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and 
-343 airplanes) or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 
(for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), 
both Revision 1, both dated March 29, 2005: Within 72 months since 
the date of the elevator's first flight on any airplane after 
accomplishing Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-
201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-
4029, (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes) both dated December 22, 2003; or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, (for Model A340-
211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes) both Revision 1, 
both dated March 29, 2005; as applicable; or within 24 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

Corrective Action

    (l) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (including applicable inspections and 
repair), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, 
-202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes) or A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009; or 
contact Airbus for instructions and follow their corrective actions.

Re-protection

    (m) For elevators on which any action required by paragraph (k) 
or (l) of this AD is done: Before the elevator's next flight, do a 
re-protection (including all applicable inspections and corrective 
actions), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, 
-202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes); or A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009.

Reporting

    (n) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) 
of the inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD to Airbus, as 
specified in Appendix 1 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-
55-3039, dated August 7, 2009; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-55-4035, dated August 7, 2009; as applicable; at the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD. The report 
must include the information identified in Appendix 1 of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039, dated August 7, 2009; or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4035, dated August 7, 
2009; as applicable.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

Parts Installation

    (o) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
elevator identified in Table 1 of this AD on any airplane, unless 
the elevator has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (k) of 
this AD and all applicable corrective actions have been done.

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (p) 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: 
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, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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

[[Page 6548]]

(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (q) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0255, dated December 1, 2009, and the service 
bulletins listed in Table 3 of this AD, for related information.

                                           Table 3--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document                               Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032..  Original...........................  December 22, 2003.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-3032.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029..  Original...........................  December 22, 2003.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-4029.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-3039.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-4035.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (r) You must use the service information contained in Table 4 of 
this AD, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.

                                 Table 4--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document                               Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032,   Original...........................  December 22, 2003.
 excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-3032, excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029,   Original...........................  December 22, 2003.
 excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-4029, excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-3039, including Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-4035, including Appendix 01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                 Table 5--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document                               Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-3032, excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- 1..................................  March 29, 2005.
 55-4029, excluding Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-3039, including Appendix 1.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340- Original...........................  August 7, 2009.
 55-4035, including Appendix 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032, 
excluding Appendix 01, dated December 22, 2003; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 22, 
2003; on November 16, 2005 (70 FR 59263, October 12, 2005).
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (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.
    (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, on January 26, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2430 Filed 2-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P