[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13075-13078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5293]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0156; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-231-AD; 
Amendment 39-16628; AD 2011-06-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-243F Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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:

    During a recent in-service event the flight crew of a Trent 700 
powered A330 aircraft

[[Page 13076]]

reported a temporary Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) shortfall on engine 
2 during the take-off phase of the flight. * * *
    Data analysis confirmed a temporary fuel flow restriction and 
subsequent recovery, and indicated that also engine 1 experienced a 
temporary fuel flow restriction shortly after the initial event on 
engine 2 * * *.
    Based on previous industry-wide experience, the investigation of 
the event has focused on the possibility for ice to temporarily 
restrict the fuel flow. * * *
    * * * The scenario of ice being shed and causing a temporary 
blockage in the engine fuel system may lead to a temporary fuel flow 
restriction to the engine. This may result in a possible engine 
surge or stall condition, and in the engine not being able to 
provide the commanded thrust.
* * * * *
    This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 25, 2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 25, 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.

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 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-227-
1138; fax: 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 2010-0132, dated June 28, 2010 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a recent in-service event the flight crew of a Trent 700 
powered A330 aircraft reported a temporary Engine Pressure Ratio 
(EPR) shortfall on engine 2 during the take-off phase of the flight. 
The ENG STALL warning was set. The flight crew followed the standard 
procedures which included reducing throttle to idle. The engine 
recovered and provided the demanded thrust level for the remainder 
of the flight.
    Data analysis confirmed a temporary fuel flow restriction and 
subsequent recovery, and indicated that also engine 1 experienced a 
temporary fuel flow restriction shortly after the initial event on 
engine 2, again followed by a full recovery. The engine 1 EPR 
shortfall was insufficient to trigger any associated warning and was 
only noted through analysis of the flight data. No flight crew 
action was necessary to recover normal performance on this engine. 
The remainder of the flight was uneventful.
    Based on previous industry-wide experience, the investigation of 
the event has focused on the possibility for ice to temporarily 
restrict the fuel flow. While no direct fuel system fault has been 
identified, the operation of the water scavenge system at Rib 3 
cannot be excluded as being a contributory factor.
    Testing and analysis are continuing to identify the root cause 
of the event. The scenario of ice being shed and causing a temporary 
blockage in the engine fuel system may lead to a temporary fuel flow 
restriction to the engine. This may result in a possible engine 
surge or stall condition, and in the engine not being able to 
provide the commanded thrust.
    Therefore, as a precautionary measure to reduce the possibility 
of ingesting ice into the engine fuel feed system, EASA EAD 2010-
0042-E [which corresponds to FAA AD 2010-08-08] required to:

--Deactivate the automatic Standby Fuel Pump Scavenge System, which 
operates during Taxi and Take-off by removing relays Functional Item 
Numbers (FIN) 80QA1 and 80QA2 (this will not affect normal standby 
pump operation) for aeroplanes identified in the applicability 
section of this AD and on which this deactivation has not been 
performed in production through the modification 200801, and
--Prohibit the dispatch with * * * [a] MAIN Fuel Pump inoperative on 
all aeroplanes identified in the applicability section of this AD.

    This AD * * * is issued to extend the applicability to the newly 
certified model A330-243F.

    This AD also requires revising the Limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual to advise the flight crew of the dispatch 
prohibition. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI 
in the AD docket.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

Differences Between the 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0156; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-231-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,

[[Page 13077]]

environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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.

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:

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 adding the following new AD:

2011-06-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-16628. Docket No. FAA-2011-0156; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-231-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
25, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-243F airplanes; 
certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers on 
which Airbus modification 56966H16199 has been embodied in 
production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3105 has been embodied 
in service;.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During a recent in-service event the flight crew of a Trent 700 
powered A330 aircraft reported a temporary Engine Pressure Ratio 
(EPR) shortfall on engine 2 during the take-off phase of the flight. 
* * *
    Data analysis confirmed a temporary fuel flow restriction and 
subsequent recovery, and indicated that also engine 1 experienced a 
temporary fuel flow restriction shortly after the initial event on 
engine 2 * * *.
    Based on previous industry-wide experience, the investigation of 
the event has focused on the possibility for ice to temporarily 
restrict the fuel flow. * * *
    * * * The scenario of ice being shed and causing a temporary 
blockage in the engine fuel system may lead to a temporary fuel flow 
restriction to the engine. This may result in a possible engine 
surge or stall condition, and in the engine not being able to 
provide the commanded thrust.
* * * * *

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.

Inoperative Fuel Pump Prohibition

    (g) Dispatch of an airplane with any inoperative main fuel pump 
is prohibited as of the effective date of this AD.

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (h) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) 
to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of this AD into the AFM.
    ``Dispatch with any inoperative main fuel pump is prohibited.''

    Note 1:  When a statement identical to that in paragraph (h) of 
this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the 
general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: EASA AD 2010-0132, dated June 28, 2010, 
affected certain Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes. This AD affects only the newly certified Model A330-243F 
airplanes. FAA AD 2010-08-08 addresses the identical unsafe 
condition for the Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (i) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to Attn: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-227-1138; fax: 425-227-1149. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 
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 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

Related Information

    (j) Refer to Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0132, dated June 28, 2010, for related information.

[[Page 13078]]

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 28, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-5293 Filed 3-9-11; 8:45 am]
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