[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36387-36390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15535]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0570; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-014-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes; 
Model A310 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. 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:
* * * * *
    A recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the * * * hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.
* * * * *
    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 August 8, 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 W12-140, 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,

[[Page 36388]]

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-2011-0570; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-014-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 2011-0006, dated January 17, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Since 1984, the design of the hydraulic accumulator installed on 
all the affected Airbus types has changed. The Part Number (P/N) 
remained the same, but the manufacturer did not record the serial 
number of the part that was the first to be manufactured to the 
changed design specification.
    The new design hydraulic accumulator is manufactured with 2 
pieces unit welded, instead of 4 pieces unit with 3 welds (old 
design) as pictured in Appendix 1 of this [EASA] AD. The welding 
process of the new design hydraulic accumulator provides a higher 
strength shell material and more reliability.
    A recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the old design hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.
    For the reasons explained above, this [EASA] AD requires a one 
time detailed visual inspection to identify the old designed 
accumulators installed on certain hydraulic systems, the replacement 
of those accumulators by new designed accumulators and, irrespective 
of findings, the installation of warning placards to avoid 
installation of old designed accumulators on the affected hydraulic 
systems.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the service bulletins identified in the following 
table. The actions described in this service information are intended 
to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

                                           Table--Service information
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        Airbus mandatory service bulletin--                 Revision--                      Dated--
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A300-29-0126, including Appendices 01 and 02......  01.......................  October 12, 2010.
A300-29-0127......................................  Original.................  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6063, including Appendix 01...............  Original.................  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6064......................................  Original.................  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2099, including Appendix 01...............  Original.................  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2100......................................  Original.................  August 12, 2010.
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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 184 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 7 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $197 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $145,728, or $792 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $10,700, for a cost 
of $11,125 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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

[[Page 36389]]

the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This 
regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses 
an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 
identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2011-0570; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
014-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 8, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the products identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; 
A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; A300 F4-605R and F4-622R 
airplanes; and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: 
Hydraulic power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the * * * hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.

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.

Inspection, Replacement, and Placard Installation

    (g) Within 30 months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of 
each type 5 hydraulic accumulator, part number (P/N) 3059103-1, P/N 
3059103-2, P/N 3059103-8, and P/N 3059103-9, to determine if an old 
design accumulator (i.e., pre-1984) is installed on any affected 
hydraulic circuit indicated in table 1 of this AD, as applicable, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
Airbus mandatory service bulletin identified in table 2 of this AD.

                 Table 1--Applicable hydraulic circuits
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              Airbus model                      Hydraulic circuit
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A300 airplanes pre-modification 02447..  Blue and Green.
A300 airplanes post-modification 02447.  Blue.
A300-600 airplanes.....................  Blue.
A310 airplanes.........................  Green.
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                 Table 2--Applicable service information
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    Airbus mandatory service
           bulletin--              Revision --           Dated --
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A300-29-0126 (for Model A300     01.............  October 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
A300-29-6063 (for Model A300-    Original.......  August 12, 2010.
 600 airplanes).
A310-29-2099 (for Model A310     Original.......  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
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     (h) If, during any detailed inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, an old design hydraulic accumulator (i.e., pre-1984) 
is found installed on any affected hydraulic circuit as indicated in 
table 1 of this AD, as applicable to airplane model, before further 
flight replace each affected old design accumulator with a new 
design accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus mandatory service bulletin 
identified in table 2 of this AD.
    (i) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Install a placard at the 
designated location of any affected hydraulic circuit indicated in 
table 1 of this AD, as applicable to airplane model, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus 
mandatory service bulletin identified in table 3 of this AD.

              Table 3--Other applicable service information
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  Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin--                Dated--
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A300-29-0127...........................  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6064...........................  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2100...........................  August 12, 2010.
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FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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

[[Page 36390]]

appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Branch, send it 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. 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

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0006, dated January 17, 2011; and the 
service bulletins identified in table 4 of this AD; for related 
information.

                  Table 4--Related service information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Airbus Mandatory Service
          Bulletin--              Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-29-0126.................  01..............  October 12, 2010.
A300-29-0127.................  Original........  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6063.................  Original........  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6064.................  Original........  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2099.................  Original........  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2100.................  Original........  August 12, 2010.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-15535 Filed 6-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P