[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56680-56682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-23470]



[[Page 56680]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0918; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-090-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes; Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; Model A340-500 and 
-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:

    During a pre-flight test before delivery of an aeroplane from 
the Airbus production line, a fault message was triggered on FDU1 
[fire detection unit].
    Investigations by the supplier on the faulty FDU have identified 
a soldering quality issue on one of the internal cards. This quality 
issue resulted from a specific repair process that was applied to 
some FDU * * * during manufacturing.
    The FDU monitors the engine, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Main 
Landing Gear (MLG) bay fire detection systems.
    This condition, if not corrected, may adversely affect the fire 
detection system performance in case of a fire in the area that is 
monitored by the faulty FDU, potentially resulting in an unsafe 
condition.
* * * * *
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 October 31, 
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--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. 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: 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:

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-2011-0918; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-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 2011-0073, dated April 20, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a pre-flight test before delivery of an aeroplane from 
the Airbus production line, a fault message was triggered on FDU1.
    Investigations by the supplier on the faulty FDU have identified 
a soldering quality issue on one of the internal cards. This quality 
issue resulted from a specific repair process that was applied to 
some FDU Part Number (P/N) 3711-00 during manufacturing.
    The FDU monitors the engine, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Main 
Landing Gear (MLG) bay fire detection systems.
    This condition, if not corrected, may adversely affect the fire 
detection system performance in case of a fire in the area that is 
monitored by the faulty FDU, potentially resulting in an unsafe 
condition.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
identification and replacement of the affected FDU.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the all operators telexes (AOT) listed in the 
following table.

                                          Table--All Operators Telexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Model                       Airbus all operators telex                     Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A330...............................  AOT A330-26A3052................  April 19, 2011.
Model A340-200, -300.....................  AOT A340-200/300-26A4044........  April 19, 2011.
Model A340-500, -600.....................  AOT A340-500/600-26A5024........  April 19, 2011.
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[[Page 56681]]

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 58 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hour 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 $0 per product. Replacement 
parts may be provided free of charge by the manufacturer. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. 
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 $4,930, or $85 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2011-0918; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
090-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by October 31, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-223F, -243, and -243F airplanes; Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, 
-322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, 
and -213 airplanes; Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; Model 
A340-541 airplanes; and Model A340-642 airplanes; certificated in 
any category; all serial numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire 
Protection.

Reason

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

    During a pre-flight test before delivery of an aeroplane from 
the Airbus production line, a fault message was triggered on FDU1 
[fire detection unit].
    Investigations by the supplier on the faulty FDU have identified 
a soldering quality issue on one of the internal cards. This quality 
issue resulted from a specific repair process that was applied to 
some FDU * * * during manufacturing.
    The FDU monitors the engine, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Main 
Landing Gear (MLG) bay fire detection systems.
    This condition, if not corrected, may adversely affect the fire 
detection system performance in case of a fire in the area that is 
monitored by the faulty FDU, potentially resulting in an unsafe 
condition.
* * * * *

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.

Actions

    (g) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Do an inspection to identify the Fire Detection Unit (FDU) part 
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of each engine, auxiliary power 
unit (APU), and MLG bay (for Model A340-500 and -600 series 
airplanes only), as applicable, in accordance with the instructions 
of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-26A3052, dated April 19, 
2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); Airbus AOT 
A340-200/300-26A4044, dated April 19, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-500/600-26A5024, dated 
April 19, 2011 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes). A 
review of maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the P/N and S/N of the installed FDU can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (h) If during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, P/N 3711-00 FDU

[[Page 56682]]

is found installed and the S/N of the FDU is listed in table 1 of 
this AD: Before further flight, replace the FDU with a serviceable 
FDU, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-26A3052, 
dated April 19, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); 
Airbus AOT A340-200/300-26A4044, dated April 19, 2011 (for Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-500/600-
26A5024, dated April 19, 2011 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series 
airplanes).

           Table 1--Affected P/N 3711-00 Fire Detection Units
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                               Serial Nos.
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ZL0683.
ZL0718.
ZL0721 through ZL0725 inclusive.
ZL0727.
ZL0729 through ZL0731 inclusive.
ZL0736.
ZL0738.
ZL0740.
ZL0742.
ZL0743.
ZL0745.
ZL0747.
ZL0770.
ZL0772.
ZL0775.
ZL0788.
ZL0804.
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    Note 1: Some of the affected P/N 3711-00 FDUs have been 
installed in production on certain airplanes, as indicated in table 
2 of this AD.


                  Table 2--FDU Installed in Production
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Model A330-200 and -300
  airplanes manufacturer serial           Position              S/N
             numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1177............................  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0683
1191............................  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0723
1192............................  ENG1 FDU (1WD1)........  ZL0721
                                  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0722
1193............................  APU FDU (13WG).........  ZL0718
1195............................  ENG1 FDU (1WD1)........  ZL0740
1196............................  ENG1 FDU (1WD1)........  ZL0742
                                  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0736
                                  APU FDU (13WG).........  ZL0743
1198............................  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0738
1199............................  APU FDU (13WG).........  ZL0731
1200............................  ENG1 FDU (1WD1)........  ZL0747
1206............................  ENG2 FDU (1WD2)........  ZL0770
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane, any P/N 3711-00 FDU with a serial number listed in 
table 1 of this AD, unless the FDU has been reworked and re-
identified by L'Hotellier as specified in the instructions in Airbus 
AOT A330-26A3052, dated April 19, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes); Airbus AOT A340-200/300-26A4044, dated April 19, 
2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT 
A340-500/600-26A5024, dated April 19, 2011 (for Model A340-500 and -
600 series airplanes).

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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 International Branch, send it 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. 
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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0073, dated 
April 20, 2011; Airbus AOT A330-26A3052, dated April 19, 2011; 
Airbus AOT A340-200/300-26A4044, dated April 19, 2011; and Airbus 
AOT A340-500/600-26A5024, dated April 19, 2011; for related 
information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 7, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-23470 Filed 9-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P