[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63159-63161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25778]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0999; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-235-AD;
Amendment 39-16825; AD 2011-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-243F Airplanes
Equipped With Rolls Royce Trent 700 Series Engines
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 flight tests, unexpected fatigue high loads were measured
on the hinges integrated on the 12 o'clock beam which form the upper
extreme edge of the thrust reverser unit C duct.
This situation, if not corrected, could lead to the separation
of the thrust reverser from the aeroplane and therefore to damage of
the aeroplane and hazards to persons or property on the ground.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 27, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 27,
2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 28, 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.
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; telephone (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 2010-0187, dated September 21, 2010 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During flight tests, unexpected fatigue high loads were measured
on the hinges integrated on the 12 o'clock beam which form the upper
extreme edge of the thrust reverser unit C duct.
This situation, if not corrected, could lead to the separation
of the thrust reverser from the aeroplane and therefore to damage of
the aeroplane and hazards to persons or property on the ground.
DGAC [Directorate General for Civil Aviation] AD F-1997-118-047
was issued to prevent structural damage of the thrust reversers.
This [EASA] AD, which supersedes DGAC AD F-1997-118-047R2 [which
corresponds with FAA AD 2001-09-14, Amendment 39-12221 (66 FR 23838,
May 10, 2001] * * * is issued to extend the applicability to the
newly certified model A330-243F.
Required actions include repetitive general visual inspections for
cracks of the hinge assemblies and along the beam structure of the
right and left engine thrust reversers, detailed inspection for
cracking of hinges 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the left and right thrust
reversers if no cracking is found during any general inspection, and
replacing the affected thrust reverser of each engine if any crack is
found. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the
AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3006, Revision
09, including Appendix 1, dated October 21, 2009. 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 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
[[Page 63160]]
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-2011-0999; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-235-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
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:
2011-21-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16825. Docket No. FAA-2011-0999;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-235-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October
27, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-243F airplanes;
certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 700
series engines.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78: Engine
Exhaust.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During flight tests, unexpected fatigue high loads were measured
on the hinges integrated on the 12 o'clock beam which form the upper
extreme edge of the thrust reverser unit C duct.
This situation, if not corrected, could lead to the separation
of the thrust reverser from the aeroplane and therefore to damage of
the aeroplane and hazards to persons or property on the ground.
* * * * *
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) At the applicable initial and repetitive times specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, perform a general visual
inspection of the hinge assemblies and along the beam structure of
the right and left engine thrust reversers for cracks, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-78-3006, Revision 09, excluding Appendix 1, dated
October 21, 2009.
(1) For airplanes on which neither Airbus modification 46879 nor
Airbus modification 47358 have been embodied in production: Do the
inspection before the accumulation of 1,200 total flight cycles
after the first flight of the airplane or within 3 months after the
effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, do the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
(2) For airplanes on which either Airbus modification 46879 or
Airbus modification 47358 have been embodied in production: Do the
inspection before the accumulation 2,000 total flight cycles after
the first flight of the airplane, or within 3 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, do
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles.
(h) If no crack is found during the general visual inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, perform
a detailed inspection of hinges 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the right and left
thrust reversers for cracks, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3006,
Revision 09, excluding Appendix 1, dated October 21, 2009. If no
crack is found during the detailed inspection, repeat the general
visual inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the
intervals specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) or (h) of
[[Page 63161]]
this AD: Before further flight, replace the affected thrust
reverser, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3006, Revision 09,
excluding Appendix 1, dated October 21, 2009. Repeat the general
visual inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the
intervals specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows:
Although European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive
(EASA) 2010-0187, dated September 21, 2010, is applicable to Airbus
Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, this AD
applies to only A330-243F airplanes. The unsafe condition for Model
A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes is addressed in FAA AD
2001-09-14, amendment 39-12221 (66 FR 23838, May 10, 2001).
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, 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 ANM-
116, 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 2010-0187, dated
September 21, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-
3006, Revision 09, excluding Appendix 1, dated October 21, 2009; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-78-3006,
Revision 09, excluding Appendix 1, dated October 21, 2009, to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 September 23, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-25778 Filed 10-11-11; 8:45 am]
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