[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 28 (Friday, February 10, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7007-7010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3105]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0111; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-089-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-300 series 
airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes; Model A340-300 series 
airplanes; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model A340-642 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin 
caused by material heating due to friction between the bogie pivot pin 
and bush. This proposed AD would require performing a detailed 
inspection for degradation of the bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes 
of the main and central landing gear for any cracks and damage, and 
repairing or replacing bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes, if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to correct and detect cracks and 
damage to the main and central landing gear, which could result in the 
collapse of the landing gear and adversely affect the airplane's 
continued safe flight and landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 26, 2012.

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

[[Page 7008]]

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; email [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-2012-0111; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-089-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 2011-0040, dated March 8, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During removals of A330/340 Main Landing Gear Bogie Beams and 
A340-500/600 Centre Landing Gear Bogie Beams, cracks in the Bogie 
Pivot Pin (BPP) have been found.
    Investigations indicated that the main root cause is material 
heating due to friction between bogie pivot pin and bush. 
Consequences of that heating are chrome detachment and stress 
corrosion cracking (SCC).
    This situation, if not corrected, could result in the collapse 
of the main or central landing gear.
    As a precautionary measure, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time 
[detailed] inspection of the main landing gear (all types of A330 
and A340) and central landing gear (A340-500/600 only) to detect 
degradation * * * of the BPP [and cracks and damages of the bushes], 
as applicable to aeroplane model, and the reporting of inspections 
results.

    Required actions also include, for certain airplanes, a magnetic 
particle inspection of the bogie pivot pin for corrosion and base metal 
cracks. The corrective actions include replacing any cracked or damaged 
pivot pin bush with a new or serviceable pivot pin bush, and replacing 
any corroded or cracked bogie pin with a new bogie pin. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series airplanes 
and Model A330-300 series airplanes);
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-200 series airplanes 
and Model A340-300 series airplanes); and
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and 
A340-642 airplanes).
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 29 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 22 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $54,230, or $1,870 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $21,222, for a cost 
of $21,732 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 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:

[[Page 7009]]

    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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-2012-0111; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
089-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 26, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -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 manufacturer serial 
numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 54500 has been 
embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin 
caused by material heating due to friction between the bogie pivot 
pin and bush. We are issuing this AD to correct and detect cracks 
and damage to the main and central landing gear, which could result 
in the collapse of the landing gear and adversely affect the 
airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD or within 
26 months after the first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs 
later; but no earlier than 12 months after the first flight of the 
airplane: Do a detailed inspection for degradation of the bogie 
pivot pins and pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing 
gear, for any cracks and damage (i.e., loss of chromium plate, loose 
chromium, sharp edges), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series 
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series 
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and 
A340-642 airplanes).

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any pivot pin bush is found cracked or damaged: Before further 
flight, record all findings (both positive and negative), as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, and repair or replace the 
pivot pin bush with a new or serviceable pivot pin bush, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin specified paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series 
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series 
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and 
A340-642 airplanes).

(i) Record Findings and Inspection

    If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
degraded chrome plating on any bogie pivot pin is found: Before 
further flight, record findings (both positive and negative), as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, and do a non-destructive test 
(magnetic particle inspection) of the affected bogie pivot pin for 
corrosion and base metal cracks, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series 
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series 
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and 
A340-642 airplanes).

(j) Repair or Replacement

    If, during the non-destructive test (magnetic particle 
inspection) specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, the bogie pivot 
pin is found corroded or the base metal is cracked: Before further 
flight, repair or replace the bogie pin with a new or serviceable 
bogie pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin specified paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or 
(j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series 
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series 
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and 
A340-642 airplanes).

(k) Reporting Requirement

    Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of 
the inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD to 
Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, ATTN: SDC32 Technical Data and 
Documentation Services; fax (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email 
[email protected]; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD. The report must include the 
inspection results and description of any discrepancies found.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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

[[Page 7010]]

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 emailed 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.
    (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.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0040, dated March 8, 2011, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(3) of this 
AD, for related information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including 
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.

    Issued in Renton, Washington on February 3, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-3105 Filed 2-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P