[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 56 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16661-16664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6773]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0273; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-149-AD;
Amendment 39-16988; AD 2012-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of loose pneumatic quick-disconnect unions on Goodrich pitot
probes that might be the result of mis-torque of the affected unions at
equipment manufacturing level. This AD adds airplanes to the AD
applicability. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose
unions on the pitot probes, which could lead to an air leak, resulting
in incorrect total pressure measurement and consequent erroneous
calibrated airspeed (CAS)/MACH parameters delivered to the flightcrew
by the air data computer.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 6, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 22,
2010 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010).
We must receive comments on this AD by May 7, 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 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601
[[Page 16662]]
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On July 30, 2010, we issued AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75
FR 50871, August 18, 2010). That AD required actions intended to
address an unsafe condition on certain Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes, and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR 50871,
August 18, 2010), we have certified two new models: Model A330-223F and
-243F airplanes. We are issuing this AD to include them in the
requirements of that earlier AD. The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0138,
dated July 20, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Several reports have recently been received of loose pneumatic
quick-disconnect unions on Goodrich pitot probes [part number] P/N
0851HL. These may be the result of mis-torque of the affected unions
at equipment manufacturing level. Investigations are still on-going
to determine the root cause(s).
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an air leak,
resulting in incorrect total pressure measurement and consequent
erroneous Calibrated Airspeed (CAS)/MACH parameters delivered by the
Air Data Computer (ADC).
As a precautionary measure, EASA issued Emergency AD 2009-0202
to require a torque check of the pneumatic quick-disconnect union on
certain Goodrich P/N 0851HL pitot probes and corrective action,
depending on findings.
EASA AD 2009-0202-E was subsequently republished to remove an
erroneous reference to Appendix A from the Reason section, as no
Appendix was attached to this [EASA] AD. [EASA] AD 2009-0202 was
later revised to exclude pitot probes marked with a red torque
check-mark from the torque-check required by paragraph (2.1) of this
[EASA] AD.
This [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2009-0202R1
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR
50871, August 18, 2010)], which is superseded, and expands the
Applicability to include the newly certified Model A330-223F and
Model A330-243F aeroplanes.
Loss or fluctuation of indicated airspeed could result in misleading
information provided to the flightcrew. If the quick-disconnect union
fitted on the pitot probe is not adequately torqued, the corrective
action includes applying torque. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Change to AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18,
2010)
We have revised certain headers throughout this AD. We have also
revised the wording in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. This revision does
not change the intent of paragraph (g)(3) of AD 2010-17-02, Amendment
39-16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010).
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.
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-2012-0273; Directorate
Identifier 2011-NM-149-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);
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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 16663]]
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 removing AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-
16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010), and adding the following new AD:
2012-06-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16988. Docket No. FAA-2012-0273;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-149-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 6,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR
50871, August 18, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD; certificated in any category;
all manufacturer serial numbers; with pitot probes having Goodrich
part number (P/N) 0851HL, serial numbers 267328 through 270714
inclusive.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(3) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34: Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of loose pneumatic quick-
disconnect unions on Goodrich pitot probes that might be the result
of mis-torque of the affected unions at equipment manufacturing
level. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose unions on
the pitot probes, which could lead to an air leak, resulting in
incorrect total pressure measurement and consequent erroneous
calibrated airspeed (CAS)/MACH parameters delivered to the
flightcrew by the air data computer (ADC).
(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) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392
(75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010): Actions for Airplanes Other Than Models
A330-223F and -243F
For all airplanes except Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes: At
the time specified, do the following actions.
(1) Within 14 days after September 22, 2010 (the effective date
of AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18,
2010)): Perform a torque check of the pneumatic quick-disconnect
union of each pitot probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers
267328 through 270714 inclusive, to determine if the torque is
adequate, in accordance with the instructions of the applicable
service information specified in table 1 of this AD. Before further
flight, do all applicable corrective actions in accordance with the
instructions of the applicable service information specified in
table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Airbus Service Information
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Airbus all operators telex--
Revision-- Dated--
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A330-34A3235 (for Model A330- 02 March 1, 2010.
201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -301, -302, -303, -
321,-322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes).
A340[dash]34A4241 (for Model 02 March 1, 2010.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311,
-312, and -313 airplanes).
A340-34A5074 (for Model A340- 02 March 1, 2010.
541 and -642 airplanes).
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(2) Within 30 days after performing the torque check required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 30 days after September
22, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-02, Amendment 39-16392
(75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010), whichever occurs later: Report the
torque check results to Airbus, including no findings, as specified
in the instructions of the applicable service information listed in
table 1 of this AD.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were done before
September 22, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-02, Amendment
39-16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010), using the applicable
service information listed in table 2 of this AD.
Table 2--Airbus Credit Service Information
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Airbus all operators telex--
Revision-- Dated--
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A330-34A3235................ .............. September 10, 2009.
A330-34A3235................ 1 September 21, 2009.
A340-34A4241................ .............. September 10, 2009.
A340-34A4241................ 1 September 21, 2009.
A340-34A5074................ .............. September 10, 2009.
A340-34A5074................ 1 September 21, 2009.
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(4) As of September 22, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-17-
02, Amendment 39-16392 (75 FR 50871, August 18, 2010), no person may
install a pitot probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers
267328 through 270714 inclusive, on any airplane, unless the actions
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been done; or an intact
red torque check mark is visible on the interface of the pneumatic
quick disconnect union and the union mount.
(h) New Requirements of This AD: Actions for Model A330-223F and -243F
Airplanes
For Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes: At the time specified,
do the following actions.
(1) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform
a torque check of the pneumatic quick-disconnect union of each pitot
probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers 267328 through
270714 inclusive, to determine if the torque is adequate, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A330-
34A3235, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010. Before further flight, do
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus All
Operators Telex A330-34A3235, Revision 02, dated March 1, 2010.
(2) Within 30 days after performing the torque check required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Report the torque check
results to Airbus, including no findings, as specified in the
instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A330-34A3235, Revision
02, dated March 1, 2010.
[[Page 16664]]
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were done before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus All Operators Telex A330-
34A3235, dated September 10, 2009; or Airbus All Operators Telex
A330-34A3235, Revision 1, dated September 21, 2009.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
pitot probe having Goodrich P/N 0851HL, serial numbers 267328
through 270714 inclusive, on any airplane, unless the actions
required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD have been done; or an intact
red torque check mark is visible on the interface of the pneumatic
quick disconnect union and the union mount.
(i) 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 to the International
Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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.
(j) Related Information
Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0138, dated July 20, 2011, and the service
information specified in table 1 of this AD, for related
information.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 on September 22, 2010 (75 FR 50871, August
18, 2010):
(i) Airbus All Operators Telex A330-34A3235, Revision 02, dated
March 1, 2010.
(ii) Airbus All Operators Telex A340-34A4241, Revision 02, dated
March 1, 2010.
(iii) Airbus All Operators Telex A340-34A5074, Revision 02,
dated March 1, 2010.
(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; email [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 March 7, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-6773 Filed 3-21-12; 8:45 am]
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