[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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex--
                                Revision--              Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus all operators telex--
                                Revision--              Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P