[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19071-19074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7008]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0292; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-056-AD; 
Amendment 39-16991; AD 2012-06-10]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series 
airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracked and 
missing nuts, and replacement of cracked or missing nuts with new nuts 
having the same part number. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked 
nuts detected during production. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracked or missing nuts, and replace all affected nuts in 
multiple locations (including fuel tank areas) that could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 16, 
2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 14, 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.

[[Page 19072]]

     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 2010-0252, dated November 29, 2010 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During structural part assembly in Airbus production line, some 
nuts Part Number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 were found cracked.
    Investigations were performed to determine batches of the 
affected nuts.
    Static, fatigue and corrosion tests were performed and 
demonstrated that no immediate maintenance action is necessary. 
However, due to the large number of these nuts fitted on primary 
structural elements, this condition, if not corrected, could impair 
the structural integrity of the affected aeroplanes.
    This [EASA] AD requires detailed inspection [for cracked and 
missing nuts] and replacement of nuts P/N ASNA2531-4 with new ones 
having the same P/N, in order to restore the structural integrity of 
the affected aeroplanes, and the accomplishment of the applicable 
corrective actions. [If no missing or cracked nut is found, replace 
with new nut.]

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, 
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-53-5056, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 
(for Model A340-500 and -600 series 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 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.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as 
follows: The MCAI and the service information include a reporting 
requirement. This AD does not require reporting of the inspection 
results to the airplane manufacturer.

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-2012-0292; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-056-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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

[[Page 19073]]

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:

2012-06-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-16991. Docket No. FAA-2012-0292; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-056-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 16, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302,-303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, manufacturer serial 
numbers 0895, 0898 through 0900 inclusive, 0903 through 0909 
inclusive, 0911, 0913 through 0916 inclusive, 0918 through 0920 
inclusive, 0922, 0923, 0926, 0927, 0930 through 0932 inclusive, 0934 
through 0936 inclusive, 0940, and 0951.
    (2) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, manufacturer serial 
numbers 0846, 0848, 0894, 0897, 0902, 0910, 0912, 0917, and 0929.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked nuts detected during 
production. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked or 
missing nuts, and replace all affected nuts in multiple locations 
(including fuel tank areas) that could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(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 and Corrective Action in Fuel Tank Areas

    For nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel 
tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first 
flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or 
cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas 
overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 
7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
    (1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair 
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or EASA (or its delegated agent).
    (2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace 
the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and 
-600 series airplanes).
    (3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before 
further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part 
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model 
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action in Fuel Tank Areas

    For nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel 
tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first 
flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or 
cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas 
overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 
7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
    (1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair 
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or EASA (or its delegated agent).
    (2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace 
the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and 
-600 series airplanes).
    (3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before 
further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part 
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model 
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).

(h) Inspection and Corrective Action in Areas Other Than Fuel Tank 
Areas

    For nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4 not located in fuel tank areas: 
Within 72 months since first flight of airplane or 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed 
inspection for missing or cracked nuts, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 
2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 
02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series 
airplanes).
    (1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair 
the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116; or EASA (or its delegated agent).
    (2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace 
that nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and 
-600 series airplanes).
    (3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before 
further flight, replace that nut with a new nut having the same part 
number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 
02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model 
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 19074]]

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, 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 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-
0252, dated November 29, 2010, and the service information 
identified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD for related 
information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010.

(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:
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 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 8, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7008 Filed 3-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P