[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40830-40832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16966]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-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 all 
Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump 
failure. This proposed AD would require inspecting the RAT pump anti-
stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump, 
performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT 
pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump, 
which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 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.
    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-2012-0719; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-240-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 2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a test flight before delivery from production, an A330 
aeroplane experienced a RAT [ram air turbine] pump failure, as a 
result of which, the green hydraulic system could not be fully 
pressurized.
    Investigations concluded that this malfunction was due to poor 
installation of the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a shift in the 
anti-stall speed setting and leading to an inability of the 
hydraulic pump Part Number (P/N) 5909522 to provide enough hydraulic 
pressure.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
in-flight loss of the RAT-Pump pressurization which, in case of a 
total engine flame out, could have consequences for the hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. 
A340-500/-600 series aeroplanes are not affected by this issue 
because they are fitted with a different hydraulic pump P/N.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a check 
to ensure correct setting of the RAT anti-stall valve in the pump 
housing, followed by a RAT functional ground test, and 
accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions, depending on 
findings.

Corrective actions include replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly 
with a serviceable part. Required actions include reporting the 
findings of the inspection. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated 
July 19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); and Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model A340 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

[[Page 40831]]

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 59 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 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 $20,060, or $340 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing up to $405,143, for a 
cost of up to $405,738 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:
    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-2012-0719; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
240-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 27, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump 
failure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of 
the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump 
pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control 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) Actions

    (1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 
of this AD, as applicable, check the RAT pump anti-stall valve for 
correct setting, re-identify the RAT pump, and do a functional 
ground test of the RAT, except as required by paragraph (g)(3) of 
this AD; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or 
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July 
19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes).
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July 
19, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes).

                        Table 1--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Affected airplanes                    Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes on which the A330          Within 3,000 flight hours or 7
 (certification maintenance               months, whichever occurs first
 requirements) CMR Task 292000-00001-1-   after the effective date of
 C, or A340-200/-300 CMR Task 292000-     this AD.
 A0001-1-C, or A330/A340 (maintenance
 review board report) MRBR Task
 29.20.00/06, as applicable to the
 airplane type, has not been
 accomplished as of the effective date
 of this AD.
For airplanes on which the A330 CMR      Within 24 months after the last
 Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-200/-     accomplishment of A330 CMR
 300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-1-C, or A330/  Task 292000-00001-1-C, or A340-
 A340 MRBR Task 29.20.00/06, as           200/-300 CMR Task 292000-A0001-
 applicable to the airplane type, has     1-C, or A330/A340 MRBR Task
 already been accomplished as of the      29.20.00/06, applicable to the
 effective date of this AD.               airplane type, or 30 days
                                          after the effective date of
                                          this AD, whichever occurs
                                          later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 40832]]

     (2) If the functional ground test of the RAT, as required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is not successful (as defined by the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD): Before 
further flight, replace the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a 
serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) 
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (3) Any airplane equipped with a RAT hydraulic pump marked with 
an ``X'' or a date (month/year) in the amendment cell C of the 
identification plate, which has been successfully tested (as defined 
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD) 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of 
this AD prior to the effective date of this AD, is considered 
compliant with the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of 
this AD.

(h) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any 
RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly unless it has been inspected, 
corrected, and successfully tested (as defined by the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD) in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, on any airplane.

(i) Definition

    A serviceable part is a RAT hydraulic pump or RAT assembly that 
has been inspected, corrected, and successfully tested (as defined 
by the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD), 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of 
this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, 
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.

 (k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive
    2011-0197, dated October 10, 2011, and the service bulletins 
specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for 
related information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3117, dated July 
19, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4090, dated July 
19, 2011.
    (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. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16966 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P