[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 7, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46937-46940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18621]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0185; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-001-AD; 
Amendment 39-17143; AD 2012-15-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes, and Model A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). 
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug of the 
main landing gear (MLG) rib 5 aft bearing attachment. This AD requires 
repetitive inspections for cracking of the left-hand (LH) and right-
hand (RH) wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, and repair if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the 
LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, which could affect 
the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in MLG 
collapse during landing or rollout with consequent damage to the 
airplane and injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 11, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 11, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 28, 2012 
(77 FR 11793). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During routine visual inspection, a crack has been found in the 
wing MLG [main landing gear] rib 5 aft bearing forward lug on two 
A310 in-service aeroplanes. Laboratory examination of cracked ribs 
confirmed that the crack was due to the presence of pitting 
corrosion in the forward lug hole. Also on both aeroplanes medium to 
heavy corrosion was found in the forward lugs on the opposite wing 
after removal of the bushes. Similarly to A310 aeroplanes, A300 and 
A300-600 aeroplanes are concerned by this situation which, if not 
detected, could affect the structural integrity of the MLG 
attachment.
    The aim of the [EASA] Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 
2006-0372-E [which corresponds to FAA AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-
14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007)] was to mandate, for A300 and 
A300-600 aeroplanes, repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVI) of 
wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs for detection of through 
cracks.
    Since then, in order to ensure the detection of any crack in the 
forward lug of the RH [right-hand] and LH [left-hand] MLG rib 5 aft 
bearing attachment at an early stage, Airbus has developed a new 
inspection by means of ultrasonic method. Due to the early crack 
detection possibility, this new means of inspection also enables 
extension of the inspection interval.
    For technical reasons, this new means of inspection is only 
applicable to A300B4, C4,

[[Page 46938]]

and F4 and A300-600 aeroplane series (not to A300B2 aeroplane 
series).
    For these reasons, this new [EASA] AD * * * adds new inspection 
program requirements [a revised detailed inspection, optional 
ultrasonic inspections, and repair if necessary].

As an option, a modification, which includes installing bushings with 
an increased interference fit in the aft bearing forward lugs, 
terminates the repetitive inspections. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Bulletin

    UPS requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 11793, February 28, 
2012) to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, 
Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012. UPS pointed out that this revised 
service bulletin provides a new repair drawing that supersedes a 
previous repair drawing.
    We agree. We have changed paragraphs (j) and (o) of this AD to 
refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, 
dated January 26, 2012. We have also added paragraph (m)(5) to this AD 
to give credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD 
using Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 02, dated June 18, 
2010.

Request To Change Paragraph Reference for Terminating Action

    UPS stated that paragraph (k) of the NPRM (77 FR 11793, February 
28, 2012) provides terminating action to AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-
14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007), by doing the inspections called 
out in paragraph (g) of the NPRM. UPS stated that the reference for the 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections of this NPRM and for 
AD 2007-03-18 should be paragraph (j) of the NPRM.
    We agree that paragraph (k) of this AD should refer to paragraph 
(j), not paragraph (g), of this AD for the terminating modification. 
Paragraph (k) of this AD has been changed to refer to paragraph (j) of 
this AD.

Request To Specify Terminating Action for Related AD

    UPS requested that we refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012, which clarifies that 
the terminating action for the repetitive inspections includes 
replacing the bushings. UPS also requested that the same reference be 
included in a related NPRM (Docket No. FAA-2011-1225, Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-269-AD).
    We agree that the terminating action should include replacing the 
bushings, which is clarified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-
57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012. As stated previously, we 
have changed paragraph (j) of this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012. No 
further change to this AD is necessary.
    Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-269-AD, has been issued as AD 2012-
08-03, Amendment 39-17019 (77 FR 24367, April 24, 2012), and refers to 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated 
January 26, 2012, for the terminating action.

Other Change Made To This AD

    We have revised paragraph (m) of this AD to refer to paragraph (j) 
of this AD instead of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 11793, February 28, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 11793, February 28, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 165 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $42,075, or $255 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 52 work-hours and require parts costing $4,590, for a cost 
of $9,010 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 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 that 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.

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 the NPRM (77 FR 11793, February 28, 
2012), 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

[[Page 46939]]

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:

2012-15-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-17143. Docket No. FAA-2012-0185; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-001-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
11, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, 
February 8, 2007).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 
airplanes; Model B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, 
F4-605R, and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers except 
for airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airplanes on which LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing 
main landing gear (MLG) rib 5 forward lugs have oversized 
interference fit bushings installed per Airbus Repair Instruction 
R57240221.
    (2) Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes on which 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249 has been done in 
service on the LH and RH wing.
    (3) Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A300-57-6106 has been done in service on the LH and 
RH wing.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug 
of the MLG rib 5 aft bearing attachment. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft 
bearing forward lugs, which could affect the structural integrity of 
the MLG attachment, resulting in MLG collapse during landing or 
rollout with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to 
occupants.

(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) Inspections

    Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, before the 
accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles since new, or within 
12,000 flight cycles since the most recent MLG rib 5 replacement, if 
applicable, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs latest: Do a detailed inspection or an ultrasonic 
inspection for cracking of the LH and RH MLG rib 5 aft bearing 
forward lugs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 
01, dated August 8, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, 
including Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes). Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at 
the applicable interval specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of 
this AD, until the modification specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD is accomplished.
    (1) Repeat the detailed inspections at intervals not to exceed 
100 flight cycles.
    (2) Repeat the ultrasonic inspections at intervals not to exceed 
675 flight cycles.

(h) Exception

    For airplanes on which an inspection required by AD 2007-03-18, 
Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007), has been done as 
of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after 
doing the most recent inspection required by AD 2007-03-18, or 
within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, do a detailed or ultrasonic inspection as specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD. Repeat the applicable inspection 
thereafter at the times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Repair

    If any cracking is detected during any detailed or ultrasonic 
inspection of the LH and RH MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).

(j) Optional Terminating Modification

    Performing the applicable actions specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3) and (j)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-
103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); terminates the repetitive 
inspections required by this AD.
    (1) Perform a general visual inspection and dye penetrant flaw 
detection inspection for corrosion and damage of the bore and 
spotfaces of the lug.
    (2) Determine that the diameter of the bore of the lug 
(dimension Y) is within the tolerance specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-
103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    (3) If damage or corrosion is detected during any inspection 
specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, or if dimension Y is 
outside the tolerance specified in the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, 
dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C 
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, 
Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); repair using a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the EASA (or its delegated agent).
    (4) Install bushings with an increased interference fit in the 
aft bearing forward lugs, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, 
Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and 
B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, 
Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes).

(k) Terminating Action for AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 
5919, February 8, 2007)

    Doing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 
FR 5919, February 8, 2007), for that airplane.

(l) Reporting

    Submit a report (including both positive and negative findings), 
using the applicable report sheet attached to Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 01, dated August 
8, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including Appendix 
01, August 8, 2007 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); of the 
first inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Submit the 
report to Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SEDCC1 Technical 
Data and Documentation Services; fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email: 
[email protected]; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service bulletins 
specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), (m)(3), (m)(4), and (m)(5) 
of this AD.

[[Page 46940]]

    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, dated May 22, 2007 
(for Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 01, dated 
December 19, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 
airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, dated May 22, 2007 
(Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-
605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 01, dated 
January 28, 2008 (Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 02, dated 
June 18, 2010 (Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, 
B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).

(n) 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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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.

(o) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0250, dated 
November 29, 2010, and the service information specified in 
paragraphs (o)(1), (o)(2), (o)(3), and (o)(4) of this AD, for 
related information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, 
dated June 18, 2010.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including 
Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007.
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, 
dated January 26, 2012.
    (4) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including 
Appendix 01, August 8, 2007.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) 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.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, 
dated June 18, 2010.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including 
Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 
03, dated January 26, 2012.
    (iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including 
Appendix 01, August 8, 2007.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS-EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 an NARA facility, 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 July 23, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18621 Filed 8-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P