[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51729-51731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20879]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that revealed the 
wheel axles of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a radius 
as small as 0.4 millimeters. This proposed AD would require replacing 
the wheel axle of the MLG with a serviceable part. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG, which could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 11, 
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-2012-0810; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-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 2011-0170, dated September 7, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    EASA has received a report via Airbus and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Ltd, from a Maintenance repair organisation, concerning a specific 
repair, accomplished on certain MLG wheel axles. Investigations 
revealed that the axles have been machined with a radius as small as 
0.4 mm.
    This condition, if not corrected, has a detrimental effect on 
the fatigue lives of these parts, possibly affecting the structural 
integrity of the aeroplane. Fatigue analyses were performed, the 
results of which

[[Page 51730]]

indicated that the life limit of the affected MLG wheel axles must 
be reduced to below the one stated in the A330 and A340 Airbus 
Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) Part 1.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
replacement of the MLG wheel axles before reaching the new reduced 
demonstrated life limit.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes); and All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated 
August 24, 2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model 
A340-200 and -300 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 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 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 48 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $153,443 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $9,293,857, or $157,523 per product.

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-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
195-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 11, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial 
numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 54500 has been 
embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles 
were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the main 
landing gear (MLG), which could adversely affect the 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) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected MLG wheel axle is 
defined as a MLG axle having a part number and serial number 
specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011, of Airbus 
All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex 
A340-32A4292, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 
series airplanes).
    (2) After removal from an airplane, an affected MLG wheel axle 
that has reached its life limit is considered an unserviceable part.
    (3) The term ``life limit'' used in this AD means a post-repair 
life limit.

(h) Replacement

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD: Replace all affected MLG wheel axles with 
serviceable parts, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All 
Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011, including 
Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated 
August 24, 2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011 (for 
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
    (1) Replace before the accumulation of the applicable landings 
or flight hours specified

[[Page 51731]]

in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The ``Post Repair MLG 
wheel Axle Life Limit'' must be counted from the date of 
installation of the MLG wheel axle on an airplane that occurs after 
the date of repair specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1, dated August 
23, 2011 of Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A-3256 (for Model A330-
200 series airplanes and Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes); or 
Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A-4292 (for Model A340-200 series 
airplanes and Airbus Model A340-300 series airplanes).
    (2) Replace within 24 months after the effective date of this AD 
without exceeding the applicable landings or flight hours specified 
in table 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The ``Post Repair MLG 
wheel axle flight hours or landings, not to be exceeded'' must be 
counted from the date of installation of the MLG wheel axle on an 
airplane which occurs after the date of repair specified in the Part 
1 of Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011, of Airbus All Operator Telex 
A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated 
August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).

                  Table 1 to Paragraph (h)(1) of This AD--Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Life Limit
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                                                 Post-repair MLG wheel axle life limit, whichever occurs first
             Affected airplanes                                (see paragraph (h)(1) of this AD)
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Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes,     4,700 landings or 22,250 flight hours.
 weight variant (WV) 00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes,     4,600 landings or 29,000 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.....  3,950 landings or 16,900 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342    5,050 landings or 15,200 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243,   4,450 landings or 17,900 flight hours.
 WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and - 5,150 landings or 13,450 flight hours.
 343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
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          Table 2--to Paragraph (h)(2) of This AD--Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Flight Hours or Landings
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                                                Post-repair MLG wheel axle flight hours or landings, whichever
             Affected airplanes                 occurs first, not to be exceeded  (see paragraph (h)(2) of this
                                                                              AD)
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Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes,     7,830 landings or 37,080 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes,     7,660 landings or 48,330 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.....  6,580 landings or 28,160 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342    8,410 landings or 25,330 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243    7,410 landings or 29,830 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and - 8,580 landings or 22,580 flight hours.
 343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
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(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD: An affected MLG wheel axle 
can be installed on an airplane, provided the MLG wheel axle has not 
exceeded the limits specified in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD and it is replaced with a serviceable part before reaching the 
life limit defined in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) 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, 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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0170, dated 
September 7, 2011, and the service information in paragraphs 
(k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related information.
    (i) Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, dated August 24, 
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, dated August 24, 
2011, including Appendix 1, dated August 23, 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20879 Filed 8-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P