[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 7, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66764-66766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27125]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1160; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-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 Model A330-200, -300 and -200 Freighter series airplanes; and 
all Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a determination that the bonding lead from a certain 
isolation valve to a frame was too close to an electrical harness, 
which might cause chafing between the electrical harness and the 
associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to a short circuit of 
the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation valve, 
which would prevent the air-flow to be shut-off in case of fire. This 
proposed AD would require modifying the bonding lead installation of 
the isolation valve. We are proposing this AD to prevent such chafing, 
which could result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the event 
of a fire and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to its 
occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 
2012.

[[Page 66765]]


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, WA. 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, WA 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-2012-1160; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-096-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 2012-0090, dated May 22, 2012 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    It was noticed in production that the bonding lead from the 
isolation valve 283HN to Frame (FR) 64, between Stringer (STGR) 33 
and STGR 34, was too close to the electrical harness 5871VB. The 
results of the technical investigations carried out by Airbus 
determined that this insufficient clearance may cause chafing 
between the electrical harness 5871VB and the associated bonding 
lead.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a short circuit 
of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of the isolation 
valve 283HN, which would prevent the air flow to be shut-off in case 
of fire, potentially resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to its occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
installation of a new bonding bracket and new bonding lead at 
STGR33, between FR64 and FR65 introduced by Airbus modification 
(mod.) 201500, or mod. 201681 in production, or Airbus Service 
Bulletin (SB) A330-21-3165, SB A330-21-3160 or SB A340-21-4152 in 
service.
    In addition, for aeroplanes already modified in accordance with 
the instructions of Airbus SB A330-21-3165 or SB A340-21-4152 at 
original issue or Revision 01, it [this EASA AD] requires 
accomplishment of the additional work (additional wiring connected 
to the structure of the aeroplane).

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
     Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 4, 
2011.
     Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02, dated 
March 29, 2012.
     Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 02, 
dated March 29, 2012.

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 58 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 6 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 $66 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 $33,408, or $576 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.

[[Page 66766]]

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-2012-1160; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
096-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 24, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(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.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification 
201500 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, except for airplanes on which Airbus modification 201681 
has been embodied in production.
    (3) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
conditioning.

 (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the bonding lead 
from a certain isolation valve to a frame was too close to an 
electrical harness, which might cause chafing between the electrical 
harness and the associated bonding lead. This chafing could lead to 
a short circuit of the isolation valve and consequent non-closure of 
the isolation valve, which would prevent the air-flow to be shut-off 
in case of fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent such chafing, 
which could result in non-closure of the isolation valve in the 
event of a fire and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to 
its 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) Bonding Lead Installation Modification

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
bonding lead installation of isolation valve 283HN, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 02, 
dated March 29, 2012 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 
4, 2011 (for Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 02, 
dated March 29, 2012 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes).

(h) Bonding Lead Additional Work Modification

    For airplanes that have already been modified, prior to the 
effective date of this AD, as specified in Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A330-21-3165, dated September 27, 2011; or Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-21-3165, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011; 
or according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, 
dated September 27, 2011; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-
21-4152, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2011: Within 48 months 
after the effective date of this AD, perform the ``Additional 
Work,'' as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02, dated March 29, 
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 
02, dated March 29, 2012; as applicable.

(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, 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, 
WA 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

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2012-0090, dated May 22, 2012, and the following service 
information, for related information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3160, dated August 
4, 2011.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3165 Revision 02, 
dated March 29, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4152, Revision 
02, dated March 29, 2012.
    (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 October 30, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27125 Filed 11-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P