[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 2, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7-9]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31026]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0939; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-AD;
Amendment 39-17298; AD 2012-26-03]
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 A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343
airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in
quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes,
improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD
requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the
forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. We
are issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of
the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the
door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door
detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid
decompression.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 6, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 6,
2013.
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: 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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
[[Page 8]]
apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on September 20, 2012 (77 FR 58336). That NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) states:
Investigations have shown that a specific batch of cargo doors
might have deviations in quality, such as irregular bore holes,
improper application of sealant and paint or cleanliness. These
production deviations are related to the quality of the door
structure.
This condition, if not corrected, may degrade the structural
integrity of the affected Forward (Fwd) and Aft cargo doors.
For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA)] AD requires a one-time inspection to identify the
[part and serial numbers of the] Fwd and Aft cargo doors, and
replacement of the affected cargo doors.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is the degraded structural capability of the cargo
door, a primary structure, which could lead to failure of the door,
which could detach from the airplane or have a breach through the door,
resulting in potential rapid decompression. Required actions include
contacting the FAA or EASA (or its delegated agent) for repair
instructions for any door part/serial number that cannot be identified
for a specified airplane. 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 received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 58336, September
20, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed, except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 58336, September 20, 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 58336, September 20, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 6 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 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 $1,020, or $170 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 52 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of
$4,420 per product. The manufacturer has agreed to reimburse these
labor costs. 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. 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 58336, September 20,
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.
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:
2012-26-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-17298. Docket No. FAA-2012-0939;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-200-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 6,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0796, 0832, 0840, 0845,
0849, 0853, 0855, 0861, 0862, 0866, 0868, 0871, 0873, 0876, 0879,
0882, 0885, 0887, 0889, 0891, 0892, 0896, 0898, 0899, 0903, 0904,
0905, 0907, 0913, 0927, 0930, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0940, 0943, 0944,
0946, 0949, 0952, 0954, 0964, 0971, 0975, 0982 through 0986
inclusive, 0988, 0989, 0990, 0992, 0994, 0995, 0997, 0998, 0999,
1001, 1002, 1003, 1006, 1007, 1009 through 1016 inclusive, 1018,
1020, 1022, 1023, 1026, 1028, 1029, 1037, 1045, 1049, 1052, 1053,
1055, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1065 through 1067 inclusive, 1071 through
1075 inclusive, 1077, 1080, and 1082.
[[Page 9]]
(2) Model A340-313 airplanes, MSN 0955.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo
doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure,
such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and
paint, or uncleanliness. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary
structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could detach
from the airplane or have a breach through the door, resulting in
potential rapid decompression.
(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
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Inspect to identify the part number and serial
number of the airplane's forward and aft cargo doors, as applicable
to MSN, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for
Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes). A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number and serial number of the door can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 7,400 total flight cycles, or
72 months after the airplane's first flight, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Replacement
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
the part number and serial number of the airplane's forward and/or
aft cargo doors, as applicable to airplane MSN, are identified in
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011
(for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Before
further flight, replace the affected door with a new or serviceable
door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for
Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-
4093 (for Model A340 airplanes), dated May 31, 2011.
(i) Repair
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
there is any discrepancy between the installed forward and/or aft
cargo doors part/serial number and the airplane MSN, as that part/
serial number and MSN are identified in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330
airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated
May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Within 10 days after
accomplishing the inspection, contact the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent), for
further instructions and time limits, and accomplish those
instructions within the specified time limits.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on
any airplane a forward or aft cargo door that was removed from any
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, 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.
(l) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0177, dated
September 15, 2011 (corrected September 28, 2011), and the service
information identified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD,
for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May
31, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May
31, 2011.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May
31, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May
31, 2011.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-31026 Filed 12-31-12; 8:45 am]
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