[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 85 (Thursday, May 2, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25664-25666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10366]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-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 
certain Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture 
could occur on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators 
(THSAs). This proposed AD would require repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft 
integrity tests, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD 
to detect and correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on 
the ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA 
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA 
blowback, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2013.

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, 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-2013-0335; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-187-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 2012-0210, dated October 11, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the

[[Page 25665]]

MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Since the issuance of EASA AD 2012-0061 which addresses the 
corrosion identified in service on THSA [part number] P/N 47147-500 
and P/N 47147-700 at the level of the ballscrew lower splines, 
further analyses have been conducted to determine the need for any 
additional action.
    The ballscrew lower splines are not loaded in normal operation, 
only in case of ballscrew rupture. Analysis results have shown that 
such rupture could happen during the current inspection interval 
imposed by the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), task 274000-
12.
    Corrosion on the lower splines, in case of ballscrew rupture, 
may lead to loss of transmission of THSA torque loads from the 
ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA blowback, which could 
result in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
reduction of the check interval of MRBR task 274000-12.

    Required actions include repetitive THSA ballscrew shaft integrity 
tests. Corrective actions include replacement of the THSA. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 
7, 2012.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 2012.

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 30 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 7 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 $17,850, or $595 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing up to $722,556, for a 
cost of up to $723,236 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

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:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0335; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
187-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 17, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-301, -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; if fitted with a trimmable 
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) having part number (P/N) 
47147-500 or P/N 47147-700.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that ballscrew rupture 
could occur on certain THSAs. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with corrosion on the 
ballscrew lower splines, may lead to loss of transmission of THSA 
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar and consequent THSA 
blowback, which could result in loss of 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) Repetitive Integrity Tests

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, do a THSA ballscrew shaft 
integrity test, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 2012; as applicable. Repeat the integrity test thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed

[[Page 25666]]

12,000 flight hours or 4,400 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
    (1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 12,000 flight hours since the airplane's first 
flight; or
    (ii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA 
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done as specified in maintenance 
review board report (MRBR) Task 274000-12; or
    (iii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA 
ballscrew shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3179 or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins 
specify testing in case of type II or type III findings).
    (2) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, but without exceeding the latest of the times specified in 
paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) 16,000 flight hours since the airplane's first flight.
    (ii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew 
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in MRBR task 274000-12.
    (iii) 16,000 flight hours since the most recent THSA ballscrew 
shaft integrity test was done, as specified in Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A330-27-3179, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-27-4175, as applicable. (These service bulletins specify 
testing in case of type II or type III findings).

(h) Replacement

    If the result from any test required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
is not correct, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 2012; 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 7, 
2012; as applicable: Before further flight, replace the THSA with a 
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 7, 
2012; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 2012; as applicable. Replacement of a THSA, as required by this 
paragraph, with a THSA having P/N 47147-500 or P/N 47147-700, is not 
terminating action for the repetitive tests required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD.

(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, 
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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0210, dated October 11, 2012, and the service bulletins specified in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related 
information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3191, dated June 
7, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4186, dated June 
7, 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 April 23, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-10366 Filed 5-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P