[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 86 (Friday, May 3, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25902-25905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10486]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0363; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-031-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 all 
Airbus Model A330-200, -300 and -200 Freighter series airplanes, and 
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require, for certain airplanes, revising the airplane flight 
manual (AFM) to advise the flight crew of emergency procedures for 
addressing Angle of Attack (AOA) sensor blockage. This proposed AD 
would also mandate replacing the AOA sensor conic plates with AOA 
sensor flat plates, which is a terminating action for the AFM revision. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that an airplane equipped 
with AOA sensors installed with conic plates recently experienced 
blockage of all sensors during climb, leading to autopilot 
disconnection and activation of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot) when 
Mach number was increased. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced 
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

[[Page 25903]]

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; phone: 425-227-1138; fax: 
425-227-1149; email: [email protected].

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-2013-0363; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-031-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 2013-0023, dated February 1, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    An A330 aeroplane experienced a blockage of all Angle of Attack 
(AOA) probes during climb leading to Autopilot (AP) disconnection 
and activation of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot) when Mach number 
increased.
    Analysis showed that this aeroplane was equipped with AOA probes 
having conic plates, and it is suspected that these plates might 
have contributed to the event. Investigations are on-going to 
determine the root cause of this AOA probes blockage. The AOA conic 
plates can also be installed on A340 aeroplanes.
    These AOA conic plate could have been installed in production 
through Airbus modification (mod.) 201609 (associated to Thales 
Avionics AOA probes Part Number (P/N) C16291AA and P/N C16291AB) or 
mod. 201610, associated to Goodrich AOA probes P/N 0861ED, or in 
service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A340-34-4250 or SB 
A340-34-5081.
    The blockage of two or three AOA probes of the same angle may 
cause the Alpha Prot of the normal law to activate.
    Under normal flight conditions (in normal law), if the Alpha 
Prot activates and Mach number increases, the flight control laws 
order a pitch down of the aeroplane that the flight crew may not be 
able to counteract with a sidestick deflection, even in the full 
backward position.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this condition, Airbus developed a ``Blocked AOA 
probes'' emergency procedure included in Airbus Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) A330 Temporary Revision (TR) TR293 issue 1 and Airbus 
AFM A340 TR294 issue 1.
    Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD 2012-0258-E to require 
amendment of the AFM to ensure that flight crews, in case of AOA 
probe blockage, apply the applicable emergency procedure.
    Since that AD was issued, Airbus published approved instructions 
to re-install AOA probe flat plates on A330/A340 family aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA [Emergency] AD 2012-0258-E which is superseded, 
and requires installation of AOA probe flat plates, after which the 
AFM operational procedure must be removed.

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

Other Related Rulemaking

    On December 27, 2012, the FAA issued AD 2012-26-51, Amendment 39-
17312 (78 FR 1723, January 9, 2013), applicable to all Airbus Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD requires revising 
the AFM to advise the flight crew of emergency procedures for 
addressing AOA sensor blockage. The actions required by that AD are 
intended to prevent reduced control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated 
December 4, 2012, and Airbus A340 Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, 
dated December 4, 2012, to the Airbus A330 and A340 Airplane Flight 
Manuals. The temporary revisions provide information to advise the 
flight crew of emergency procedures for addressing AOA sensor blockage.
    We also reviewed the following service information:
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
    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.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    This proposed AD would require operators to revise the AFM within 
10 days after the effective date of this AD. The MCAI recommends 
revising the AFM ``from the effective date of this AD.'' In developing 
the compliance time for this action, we considered the degree of 
urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition and the 
practical aspect of revising the AFM. We have determined that 10 days 
represents an appropriate interval of time in which to revise the AFM 
for the affected fleet without adversely affecting the safety of these 
airplanes.
    This difference has been coordinated with the EASA.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 64 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 25904]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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AFM Revision..........................  1 work-hour x 85 per                   0              85           5,440
                                         hour = 85.
Modification..........................  7 work-hours x 85 per                  0             595          38,080
                                         hour = 595.
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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-2013-0363; Directorate Identifier 2013-
NM-031-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 17, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 223F, -243, -243F, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541 and -642 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 34: Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that an airplane equipped with 
Angle of Attack (AOA) sensors installed with conic plates recently 
experienced blockage of all sensors during climb, leading to 
autopilot disconnection and activation of the alpha protection 
(Alpha Prot) when Mach number was increased. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent reduced 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) Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Within 10 days 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the Emergency Procedures 
of the Airbus A330 and A340 Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs), as 
applicable, by incorporating Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293, 
Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; or Airbus A340 Temporary Revision 
TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; as applicable; to advise 
the flight crew of emergency procedures for addressing AOA sensor 
blockage. This can be done by inserting the Airbus A330 Temporary 
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; or Airbus A340 
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; into 
the applicable AFM. When the information in Airbus A330 Temporary 
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; and Airbus A340 
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012; is 
included in the general revisions of the applicable AFM, the general 
revisions may be incorporated into the AFM, and the temporary 
revisions may be removed.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, 
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, on which Airbus modification 201609 or 
201610 has been embodied in production; or on which Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-34-3255 has been embodied in service.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, on which Airbus 
modification 201609 or 201610 has been embodied in production; or on 
which Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4250 or A340-34-5081, as 
applicable, has been embodied in service.

(h) Terminating Replacement

    Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace all 
AOA sensor conic plates having part number (P/N) F3411060200000 or 
P/N F3411060900000, with an applicable AOA sensor flat plate 
identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Performing this 
replacement constitutes terminating action for the AFM revision 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD; and Airbus A330 Temporary 
Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012, and Airbus A340 
Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated December 4, 2012, to the 
Airbus A330 and A340 AFMs, as applicable; must be removed from the 
AFMs before further flight after doing the replacement.
    (1) Replace with a flat plate having P/N F3411007920200 or P/N 
F3411007920300, as applicable, in accordance with the applicable 
service information specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i), (h)(1)(ii), or 
(h)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.

[[Page 25905]]

    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
    (2) Replace with a flat plate having P/N F3411007920000 or P/N 
F3411007920100, in accordance with 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.

(i) Exception to Paragraphs (g) and (h) of This AD

    For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 203285 (improve AOA 
flat plate protection treatment) has been embodied in production: 
The actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD are not 
required, provided that, since first flight, no AOA probe conic 
plate having P/N F3411060200000 or P/N F3411060900000 has been 
installed.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an AOA sensor conic plate having P/N F3411060200000 or 
P/N F3411060900000 or an AOA protection cover having P/N 
98D34203003000.

(k) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0023, dated February 1, 2013, and the 
service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (l)(1)(ii), 
(l)(1)(iii), (l)(1)(iv) and (l)(1)(v) of this AD for related service 
information:
    (i) Airbus A330 Temporary Revision TR293, Issue 1.0, dated 
December 4, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus A340 Temporary Revision TR294, Issue 1.0, dated 
December 4, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3293, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 31, 2013.
    (iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4273, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
    (v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5093, including 
Appendix 01, dated January 30, 2013.
    (2) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-10486 Filed 5-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P