[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 45 (Friday, March 7, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13003-13005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04955]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0137; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-135-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 A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of rupture 
of the uplock springs of the nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing 
gear (MLG) doors and legs. This proposed AD would require repetitive 
inspections of the uplock springs of the NLG and MLG doors and legs for 
broken and damaged springs, and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct improper free fall extension of 
the MLG or NLG, which could lead to possible loss of control of the 
airplane on the ground, and consequent damage to the airplane and 
injury to occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 21, 2014.

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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0137; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,

[[Page 13004]]

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 
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-2014-0137; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-135-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 2013-0150, dated July 16, 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:

    Some cases of Nose Landing Gear (NLG) and Main Landing Gear 
(MLG) Door and Leg Uplock spring ruptures on A300, A310 or A300-600 
aeroplanes have been reported in service.
    Springs within the uplock are used to either lock the gear or 
the door in the up position, or to participate in emergency 
mechanical unlocking.
    The springs are positioned in pairs, and in case of rupture of 
one spring the other one remains to fulfill the function, whereas 
the rupture of both springs will disable the locking function or the 
emergency unlocking function.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent 
proper free fall extension of the MLG or NLG, possibly leading to 
loss of control of the aeroplane on the ground, consequently 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
[repetitive] detailed visual inspection[s] of the NLG and MLG Door 
and Leg Uplock springs [for broken and damaged springs] and, 
depending of findings, their replacement.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0137.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-32-0465, A300-
32-6111, and A310-32-2147, all Revision 01, all dated April 25, 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 156 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Parts                             Cost on U.S.
              Action                       Labor cost           cost     Cost per product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspections...........  1 work-hour x $85 per           $0  $85 per inspection..  $13,260 per
                                    hour = $85 per                                            inspection.
                                    inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, we estimate that any necessary replacement would take 
about 9 work-hours for a cost of $765 per product. The cost of parts is 
minimal. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this action.

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.

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.

[[Page 13005]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0137; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
135-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 21, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), and (c)(6) of this AD; 
certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
    (6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of rupture of the uplock springs 
of the nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) doors and 
legs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper free 
fall extension of the MLG or NLG, which could lead to possible loss 
of control of the airplane on the ground, and consequent damage to 
the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a 
detailed inspection of the uplock springs of the MLG and NLG legs 
and doors for broken and damaged springs, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0465, Revision 01, 
dated April 25, 2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-6111, Revision 01, 
dated April 25, 2013 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-32-2147, Revision 01, 
dated April 25, 2013 (for Model A310 series airplanes).

(h) Corrective Actions

    The corrective actions required by paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), 
and (h)(3) of this AD do not constitute terminating actions for the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, one spring on the MLG or NLG door uplock is found broken or 
damaged, within 2 months after the inspection, replace the affected 
MLG or NLG door uplock, as applicable, with a serviceable part, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) 
of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, one spring on the MLG or NLG leg uplock is found broken or 
damaged, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles. Replacement 
of any affected leg uplock, as required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) or 
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h)(2) of this 
AD.
    (i) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, the second free fall spring on the MLG or NLG leg uplock is 
found broken or damaged, before further flight, replace the affected 
MLG or NLG leg uplock, as applicable, with a serviceable part, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) 
of this AD.
    (ii) Within 1,000 flight cycles after doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD during which the spring has 
been found broken, replace the affected MLG or NLG leg uplock, as 
applicable, with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, two free fall springs on the same MLG or NLG leg uplock are 
found broken or damaged, before further flight, replace the affected 
MLG or NLG leg uplock, as applicable, with a serviceable part, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) 
of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions 
required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable 
service information identified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or 
(i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0465, dated July 
20, 2012.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-6111, dated July 
20, 2012.
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-32-2147, dated July 
20, 2012.

(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, 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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent or the Design Approval Holder with a State of Design 
Authority's design organization approval, as applicable). You are 
required to ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to 
service.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-
0150, dated July 16, 2013, for related information. This MCAI may be 
found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0137.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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 February 26, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04955 Filed 3-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P