[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 68 (Wednesday, April 9, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19548-19551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07954]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0192; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-221-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-10-
06, for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2013-10-06 
currently requires an inspection to identify the installed windshields, 
and replacement of any affected windshield. Since we issued AD 2013-10-
06, the manufacturer has identified a new batch of affected windshield 
parts on the airplane. This proposed AD would expand the inspection 
area to 15 additional windshields' serial numbers. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent significantly increased workload for the flightcrew, 
which could, under some flight phases and/or circumstances, constitute 
an unsafe condition.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 27, 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.

[[Page 19549]]

    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 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-
0192; 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: 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-2014-0192; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-221-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

    On May 16, 2013, we issued AD 2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 
32347, May 30, 2013). AD 2013-10-06 requires actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, 
A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series 
airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 32347, May 
30, 2013), the manufacturer has identified a new batch of windshield 
parts that are subject to the identified unsafe condition. The European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness 
Directive 2013-0256, dated October 21, 2013 (referred to after this as 
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -
203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -
341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes.
    The MCAI states:

    Several operators reported cases of burning smell and/or smoke 
in the cockpit during cruise phase leading in some cases to 
diversion. Findings showed that the cause of these events is the 
burning of the Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) windshield connector 
terminal block.
    This condition, if not corrected, could significantly increase 
the flight crew workload which would, under some flight phases and/
or circumstances constitute an unsafe condition.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published 3 different 
Service Bulletins (SB) and EASA issued AD 2011-0242 (later 
corrected) which required the identification of the installed 
windshields and replacement of the affected part.
    Since issuance of that [EASA] AD, a new occurrence in service 
led Airbus to identify a new batch of affected parts.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2011-0242, which is superseded, and requires 
identification and replacement of the additionally identified 
windshields.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0192.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, 
including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013;
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, 
including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013; and
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 02, 
including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 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 60 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 
(78 FR 32347, May 30, 2013), and retained in this proposed AD take 
about 2 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 
2013-10-06 is $170 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 2 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 $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $10,200, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$850 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this action.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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:

[[Page 19550]]

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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-10-
06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 32347, May 30, 2013), and adding the 
following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0192; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
221-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 27, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 
32347, May 30, 2013).

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by several reports of a burning smell and/
or smoke in the cockpit during cruise phase, leading in some cases, 
to diversion to alternate airports. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent significantly increased workload for the flightcrew, which 
could, under some flight phases and/or circumstances, constitute an 
unsafe condition.

(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) Retained Inspection With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 32347, May 30, 2013), with 
revised service information. Within 1,200 flight hours after July 5, 
2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-10-06), inspect to identify the 
manufacturer, the part number, and the serial number of the left-
hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) windshields installed on the airplane, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
Airbus service information specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or 
(g)(3) of this AD. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
manufacturer, part number, and serial number of the installed 
windshields can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02, including 
Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated 
August 1, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including Appendixes 01 
and 02, dated August 1, 2013, to do the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, use only 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, including 
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013, to do the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated 
February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 
02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013. As of the 
effective date of this AD, use only Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-
5002, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 
2013, to do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(h) Retained Replacement With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-10-06, Amendment 39-17459 (78 FR 32347, May 30, 2013), with 
revised service information. If it is found, during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, that any installed LH or RH 
windshield was manufactured by Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) and the part 
number and serial number are specified in the applicable Airbus 
service information specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) 
of this AD: Within 9 months or 1,200 flight hours after July 5, 2013 
(the effective date of AD 2013-10-06), whichever occurs first, 
replace all affected LH and RH windshields, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus service 
information specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 02, including 
Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated 
August 1, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including Appendixes 01 
and 02, dated August 1, 2013, to do the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, use only 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, including 
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013, to do the actions 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,

[[Page 19551]]

dated February 8, 2012; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, 
Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013. 
As of the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013, to do the actions required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Inspection

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect to 
identify the manufacturer, the part number, and the serial number of 
the LH and RH windshields installed on the airplane, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus 
service information specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) 
of this AD. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the manufacturer, part 
number, and serial number of the installed windshields can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including 
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, 
including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013.

(j) New Requirement of This AD: Replacement

    If it is found, during the inspection required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD, that any installed LH or RH windshield was manufactured 
by Saint-Gobain Sully (SGS) and the part number and serial number 
are specified in Appendix 2 of the applicable Airbus service 
information specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this 
AD, or if the manufacturer or part number or serial number is not 
identifiable: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the affected LH and/or RH windshield with a serviceable 
part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Airbus service information specified in paragraph (j)(1), 
(j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including 
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, 
including Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013.

(k) Definition of Serviceable Windshield

    For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable windshield is a 
windshield not identified in Appendix 1 of the applicable Airbus 
service information as specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), or 
(j)(3) of this AD; or it is specified in Appendix 1 but has a suffix 
``U'' added to the serial number on the identification plate.

(l) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected windshield from SGS having a part number 
and serial number identified in Appendix 1 of the applicable Airbus 
service information as specified in paragraph (l)(1), (l)(2), or 
(l)(3) of this AD, unless a suffix ``U'' has been added on the 
serial number identification plate.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -
301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 03, including 
Appendixes 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, Revision 02, 
including Appendix 01 and 02, dated August 1, 2013.
    (3) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-56-5002, Revision 02, including Appendixes 01 and 02, 
dated August 1, 2013.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for 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 Airbus 
service information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(4) of 
this AD, provided that the actions were accomplished on the 
airplane, and no replacement windshield has been installed with a 
part number and serial number identified in Appendix 02 of the 
applicable Airbus service information as specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) through (j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, dated May 4, 2010 (for 
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3009, Revision 01, dated 
January 27, 2011 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, 
-243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes), which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-4008, dated May 4, 2010 (for 
Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), which 
is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-56-5002, dated May 4, 2010 (for 
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes), which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
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, 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 DAH 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0256, dated October 21, 
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 Docket No. FAA-2014-0192.
    (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 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 April 1, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07954 Filed 4-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P