[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 71 (Monday, April 14, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20839-20841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08319]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0228 Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-216-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 Freighter, A330-200 and -300, and A340-200, -300, 
-500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
reassessment of an unsafe condition related to MZ-type spoiler servo-
controls (SSCs) that did not remain locked in the retracted position 
(hydraulic locking function) after manual depressurization of the 
corresponding hydraulic circuit. This reassessment resulted in the 
determination that performing repetitive operational tests of all SSC 
types is necessary. This proposed AD would require repetitive 
operational tests of the hydraulic locking function on each SSC 
installed on the blue or yellow hydraulic circuits, and replacing any 
affected SSC with a serviceable SSC. We are proposing this AD to detect 
and correct loss of the hydraulic locking function during take-off, 
which, in combination with one inoperative engine, could result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 29, 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--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; 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

[[Page 20840]]

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-2014-0228; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-216-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 2013-0251 dated October 15, 2013; Correction 
dated October 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:

    During post-flight maintenance checks accomplished on an A330 
and on an A340 airplane, it was identified that seven spoiler servo-
controls MZ series had lost their hydraulic locking function. The 
results of the subsequent technical investigation accomplished in-
shop by the part supplier confirmed the system failure was due to a 
sheared seal on the blocking valve, ensuring the blocking function 
of the spoiler. It is suspected that the seal damage may have 
occurred during accomplishment of a modification to fit a new design 
of maintenance cover on wing, required by EASA AD 2008-0160 [(http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2008_0160.pdf/AD_2008-0160)], 
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2009-18-20, Amendment 39-16017 (74 FR 
46313, September 9, 2009)].
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, in combination 
with one engine inoperative at take-off, could result in reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued All Operators Telex 
(AOT) A330-27A3185 and AOT A340-27A4181 to request a one-time 
operational test of the Hydraulic Locking Function for aeroplanes on 
which MZ type Spoiler Servo Control (SSC) Part Number (P/N) 
MZ4339390-12 or P/N MZ4306000-12 are fitted, and EASA issued AD 
2012-0009 http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2012_0009.pdf/AD_2012-0009 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2012-25-10, Amendment 39-
17291 (77 FR 76228, December 27, 2012)] to require accomplishment of 
this test.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus re-assessed the 
situation and determined that it is necessary to introduce 
repetitive inspections [operational tests] of the SSC, irrespective 
of SSC type. Airbus issued three SBs for those repetitive 
inspections [operational tests] on all A330, A340, and A340-500/600 
aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive operational tests of the hydraulic locking function of 
the SSC installed on the Blue and Yellow hydraulic circuits, 
irrespective of the SSC type, and, depending on test results, 
replacement of the SSC.
    This [EASA] AD has been republished to correct the date of 
publication.

    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-2014-0228.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service information. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3195, dated 
December 7, 2012.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4188, dated 
December 7, 2012.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5059, dated 
April 10, 2013.

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 about 77 airplanes of 
U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 6 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 $39,270, or $510 
per product.
    We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to do 
any necessary SSC replacement that would be required based on the 
results of the proposed operational test. Required parts would cost 
about $35,000 per SSC. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements.

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 proposed 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);

[[Page 20841]]

    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

    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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0228; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
216-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 29, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reassessment of an unsafe condition 
related to MZ-type spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) that did not remain 
locked in the retracted position (hydraulic locking function) after 
manual depressurization of the corresponding hydraulic circuit. This 
reassessment resulted in the determination that performing 
repetitive operational tests of all SSC types is necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the hydraulic locking 
function during take-off, which, in combination with one inoperative 
engine, could result in reduced controllability 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 Operational Tests

    (1) At the time specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: 
Accomplish an operational test of the hydraulic locking function on 
each SSC (any type), when fitted on the Blue or Yellow hydraulic 
circuits, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii) or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD. Repeat the operational test 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 48 months.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-27-3195, dated 
December 7, 2012 (for Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes).
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-4188, dated 
December 7, 2012 (for Model A340-200, and -300 series airplanes).
    (iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-27-5059, dated 
April 10, 2013 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
    (2) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, do the 
operational test specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (i) Within 48 months since first flight of the airplane.
    (ii) Within 48 months since accomplishing the most recent 
operational test specified in the applicable Airbus All Operator 
Telex (AOT) A330-27A3185 or AOT A340-27A4181, both dated January 4, 
2012.
    (iii) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Replacement of Affected SSCs

    If, during any operational test required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, the hydraulic locking function of an SSC fails the test, 
before further flight, replace the affected SSC with a serviceable 
part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii) or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(i) No Terminating Action

    Doing the replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD is 
not terminating action for the repetitive operational tests required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(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: 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, 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). For a repair method to be approved, 
the repair approval must specifically refer to this AD. 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 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-0251 
dated October 15, 2013; Correction dated October 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-2014-0228.
    (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 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 4, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-08319 Filed 4-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P