80_FR_8543 80 FR 8511 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

80 FR 8511 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 32 (February 18, 2015)

Page Range8511-8513
FR Document2015-02672

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-22-10 for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2007-22-10 required repetitive inspections of the left-hand and right-hand wing main landing gear (MLG) rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on the two lugs, and replacement if necessary. Since we issued AD 2007-22- 10, we have received reports of additional cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug. This new AD expands the applicability and reduces certain compliance times. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs, which could result in collapse of the MLG upon landing.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8511-8513]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02672]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 8511]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0620; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-238-AD; 
Amendment 39-18102; AD 2015-03-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-22-10 for 
all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and 
A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2007-22-10 required repetitive 
inspections of the left-hand and right-hand wing main landing gear 
(MLG) rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on 
the two lugs, and replacement if necessary. Since we issued AD 2007-22-
10, we have received reports of additional cracking of the MLG rib 6 
aft bearing forward lug. This new AD expands the applicability and 
reduces certain compliance times. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs, which could result 
in collapse of the MLG upon landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 25, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 25, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0620; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 airworthiness.A330 [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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0620.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, 
November 1, 2007; corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)). AD 2007-
22-10 applied to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 4, 2014 (79 FR 52585).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0271, dated November 14, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    During Main Landing Gear (MLG) lubrication, a crack was visually 
found in the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one A330 in-
service aeroplane. The crack had extended through the entire 
thickness of the forward lug at approximately the 4 o'clock position 
(when looking forward). It has been determined that similar type of 
crack can develop on other aeroplane types that are listed in the 
Applicability paragraph.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the MLG attachment.
    To address this situation, Airbus issued inspection Service 
Bulletins (SB) A330-57-3096, A340-57-4104 and A340-57-5009 to 
instruct repetitive inspection of the gear rib lugs.
    Prompted by these findings, EASA issued Emergency AD 2006-0364-E 
to require repetitive detailed visual inspections of the Left Hand 
(LH) and Right Hand (RH) wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs. Later EASA 
issued AD 2007-0247R1-E, which superseded EAD 2006-0364-E, to:

--Expand the applicability to all A330 and A340 aeroplanes, because 
the interference fit bushes cannot be considered as a terminating 
action, owing to unknown root cause; and
--Add a second parameter quoted in Flight Hours (FH) to the 
inspection interval in order to reflect the aeroplane utilization in 
service.

    EASA AD 2007-0247R1-E was republished to correct a typographical 
error.
    Since the first crack finding and issuance of the inspection SBs 
and related ADs, six further cracks have been reported.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD, which 
supersedes EASA EAD 2007-0247 R1-E and retains its requirements, is 
issued to expand the applicability to the newly certified models 
A330-223F and A330-243F and to reduce the threshold further to the 
risk assessment of recent in-service experience.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0620-0004.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter, an 
anonymous individual, supported the NPRM (79 FR 52585, September 4, 
2014).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 52585, September 4, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 52585, September 4, 2014).

[[Page 8512]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service bulletins:
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, Revision 5, dated 
October 17, 2013.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4104, Revision 4, dated 
October 17, 2013.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5009, Revision 3, dated 
October 17, 2013.
    The service information describes procedures for detailed 
inspections of the MLG rib 6 forward and aft lugs for cracking. This 
service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to 
access this service information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 81 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $13,770, or $170 per product.
    We have no definitive data that would enable us to provide a cost 
estimate for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0620; 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 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, November 1, 2007; 
corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)), and adding the following 
new AD:

2015-03-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18102, Docket No. FAA-2014-0620; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-238-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 25, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, 
November 1, 2007; corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)).

(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; and Model A340-211, -212, -213 -311, -312, -313, 
-541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main landing 
gear (MLG) rib 6 aft bearing forward lug. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs, which 
could result in collapse of the MLG upon landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within 42 months since the airplane's first flight or since the 
last MLG support rib replacement, as applicable; or within 4 months 
after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later: Do a 
detailed inspection for cracking of the left-hand and right-hand 
wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft), in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-57-3096, Revision 05, dated October 17, 2013; (for Model A330-
201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes); A340-57-4104, Revision 
04, dated October 17, 2013 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, -313 airplanes); or A340-57-5009, Revision 03, dated October 
17, 2013 (for Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes); as applicable. 
Repeat the inspections at the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(7) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes, 
repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 300 flight cycles 
or 1,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes, repeat the 
inspections at intervals not to exceed 300 flight cycles or 900 
flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (3) For Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes, repeat the inspections at intervals not to 
exceed 300 flight cycles or 900 flight hours, whichever occurs 
first.
    (4) For Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes, repeat the 
inspections at intervals not to exceed 200 flight cycles or 800 
flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (5) For Model A340-311 and -312 airplanes; and Model A340-313 
airplanes (except weight variant (WV) 27), repeat the inspections at 
intervals not to exceed 200 flight cycles or 800 flight hours, 
whichever occurs first.
    (6) For Model A340-313 (only WV27) airplanes, repeat the 
inspections at intervals not to exceed 200 flight cycles or 400 
flight hours, whichever occurs first.

[[Page 8513]]

    (7) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, repeat the 
inspections at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles or 500 
flight hours, whichever occurs first.

(h) Corrective Action

    If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace the cracked 
MLG support rib using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. Replacement of 
an MLG support rib does not terminate the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable 
service bulletin identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(12) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3096, dated December 5, 
2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2007-03-04, 
Amendment 39-14915 (72 FR 4416, January 31, 2007), on February 15, 
2007.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3096, Revision 01, dated 
April 18, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, excluding appendix 01, 
Revision 02, dated August 13, 2007, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, 
November 1, 2007; corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)), on 
November 16, 2007.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, Revision 04, dated 
February 6, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A4104, dated December 5, 
2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2007-03-04, 
Amendment 39-14915 (72 FR 4416, January 31, 2007), on February 15, 
2007.
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4104, Revision 01, dated 
August 13, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4104, excluding appendix 01, 
Revision 02, dated September 5, 2007, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, 
November 1, 2007; corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)), on 
November 16, 2007.
    (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4104, Revision 03, dated 
October 24, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A5009, dated December 5, 
2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2007-03-04, 
Amendment 39-14915 (72 FR 4416, January 31, 2007), on February 15, 
2007.
    (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5009, excluding appendix 
01, Revision 01, dated August 13, 2007, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2007-22-10, Amendment 39-15246 (72 FR 61796, 
November 1, 2007; corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)), on 
November 16, 2007.
    (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5009, Revision 02, dated 
October 24, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in 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, 
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) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0271, dated November 14, 
2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0620-0004.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3096, Revision 05, dated 
October 17, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4104, Revision 04, dated 
October 17, 2013.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5009, Revision 03, dated 
October 17, 2013.
    (3) 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 airworthiness.A330-[email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 2, 2015.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02672 Filed 2-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                       8511

                                                Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 80, No. 32

                                                                                                                                                              Wednesday, February 18, 2015



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    Operations, M–30, West Building                          This condition, if not detected and
                                                contains regulatory documents having general            Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      corrected, could affect the structural integrity
                                                applicability and legal effect, most of which           New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    of the MLG attachment.
                                                are keyed to and codified in the Code of                                                                         To address this situation, Airbus issued
                                                                                                        DC.
                                                Federal Regulations, which is published under                                                                 inspection Service Bulletins (SB) A330–57–
                                                                                                          For service information identified in               3096, A340–57–4104 and A340–57–5009 to
                                                50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.                   this AD, contact Airbus SAS,                          instruct repetitive inspection of the gear rib
                                                The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond                      lugs.
                                                the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of              Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac                    Prompted by these findings, EASA issued
                                                new books are listed in the first FEDERAL               Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36               Emergency AD 2006–0364–E to require
                                                REGISTER issue of each week.                            96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email                      repetitive detailed visual inspections of the
                                                                                                        airworthiness.A330 A340@airbus.com;                   Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) wing
                                                                                                        Internet http://www.airbus.com. You                   MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs. Later EASA
                                                                                                                                                              issued AD 2007–0247R1–E, which
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            may view this referenced service                      superseded EAD 2006–0364–E, to:
                                                                                                        information at the FAA, Transport
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                                                                               —Expand the applicability to all A330 and
                                                                                                        Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                   A340 aeroplanes, because the interference
                                                                                                        SW., Renton, WA. For information on                      fit bushes cannot be considered as a
                                                14 CFR Part 39                                          the availability of this material at the                 terminating action, owing to unknown root
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2014–0620; Directorate                  FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                       cause; and
                                                Identifier 2013–NM–238–AD; Amendment                    available on the Internet at http://                  —Add a second parameter quoted in Flight
                                                39–18102; AD 2015–03–06]                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                     Hours (FH) to the inspection interval in
                                                                                                        and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–                        order to reflect the aeroplane utilization in
                                                RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                    service.
                                                                                                        0620.
                                                                                                                                                                 EASA AD 2007–0247R1–E was
                                                Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                              republished to correct a typographical error.
                                                Airplanes                                               Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,                    Since the first crack finding and issuance
                                                                                                        International Branch, ANM–116,                        of the inspection SBs and related ADs, six
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,                  further cracks have been reported.
                                                Administration (FAA), Department of                     1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                         For the reasons described above, this
                                                Transportation (DOT).                                   98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;                   [EASA] AD, which supersedes EASA EAD
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                     fax 425–227–1149.                                     2007–0247 R1–E and retains its
                                                                                                                                                              requirements, is issued to expand the
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                SUMMARY:   We are superseding                                                                                 applicability to the newly certified models
                                                Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007–22–                   Discussion                                            A330–223F and A330–243F and to reduce
                                                10 for all Airbus Model A330–200,                                                                             the threshold further to the risk assessment
                                                                                                          We issued a notice of proposed                      of recent in-service experience.
                                                A330–300, A340–200, A340–300, A340–                     rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                                500, and A340–600 series airplanes. AD                  part 39 to supersede AD 2007–22–10,                    You may examine the MCAI in the
                                                2007–22–10 required repetitive                          Amendment 39–15246 (72 FR 61796,                      AD docket on the Internet at http://
                                                inspections of the left-hand and right-                 November 1, 2007; corrected November                  www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;
                                                hand wing main landing gear (MLG) rib                   16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)). AD 2007–22–                  D=FAA-2014-0620-0004.
                                                6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to                 10 applied to all Airbus Model A330–                  Comments
                                                detect any cracks on the two lugs, and                  200, A330–300, A340–200, A340–300,
                                                replacement if necessary. Since we                                                                              We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                        A340–500, and A340–600 series
                                                issued AD 2007–22–10, we have                                                                                 participate in developing this AD. We
                                                                                                        airplanes. The NPRM published in the
                                                received reports of additional cracking                                                                       considered the comment received. The
                                                                                                        Federal Register on September 4, 2014
                                                of the MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug.                                                                     commenter, an anonymous individual,
                                                                                                        (79 FR 52585).
                                                This new AD expands the applicability                     The European Aviation Safety Agency                 supported the NPRM (79 FR 52585,
                                                and reduces certain compliance times.                   (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  September 4, 2014).
                                                We are issuing this AD to detect and                    for the Member States of the European                 Conclusion
                                                correct cracking of the MLG rib 6 aft                   Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
                                                bearing lugs, which could result in                                                                             We reviewed the available data,
                                                                                                        Directive 2013–0271, dated November                   including the comment received, and
                                                collapse of the MLG upon landing.                       14, 2013 (referred to after this as the               determined that air safety and the
                                                DATES: This AD becomes effective                        Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                    public interest require adopting this AD
                                                March 25, 2015.                                         Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct             as proposed, except for minor editorial
                                                   The Director of the Federal Register                 an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:                 changes. We have determined that these
                                                approved the incorporation by reference                    During Main Landing Gear (MLG)                     minor changes:
                                                of certain publications listed in this AD               lubrication, a crack was visually found in the          • Are consistent with the intent that
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                as of March 25, 2015.                                   MLG rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one              was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR
                                                ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD                       A330 in-service aeroplane. The crack had              52585, September 4, 2014) for correcting
                                                docket on the Internet at http://                       extended through the entire thickness of the
                                                                                                        forward lug at approximately the 4 o’clock
                                                                                                                                                              the unsafe condition; and
                                                www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=                   position (when looking forward). It has been            • Do not add any additional burden
                                                FAA-2014-0620; or in person at the                      determined that similar type of crack can             upon the public than was already
                                                Docket Management Facility, U.S.                        develop on other aeroplane types that are             proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 52585,
                                                Department of Transportation, Docket                    listed in the Applicability paragraph.                September 4, 2014).


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:17 Feb 17, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\18FER1.SGM   18FER1


                                                8512             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Related Service Information Under 1                      or on the distribution of power and                   (c) Applicability
                                                CFR Part 51                                              responsibilities among the various                       This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
                                                  We reviewed the following service                      levels of government.                                 201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F,
                                                bulletins:                                                 For the reasons discussed above, I                  –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
                                                                                                         certify that this AD:                                 –342, and –343 airplanes; and Model A340–
                                                  • Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–                                                                           211, –212, –213 –311, –312, –313, –541, and
                                                3096, Revision 5, dated October 17,                        1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                                                                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                 –642 airplanes; certificated in any category;
                                                2013.                                                                                                          all manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                  • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–                       2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                4104, Revision 4, dated October 17,                      DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                (d) Subject
                                                2013.                                                    (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                  • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–                       3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in           America Code 57, Wings.
                                                5009, Revision 3, dated October 17,                      Alaska; and
                                                                                                           4. Will not have a significant                      (e) Reason
                                                2013.                                                                                                             This AD was prompted by reports of
                                                  The service information describes                      economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                                                                         on a substantial number of small entities             cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) rib
                                                procedures for detailed inspections of                                                                         6 aft bearing forward lug. We are issuing this
                                                the MLG rib 6 forward and aft lugs for                   under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                                                                                                                               AD to detect and correct cracking of the MLG
                                                cracking. This service information is                    Flexibility Act.                                      rib 6 aft bearing lugs, which could result in
                                                reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for                  Examining the AD Docket                               collapse of the MLG upon landing.
                                                ways to access this service information.                                                                       (f) Compliance
                                                                                                           You may examine the AD docket on
                                                Costs of Compliance                                      the Internet at http://                                  Comply with this AD within the
                                                  We estimate that this AD affects 81                    www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=                 compliance times specified, unless already
                                                                                                         FAA-2014-0620; or in person at the                    done.
                                                airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                  We estimate that it will take about 2                  Docket Management Facility between 9                  (g) Inspections
                                                work-hours per product to comply with                    a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
                                                                                                                                                                  Within 42 months since the airplane’s first
                                                the basic requirements of this AD. The                   Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD               flight or since the last MLG support rib
                                                average labor rate is $85 per work hour.                 docket contains this AD, the regulatory               replacement, as applicable; or within 4
                                                Required parts will cost about $0 per                    evaluation, any comments received, and                months after the effective date of this AD;
                                                product. Based on these figures, we                      other information. The street address for             whichever occurs later: Do a detailed
                                                estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.                     the Docket Operations office (telephone               inspection for cracking of the left-hand and
                                                operators to be $13,770, or $170 per                     800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                     right-hand wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs
                                                                                                         section.                                              (forward and aft), in accordance with the
                                                product.
                                                                                                                                                               Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
                                                  We have no definitive data that would                  List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                    Service Bulletin A330–57–3096, Revision 05,
                                                enable us to provide a cost estimate for                                                                       dated October 17, 2013; (for Model A330–
                                                the on-condition actions specified in                      Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                                                                               201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F,
                                                this AD.                                                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                   –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
                                                                                                         Safety.                                               –342, and –343 airplanes); A340–57–4104,
                                                Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                         Adoption of the Amendment                             Revision 04, dated October 17, 2013 (for
                                                   Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                          Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312,
                                                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                     Accordingly, under the authority                    –313 airplanes); or A340–57–5009, Revision
                                                rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                    delegated to me by the Administrator,                 03, dated October 17, 2013 (for Model A340–
                                                section 106, describes the authority of                  the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                      541 and –642 airplanes); as applicable.
                                                the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                   follows:                                              Repeat the inspections at the times specified
                                                                                                                                                               in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(7) of this AD,
                                                Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                                                                         as applicable.
                                                detail the scope of the Agency’s                         PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                         DIRECTIVES                                               (1) For Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
                                                authority.                                                                                                     and –243 airplanes, repeat the inspections at
                                                   We are issuing this rulemaking under                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39               intervals not to exceed 300 flight cycles or
                                                the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,               continues to read as follows:                         1,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
                                                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                                                               (2) For Model A330–223F and –243F
                                                General requirements.’’ Under that                           Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.        airplanes, repeat the inspections at intervals
                                                section, Congress charges the FAA with                                                                         not to exceed 300 flight cycles or 900 flight
                                                                                                         § 39.13   [Amended]                                   hours, whichever occurs first.
                                                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                air commerce by prescribing regulations                  ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by                           (3) For Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321,
                                                                                                         removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)                 –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes,
                                                for practices, methods, and procedures                                                                         repeat the inspections at intervals not to
                                                the Administrator finds necessary for                    2007–22–10, Amendment 39–15246 (72
                                                                                                                                                               exceed 300 flight cycles or 900 flight hours,
                                                safety in air commerce. This regulation                  FR 61796, November 1, 2007; corrected                 whichever occurs first.
                                                is within the scope of that authority                    November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)), and                    (4) For Model A340–211, –212, and –213
                                                because it addresses an unsafe condition                 adding the following new AD:                          airplanes, repeat the inspections at intervals
                                                that is likely to exist or develop on                    2015–03–06 Airbus: Amendment 39–18102,                not to exceed 200 flight cycles or 800 flight
                                                products identified in this rulemaking                       Docket No. FAA–2014–0620; Directorate             hours, whichever occurs first.
                                                action.                                                      Identifier 2013–NM–238–AD.                           (5) For Model A340–311 and –312
                                                                                                                                                               airplanes; and Model A340–313 airplanes
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                Regulatory Findings                                      (a) Effective Date                                    (except weight variant (WV) 27), repeat the
                                                                                                           This AD becomes effective March 25, 2015.           inspections at intervals not to exceed 200
                                                  We determined that this AD will not
                                                                                                                                                               flight cycles or 800 flight hours, whichever
                                                have federalism implications under                       (b) Affected ADs                                      occurs first.
                                                Executive Order 13132. This AD will                        This AD replaces AD 2007–22–10,                        (6) For Model A340–313 (only WV27)
                                                not have a substantial direct effect on                  Amendment 39–15246 (72 FR 61796,                      airplanes, repeat the inspections at intervals
                                                the States, on the relationship between                  November 1, 2007; corrected November 16,              not to exceed 200 flight cycles or 400 flight
                                                the national government and the States,                  2007 (72 FR 64532)).                                  hours, whichever occurs first.



                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014    17:46 Feb 17, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\18FER1.SGM   18FER1


                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                              8513

                                                  (7) For Model A340–541 and –642                        incorporated by reference in AD 2007–22–10,              (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–
                                                airplanes, repeat the inspections at intervals           Amendment 39–15246 (72 FR 61796,                      5009, Revision 03, dated October 17, 2013.
                                                not to exceed 100 flight cycles or 500 flight            November 1, 2007; corrected November 16,                 (3) For service information identified in
                                                hours, whichever occurs first.                           2007 (72 FR 64532)), on November 16, 2007.            this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
                                                                                                           (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–               Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
                                                (h) Corrective Action                                                                                          31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
                                                                                                         5009, Revision 02, dated October 24, 2012,
                                                   If any cracking is found during any                   which is not incorporated by reference in this        5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
                                                inspection required by paragraph (g) of this             AD.                                                   airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
                                                AD, before further flight, replace the cracked                                                                 Internet http://www.airbus.com.
                                                MLG support rib using a method approved by               (j) Other FAA AD Provisions                              (4) You may view this service information
                                                the Manager, International Branch, ANM–                     The following provisions also apply to this        at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or             AD:                                                   1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                                the European Aviation Safety Agency                         (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance              information on the availability of this
                                                (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design                          (AMOCs): The Manager, International                   material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by              Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane                      (5) You may view this service information
                                                the DOA, the approval must include the                   Directorate, FAA, has the authority to                that is incorporated by reference at the
                                                DOA-authorized signature. Replacement of                 approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested               National Archives and Records
                                                an MLG support rib does not terminate the                using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.           Administration (NARA). For information on
                                                repetitive inspections required by paragraph             In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your            the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                                (g) of this AD.                                          request to your principal inspector or local          202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                                                                                         Flight Standards District Office, as                  www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                                (i) Credit for Previous Actions
                                                                                                         appropriate. If sending information directly          locations.html.
                                                   This paragraph provides credit for the                to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
                                                corresponding actions required by paragraph                                                                       Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
                                                                                                         Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                (g) of this AD, if those actions were                                                                          2, 2015.
                                                                                                         International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
                                                performed before the effective date of this AD           Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind                  Dionne Palermo,
                                                using the applicable service bulletin                    Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;                    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(12)          telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149.             Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                of this AD.                                              Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-             [FR Doc. 2015–02672 Filed 2–17–15; 8:45 am]
                                                   (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57A3096,             AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using                   BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                dated December 5, 2006, which was                        any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                                                incorporated by reference in AD 2007–03–04,              principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                                Amendment 39–14915 (72 FR 4416, January                  inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                                31, 2007), on February 15, 2007.                                                                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         standards district office/certificate holding
                                                   (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57A3096,             district office. The AMOC approval letter
                                                Revision 01, dated April 18, 2007, which is                                                                    Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                         must specifically reference this AD.
                                                not incorporated by reference in this AD.                   (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
                                                   (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3096,             effective date of this AD, for any requirement        14 CFR Part 39
                                                excluding appendix 01, Revision 02, dated                in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
                                                August 13, 2007, which was incorporated by                                                                     [Docket No. FAA–2014–0484; Directorate
                                                                                                         a manufacturer, the action must be
                                                reference in AD 2007–22–10, Amendment                                                                          Identifier 2013–NM–245–AD; Amendment
                                                                                                         accomplished using a method approved by
                                                39–15246 (72 FR 61796, November 1, 2007;                                                                       39–18101; AD 2015–03–05]
                                                                                                         the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
                                                corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)),              116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or          RIN 2120–AA64
                                                on November 16, 2007.                                    the European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                   (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3096,             (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design                       Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                Revision 03, dated October 24, 2012, which               Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
                                                is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
                                                                                                                                                               Airplanes
                                                                                                         the DOA, the approval must include the
                                                   (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3096,             DOA-authorized signature.                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                Revision 04, dated February 6, 2013, which                                                                     Administration (FAA), Department of
                                                is not incorporated by reference in this AD.             (k) Related Information
                                                   (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57A4104,
                                                                                                                                                               Transportation (DOT).
                                                                                                           (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
                                                dated December 5, 2006, which was                        Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA                 ACTION: Final rule.
                                                incorporated by reference in AD 2007–03–04,              Airworthiness Directive 2013–0271, dated
                                                Amendment 39–14915 (72 FR 4416, January                  November 14, 2013, for related information.           SUMMARY:   We are superseding
                                                31, 2007), on February 15, 2007.                         You may examine the MCAI in the AD                    Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–09–
                                                   (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4104,             docket on the Internet at http://                     07 for certain Airbus Model A319–111,
                                                Revision 01, dated August 13, 2007, which is             www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=               –112, and –132 airplanes; Model A320–
                                                not incorporated by reference in this AD.                FAA-2014-0620-0004.                                   111, –211, –212, –214, and –232
                                                   (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4104,               (2) Service information identified in this          airplanes; and Model A321–111, –211,
                                                excluding appendix 01, Revision 02, dated                AD that is not incorporated by reference is           –212, and –231 airplanes. AD 2012–09–
                                                September 5, 2007, which was incorporated                available at the addresses specified in
                                                by reference in AD 2007–22–10, Amendment
                                                                                                                                                               07 required an electrical bonding test
                                                                                                         paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.
                                                39–15246 (72 FR 61796, November 1, 2007;                                                                       between the gravity fill re-fuel adaptor
                                                corrected November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64532)),              (l) Material Incorporated by Reference                and the top skin panels on the wings;
                                                on November 16, 2007.                                       (1) The Director of the Federal Register           and, if necessary, an inspection for
                                                   (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4104,             approved the incorporation by reference               corrosion of the component interface
                                                Revision 03, dated October 24, 2012, which               (IBR) of the service information listed in this       and adjacent area; and repairing the
                                                is not incorporated by reference in this AD.             paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             gravity fuel adaptor if necessary. This
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                   (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–                    part 51.                                              new AD adds airplanes to the
                                                57A5009, dated December 5, 2006, which                      (2) You must use this service information
                                                                                                                                                               applicability and requires inspecting
                                                was incorporated by reference in AD 2007–                as applicable to do the actions required by
                                                03–04, Amendment 39–14915 (72 FR 4416,                   this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.          those airplanes to determine if a repair
                                                January 31, 2007), on February 15, 2007.                    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3096,          was done, and doing the electrical
                                                   (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–                 Revision 05, dated October 17, 2013.                  bonding test and corrective action if
                                                5009, excluding appendix 01, Revision 01,                   (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4104,         necessary. This AD was prompted by a
                                                dated August 13, 2007, which was                         Revision 04, dated October 17, 2013.                  determination that more airplanes are


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014    17:46 Feb 17, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\18FER1.SGM   18FER1



Document Created: 2018-02-16 11:10:04
Document Modified: 2018-02-16 11:10:04
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD becomes effective March 25, 2015.
ContactVladimir 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.
FR Citation80 FR 8511 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR