80 FR 8511 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

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, 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]



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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]
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