81_FR_45127 81 FR 44994 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

81 FR 44994 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 133 (July 12, 2016)

Page Range44994-44996
FR Document2016-16316

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-10-03 for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2015-10-03 required a detailed inspection for visible chrome of each affected main landing gear (MLG) sidestay upper cardan pin, associated nuts, and retainer assembly; pin replacement if needed; measurement of cardan pin clearance dimensions (gap check); corrective actions if necessary; and a report of all findings. This new AD requires a detailed inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut threads for any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage, and if necessary, replacement of the cardan pin and nut. This new AD also revises the applicability to include additional airplane models. This AD was prompted by a report that an MLG sidestay upper cardan pin migration event had been caused by corrosion due to lack of jointing compound and inadequate sealant application during the MLG installation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which could result in disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure, and could result in a landing gear collapse and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44994-44996]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16316]



[[Page 44994]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-0459; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-081-AD; 
Amendment 39-18589; AD 2016-14-08]
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) 2015-10-03 for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2015-10-03 required a detailed 
inspection for visible chrome of each affected main landing gear (MLG) 
sidestay upper cardan pin, associated nuts, and retainer assembly; pin 
replacement if needed; measurement of cardan pin clearance dimensions 
(gap check); corrective actions if necessary; and a report of all 
findings. This new AD requires a detailed inspection of the upper 
cardan pin and nut threads for any corrosion, pitting, or thread 
damage, and if necessary, replacement of the cardan pin and nut. This 
new AD also revises the applicability to include additional airplane 
models. This AD was prompted by a report that an MLG sidestay upper 
cardan pin migration event had been caused by corrosion due to lack of 
jointing compound and inadequate sealant application during the MLG 
installation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct migration of 
the sidestay upper cardan pin, which could result in disconnection of 
the sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure, and could result in 
a landing gear collapse and consequent damage to the airplane and 
injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 16, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0459.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0459; 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is 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 20590.

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 2015-10-03, Amendment 39-18158 (80 FR 30608, 
May 29, 2015) (``AD 2015-10-03''). AD 2015-10-03 applied to certain 
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and 
-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
January 21, 2016 (81 FR 3346) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0079, dated May 7, 2015 (referred to after 
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330-
200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An A330 aeroplane equipped with Basic MLG was rolling out after 
landing when it experienced a nose wheel steering fault (unrelated 
to the safety subject addressed by this AD), which resulted in the 
crew stopping the aeroplane on the taxiway after vacating the 
runway. The subsequent investigation revealed that the right-hand 
MLG sidestay upper cardan pin had migrated out of position. The 
sidestay upper cardan nut and retainer had detached from the upper 
cardan pin and were found, still bolted together, in the landing 
gear bay.
    Prompted by these findings, Airbus published Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A32L003-14, providing inspection instructions 
and, as an interim solution, EASA issued AD 2014-0066 [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2015-10-03, Amendment 39-18158 (80 FR 30608, 
May 29, 2015)] to require repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of 
the MLG upper cardan pin, nut and retainer. That AD also required 
accomplishment of a one-time gap check between wing rear spar 
fitting lugs and the bush flanges and, depending on findings, 
corrective action(s). The gap check (including corrections, as 
necessary) terminated the repetitive DET.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, further investigation concluded 
that the reported MLG sidestay upper cardan pin migration event had 
been caused by corrosion, due to lack of jointing compound and 
inadequate sealant application during MLG installation. Therefore, 
this issue affects any MLG that had an upper cardan pin replacement 
or re-installation, irrespective of MLG overhaul. Any corrosion on 
the upper cardan pin and nut threads would not have been detected 
during the previously required DET.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
complete migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin and a 
disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the aeroplane 
structure, possibly resulting in MLG collapse with consequent damage 
to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published 
Service Bulletin (SB) A330-32-3269, SB A340-32-4301 and SB A340-32-
5115 providing inspection instructions. In addition, to prevent any 
improper re-installation of an upper cardan pin on a MLG, Airbus 
amended the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) on 01 
October 2014.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD supersedes EASA 
[AD] 2014-0066 and requires a one-time DET of the MLG upper cardan 
pin and nut threads to check for corrosion or damage on the upper 
cardan pin and nut threads, and, depending on findings, replacement 
of the damaged part(s).
    As this unsafe condition could also develop on A330 freighters 
and A340-500/ -600 aeroplanes, this [EASA] AD also applies to those 
aeroplanes.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
0459.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to that comment.

[[Page 44995]]

Request To Use the Latest Service Information

    American Airlines (AA) requested that we use the latest service 
information in the NPRM. AA stated that since the NPRM was issued, 
Airbus released Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015.
    We agree with the commenter for the reasons stated above. We have 
reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015, and there are no substantial changes. In addition, we 
have also reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, Revision 01, 
dated December 3, 2015; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, 
Revision 01, dated December 11, 2015. There are no substantial changes. 
We have revised this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information:

 Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015.
 Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015.
 Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, Revision 01, dated 
December 11, 2015.

    The service information describes procedures for a detailed 
inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut threads for any corrosion, 
pitting, or thread damage, and replacement of the cardan pin and nut. 
This service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 95 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 11 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $88,825, or $935 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 12 work-hours and require parts costing $78,136, for a cost 
of $79,156 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this 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.

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) 
2015-10-03, Amendment 39-18158 (80 FR 30608, May 29, 2015), and adding 
the following new AD:

2016-14-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18589. Docket No. FAA-2016-0459; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-081-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 16, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces 2015-10-03, Amendment 39-18158 (80 FR 30608, 
May 29, 2015).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, 
except airplanes on which an upper cardan pin on a main landing gear 
(MLG) has never been replaced or reinstalled since first entry into 
service of the airplane.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (3) Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that an MLG sidestay upper 
cardan pin migration event had been caused by corrosion due to lack 
of jointing compound and inadequate sealant application during the 
MLG installation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
migration of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which could result in 
disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from the airplane structure, 
and could result in a landing gear collapse and consequent damage to 
the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an upper cardan pin on a MLG is 
affected if it has been

[[Page 44996]]

installed as a replacement part, or reinstalled since first entry of 
the airplane into service, and if the installation was accomplished 
using the applicable airplane maintenance manual at a revision level 
prior to October 1, 2014.

(h) Inspection and Replacement

    (1) For an affected upper cardan pin on an MLG: Before exceeding 
96 months since its latest installation on an airplane, or within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
do a detailed inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut threads for 
any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) If, during the detailed inspection specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD, any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage is 
found, before further flight, replace the upper cardan pin and/or 
nut, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Applicable Service Information

    Do the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and 
(i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015 (for Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes).
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015 (for Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes).
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, Revision 01, dated 
December 11, 2015 (for Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes).

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD. This 
service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3269, dated February 17, 
2015.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, dated February 17, 
2015.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, dated February 17, 
2015.

(k) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0079, dated May 7, 2015, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-0459.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(m) 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 A330-32-3269, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4301, Revision 01, dated 
December 3, 2015.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-5115, Revision 01, dated 
December 11, 2015.
    (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 [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 June 28, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16316 Filed 7-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                44994               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,                  the runway. The subsequent investigation
                                                                                                         1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.                     revealed that the right-hand MLG sidestay
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                          For information on the availability of                upper cardan pin had migrated out of
                                                                                                                                                               position. The sidestay upper cardan nut and
                                                                                                         this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
                                                                                                                                                               retainer had detached from the upper cardan
                                                14 CFR Part 39                                           1221. It is also available on the Internet            pin and were found, still bolted together, in
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2016–0459; Directorate                   at http://www.regulations.gov by                      the landing gear bay.
                                                Identifier 2015–NM–081–AD; Amendment                     searching for and locating Docket No.                   Prompted by these findings, Airbus
                                                39–18589; AD 2016–14–08]                                 FAA–2016–0459.                                        published Alert Operators Transmission
                                                                                                                                                               (AOT) A32L003–14, providing inspection
                                                RIN 2120–AA64                                            Examining the AD Docket                               instructions and, as an interim solution,
                                                                                                            You may examine the AD docket on                   EASA issued AD 2014–0066 [which
                                                Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                         the Internet at http://                               corresponds to FAA AD 2015–10–03,
                                                Airplanes                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                  Amendment 39–18158 (80 FR 30608, May 29,
                                                                                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     2015)] to require repetitive detailed
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                                                                      inspections (DET) of the MLG upper cardan
                                                Administration (FAA), Department of                      0459; or in person at the Docket                      pin, nut and retainer. That AD also required
                                                Transportation (DOT).                                    Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    accomplishment of a one-time gap check
                                                                                                         and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    between wing rear spar fitting lugs and the
                                                ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                         except Federal holidays. The AD docket                bush flanges and, depending on findings,
                                                SUMMARY:    We are superseding                           contains this AD, the regulatory                      corrective action(s). The gap check (including
                                                Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–10–                    evaluation, any comments received, and                corrections, as necessary) terminated the
                                                03 for certain Airbus Model A330–200                     other information. The address for the                repetitive DET.
                                                                                                         Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)                  Since that [EASA] AD was issued, further
                                                and –300 series airplanes, and Model                                                                           investigation concluded that the reported
                                                A340–200 and –300 series airplanes. AD                   is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
                                                                                                                                                               MLG sidestay upper cardan pin migration
                                                2015–10–03 required a detailed                           Department of Transportation, Docket                  event had been caused by corrosion, due to
                                                inspection for visible chrome of each                    Operations, M–30, West Building                       lack of jointing compound and inadequate
                                                affected main landing gear (MLG)                         Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      sealant application during MLG installation.
                                                sidestay upper cardan pin, associated                    New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    Therefore, this issue affects any MLG that
                                                nuts, and retainer assembly; pin                         DC 20590.                                             had an upper cardan pin replacement or re-
                                                replacement if needed; measurement of                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      installation, irrespective of MLG overhaul.
                                                                                                         Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,                 Any corrosion on the upper cardan pin and
                                                cardan pin clearance dimensions (gap                                                                           nut threads would not have been detected
                                                check); corrective actions if necessary;                 International Branch, ANM–116,
                                                                                                                                                               during the previously required DET.
                                                and a report of all findings. This new                   Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,                    This condition, if not detected and
                                                AD requires a detailed inspection of the                 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                      corrected, could lead to a complete migration
                                                upper cardan pin and nut threads for                     98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;                   of the sidestay upper cardan pin and a
                                                any corrosion, pitting, or thread damage,                fax 425–227–1149.                                     disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from
                                                and if necessary, replacement of the                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            the aeroplane structure, possibly resulting in
                                                cardan pin and nut. This new AD also                                                                           MLG collapse with consequent damage to the
                                                                                                         Discussion                                            aeroplane and injury to occupants.
                                                revises the applicability to include                                                                             To address this potential unsafe condition,
                                                additional airplane models. This AD                         We issued a notice of proposed
                                                                                                                                                               Airbus published Service Bulletin (SB)
                                                was prompted by a report that an MLG                     rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     A330–32–3269, SB A340–32–4301 and SB
                                                sidestay upper cardan pin migration                      part 39 to supersede AD 2015–10–03,                   A340–32–5115 providing inspection
                                                event had been caused by corrosion due                   Amendment 39–18158 (80 FR 30608,                      instructions. In addition, to prevent any
                                                to lack of jointing compound and                         May 29, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–10–03’’). AD                 improper re-installation of an upper cardan
                                                inadequate sealant application during                    2015–10–03 applied to certain Airbus                  pin on a MLG, Airbus amended the
                                                the MLG installation. We are issuing                     Model A330–200 and –300 series                        applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual
                                                                                                         airplanes, and Model A340–200 and                     (AMM) on 01 October 2014.
                                                this AD to detect and correct migration                                                                          For the reasons described above, this
                                                of the sidestay upper cardan pin, which                  –300 series airplanes. The NPRM
                                                                                                                                                               [EASA] AD supersedes EASA [AD] 2014–
                                                could result in disconnection of the                     published in the Federal Register on                  0066 and requires a one-time DET of the
                                                sidestay upper arm from the airplane                     January 21, 2016 (81 FR 3346) (‘‘the                  MLG upper cardan pin and nut threads to
                                                structure, and could result in a landing                 NPRM’’).                                              check for corrosion or damage on the upper
                                                gear collapse and consequent damage to                      The European Aviation Safety Agency                cardan pin and nut threads, and, depending
                                                the airplane and injury to occupants.                    (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  on findings, replacement of the damaged
                                                                                                         for the Member States of the European                 part(s).
                                                DATES: This AD is effective August 16,                                                                           As this unsafe condition could also
                                                                                                         Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
                                                2016.                                                                                                          develop on A330 freighters and A340–500/
                                                                                                         Directive 2015–0079, dated May 7, 2015
                                                   The Director of the Federal Register                                                                        –600 aeroplanes, this [EASA] AD also applies
                                                                                                         (referred to after this as the Mandatory
                                                approved the incorporation by reference                                                                        to those aeroplanes.
                                                                                                         Continuing Airworthiness Information,
                                                of certain publications listed in this AD                                                                      You may examine the MCAI in the AD
                                                                                                         or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
                                                as of August 16, 2016.                                                                                         docket on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                         condition for certain Airbus Model
                                                ADDRESSES: For service information                       A330–200 and –300 series airplanes,                   www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                identified in this final rule, contact                   Model A340–200 and –300 series                        and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—                         airplanes, and Model A340–541 and                     0459.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,                      –642 airplanes. The MCAI states:
                                                31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone                                                                         Comments
                                                +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45                      An A330 aeroplane equipped with Basic
                                                                                                                                                                 We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                         MLG was rolling out after landing when it
                                                80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@                       experienced a nose wheel steering fault               participate in developing this AD. The
                                                airbus.com; Internet http://                             (unrelated to the safety subject addressed by         following presents the comment
                                                www.airbus.com. You may view this                        this AD), which resulted in the crew stopping         received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
                                                referenced service information at the                    the aeroplane on the taxiway after vacating           response to that comment.


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                               44995

                                                Request To Use the Latest Service                        this AD. The average labor rate is $85                Adoption of the Amendment
                                                Information                                              per work hour. Based on these figures,                  Accordingly, under the authority
                                                  American Airlines (AA) requested                       we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.               delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                that we use the latest service                           operators to be $88,825, or $935 per                  the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                                information in the NPRM. AA stated                       product.                                              follows:
                                                that since the NPRM was issued, Airbus                     In addition, we estimate that any
                                                released Service Bulletin A330–32–                       necessary follow-on actions will take                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                3269, Revision 01, dated December 3,                     about 12 work-hours and require parts                 DIRECTIVES
                                                2015.                                                    costing $78,136, for a cost of $79,156
                                                                                                         per product. We have no way of                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                  We agree with the commenter for the
                                                                                                         determining the number of aircraft that               continues to read as follows:
                                                reasons stated above. We have reviewed
                                                Airbus Service Bulletin A330–32–3269,                    might need this action.                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015,                     Authority for This Rulemaking                         § 39.13   [Amended]
                                                and there are no substantial changes. In
                                                addition, we have also reviewed Airbus                      Title 49 of the United States Code                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
                                                Service Bulletin A340–32–4301,                           specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
                                                Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015;                     rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                 2015–10–03, Amendment 39–18158 (80
                                                and Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–                     section 106, describes the authority of               FR 30608, May 29, 2015), and adding
                                                5115, Revision 01, dated December 11,                    the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                the following new AD:
                                                2015. There are no substantial changes.                  Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                2016–14–08 Airbus: Amendment 39–18589.
                                                We have revised this AD accordingly.                     detail the scope of the Agency’s                          Docket No. FAA–2016–0459; Directorate
                                                                                                         authority.                                                Identifier 2015–NM–081–AD.
                                                Conclusion
                                                                                                            We are issuing this rulemaking under               (a) Effective Date
                                                  We reviewed the available data,                        the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,              This AD is effective August 16, 2016.
                                                including the comment received, and                      Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                determined that air safety and the                       General requirements.’’ Under that                    (b) Affected ADs
                                                public interest require adopting this AD                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                  This AD replaces 2015–10–03, Amendment
                                                with the changes described previously                    promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            39–18158 (80 FR 30608, May 29, 2015).
                                                and minor editorial changes. We have                     air commerce by prescribing regulations               (c) Applicability
                                                determined that these changes:                           for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                  • Are consistent with the intent that                                                                           This AD applies to the airplanes,
                                                                                                         the Administrator finds necessary for                 certificated in any category, identified in
                                                was proposed in the NPRM for                             safety in air commerce. This regulation               paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD,
                                                correcting the unsafe condition; and                     is within the scope of that authority                 except airplanes on which an upper cardan
                                                  • Do not add any additional burden                     because it addresses an unsafe condition              pin on a main landing gear (MLG) has never
                                                upon the public than was already                         that is likely to exist or develop on                 been replaced or reinstalled since first entry
                                                proposed in the NPRM.                                    products identified in this rulemaking                into service of the airplane.
                                                                                                         action.                                                  (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203,
                                                Related Service Information Under 1                                                                            –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303,
                                                CFR Part 51                                              Regulatory Findings                                   –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343
                                                  Airbus has issued the following                                                                              airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                                                                           We determined that this AD will not                    (2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213,
                                                service information:                                     have federalism implications under                    –311, –312, and –313 airplanes, all
                                                • Airbus Service Bulletin A330–32–                       Executive Order 13132. This AD will                   manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                  3269, Revision 01, dated December 3,                   not have a substantial direct effect on                  (3) Airbus Model A340–541 and –642
                                                  2015.                                                  the States, on the relationship between               airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
                                                • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–                       the national government and the States,               (d) Subject
                                                  4301, Revision 01, dated December 3,                   or on the distribution of power and
                                                  2015.                                                                                                          Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                                                                         responsibilities among the various                    America Code 32, Landing Gear.
                                                • Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–                       levels of government.
                                                  5115, Revision 01, dated December                        For the reasons discussed above, I                  (e) Reason
                                                  11, 2015.                                              certify that this AD:                                    This AD was prompted by a report that an
                                                  The service information describes                        1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                MLG sidestay upper cardan pin migration
                                                procedures for a detailed inspection of                                                                        event had been caused by corrosion due to
                                                                                                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                 lack of jointing compound and inadequate
                                                the upper cardan pin and nut threads
                                                                                                           2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the          sealant application during the MLG
                                                for any corrosion, pitting, or thread
                                                                                                         DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                installation. We are issuing this AD to detect
                                                damage, and replacement of the cardan
                                                                                                         (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                     and correct migration of the sidestay upper
                                                pin and nut. This service information is                                                                       cardan pin, which could result in
                                                reasonably available because the                           3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                                                                                         Alaska; and                                           disconnection of the sidestay upper arm from
                                                interested parties have access to it                                                                           the airplane structure, and could result in a
                                                through their normal course of business                    4. Will not have a significant                      landing gear collapse and consequent damage
                                                or by the means identified in the                        economic impact, positive or negative,                to the airplane and injury to occupants.
                                                ADDRESSES section.                                       on a substantial number of small entities
                                                                                                                                                               (f) Compliance
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                                                                                                         under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                Costs of Compliance                                      Flexibility Act.                                         Comply with this AD within the
                                                                                                                                                               compliance times specified, unless already
                                                  We estimate that this AD affects 95                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                    done.
                                                airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                  We also estimate that it will take                       Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation              (g) Definition
                                                about 11 work-hours per product to                       safety, Incorporation by reference,                      For the purpose of this AD, an upper
                                                comply with the basic requirements of                    Safety.                                               cardan pin on a MLG is affected if it has been



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                                                44996               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                installed as a replacement part, or reinstalled          Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,                   Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 28,
                                                since first entry of the airplane into service,          International Branch, ANM 116, Transport              2016.
                                                and if the installation was accomplished                 Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind                  John P. Piccola, Jr.,
                                                using the applicable airplane maintenance                Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;                    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                manual at a revision level prior to October 1,           telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149.             Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                2014.                                                    Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
                                                                                                                                                               [FR Doc. 2016–16316 Filed 7–11–16; 8:45 am]
                                                (h) Inspection and Replacement                           AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
                                                                                                         any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate            BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                   (1) For an affected upper cardan pin on an            principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                                MLG: Before exceeding 96 months since its                inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                                latest installation on an airplane, or within            standards district office/certificate holding         DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                12 months after the effective date of this AD,           district office. The AMOC approval letter
                                                whichever occurs later, do a detailed                                                                          Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                         must specifically reference this AD.
                                                inspection of the upper cardan pin and nut
                                                                                                            (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
                                                threads for any corrosion, pitting, or thread
                                                damage, in accordance with the
                                                                                                         effective date of this AD, for any requirement        14 CFR Part 39
                                                Accomplishment Instructions of the                       in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket No. FAA–2015–8129; Directorate
                                                applicable service information specified in              a manufacturer, the action must be
                                                                                                                                                               Identifier 2014–NM–197–AD; Amendment
                                                paragraph (i) of this AD.                                accomplished using a method approved by
                                                                                                                                                               39–18573; AD 2016–13–09]
                                                   (2) If, during the detailed inspection                the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
                                                specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any            116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or          RIN 2120–AA64
                                                corrosion, pitting, or thread damage is found,           the European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                before further flight, replace the upper cardan          (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design                       Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
                                                pin and/or nut, as applicable, in accordance             Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by           Inc. Airplanes
                                                with the Accomplishment Instructions of the              the DOA, the approval must include the
                                                applicable service information specified in              DOA-authorized signature.                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                paragraph (i) of this AD.                                                                                      Administration (FAA), Department of
                                                                                                         (l) Related Information
                                                                                                                                                               Transportation (DOT).
                                                (i) Applicable Service Information                         (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
                                                                                                                                                               ACTION: Final rule.
                                                   Do the actions required by paragraph (h) of           Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
                                                this AD in accordance with the                           Airworthiness Directive 2015–0079, dated              SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                                Accomplishment Instructions of the                       May 7, 2015, for related information. This
                                                                                                                                                               airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                                applicable service information identified in             MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
                                                paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD.        Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by             Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B16
                                                   (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–32–3269,             searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–            (CL–604 Variant) airplanes. This AD
                                                Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015 (for                 2016–0459.                                            was prompted by a determination that
                                                Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,                   (2) Service information identified in this          certain maintenance tasks for the
                                                –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321,              AD that is not incorporated by reference is           horizontal stabilizer trim actuator
                                                –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes).             available at the addresses specified in               (HSTA) are inadequate. This AD
                                                   (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–4301,             paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.              requires revising the maintenance or
                                                Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015 (for                                                                       inspection program, as applicable, to
                                                Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311,                 (m) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                –312, and –313 airplanes).
                                                                                                                                                               incorporate new airworthiness
                                                                                                            (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                   (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–5115,             approved the incorporation by reference               limitations for the HSTA. We are issuing
                                                Revision 01, dated December 11, 2015 (for                (IBR) of the service information listed in this       this AD to detect and correct premature
                                                Airbus Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes).               paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             wear and cracking of the HSTA, which
                                                                                                         part 51.                                              could result in failure of the HSTA and
                                                (j) Credit for Previous Actions
                                                                                                            (2) You must use this service information          consequent loss of control of the
                                                   This paragraph provides credit for the                as applicable to do the actions required by           airplane.
                                                actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD,           this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
                                                if those actions were performed before the                  (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–32–3269,          DATES:  This AD becomes effective
                                                effective date of this AD using the applicable           Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015.                  August 16, 2016.
                                                service information identified in paragraphs                (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–4301,           The Director of the Federal Register
                                                (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD. This service      Revision 01, dated December 3, 2015.                  approved the incorporation by reference
                                                information is not incorporated by reference                (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–             of certain publications listed in this AD
                                                in this AD.
                                                   (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–32–3269,
                                                                                                         5115, Revision 01, dated December 11, 2015.           as of August 16, 2016.
                                                                                                            (3) For service information identified in          ADDRESSES: For service information
                                                dated February 17, 2015.
                                                                                                         this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness
                                                   (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–4301,                                                                   identified in this final rule, contact
                                                                                                         Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
                                                dated February 17, 2015.                                                                                       Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road
                                                                                                         31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
                                                   (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–32–5115,                                                                   West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada;
                                                dated February 17, 2015.                                 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
                                                                                                         airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;                   Widebody Customer Response Center,
                                                (k) Other FAA AD Provisions                              Internet http://www.airbus.com.                       toll-free telephone 1–866–538–1247, or
                                                  The following provisions also apply to this               (4) You may view this service information          direct dial telephone 1–514–855–2999;
                                                AD:                                                      at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,           fax 1–514–855–7401; email ac.yul@
                                                  (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance                  1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                 aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://
                                                (AMOCs): The Manager, International                      information on the availability of this               www.bombardier.com. You may view
                                                Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane                      material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.               this referenced service information at
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                                                Directorate, FAA, has the authority to                      (5) You may view this service information
                                                                                                                                                               the FAA, Transport Airplane
                                                approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested                  that is incorporated by reference at the
                                                                                                         National Archives and Records
                                                                                                                                                               Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
                                                using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
                                                In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your               Administration (NARA). For information on             Renton, WA. For information on the
                                                request to your principal inspector or local             the availability of this material at NARA, call       availability of this material at the FAA,
                                                Flight Standards District Office, as                     202–741–6030, or go to: http://                       call 425–227–1221. It is also available
                                                appropriate. If sending information directly             www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-            on the Internet at http://
                                                to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:            locations.html.                                       www.regulations.gov by searching for


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Document Created: 2016-07-12 01:59:43
Document Modified: 2016-07-12 01:59:43
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 is effective August 16, 2016.
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 Citation81 FR 44994 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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