[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 19 (Thursday, January 29, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4374-4376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1972]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFI Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-293-AD; Amendment 39-10295; AD 98-03-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. This
action requires a one-time inspection of the free-fall actuators of the
landing gear for discrepancies, and replacement of discrepant actuators
with new, improved actuators. This action also requires eventual
replacement of certain free-fall actuators. This amendment is prompted
by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent electrical short circuits to the free-fall
actuators of the landing gear, which could result in failure to extend
the landing gear, and consequent damage to the airplane structure
during landing.
DATES: Effective February 13, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 13, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 2, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-293-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330 and
A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during several attempted
free-fall extensions of the landing gear, electrical short circuits and
circuit breaker overloads have occurred. The cause of the short
circuits was attributed to installation of incorrect screws in the
motor brush housing of the free-fall actuators during manufacture. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical short circuits
to the free-fall actuators of the landing gears, which could result in
failure to extend the landing gear, and consequent damage to the
airplane structure during landing.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A340-32-4066, Revision 1, and
A340-32-3042, Revision 1, both dated September 19, 1995, which describe
procedures for a one-time inspection of the free-fall actuators of the
landing gear to ensure that no electrical short circuit occurs, and to
ensure that replacement free-fall actuators having correct serial
numbers are installed. The service bulletins also describe procedures
for eventual replacement of certain actuators with new, improved
actuators. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and
issued French airworthiness directives 95-187-020(B) and 95-189-032(B),
both dated September 27, 1995, in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
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certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in the service bulletins described previously.
Cost Impact
None of the Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes affected by
this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any
of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 3 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the inspection, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
inspection would be $180 per airplane.
It would require approximately 16 to 28 work hours (depending upon
airplane configuration) to accomplish the replacement, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be supplied by
the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be
between $960 and $1,680 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-293-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-03-03 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10295. Docket 97-NM-293-AD.
Applicability: Model A330 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1995;
and Model A340 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-32-4066, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1995;
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent electrical short circuits to the free-fall actuators
of the landing gear, which could result in failure to extend the
landing gear, and consequent damage to the airplane structure during
landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the free-fall actuators of the landing gear for
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discrepancies, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-
3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-32-4066,
Revision 1 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated September
19, 1995; as applicable. Prior to further flight, replace any
discrepant actuator with a new, improved actuator in accordance with
the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3042 and A340-32-4066
both reference LUCAS AEROSPACE Alert Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001,
dated July 28, 1995, as an additional source of service information.
(b) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace any free-fall actuator having a serial number specified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330
series airplanes) or A340-32-4066, Revision 1 (for Model A340 series
airplanes), both dated September 19, 1995, with a new, improved
actuator in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane a free-fall actuator, type AR02403, AR02404, or
AR02405 having a serial number specified in Lucas Aerospace Limited
Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001, dated July 28, 1995.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following
Airbus service bulletins, which contain the specified list of
effective pages:
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Service Bulletin Referenced and Revision Level Shown
Date Page Number on Page Date Shown on Page
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A330-32-3042,.................... 1-4, 9, 11, 13....... 1................... September 19, 1995
Revision 1,
September 19, 1995............... 5-8, 10, 12, 14...... Original............ August 2, 1995
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A340-32-4066,.................... 1-5, 11, 13, 15...... 1................... September 19, 1995
Revision 1,
September 19, 1995............... 6-10, 12, 14, 16..... Original............ August 2, 1995
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 95-187-020(B) and 95-189-032(B), both dated
September 27, 1995.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1972 Filed 1-28-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
