2016-31868. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of certain hydraulic reservoirs (HRs) becoming depressurized due to air leakage from the HR pressure relief valve (PRV). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each hydraulic circuit, and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) and nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective February 10, 2017.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 10, 2017.

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: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: airworthiness. [e-mail]; 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-2016-9117.

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-2016-9117; 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 Office (telephone [phone]) 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 [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2016 (81 FR 67937) (“the NPRM”). The NPRM was prompted by reports of certain HRs becoming depressurized due to air leakage from the HR PRV. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each hydraulic circuit, and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) and nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct air leakage from an HR PRV, which could lead to the loss of one or more hydraulic systems, with the possible result of loss of control of the airplane.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016-0107, dated June 7, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200 and -300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

Some events of depressurisation of hydraulic reservoirs have been reported, due to air leakage from the HR PRV [hydraulic reservoir pressure relief valve]. The results of the investigations revealed that the air leakage was due to the extrusion of the O-ring seal from the HR PRV. This may have happened during HR maintenance, testing or during flight, if HR over-filling was performed, as a result of which hydraulic fluid could pass through the PRV, causing [the] PRV seal to migrate from its nominal position, leading to loss of HR pressurisation.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the loss of one or more hydraulic systems, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.

Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16 [dated January 28, 2016] to provide inspection instructions.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the HR fluid level of each hydraulic circuit and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD also requires actions when maintenance action is accomplished on hydraulic reservoirs.

This [EASA] AD is considered as interim action and further [EASA] AD action may follow.

Required actions include repetitive inspection of the hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in the HR for each hydraulic circuit, and if necessary, adjustment of the fluid level(s) and nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. 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-2016-9117.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data 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 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

We reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016. This service information describes procedures for inspecting hydraulic fluid levels and nitrogen gas pressure in certain HRs, and adjustment of the fluid level(s) and nitrogen pressure in affected HRs. 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 101 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspection	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle	$0	$85 per inspection cycle	$8,585 per inspection cycle.

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary servicing that will be required based on the results of the required inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this servicing:

On-Condition Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
Adding or removing hydraulic fluid or nitrogen gas	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	$0	$85

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2017-01-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18775; Docket No. FAA-2016-9117; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-095-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective February 10, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category, fitted with a hydraulic reservoir (HR) pressure relief valve (PRV) part number (P/N) 42F0026 installed on TECHSPACE HR having P/N 42F1005, 42F1203, 42F1304, 42F1412, 42F1512, or 42F1607.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic power.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of certain hydraulic reservoirs (HRs) becoming depressurized due to air leakage from the HR PRV. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct air leakage from the HR PRV, which could lead to the loss of one or more hydraulic systems, with the possible result of loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Fluid Level and Nitrogen Pressure in HR

Within the compliance time defined in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, as applicable, inspect the HR fluid level and nitrogen pressure of each hydraulic circuit, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.1 of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,600 flight hours.

Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD—Initial Inspection Compliance Time

Compliance Time
(A or B, whichever occurs later)
A	Before accumulating 1,600 flight hours since first flight of the airplane.
B	Within 1,000 flight hours or 3 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Corrective Action

If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any unacceptable pressure or fluid level is identified, before further flight, do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, as applicable, for each unacceptable pressure or fluid level that is discovered. Accomplishment of these actions on an airplane does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that airplane.

(1) Add or remove hydraulic fluid, as applicable, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.

(2) Add or remove nitrogen gas, as applicable, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus AOT A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.

(i) Servicing Hydraulic Reservoir

Concurrent with the initial inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the hydraulic reservoir servicing actions specified in paragraph 4.2.2.2 of Airbus AOT A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.

(j) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus AOTA29L005-16, dated January 28, 2016.

(l) 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 [phone]; fax [phone]. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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.

(m) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0107, dated June 7, 2016, 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-2016-9117.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) 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 Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A29L005-16, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2016.

(ii) Reserved.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail]; 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 December 23, 2016.

Thomas Groves,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.