99-25595. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340- 211, -212, -311, and -312 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 53189-53190]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-25595]
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 99-NM-119-AD; Amendment 39-11347; AD 99-21-04]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340-
    211, -212, -311, and -312 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    applicable to certain Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340-211, -212, 
    -311, and -312 series airplanes, that requires repetitive detailed 
    visual inspections of the fuselage belly fairing support structure to 
    detect cracks; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment also 
    provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
    This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
    airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
    The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct 
    fatigue cracking of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, which 
    could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage belly 
    fairing support structure.
    
    DATES: Effective November 5, 1999.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of November 5, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
    Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
    Docket, 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330-301, and 
    Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 series airplanes was published in 
    the Federal Register on August 4, 1999 (64 FR 42289). That action 
    proposed to require repetitive detailed visual inspections of the 
    fuselage belly fairing support structure to detect cracks; and 
    corrective action, if necessary. That action also proposed to provide 
    an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    
    Comments
    
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the single comment received.
        The commenter indicates that it is not affected by the proposed 
    rule.
    
    Explanation of Change Made to Proposal
    
        The FAA had added a note to the final rule to clarify the 
    definition of a detailed visual inspection.
    
    Conclusion
    
        The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
    require the adoption of the rule with the change described previously. 
    The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the 
    economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        Currently, there are no Airbus Model A330-301 series airplanes on 
    the U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and 
    placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 5 
    work hours to accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor 
    rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
    the required AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $300 per airplane, 
    per inspection cycle.
        Also, there are no Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 
    series airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, should an affected 
    airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it 
    will take approximately 6 work hours to accomplish the required 
    inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
    these figures, the cost impact of the required AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $360 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
        Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
    Register and an operator elects to accomplish the optional terminating 
    action rather than continue the repetitive inspections, it will take 
    approximately between 10 and 178 work hours per airplane (for Model 
    A330 series airplanes), or between 10 and 188 work hours per airplane 
    (for Model A340 series airplanes), at an average labor rate of $60 per 
    work hour.
        Required parts will cost approximately between $1,313 and $13,262 
    (for Model A330 series airplanes) or between $1,049 and $14,311 (for 
    Model A340 series airplanes), per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of this optional terminating action is estimated to be 
    between $1,913 and $23,942 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or between 
    $1,649 and $25,591 (for Model A340 series airplanes), per airplane.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects on the
    
    [[Page 53190]]
    
    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:
    
    99-21-04  AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-11347. Docket 99-NM-119-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model A330-301 series airplanes, except those 
    airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42332 (reference Airbus 
    Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995) has been 
    accomplished; and Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 series 
    airplanes, except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42331 
    or 42332 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 
    26, 1995), has been accomplished; certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise 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 detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage belly 
    fairing support structure, which could result in reduced structural 
    integrity of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, 
    accomplish the following:
    
    Repetitive Inspection
    
        (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, or 
    within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
    whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the 
    fuselage belly fairing support structure for cracks, in accordance 
    with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995 (for 
    Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated 
    February 6, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. 
    Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,800 
    flight cycles.
    
        Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
    inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
    specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
    detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
    normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
    intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
    as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
    elaborate access procedures may be required.''
    
    Repair
    
        (b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
    paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in 
    accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 
    1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 
    26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. 
    Accomplishment of this action constitutes terminating action for the 
    repetitive inspections required by this AD for only that repaired 
    part.
    
    Optional Terminating Action
    
        (c) Modification of the belly fairing support structure in 
    accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 
    1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 
    26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable; 
    constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
    
    Alternative Methods of Compliance
    
        (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.
    
    Special Flight Permits
    
        (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.
    
    Incorporation by Reference
    
        (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995; Airbus Service Bulletin 
    A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996; Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995; or Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995; as applicable. Airbus 
    Service Bulletin A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996, 
    has the following effective pages:
    
                             List of Effective Pages
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Revision level
                Page No.                 shown on page    Date shown on page
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1, 2............................  1.................  February 6, 1996.
    3-31............................  Original..........  June 26, 1995.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        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 95-256-023(B) R1 and 95-258-037(B) R1, both 
    dated December 17, 1997.
    
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 5, 1999.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 1999.
    D.L. Riggin,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-25595 Filed 9-30-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/5/1999
Published:
10/01/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-25595
Dates:
Effective November 5, 1999.
Pages:
53189-53190 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-NM-119-AD, Amendment 39-11347, AD 99-21-04
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-25595.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13