[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9932-9934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4246]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-340-AD; Amendment 39-10355; AD 98-04-44]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 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 A340 series airplanes. This action
requires replacement of the groove pins on the doors of the center main
landing gear (MLG) with new pins, modification of the bolt head,
installation of an antirotation plate, and modification of the hinge
pins on the doors of the MLG by the installation of oversize bolts.
This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority.
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent detachment of
the center MLG door during flight, which could pose a hazard to persons
or property on the ground.
DATES: Effective March 16, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 16, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 30, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-340-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 A340
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during fatigue testing
performed by the manufacturer, it was discovered that the hinge pins on
the door of the center main landing gear (MLG) had broken. Further
investigation has revealed that the cause of the pin failure may have
been incorrect orientation of the pin. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in detachment of the center MLG door during
flight, which could pose a hazard to persons or property on the ground.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A340-53-4070, Revision 1, dated
July 18, 1997, which describes procedures for replacement of the groove
pins on the doors of the center MLG with new pins, modification of the
bolt head, and installation of an antirotation plate.
In addition, Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A340-53-4031,
Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997, which describes procedures for
modifying the hinge pins on the doors of the center MLG by installing
oversize bolts. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and
issued French airworthiness directive 97-114-060(B), dated May 7, 1997,
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
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 is being issued to prevent detachment of
the center MLG door during flight, which could pose a hazard to persons
or property on the ground. This AD requires accomplishment of the
actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.
Cost Impact
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule
currently are operated by
[[Page 9933]]
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 16 work hours to
accomplish the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-
4070, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Parts would be
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of this action would be $960 per airplane.
It would require approximately 10 work hours to accomplish the
actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4031, at an
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost
approximately $1,677 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of this action would be $2,277 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-340-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:
98-04-44 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10355. Docket 97-NM-340-AD.
Applicability: Model A340 series airplanes; as listed in Airbus
Service Bulletins A340-53-4070, Revision 1, dated July 18, 1997, and
A340-53-4031, Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997; 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 (b) 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 detachment of the center main landing gear (MLG) door
during flight, which could pose a hazard to persons or property on
the ground, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 8,400 total flight cycles, or
within the next 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, accomplish either (a)(1) or (a)(2)
below, as applicable:
(1) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-
4070, Revision 1, dated July 18, 1997: Replace the groove pins on
the doors of the center MLG with new pins, modify the bolt head, and
install an antirotation plate; in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(2) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-
4031, Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997: Modify the hinge pins on the
doors of the center MLG by installing oversize bolts; in accordance
with the service bulletin.
(b) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 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.
[[Page 9934]]
(d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4070, Revision 1, dated July
18, 1997, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4031, Revision 1, dated
June 10, 1997, as applicable. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 97-114-060(B), dated May 7, 1997.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 16, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1998.
Gilbert L. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-4246 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
