2013-10908. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a repetitive inspection program on certain check valves in the hydraulic systems that includes, among other things, inspections for lock wire presence and integrity, traces of seepage or black deposits, proper torque, alignment of the check valve and manifold, installing new lock wire, and corrective actions if needed. Since we issued that AD, additional in-service reports of check valves loosening at lower flight cycle thresholds than previously reported have been received. This proposed AD would expand the applicability, reduce the compliance time, change torque values of the check valve tightening, and require a repetitive inspection program for certain check valves in the hydraulic systems on airplanes that have had a certain modification embodied during production or in-service. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such check valve loosening, which could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 24, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review copies of the 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.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov;​; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2013-0365; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-223-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

On November 16, 2009, we issued AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.

Since we issued AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0244R1, dated January 25, 2013 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

An A330 operator experienced a yellow hydraulic circuit low level due to a loose check valve, Part Number (P/N) CAR401. During the inspection on the other two hydraulic systems, the other three check valves P/N CAR401 were also found to be loose with their lock wire broken in two instances. Airbus A340 aeroplanes are also equipped with P/N CAR401 high pressure manifold check valves.

Additional cases of P/N CAR401 check valve loosening have been reported on aeroplanes having accumulated more than 1,000 [total] flight cycles (FC). The check valve fitted on the Yellow hydraulic system is more affected, due to additional system cycles induced by cargo door operation.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the aeroplane.

To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued Emergency AD 2009-0223-E [which corresponds to FAA AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)] to require an inspection programme to detect any check valve loosening and if necessary, to apply the applicable corrective actions.

EASA AD 2010-0145, which superseded EASA EAD 2009-0223-E retaining its requirements, was issued to expand the applicability to the newly certified models A330-223F and A330-243F.

Prompted by further reported in-service events of check valve P/N CAR401 loosening before reaching the threshold of 700 FC, EASA AD 2011-0139, which superseded EASA AD 2010-0145, retaining its requirements, was issued to:

—extend the requirement to identify the P/N CAR401 check valves to all aeroplanes, and to

—reduce the inspection threshold for aeroplanes fitted with check valve P/N CAR401, either installed in production through Airbus modification 54491, or installed in service through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-29-3101 or Airbus SB A340-29-4078.

EASA AD 2012-0070, which superseded EASA AD 2011-0139, retaining its requirements, was issued to require an increased torque value of the check valve tightening and High Pressure (HP) manifold re-identification.

Since EASA AD 2012-0070 was issued, additional in-service events have been reported on aeroplanes fitted with check valves on which the increased torque value had been applied. Based on those events, it has been concluded that the action to re-torque the check valves with an increased value is not a satisfactory terminating action for addressing the issue of those check valves.

For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD partially retains the requirements of EASA AD 2012-0070, which is superseded. Additionally, for aeroplanes equipped with P/N CAR401 on which the increased torque value has been applied, this new [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the check valves and HP manifolds. Finally, this [EASA] AD also requires application of a lower torque value when a check valve P/N CAR401 is installed on an aeroplane.

This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.

Note: the reporting and the torque value increase requirements for check valves P/N CAR401 of EASA AD 2012-0070 are no longer part of this new [EASA] AD.

This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, reduce the compliance time for initial inspection, and change torque values of the check valve tightening. The corrective actions include replacing seal assemblies, re-torquing the check valve, and replacing the lock wire.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued the following service information.

• Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012.
• Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.
• Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.

The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 67 products of U.S. registry.

The actions that are required by AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009), and retained in this proposed AD take about 8 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $680 per product.

We estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $11,390, or $170 per product.

We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:

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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 ( 74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009), and adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0365; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-223-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by June 24, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009).

(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, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by multiple reports of hydraulic line check valves loosening. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such check valve loosening, which could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

(g) Retained Actions

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009). Except for Model A330-223F and A330-243F airplanes: Do the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.

(1) For airplanes that do not have Airbus Modification 54491 embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 embodied in service: Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first, inspect the check valves on the blue, green, and yellow hydraulic systems to identify their part numbers (P/Ns), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(i) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. After accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD at the applicable compliance times specified in those paragraphs. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(ii) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are not installed on all three hydraulic systems, no further action is required by this paragraph until any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced with a check valve having P/N CAR401. If any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced by a check valve having P/N CAR401, before further flight, do the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to determine if all three hydraulic systems are equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(2) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 was embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 was embodied in service, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(i) Except as required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (g)(2)(i)(B) of this AD, as applicable: Do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, install new lock wires, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.1 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(A) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 has been embodied in production: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A)(1) and (g)(2)(i)(A)(2) of this AD.

(1) Before the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles since first flight but no earlier than the accumulation of 700 total flight cycles since first flight.

(2) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first.

(B) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078 was embodied in service: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(B)(1) and (g)(2)(i)(B)(2) of this AD.

(1) Within 1,000 flight cycles since the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078 but no earlier than 700 flight cycles after the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078.

(2) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first.

(ii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) and install a new lock wire on the green high pressure manifold; and do an inspection (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.2 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(iii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the green, yellow, and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.3 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) New Inspection and Actions

For airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR400; and for airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401, except for airplanes on which Airbus Modification 201384 has been embodied during production, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3119 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4091 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes) has been embodied in service: Within 900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the check valves on the blue, green, and yellow hydraulic systems to identify their part numbers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(1) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems: Before further flight, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for red mark presence and alignment integrity of the check valve and manifold, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD.

(2) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are not installed on all three hydraulic systems, no further action is required by this paragraph until any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced with a check valve having P/N CAR401. If any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced by a check valve having P/N CAR401: Before further flight after such replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, to determine if all three hydraulic systems are equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401. If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of this AD.

(i) New Repetitive Inspection Program and Corrective Actions

Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for red mark presence and alignment integrity of the check valve and manifold, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on the green, yellow, and blue system check valves, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Repeat the inspection program thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(j) New Repetitive Inspection for Certain Airplanes

For airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401 and on which Airbus Modification 201384 has been embodied during production, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3119 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4091 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes) has been embodied in service: Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the green, yellow, and blue high pressure manifolds and check valves having P/N CAR401 for any sign of rotation of the check valve head, and for any signs of hydraulic fluid leakage or seepage (including black deposits), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012. Repeat the inspection thereafter at interval not to exceed 900 flight hours.

(k) New Corrective Action for Certain Airplanes

If, during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD, any sign of rotation of the check valve head is found, or any sign of hydraulic fluid leakage or seepage (including black deposits) is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012.

(l) No Terminating Action

Accomplishment of the corrective actions required by this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD.

(m) Replacement Check Valve Torque Value

As of the effective date of this AD, at each replacement of a check valve with a check valve having P/N CAR401, apply a torque of 141 to 143 newton metre (N.m) (103.98 to 105.45 pounds-foot (lbf.ft)) during installation.

(n) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) This paragraph restates the credit specified in paragraph (g)(2)(iv) of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009). This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09), using Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, dated September 2, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, dated September 2, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).

(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, dated September 2, 2009; or Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, dated September 2, 2009; or Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). After the effective date of this AD all inspections and corrective actions, as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, must be accomplished in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011; as applicable.

(o) No Reporting

Although the service information specified in paragraphs (o)(1) through (o)(5) of this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(1) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012.

(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.

(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.

(4) Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009.

(5) Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009.

(p) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. AMOCs approved for AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD, except AMOC ANM-116-11-172 is not approved as an AMOC for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(q) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0244R1, dated January 25, 2013; and the following service information; for related information.

(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012.

(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.

(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011.

(iv) Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009.

(v) Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009.

(2) 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. You may review copies of the 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2013.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.