2010-32653. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 Airplanes; Airbus Model A330-300 Series Airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

[T]he FAA published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88).

By mail referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 of March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024 of February 3rd, 2003 the JAA [Joint Aviation Authorities] recommended to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) the application of a similar regulation.

The aim of this regulation is to require * * * a definition review against explosion hazards.

* * * * *

Failure of the auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed leak detection system could result in overheat of the fuel tank located in the horizontal stabilizer and ignition of the fuel vapors in that tank, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective February 9, 2011.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 9, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2010 (75 FR 60655). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

[T]he FAA published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88).

By mail referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 of March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024 of February 3rd, 2003 the JAA [Joint Aviation Authorities] recommended to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) the application of a similar regulation.

The aim of this regulation is to require all holders of type certificates for transport aircraft certified after 01 January 1958 with a capacity of 30 passengers or more, or a payload of 3 402 kg or more, to carry out a definition review against explosion hazards.

To be compliant with SFAR88/JAA INT/POL 25/12 requirements, this AD requires the installation of the updated FWC [flight warning computer] software standard which ensures correct operation of the APU bleed leak detection system before each flight.

Failure of the auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed leak detection system could result in overheat of the fuel tank located in the horizontal stabilizer and ignition of the fuel vapors in that tank, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

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 available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 53 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $22,525, or $425 per product.

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 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); 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.

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

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 the NPRM, 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.

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 AD:

2011-01-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16555. Docket No. FAA-2010-0952; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-131-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 9, 2011.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers except those on which Airbus modification 51790 has been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-31-3066, A330-31-3082, A330-31-3093, or A330-31-3105 has been embodied in service; certificated in any category.

(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers; certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31: Instruments.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

[T]he FAA published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88).

By mail referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 of March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024 of February 3rd, 2003 the JAA [Joint Aviation Authorities] recommended to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) the application of a similar regulation.

The aim of this regulation is to require * * * a definition review against explosion hazards.

* * * * *

Failure of the auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed leak detection system could result in overheat of the fuel tank located in the horizontal stabilizer and ignition of the fuel vapors in that tank, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Actions

(g) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.

(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes: Install flight warning computer (FWC) software standard T3 (part number (P/N) LA2E20202T30000) on both FWCs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-31-3146, including Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated May 5, 2010.

(2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: Install FWC software standard L11 (P/N LA2E0060D110000) on both FWCs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-31-4125, Revision 01, dated December 9, 2008.

(h) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, install FWC software standard T2-0 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-31-3125, dated December 31, 2008 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342 and -343 airplanes).

(i) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, install FWC software standard L10-1 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-31-4111, dated February 5, 2007 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes).

(j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-31-3146, dated February 2, 2010; or A340-31-4125, dated October 27, 2008; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

Note 1:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(k) 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. Send information to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference 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.

(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

(l) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0089, dated May 10, 2010, and the service information identified in Table 1 of this AD, for related information.

Table 1—Related Service Information

Airbus Service Bulletin—	Revision—	Dated—
A330-31-3125	Original	December 31, 2008.
A330-31-3146, including Appendix 01	01	May 5, 2010.
A340-31-4111	Original	February 5, 2007.
A340-31-4125	01	December 9, 2008.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(m) You must use the applicable service information contained in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(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], e-mail [e-mail]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.

(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(4) You may also review copies of the 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/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.

Table 2—Material Incorporated by Reference

Airbus Service Bulletin—	Revision—	Dated—
A330-31-3125	Original	December 31, 2008.
A330-31-3146, including Appendix 01	01	May 5, 2010.
A340-31-4111	Original	February 5, 2007.
A340-31-4125	01	December 9, 2008.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 17, 2010.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.