[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 24 (Monday, February 6, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5971-5976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-989]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21702; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-024-AD; 
Amendment 39-14473; AD 2006-03-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes, A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive borescope inspections of the left and right fuel tanks of 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks) for detached or 
damaged float valves; related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary; and the eventual replacement of all float valves in the left 
and right trim tanks with new, improved float valves, which terminates 
the need for the repetitive inspections. This AD also requires 
repetitive replacement of certain new, improved float valves. This AD 
results from reports of detached and damaged float valves in the trim 
tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent, in the event of a lightning 
strike to the horizontal stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris 
from detached and damaged float valves, or a buildup of static 
electricity, which could result in ignition of fuel vapors and 
consequent fire or explosion.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 13, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 13, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A330 and A340 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on June 29, 2005 (70 FR 37296). That NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive borescope inspections of the left and right fuel tanks of 
the trimmable horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks) for detached or 
damaged float valves; related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary; and the eventual replacement of all float valves in the left 
and right trim tanks with new, improved float valves, which terminates 
the need for the repetitive inspections. That NPRM also proposed to 
require repetitive replacement of certain new, improved float valves.

[[Page 5972]]

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Requests That Resulted in a Change to the NPRM

Request To Add Another Service Bulletin

    One commenter requests that the NPRM reference an additional 
service bulletin. The commenter explains that Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005, installs the same Airbus 
modification number (53081) as Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3094, 
dated April 7, 2005, which was referenced in the NPRM as an appropriate 
source of service information. The commenter explains that the 
effectivity in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3093 includes all of the 
commenter's airplanes, while Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3094 does 
not.
    We agree to add Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3093 as another 
method of compliance to the requirements of the AD. We note that adding 
this service bulletin is for the convenience of the operator in 
accomplishing the actions required by this AD, and does not add or 
remove any airplane listed in the applicability of this AD.

Request To Revise the Costs of Compliance

    The same commenter requests that the NPRM be revised to add an 
estimated cost for access to each of the valves during replacement of 
the valves, which is a terminating action. The commenter notes that the 
service information estimates a total of 76 hours of access related 
labor time. The commenter estimates a more realistic value to be 116 
hours. The commenter recognizes that access time is typically not 
included in the labor estimates of ADs. However, the commenter advises 
that there are no tasks in the A330 maintenance program that require 
access to this area. Therefore, the access hours will be driven solely 
and specifically by the NPRM.
    We agree that, in this case, it is appropriate to consider the time 
necessary for access. We also recognize that different operators may 
have different access times based on different airplane configurations 
or other considerations. The estimated cost information for access that 
is provided by the manufacturer is the latest information that we have, 
and we have revised the AD to reflect that estimate.

Requests That Did Not Result in a Change to the NPRM

Request To Address Defective Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts

    One commenter requests that the NPRM be modified to include 
possible ``defective'' parts manufactured with a parts manufacturer 
approval (PMA) that may be installed in lieu of the defective original 
equipment manufacturer (OEM) part specified in the NPRM. The commenter 
states that a ``known'' PMA part exists for the defective OEM part 
specified in the NPRM, and may contain the same defects as the 
specified OEM part. The commenter further points out that, if a PMA 
part is defective and currently installed, the NPRM would not require 
its removal.
    We concur with the commenter's general request that, if we know 
that an unsafe condition also exists in PMA parts, the AD should 
address those parts, as well as the original parts. Contrary to the 
commenter's assertion that the known PMA part is not covered by the 
wording of the NPRM, the ``known'' PMA part identified by the commenter 
does have the same part number as the part number specified in the 
NPRM. Therefore, it is also subject to the requirements of this AD. We 
are not aware of other PMA parts that may have a different part number. 
The commenter's remarks are timely in that the Transport Airplane 
Directorate currently is in the process of reviewing this issue as it 
applies to transport category airplanes. We acknowledge that there may 
be other ways of addressing this issue to ensure that unsafe PMA parts 
are identified and addressed. Once we have thoroughly examined all 
aspects of this issue, including input from industry, and have made a 
final determination, we will consider whether our policy regarding 
addressing PMA parts in ADs needs to be revised. We consider that to 
delay this AD action would be inappropriate, since we have determined 
that an unsafe condition exists and that replacement of certain parts 
must be accomplished to ensure continued safety. Therefore, no change 
has been made to the final rule in this regard.

Request to Reference PMA Parts

    The same commenter also requests that the language in the NPRM be 
changed to permit installation of PMA equivalent parts. The commenter 
states that the mandated installation of a certain part number in the 
NPRM ``is at variance with the higher authority of 14 CFR Section 
21.303.''
    We infer that the commenter would like the AD to permit 
installation of any equivalent PMA parts so that it is not necessary 
for an operator to request approval of an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in order to install an ``equivalent'' PMA part. 
Whether an alternative part is ``equivalent'' in adequately resolving 
the unsafe condition can only be determined on a case-by-case basis 
based on a complete understanding of the unsafe condition. We are not 
currently aware of any such parts. Our policy is that, in order for 
operators to replace a part with one that is not specified in the AD, 
they must request an AMOC. This is necessary so that we can make a 
specific determination that an alternative part is or is not 
susceptible to the same unsafe condition.
    In response to the commenter's statement regarding a ``variance 
with FAR 21.303,'' under which the FAA issues PMAs, this statement 
appears to reflect a misunderstanding of the relationship between ADs 
and the certification procedural regulations of part 21 of the FARs (14 
CFR part 21). Those regulations, including section 21.303 of the FARs 
(14 CFR part 21.303), are intended to ensure that aeronautical products 
comply with the applicable airworthiness standards. But ADs are issued 
when, notwithstanding those procedures, we become aware of unsafe 
conditions in these products or parts. Therefore, an AD takes 
precedence over design approvals when we identify an unsafe condition, 
and mandating installation of a certain part number in an AD is not at 
variance with section Sec.  21.303.
    The AD provides a means of compliance for operators to ensure that 
the identified unsafe condition is addressed appropriately. For an 
unsafe condition attributable to a part, the AD normally identifies the 
replacement parts necessary to obtain that compliance. As stated in 
section 39.7 of the FARs (14 CFR 39.7), ``Anyone who operates a product 
that does not meet the requirements of an applicable airworthiness 
directive is in violation of this section.'' Unless an operator obtains 
approval for an AMOC, replacing a part with one not specified by the AD 
would make the operator subject to an enforcement action and result in 
a civil penalty. No change to the AD is necessary in this regard.

Editorial Changes to the AD

Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any

[[Page 5973]]

approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs, at an average 
labor rate per hour of $65, for U.S. operators of Model A330-200 and -
300 series airplanes to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of
                                                                       Cost per       U.S.
             Action                  Work hours          Parts         airplane    registered      Fleet cost
                                                                                   airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive borescope             2 hours for        None...........         $130           25  $3,250, per
 inspection, per inspection       inspection.                                                   inspection
 cycle.                                                                                         cycle.
Installation of float valves     4 hours (2 per     No charge......        5,200           25  $130,000, per
 (including access).              valve, 2 valves                                               installation.
                                  per airplane)
                                  plus 76 hours
                                  for access.
Bonding test (new, improved      1................  None...........           65           25  $1,625.
 float valves, left trim tank
 only).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, there are no affected Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes and A340-541 and -642 airplanes on the U.S. Register. 
However, should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would be subject to the actions of this AD. 
The estimated costs would be the same as those listed above for the 
Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes.

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 have 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 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. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-03-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14473. Docket No. FAA-2005-21702; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-024-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 13, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and 
A340-211, -212, -213 -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; 
certificated in any category, as identified in Table 1 of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Except those modified in
              Airbus model                     production by Airbus
                                                   modification
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301,  51953 and either 52110 or
 -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343   53081.
 airplanes.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313   51953 and either 52110 or
 airplanes.                               53081.
A340-541 and -642 airplanes............  51951 and either 52109 or
                                          53081.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5974]]

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of detached and damaged 
float valves in the left and right fuel tanks of the trimmable 
horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks). We are issuing this AD to 
prevent, in the event of a lightning strike to the horizontal 
stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris from detached and 
damaged float valves, or a buildup of static electricity, which 
could result in ignition of fuel vapors and consequent fire or 
explosion.

Compliance

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

Borescope Inspection

    (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraph (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD: Do a borescope inspection for detached or damaged 
float valves in the left and right trim tanks, by doing the 
applicable actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletins A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003, and A330-28-
3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A330-201, -202, 
-203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes); or A340-28-4100 and A340-28-4101, both Revision 01, both 
dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 2,500 total flight cycles or 
15,000 total flight hours, whichever is first.
    (2) Within 7,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.

Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (g) Depending on the results of the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD: Do the applicable actions in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, at the times specified in 
Table 2.

                    Table 2.--Inspection Results and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            In accordance with
   If inspection results  reveal--                          Then--                            Airbus service
                                                                                                bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detached or damaged float valve in     Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached    A330-28-3086, dated
 the right trim tank.                   float and float debris from trim tank and do a    July 24, 2003.
                                        detailed tank inspection for structural damage   A340-28-4100, Revision
                                        to the affected trim tank. Repair any             01, dated August 16,
                                        structural damage to the trim tank or             2004.
                                        deactivate the trim tank, before further
                                        flight, in accordance with the applicable
                                        service bulletin, or in accordance with a
                                        method approved by the Manager, International
                                        Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane
                                        Directorate; or the Direction
                                        G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile
                                        (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). Where the
                                        service bulletin specifies to contact the
                                        manufacturer, instead contact the Manager,
                                        International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or
                                        its delegated agent)..
                                       Before further flight, after doing the detailed   A330-28-3086, dated
                                        inspection and repairing any structural damage:   July 24, 2003.
                                        (2) Replace the affected float valve with a new  A330-28-3088, dated
                                        unit having the same part number (P/N), or a      April 27, 2004.
                                        new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1, in       A340-28-4100, Revision
                                        accordance with the applicable service            01, dated August 16,
                                        bulletin. If a new unit of P/N 61600 is           2004.
                                        installed, thereafter, do the inspection         A340-28-4102, dated
                                        required by paragraph (f) of this AD at           April 27, 2004.
                                        intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or
                                        15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after
                                        the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h)
                                        of this AD is accomplished..
Detached or damaged float valve in     Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached    A330-28-3087, Revision
 the left trim tank.                    float and float debris from the trim tank and     01, dated August 16,
                                        do a detailed inspection for structural damage    2004.
                                        to the affected trim tank. Repair any            A340-28-4101, Revision
                                        structural damage to the trim tank or             01, dated August 16,
                                        deactivate the trim tank, before further          2004.
                                        flight, in accordance with the applicable
                                        service bulletin, or in accordance with a
                                        method approved by the Manager, International
                                        Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane
                                        Directorate; or the DGAC (or its delegated
                                        agent). Where the service bulletin specifies to
                                        contact the manufacturer, instead contact the
                                        Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the
                                        DGAC (or its delegated agent)..
                                       Before further flight, after doing the detailed   A330-28-3087, Revision
                                        inspection and repairing any structural damage:   01, dated August 16,
                                        (2) Replace the affected float valve with         2004.
                                        either a new unit having that same P/N, or a     A330-28-3089, Revision
                                        new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N   02, dated April 1,
                                        L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001 is    2005.
                                        installed, thereafter, do the inspection         A330-28-3093, dated
                                        required by paragraph (f) of this AD at           June 16, 2005.
                                        intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or   A330-28-3094, dated
                                        15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after    April 7, 2005.
                                        the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h)  A340-28-4101, Revision
                                        of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model      01, dated August 16,
                                        A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -   2004.
                                        322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a  A340-28-4103, Revision
                                        float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed,   02, dated April 1,
                                        thereafter, replace that float valve with a       2005.
                                        float valve having that same P/N at intervals    A340-28-4111, dated
                                        not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h)    April 6, 2005.
                                        of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on
                                        Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -
                                        301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
                                        airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve
                                        replacement required by paragraph (h) of this
                                        AD..
No damaged or detached float valve in  Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight        A330-28-3086, dated
 the left trim tank.                    cycles, whichever is first, from the initial      July 24, 2003.
                                        inspection done in accordance with paragraph     A330-28-3088, dated
                                        (f) of this AD, replace the existing Argo-Tech    April 27, 2004.
                                        float valve, P/N 61600, with either a new unit   A340-28-4100, Revision
                                        having that same P/N, or a new, improved float    01, dated August 16,
                                        valve, P/N 62015-1. If a new unit of P/N 61600    2004.
                                        is installed, thereafter, repeat the inspection  A340-28-4102, dated
                                        required by paragraph (f) of this AD at           April 27, 2004.
                                        intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or
                                        15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, until
                                        paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished..

[[Page 5975]]

 
No damaged or detached float valve in  Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight        A330-28-3087, Revision
 the left trim tank.                    cycles, whichever is first, from the initial      01, dated August 16,
                                        inspection done in accordance with paragraph      2004.
                                        (f) of this AD, replace the existing             A330-28-3089, Revision
                                        Intertechnique float valve, P/N L87-13-001,       02, dated April 1,
                                        with either a new unit having that same P/N, or   2005.
                                        a new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/ A330-28-3093, dated
                                        N L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001     June 16, 2005.
                                        is installed, thereafter, do the inspection      A330-28-3094, dated
                                        required by paragraph (f) of this AD at           April 7, 2005.
                                        intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or   A340-28-4101, Revision
                                        15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after    01, dated August 16,
                                        the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h)   2004.
                                        of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model     A340-28-4103, Revision
                                        A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -   02, dated April 1,
                                        322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a   2005.
                                        float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed,  A340-28-4111, dated
                                        thereafter, replace that float valve with a       April 6, 2005.
                                        float valve having that same P/N at intervals
                                        not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h)
                                        of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on
                                        Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -
                                        301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
                                        airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve
                                        replacement required by paragraph (h) of this
                                        AD..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Installation of New, Improved Float Valves

    (h) Within 50 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace any Argo-Tech float valve, P/N 61600, with a new, improved 
float valve, P/N 62015-1; replace any Intertechnique float valve, P/
N L87-13-001, with a new, improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/
N L87-13-003; and do any applicable corrective action; by 
accomplishing the actions specified in the Accomplishments 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin in Table 3 of this 
AD. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. For 
Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, --243, -301, -321, -322, -
323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If P/N L87-13-002 is installed, 
replace the float valve thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24,500 
flight cycles. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-
201, -202, -203, -223, --243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement 
required by this paragraph. Installation of either P/N L87-13-002 or 
P/N L87-13-003 terminates the borescope inspections required by 
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Where the service bulletin 
specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent).

                               Table 3.--Service Information for New Float Valves
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Airbus model                  Float valve P/N                  Airbus service bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, --243, -   62015-1...............  A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004.
 301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,    L87-13-002............  A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005.
 and -343 airplanes.                   L87-13-003............  A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005.
                                       L87-13-003............  A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and  62015-1...............  A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004.
 --313 airplanes.                      L87-13-002............  A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005.
                                       L87-13-003............  A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005.
A340-541-- and -642 airplanes........  62015-1...............  A340-28-5007, dated May 7, 2004.
                                       L87-13-002............  A340-28-5010, dated may 7, 2004.
                                       L87-13-003............  A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actions Accomplished Previously

    (i) Inspections and related investigative and corrective actions 
accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in accordance 
with any applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in Table 4 of 
this AD, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
actions specified in this AD.

[[Page 5976]]



    Table 4.--Service Information for Actions Accomplished Previously
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Airbus model                   Airbus service bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -- A330-28-3087, dated July 24, 2003.
 243, -301, -321, -322, -323,  A330-28-3089, Revision 01, dated May 12,
 -341, -342, and -343           2004.
 airplanes.
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -  A340-28-4100, dated July 24, 2003.
 312, and --313 airplanes.     A340-28-4101, dated July 24, 2003.
                               A340-28-4103, Revision 01, dated May 12,
                                2004.
                               A340-28-5010, dated May 7, 2004.
                               A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

No Submission of Information/Parts

    (j) Where any Airbus service bulletin specifies to submit 
information to Airbus, or send removed float valves to either Argo-
Tech or Intertechnique, those actions are not required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directives F-2005-003, dated January 5, 
2005, and F-2005-004 R1 and F-2005-005 R1, both dated April 27, 
2005, also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the documents specified in Table 5 of this AD 
to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet 
at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 5.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Airbus service bulletin        Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-28-3086, excluding Appendix  Original.........  July 24, 2003.
 01.
A330-28-3087, excluding Appendix  01...............  August 16, 2004.
 01.
A330-28-3088....................  Original.........  April 27, 2004.
A330-28-3089....................  02...............  April 1, 2005.
A330-28-3093....................  Original.........  June 16, 2005.
A330-28-3094....................  Original.........  April 7, 2005.
A340-28-4100....................  01...............  August 16, 2004.
A340-28-4101, excluding Appendix  01...............  August 16, 2004.
 01.
A340-28-4102....................  Original.........  April 27, 2004.
A340-28-4103....................  02...............  April 1, 2005.
A340-28-4111....................  Original.........  April 6, 2005.
A340-28-5007....................  Original.........  May 7, 2004.
A340-28-5010....................  Original.........  May 7, 2004.
A340-28-5021....................  Original.........  April 6, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 27, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-989 Filed 2-3-06; 8:45 am]
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