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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7989-7992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02536]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0083; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-131-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series 
airplanes; and all A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the 
cockpit instrument panel to the airplane structure, does not sustain 
the fatigue loads of the design service goal. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections of that bracket for cracking and to 
determine if both lugs are fully broken, an inspection for cracking of 
an adjacent bracket, if necessary, and corrective actions if necessary. 
This AD would also provide an optional modification, which would 
terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking on a bracket of the cockpit instrument 
panel, which, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could lead 
to collapse of the cockpit panel, and reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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 +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0083; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 800-647-5527) 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 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

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-2015-0083; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-131-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0127, dated May 15, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and all 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During flight tests, high stress levels have been measured on 
the bracket No 6 which attaches the cockpit instrument panel to the 
aeroplane structure, apparently introduced through the nose landing 
gear due to bumps on the runway. Airbus determined that the bracket 
does not sustain the fatigue loads during the Design Service Goal 
(DSG). This condition, if not detected and corrected, combined with 
failure of the horizontal beam, could lead to collapse of the 
cockpit panel, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
program to inspect the condition of the affected cockpit instrument 
panel bracket No 6, and designed a stronger (reinforced titanium 
undrilled) bracket. The new bracket can be installed in-service 
through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-25-3548 or SB A340-25-
4354, as applicable to aeroplane type.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the cockpit instrument panel bracket No 6 
and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable 
corrective actions. This [EASA] AD also provides the installation of 
the stronger bracket as optional terminating action for the 
repetitive actions required by this [EASA] AD.

The corrective actions include replacing bracket No. 6 and bracket No. 
7 with serviceable parts, and repair, as applicable.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0083.

[[Page 7990]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated 
April 24, 2014, which provides procedures for inspection of cockpit 
instrument panel bracket 6.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3548, dated October 31, 
2013, which provides procedures for reinforcement of cockpit instrument 
panel bracket 6.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated 
January 31, 2014, which provides procedures for inspection of cockpit 
instrument panel bracket 6.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4354, dated October 31, 
2013, which provides procedures for reinforcement of cockpit instrument 
panel bracket 6.
    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. This service 
information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access 
this service information.

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 these 
same type designs.

Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process 
for annotating which procedures and tests in the service information 
are required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these 
procedures and tests from other tasks in the service information is 
expected to improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD 
requirements and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The 
actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, 
dated April 24, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, 
Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; include procedures and tests that 
are identified as RC (required for compliance) because these procedures 
have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or 
eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
    As specified in a NOTE under the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
specified service information, procedures and tests identified as RC 
must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, procedures and 
tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures 
and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using 
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an alternative method 
of compliance (AMOC), provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $51,680, or $680 
per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the follow-on repairs specified in this AD.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on replacements 
would take about 23 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost 
of $1,955 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these actions.
    We estimate that the optional modification would take about 9 work 
hours and require parts costing $1,770, for a cost of $2,535.

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.

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

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-0083; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
131-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 30, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 7991]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -223F, -243F, -301, 
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -313 airplanes, all 
manufacturer serial numbers except those on which Airbus 
Modification 203287 has been embodied in production.
    (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the 
cockpit instrument panel to the airplane structure, does not sustain 
the fatigue loads of the design service goal. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct cracking on a bracket of the cockpit 
instrument panel, which, combined with failure of the horizontal 
beam, could lead to collapse of the cockpit panel, and reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection of Bracket No. 6 of the Cockpit Instrument Panel

    At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of bracket 
No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel for cracking and to determine 
if both bracket lugs are fully broken, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, 
Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,600 flight 
cycles.
    (1) Prior to accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since the 
airplane's first flight.
    (2) Prior to bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel 
accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since installation on an 
airplane.
    (3) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.

(h) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel is 
found, but both bracket lugs are not fully broken: Within 2,600 
flight cycles after that inspection, replace bracket No. 6 of the 
cockpit instrument panel with a serviceable part, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. 
Replacement of bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel does 
not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel is 
found and both bracket lugs are fully broken: Before further flight, 
do a detailed inspection of bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument 
panel for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, 
dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, 
Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable.
    (i) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, no cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit 
instrument panel: Before further flight, replace bracket No. 6 and 
bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument panel with serviceable 
parts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 
2014; as applicable. Replacement of bracket No. 6 of the cockpit 
instrument panel does not constitute terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, any cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit 
instrument panel: Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, 
Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; specify to contact 
Airbus for repair instructions, and specify that action as ``RC'' 
(Required for Compliance), repair the cracking before further flight 
using a repair method approved by the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA).

(i) Optional Terminating Modification for Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Modifying an airplane by replacing bracket No. 6 of the cockpit 
instrument panel with a new, reinforced bracket, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3548, dated October 31, 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-
4354, dated October 31, 2013; as applicable; terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
identified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD, which 
are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, dated September 10, 
2013.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 01, dated 
April 24, 2014.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, dated September 10, 
2014.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. 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 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, if Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; contain 
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and 
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures and tests 
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and 
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from, using 
accepted methods in accordance with the operators maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided 
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0127, dated May 15, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0083.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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.

[[Page 7992]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02536 Filed 2-12-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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