[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 165 (Friday, August 26, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50166-50168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16896]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22196; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-170-AD; 
Amendment 39-14239; AD 2005-17-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series 
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitively resetting the display units (DUs) for the electronic 
instrument system (EIS) either by switching them off and back on again 
or by performing a complete electrical shutdown of the airplane. This 
AD results from an incident in which all of the DUs for the EIS went 
blank simultaneously during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
automatic reset of the DUs for the EIS during flight and consequent 
loss of data from the DUs, which could reduce the ability of the 
flightcrew to control the airplane during adverse flight conditions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 12, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 12, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 25, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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:

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and A340-541 and -642 
airplanes. The DGAC advises of an incident that occurred on a Model 
A330 series airplane, in which all six of the liquid crystal display 
units (DUs) for the electronic instrument system (EIS) (which is 
equipped with the EIS2 software standard) went blank simultaneously 
during flight. The DUs recovered automatically after approximately 40 
seconds. This incident was attributed to an automatic reset function of 
the DUs. (After the DUs have been continuously powered for more than 6 
days, an internal timer automatically resets them.) This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in loss of data from the DUs, which could 
reduce the ability of the flightcrew to control the airplane during 
adverse flight conditions.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operator Telexes (AOTs) A330-31A3092 (for 
Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes), A340-31A4102 (for Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), and A340-31A5023 (for Model A340-
541 and -642 airplanes), all dated August 1, 2005. The AOTs are 
effective for airplanes of the identified models on which the EIS is 
equipped with the EIS2 software standard, version L4-1 or L-5. The AOTs 
describe procedures for resetting the DUs for the EIS by switching them 
off, waiting 5 seconds or longer, then switching the DUs back on again. 
The DGAC mandated the AOTs and issued French emergency airworthiness 
directive UF-2005-150, dated August 10, 2005, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent automatic reset of the 
DUs for the EIS during flight and consequent loss of data from the DUs, 
which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to control the 
airplane during adverse flight conditions. This AD requires 
repetitively resetting the DUs for the EIS either by accomplishing the 
actions specified in the AOTs described previously, or by performing a 
complete electrical shutdown of the airplane. We have determined that 
switching the DUs off and back on again may be properly performed by 
flight deck crew (or by certificated maintenance personnel) because 
this action does not require tools, precision measuring equipment, 
training, or pilot logbook endorsements, or the use of or reference to 
technical data that are not contained in the body of the AD.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, 
and available, we may consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this

[[Page 50167]]

AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22196; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-170-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the 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 DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 the 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); 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):

    2005-17-18 Airbus: Amendment 39-14239. Docket No. FAA-2005-
22196; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-170-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 12, 2005.

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; on which one of the Airbus Electronic 
Instrument System (EIS) 2 software versions listed in Table 1 of 
this AD is installed.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
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                            Installed by
                             this Airbus    Or installed by one of these
  EIS 2 software version    modification    Airbus service bulletins in
                            in production             service
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L4-1.....................           51153  A330-31-3056,
                                           A330-31-3057, or
                                           A340-31-5001.
L5.......................           51974  A330-31-3056,
                                           A330-31-3069,
                                           A330-31-4087, or
                                           A340-31-5012.
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from an incident in which all of the display 
units (DUs) for the EIS went blank simultaneously during flight. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent automatic reset of the DUs for the 
EIS during flight and consequent loss of data from the DUs, which 
could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to control the airplane 
during adverse flight conditions.

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.

Resetting the DUs for the EIS

    (f) Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, or within 
4 days after the last reset of the DUs for the EIS or complete 
electrical shutdown of the airplane, whichever is first: Reset the 
DUs for the EIS by doing the actions in either paragraph (f)(1) or 
(f)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, do the actions in paragraph (f)(1) or 
(f)(2) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 4 days.
    (1) Switch off each DU for the EIS, wait 5 seconds or longer, 
and switch the DU back on again, in accordance with Airbus All 
Operator Telex (AOT) A330-31A3092 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), 
A340-31A4102 (for A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes), or A340-31A5023 (for Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes), 
all dated August 1, 2005, as applicable. This action may be 
performed by the flight deck crew or by certificated maintenance 
personnel.

[[Page 50168]]

    (2) Perform a complete electrical shutdown of the airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) 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.

Related Information

    (h) French emergency airworthiness directive UF-2005-150, dated 
August 10, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the documents listed in Table 2 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 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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       Airbus all operators telex                      Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-31A3092...........................  August 1, 2005.
A340-31A4102...........................  August 1, 2005.
A340-31A5023...........................  August 1, 2005.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2005.
Michael Zielinski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16896 Filed 8-25-05; 8:45 am]
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