[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 207 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61927-61930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21429]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22812; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-134-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 
series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed 
inspections for cracking in the aft web of support rib 6 between 
certain bottom skin stringers on both wings; high frequency eddy 
current inspections for cracking of the attachment holes of the fuel 
pipes, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide for 
an optional modification, which would extend a certain inspection 
threshold. This proposed AD results from a report of significant 
cracking found in the aft web of support rib 6 on both wings. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent cracking in the aft web of support rib 6, 
which could result in overloading of adjacent ribs and the surrounding 
wing structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 28, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed 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 the service information identified in this proposed 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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Include the docket number ``FAA-
2005-22812; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-134-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    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 proposed 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 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.

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. The DGAC advises that a report 
was received indicating significant cracking in the aft web of support 
rib 6 on the left and right wings on a Model A330 series airplane. When 
the cracking was found, during an 8C-check, the airplane had 
accumulated 10,441 total flight cycles and 40,153 total flight hours. 
The cracking was located in the lower part of the rib 6 aft hole 
between bottom skin stringers 18 and 20. The cracking extended from the 
fuel pipe fastener holes to the lower edge of the rib 6 hole and into 
the refuel pipe hole where the cracking had gone through the full 
thickness of the rib. Subsequent inspections on several Model A330 and 
A340 series airplanes revealed similar cracking in the same area. These 
conditions, if not corrected, could result in overloading of adjacent 
ribs and the surrounding wing structure and consequent reduced 
structural integrity of the wing.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-57-3085 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) and A340-57-4093 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both Revision 01, both dated March 25, 2005. The service bulletins 
describe procedures for detailed inspections for cracking in the aft 
web of support rib 6 between bottom skin stringers 18 and 20 on both 
wings, and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking

[[Page 61928]]

of the attachment holes of the fuel pipe (including a rototest 
inspection of the attachment holes of the fuel pipe mounting). The 
service bulletins also recommend contacting the manufacturer for repair 
instructions if any cracking is found, and reporting inspection 
information to the manufacturer. If no cracking is found, the service 
bulletins specify accomplishing the optional modification specified in 
Service Bulletin A330-57-3087 or A340-57-4095, as applicable.
    The compliance thresholds for the initial inspections specified in 
Service Bulletin A330-57-3085 range from between 8,000 and 19,200 
flight cycles or between 25,000 and 57,800 flight hours. The compliance 
thresholds for the initial inspections specified in Service Bulletin 
A340-57-4093 range from between 8,000 and 12,200 flight cycles or 
between 30,200 and 53,500 flight hours.
    Airbus has also issued Service Bulletins A330-57-3087 (for Model 
A330 series airplanes) and A340-57-4095 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), both dated February 15, 2005. The service bulletins 
describe procedures for modifying the fuel pipe connector and the 
fastener holes of support rib 6. The modification includes, among other 
things, enlarging and cold expanding certain attachment holes of the 
fuel pipe connector, installing interference bolts, and a HFEC 
inspection (rotating probe test) of the fastener holes for cracking. If 
no cracking is found during the inspections specified in Service 
Bulletin A330-57-3085 or A340-57-4093, this optional modification may 
be done.
    The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French 
airworthiness directives F-2005-071 and F-2005-072, both dated April 
27, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed 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 airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under Differences Among the 
Proposed AD, Service Information, and French Airworthiness Directives.

Differences Among the Proposed AD, Service Information, and French 
Airworthiness Directives

    Service Bulletins A330-57-3085 and A340-57-4093 and the French 
airworthiness directives specify to contact the manufacturer for repair 
instructions and an inspection schedule if any crack or damage is 
found; this proposed AD requires you to repair any cracking (and obtain 
a schedule for subsequent inspections) by using a method that we or the 
DGAC (or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair 
required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing 
bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this 
proposed AD, a repair and inspection schedule we or the DGAC approve is 
acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD.
    Figure 4, Sheet 1, ``Inspection Flow Chart,'' of Service Bulletins 
A330-57-3085 and A340-57-4093 specifies initial inspection thresholds 
for airplanes on which the actions in those service bulletins have been 
accomplished, or Airbus Modification 53882 was done during production. 
This proposed AD would require you to perform the initial inspection at 
the earliest of those thresholds or within 6 months after the effective 
date of the AD, whichever is later. We have included a 6-month grace 
period to ensure that any airplane that is close to or has passed the 
initial inspection threshold is not grounded as of the effective date 
of the AD.

Clarification of Procedures for Certain Inspections

    The French airworthiness directives require certain follow-on 
inspections prior to next flight for airplanes above 8,000 flight 
cycles or 30,200 flight hours with at least one wing rib 6 not repaired 
or modified after a hard or overweight landing of the airplane; 
however, there are no procedures specified in Service Bulletins A330-
57-3085 and A340-57-4093 for accomplishing those inspections. 
Therefore, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, inspections 
we or the DGAC approve are acceptable for compliance with the 
inspections required by the French airworthiness directives. We have 
provided other methods to comply, as specified in the French 
airworthiness directives.

Interim Action

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

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 25 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The proposed inspections would take about 4 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed inspections for U.S. 
operators is $6,500, or $260 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

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 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 that the 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); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative,

[[Page 61929]]

on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22812; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
134-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 
28, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
and -243; A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343; A340-
211, -212, and -213; and A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, 
certificated in any category; on which Airbus Modification 41114 or 
44599 was done during production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of significant cracking found 
in the aft web of support rib 6 on both wings. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent cracking in the aft web of support rib 6, which could 
result in overloading of adjacent ribs and the surrounding wing 
structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing.

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.

    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.''

Repetitive Inspections

    (f) For Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
53882 was not done during production: At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD; perform 
a detailed inspection for cracking in the aft web of support rib 6 
between bottom skin stringers 18 and 20 on both wings, and high 
frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the attachment 
holes of the fuel pipe and fuel pipe mounting, by doing all the 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-57-3085, Revision 01, dated March 25, 2005. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 
flight cycles or 25,000 flight hours, whichever is first.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 7,999 or fewer total 
flight cycles, and 24,999 or fewer total flight hours, as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do the inspections at the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles or 
25,000 total flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first.
    (ii) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total 
flight cycles, but fewer than 10,000 total flight cycles; or 25,000 
or more total flight hours, but fewer than 30,000 total flight 
hours; as of the effective date of this AD: Do the inspections at 
the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and 
(f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 10,000 flight cycles or 30,000 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first.
    (ii) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated 10,000 or more total 
flight cycles or 30,000 or more total flight hours as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do the inspections within 3 months after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (g) For Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
53882 was done during production or on which Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-57-3087, dated February 15, 2005, has been done: Perform the 
applicable inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD at the 
earliest of the initial inspection thresholds specified in Figure 4, 
Sheet 1, ``Inspection Flow Chart'' of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
57-3085, Revision 01, dated March 25, 2005; or within 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. Repeat the 
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD at the time 
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (h) For Model A340 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
53882 was not done during production: Perform inspections required 
by paragraph (f) of this AD at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD. Perform the 
inspections by doing all the actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4093, 
Revision 01, dated March 25, 2005. Repeat the inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight cycles or 30,200 flight 
hours, whichever is first.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 7,999 or fewer total 
flight cycles and 30,199 or fewer total flight hours as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do the inspections at the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles or 
30,200 total flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first.
    (ii) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more but fewer 
than 10,000 total flight cycles or 30,200 or more but less than 
43,700 total flight hours, as of the effective date of this AD: Do 
the inspections at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles or 
43,700 total flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first.
    (ii) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated 10,000 or more total 
flight cycles or 43,700 or more total flight hours as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do the inspections within 3 months after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (i) For Model A340 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
53882 was done during production or on which Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-57-4095, dated February 15, 2005, has been done: Perform the 
applicable inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD at the 
earliest of the initial inspection thresholds specified in Figure 4, 
Sheet 1, ``Inspection Flow Chart'' of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
57-4093, Revision 01, dated March 25, 2005; or within 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. Repeat the 
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD at the time 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

Optional Modification

    (j) For airplanes on which no cracking is found during any 
inspection required by this AD: Accomplishing the modification of 
the fuel pipe connector and the fastener holes of support rib 6 on 
both wings by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3087, or A340-57-
4095, both dated February 15, 2005, as applicable, would extend the 
interval for the next inspection to the applicable post-mod 
inspection threshold specified in Figure 4, Sheet 1, ``Inspection 
Flow Chart'' of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57-3085 and A340-57-
4093, both Revision 01, both dated March 25, 2005, as applicable. 
After accomplishing that inspection, repeat the applicable 
inspections required by paragraph (f) or (h) of this AD at the 
applicable repetitive inspection interval specified in Figure 4.

    Note 2: There is currently no terminating action available for 
the repetitive inspections required by this AD.


[[Page 61930]]



Inspections Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service 
Bulletins

    (k) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD according to Airbus All Operator Telexes A330-57-3085 and A340-
57-4093, both dated December 15, 2004; are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding inspections specified in this AD.

Repair

    (l) Except as required by paragraph (m) of this AD: If any 
cracking is found during any inspection required by this AD: Repair 
before further flight and get a schedule for subsequent inspections, 
according to a method approved by either the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation (DGAC) (or its delegated 
agent).

Hard or Overweight Landing

    (m) For Model A330 series airplanes with 8,000 or more total 
flight cycles or 25,000 or more total flight hours, and Model A340 
series airplanes with 8,000 or more total flight cycles or 30,200 or 
more total flight hours that have not been modified in accordance 
with paragraph (j) of this AD: Before further flight after any hard 
or overweight landing of the airplane, accomplish the applicable 
follow-on inspections and any applicable corrective actions 
according to a method approved by either the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Accomplishing 
the inspections in Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Maintenance Manual, 
Chapter 05-51-11, dated April 1, 2005, titled ``Inspection After 
Hard/Overweight Landing--Inspection/Check,'' or Airbus Technical 
Disposition (TD) TD/J1/S3/00608/2005, dated April 26, 2005, titled 
``Inspections following hard landing, both wings,'' is considered 
one approved method. (Operators can obtain the TD from Airbus.)

Reporting Requirement

    (n) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this 
AD: Submit a report of the findings to Airbus Repair Engineering, 
Dept SER-1, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD. The report must include the 
inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the 
airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours 
on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements 
contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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

    (p) French airworthiness directives F-2005-071 and F-2005-072, 
both dated April 27, 2005, also address the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-21429 Filed 10-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P