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###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration

          - 14 CFR Part 39
          - [Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD]
          - RIN 2120-AA64

# AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

# ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

# SUMMARY:

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

During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the functional integrity of the flap transmission system.

* * * * *

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

# DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 8, 2010.

# ADDRESSES:

You may send comments 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 W12-40, 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—EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail:                         *account.airworth-eas@airbus.com*; Internet                         *http://www.airbus.com*. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.                    

## Examining the AD Docket

                    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at                     *http://www.regulations.gov;*                     or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 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:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-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 have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.

                    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

On January 16, 2007, we issued AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909 (72 FR 3708, January 26, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.

Since we issued AD 2007-02-22, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0111R1, dated August 26, 2009 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.

                        This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the functional integrity of the flap transmission system.                              ( print page 57881)    

For the reason described above, this AD requires repetitive inspections of the flap transmission system and associated components [for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiter, wiper rings and straps], and corrective action(s), depending on findings. [The corrective action is replacing missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed components.]

This [EASA] AD has been revised to correct the compliance time of 400 flight cycles in paragraph (3) into 400 flight hours. In addition, paragraph (4) has been introduced to clarify that the corrective actions do not end the requirement to continue the repetitive inspections, and some editorial changes for reasons of standardization. These do not affect the requirements of this AD as originally intended.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

## Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

## 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 the same type design.

## Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

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

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

## Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 46 products of U.S. registry.

The actions that are required by AD 2007-02-22 and retained in this proposed AD take about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $255 per product.

We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the revised requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $11,730, or $255 per product.

## Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

## Regulatory Findings

We determined that this 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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

# 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

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

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

§ 39.13 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14909 (72 FR 3708, January 26, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

**Airbus:**                                 Docket No. FAA-2010-0854; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-261-AD.                            

## Comments Due Date

(a) We must receive comments by November 8, 2010.

## Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909.

## Applicability

(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category.

## Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight controls.

## Reason

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

During High Time Equipment (HTE) reviews conducted within the scope of the A310 aircraft Design Service Goal (DSG) extension work, Airbus discovered that the splined couplings and the sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear, especially when their protective components such as wiper rings and rubber gaiters could become defective.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the functional integrity of the flap transmission system.

* * * * *

## Compliance

                                (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.                                      ( print page 57882)    

## Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-02-22, With Revised Service Information and Reduced Compliance Time for Corrective Action

## Initial and Repetitive Inspections

(g) Within 2,500 flight cycles after March 2, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-02-22): Do a detailed inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; and a detailed inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the flap transmission; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles. After the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.

# 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.”

## Corrective Actions

(h) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, replace the applicable component with a serviceable component in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 17, 2006; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008. After the effective date of this AD, use only Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008.

(1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been done before the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection.

(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD has not been done on or after the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

## New Requirements of This AD

## Actions

(i) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) do not terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

## FAA AD Differences

# Note 2:

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

## Other FAA AD Provisions

(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

                                (1)                                 *Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):*                                 The Manager, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2007-02-22, Amendment 39-14909, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.                            

                                (2)                                 *Airworthy Product:*                                 For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.                            

                                (3)                                 *Reporting Requirements:*                                 For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501*et seq.*), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.                            

## Related Information

(k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0111R1, dated August 26, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, Revision 01, dated March 21, 2008; for related information.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 2010.

Jeffrey E. Duven,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2010-23738 Filed 9-22-10; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P