Document ID: FAA-2012-0934-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-09-12T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56172-56174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22425]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0934; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-260-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 all 
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a report of a prematurely fractured main landing gear (MLG) 
bogie beam. This proposed AD would require replacing certain MLG bogie 
beams before reaching new reduced life limits. We are proposing this AD 
to prevent fracture of the MLG bogie beam, which, under high speed, 
could ultimately result in the airplane departing the runway, the bogie 
beam detaching from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG; and 
consequent structural damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 29, 
2012.

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 W12-140, 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 
Messier-Dowty: Messier Services Americas, Customer Support Center, 
45360 Severn Way, Sterling, VA 20166-8910; telephone 703-450-8233; fax 
703-404-1621; Internet https://techpubs.services/messier-dowty.com. You 
may review copies of the 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; 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: 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-2012-0934; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-260-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 Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0212, dated October 31, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During ground load test cycles on an A340-600 aeroplane, the MLG 
bogie beam has prematurely fractured.
    The results of the investigation identified that this premature 
fracture was due to high tensile standing stress, resulting from dry 
fit axle assembly method. Improvement has been introduced 
subsequently with a grease fit axle assembly method.
    Fatigue and damage tolerance analyses were performed, whose 
results demonstrated that the current life limit of certain MLG 
bogie beams with dry fit axles installed on A330 aeroplanes only 
must be reduced compared to the life limit stated in the A330 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items revision 05 approved by EASA on 29 
July 2010.
    Failure to comply with the reduced life limit of the MLG bogie 
beam with dry fit axle might jeopardize the MLG structural 
integrity.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
replacement of the affected MLG bogie beams before reaching the new 
reduced life limit.

The unsafe condition is a possible fracture of the MLG bogie beam, 
which, under high speed, could ultimately result in the airplane 
departing the runway, the bogie beam detaching from the airplane, or 
collapse of the MLG; and consequent structural damage to the airplane 
and injury to the occupants. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Messier-Dowty has issued Service Letter A33-34 A20, Revision 5,

[[Page 56173]]

including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 53 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 16 work-hours per MLG bogie beam (2 MLG bogie beams 
per airplane) to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed 
AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would 
cost about $255,000 per MLG bogie beam. Where the service information 
lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have 
assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not 
control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur 
costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be up to $27,174,160, 
or $256,360 per MLG bogie beam.

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.
    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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2012-0934; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
260-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 29, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial 
numbers (S/Ns).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a prematurely fractured main 
landing gear (MLG) bogie beam. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fracture of the MLG bogie beam, which, under high speed, could 
ultimately result in the airplane departing the runway, the bogie 
beam detaching from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG; and 
consequent structural damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Bogie Beam Replacement

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, replace all MLG bogie beams having part number 
(P/N) 201485300, 201485301, 201272302, 201272304, 201272306, or 
201272307, except those that have S/Ns S2A, S2B, or S2C, as 
identified in Messier-Dowty Service Letter A33-34 A20, Revision 5, 
including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009, with a new or 
serviceable part, in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its 
delegated agent).
    (1) Before the accumulation of the flight hours or landings, 
whichever occurs first, specified in table 1 of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane type, model, and weight variant (WV).

    Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD--MLG Bogie Beam Life Limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Life limit from first
            Affected airplanes--              installation of MLG bogie
                                                beam on an airplane--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243,      50,000 landings or 72,300
 weight variant (WV)02x, WV05x (except        total flight hours'
 WV058), and WV06x series.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243       50,000 landings or 57,900
 WV058.                                       total flight hours.

[[Page 56174]]

 
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -    46,000 landings or 75,000
 323, -341, -342, -343 WV00x, WV01x, WV02x,   total flight hours.
 WV05x series.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, a MLG bogie beam having any 
part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD, may be installed 
on an airplane, provided its life has not exceeded the life limit 
defined in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and is replaced 
with a new or serviceable part before reaching the life limit 
defined in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0212, dated 
October 31, 2011; and Messier-Dowty Service Letter A33-34 A20, 
Revision 5, including Appendices A through F, dated July 31, 2009; 
for related information.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Messier-Dowty: Messier Services Americas, Customer Support Center, 
45360 Severn Way, Sterling, VA 20166-8910; telephone 703-450-8233; 
fax 703-404-1621; Internet https://techpubs.services/messier-dowty.com. You may review copies of the 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 24, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22425 Filed 9-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P