Document ID: FAA-2014-0656-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-10-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 191 (Thursday, October 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59468-59471]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23472]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0656; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-224-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; rescission.

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SUMMARY: We propose to rescind Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-08-08, 
which applies to certain Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes. AD 2010-08-08 requires deactivating the water scavenge

[[Page 59469]]

automatic operation and revising the Limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual (AFM). We also propose to rescind AD 2011-06-04, 
which applies to certain Model A330-243F airplanes. AD 2011-06-04 
requires revising the Limitations section of the AFM. We issued ADs 
2010-08-08 and 2011-06-04 to prevent fuel flow restriction, caused by 
ice, resulting in a possible engine surge or stall condition, and the 
engine being unable to provide the commanded thrust. Since we issued 
ADs 2010-08-08 and 2011-06-04, we have determined that the water 
scavenge system (WSS) operation does not induce any risk of fuel feed 
system (including the engine) blockage by ice on the pipework or pump 
inlets. We have also determined that the risk of fuel flow restriction 
by ice at the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) interface on airplanes 
equipped with Trent 700 engines is now addressed by a re-designed FOHE, 
which incorporates enhanced anti-icing and de-icing performance.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 17, 
2014.

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: Deliver to the Mail address above 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-2014-
0656; 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-2014-0656; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-224-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 because of 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

    On April 1, 2010, we issued AD 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 
FR 19196, April 14, 2010), for Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -
343 airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, on which 
Airbus Modification 56966MP16199 has been embodied in production or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3105 has been embodied in service. AD 
2010-08-08 requires deactivating the water scavenge automatic operation 
and revising the Limitations section of the AFM. AD 2010-08-08 resulted 
from reports of ice being shed, causing a temporary blockage in the 
engine fuel system. We issued AD 2010-08-08 to prevent fuel flow 
restriction caused by ice, resulting in a possible engine surge or 
stall condition, and the engine being unable to provide the commanded 
thrust.
    On February 28, 2011, we issued AD 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 
(76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011), for Airbus Model A330-243F airplanes, on 
which Airbus Modification 56966H16199 has been embodied in production 
or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3105 has been embodied in service. 
AD 2011-06-04 requires revising the Limitations section of the AFM. AD 
2011-06-04 resulted from reports of ice being shed, causing a temporary 
blockage in the engine fuel system. We issued AD 2011-06-04 to prevent 
fuel flow restriction caused by ice, resulting in a possible engine 
surge or stall condition, and the engine being unable to provide the 
commanded thrust.

Actions Since ADs 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 19196, April 
14, 2010), and 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 
2011), Were Issued

    Since we issued ADs 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 19196, 
April 14, 2010), and 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 
10, 2011), we have determined that the WSS operation does not induce 
any risk of fuel feed system (including the engine) blockage by ice on 
the pipework or pump inlets.
    We have also determined that the risk of fuel flow restriction by 
ice at the FOHE interface on airplanes equipped with Trent 700 engines 
is now addressed by a re-designed FOHE (Airbus Modification 200218), 
which incorporates enhanced anti-icing and de-icing performance. The 
re-designed FOHE was required to be installed on all Trent 700 engines 
by FAA AD 2010-07-01, Amendment 39-16244 (75 FR 15326, March 29, 2010).
    EASA has issued Airworthiness Directive 2010-0132-CN, dated October 
14, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to cancel EASA AD 2010-
0132R1, dated June 10, 2013, which superseded EASA AD 2010-0132, dated 
June 28, 2010. The requirements of FAA AD 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-
16263 (75 FR 19196, April 14, 2010), and AD 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-
16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011), correspond to EASA AD 2010-0132. 
The MCAI states:

    During an in-service event, the flight crew of a Trent 700 
powered A330 aeroplane reported a temporary Engine Pressure Ratio 
(EPR) shortfall on engine 2 during the take-off phase of the flight. 
The ENG STALL warning was set. The flight crew followed the standard 
procedures which included reducing throttle to idle. The engine 
recovered and provided the demanded thrust level for the remainder 
of the flight.
    Data analysis confirmed a temporary fuel flow restriction and 
subsequent recovery, and indicated that also engine 1 experienced a

[[Page 59470]]

temporary fuel flow restriction shortly after the initial event on 
engine 2, again followed by a full recovery. The engine 1 EPR 
shortfall was insufficient to trigger any associated warning and was 
only noted through analysis of the flight data. No flight crew 
action was necessary to recover normal performance on this engine. 
The remainder of the flight was uneventful.
    Based on industry-wide experience, the investigation of the 
event focused on the possibility for ice to temporarily restrict the 
fuel flow. While no direct fuel system fault was identified, the 
operation of the water scavenge system (WSS) at Rib 3 was considered 
to have been a contributory factor.
    Prompted by these findings, EASA issued Emergency AD 2010-0042-E 
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 
19196, April 14, 2010] to require deactivation of the automatic 
Standby Fuel Pump Scavenge System and to prohibit dispatch of an 
aeroplane with one main fuel pump inoperative.
    Subsequently, EASA issued AD 2010-0132 which superseded EASA AD 
2010-0042-E, retaining its requirements, to expand the applicability 
to the newly certified model A330-243F [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011, for the 
A330-243F requirements]. EASA AD 2010-0132 was later revised to 
remove the dispatch restriction with one main fuel pump inoperative.
    Since EASA AD 2010-0132R1 was issued, extensive fuel system 
icing risk investigations testing was conducted by Airbus and Rolls-
Royce, the results of which confirmed that the Rib 3 WSS operation 
does not induce any risk of fuel feed system (including the engine) 
blockage by ice accreted on the pipework and/or pump inlets. In 
addition, it was demonstrated that the risk of fuel flow restriction 
by ice at the Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger (FOHE) interface on aeroplanes 
equipped with Trent 700 engines is now adequately addressed by 
introduction of a re-designed FOHE, more tolerant to the release of 
ice (modification 200218). The modified FOHE (incorporating enhanced 
anti-icing and de-icing performance) is required to be installed on 
all Trent 700 engines through EASA AD 2009-0257 [which corresponds 
to FAA AD 2010-07-01, Amendment 39-16244 (75 FR 15326, March 29, 
2010)].
    Previously, the operation of the WSS at Rib 3 was no longer 
considered as a main contributory factor on ice build-up and 
subsequent release of ice into the fuel system. Based on the latest 
information, the deactivation of the automatic Standby Fuel Pump 
Scavenge System is no longer required.
    For the reasons described above, this Notice cancels EASA AD 
2010-0132R1.

    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-2014-
0656.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration, we have determined that ADs 2010-08-08, 
Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 19196, April 14, 2010), and 2011-06-04, 
Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011), must be rescinded. 
Rescission of ADs 2010-08-08 and 2011-06-04 would not preclude the FAA 
from issuing another related action nor commit the FAA to any course of 
action in the future.

Related Costs of Compliance

    AD 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 19196, April 14, 2010), 
affects about 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. The estimated cost of the 
actions required by AD 2010-08-08 for U.S. operators is $1,105, or $85 
per product. Rescinding AD 2010-08-08 would eliminate those costs.
    AD 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011), 
affects no airplanes of U.S. registry. For U.S. operators, there are no 
costs associated with the actions required by AD 2011-06-04.

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 proposed 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);
    (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 removing Airworthiness Directives (AD) 
2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 19196, April 14, 2010); and 2011-
06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 13075, March 10, 2011); and adding the 
following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0656; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
224-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 17, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This action removes ADs 2010-08-08, Amendment 39-16263 (75 FR 
19196, April 14, 2010); and 2011-06-04, Amendment 39-16628 (76 FR 
13075, March 10, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-243, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers 
equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, on which Airbus 
Modification 56966MP16199 has been embodied in production or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-28-3105 has been embodied in service.
    (2) Airbus Model A330-243F airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
Modification 56966H16199 has been embodied in production or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-28-3105 has been embodied in service.

[[Page 59471]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 24, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23472 Filed 10-1-14; 8:45 am]
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