Document ID: FAA-2012-0810-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-04-18T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 75 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23105-23107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08741]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 75 / Thursday, April 18, 2013 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 23105]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0810; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-AD; 
Amendment 39-17420; AD 2013-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel 
axles of the main landing gear (MLG) were machined with a radius as 
small as 0.4 millimeters. This AD requires replacing the wheel axle of 
the MLG with a serviceable part. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fatigue of the wheel axle of the MLG, which could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 23, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 23, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2012 (77 
FR 51729). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] has received a report via 
Airbus and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Ltd, from a Maintenance repair 
organisation, concerning a specific repair, accomplished on certain 
MLG wheel axles. Investigations revealed that the axles have been 
machined with a radius as small as 0.4 mm.
    This condition, if not corrected, has a detrimental effect on 
the fatigue lives of these parts, possibly affecting the structural 
integrity of the aeroplane. Fatigue analyses were performed, the 
results of which indicated that the life limit of the affected MLG 
wheel axles must be reduced to below the one stated in the A330 and 
A340 Airbus Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) Part 1.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA) AD [2011-0170, 
dated September 7, 2011] requires the replacement of the MLG wheel 
axles before reaching the new reduced demonstrated life limit.

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

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 
2012), or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Changes Made Since NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012) 
Was Issued

    Since the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012) was issued, we have 
reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256, 
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292, 
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). This service information includes 
additional wheel axle serial numbers and corrects an incorrectly listed 
serial number. We have revised paragraphs (g), (h), and (k) (paragraph 
(j) of the NPRM) of this AD to refer to the new service information. We 
have coordinated this change with EASA.
    We have also added new paragraph (j), ``Credit for Previous 
Actions,'' to this AD to provide credit for actions performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus All Operator Telex A330-
32A3256, including Appendix 1, dated August 24, 2011; and Airbus All 
Operator Telex A340-32A4292, including Appendix 1, dated August 24, 
2011.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously--and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 48 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $153,443 per 
product. 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 this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $9,293,857, or $157,523 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

[[Page 23106]]

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 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 this AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM (77 FR 51729, August 27, 
2012), 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

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

2013-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-17420. Docket No. FAA-2012-0810; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-195-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 23, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial 
numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 54500 has been 
embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that revealed the wheel axles 
were machined with a radius as small as 0.4 millimeters. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue of the wheel axle of the main 
landing gear (MLG), which could adversely affect the structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(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) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected MLG wheel axle is 
defined as a MLG axle having a part number and serial number 
specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1 of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated October 18, 
2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT 
A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes).
    (2) After removal from an airplane, an affected MLG wheel axle 
that has reached its life limit is considered an unserviceable part.
    (3) The term ``life limit'' used in this AD means a post-repair 
life limit.

(h) Replacement

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD: Replace all affected MLG wheel axles with 
serviceable parts, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT 
A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 
2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT 
A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 
2012 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
    (1) Before the accumulation of the applicable landings or flight 
hours specified in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The 
``Post-repair MLG Wheel Axle Life Limit'' must be counted from the 
date of installation of the MLG wheel axle on an airplane which 
occurs after the date of repair specified in Part 1 of Appendix 1 of 
Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for 
Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-32A-
4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes).

                  Table 1 to Paragraph (h)(1) of This AD--Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Life Limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Post-repair MLG wheel axle life limit, whichever occurs first
              Affected airplanes                               (see paragraph (h)(1) of this AD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes,      4,700 landings or 22,250 flight hours.
 weight variant (WV) 00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes,      4,600 landings or 29,000 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05......  3,950 landings or 16,900 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342     5,050 landings or 15,200 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243,    4,450 landings or 17,900 flight hours.
 WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and -  5,150 landings or 13,450 flight hours.
 343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD 
without exceeding the applicable landings or flight hours specified 
in table 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The ``Post-repair MLG 
Wheel Axle Flight Hours or Landings, . . . not to be Exceeded'' must

[[Page 23107]]

be counted from the date of installation of the MLG wheel axle on an 
airplane, which occurs after the date of repair specified in the 
Part 1 of Appendix 1 of Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, dated 
October 18, 2012 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or 
Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, dated October 18, 2012 (for 
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).

          Table 2 to Paragraph (h)(2) of This AD-- Post-Repair MLG Wheel Axle Flight Hours or Landings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Post-repair MLG wheel axle flight hours or landings, whichever
              Affected airplanes                 occurs first, not to be exceeded (see paragraph (h)(2) of this
                                                                              AD)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes,      7,830 landings or 37,080 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes,      7,660 landings or 48,330 flight hours.
 WV00.
Model A340-313 airplanes, WV02 and WV05......  6,580 landings or 28,160 flight hours.
Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342     8,410 landings or 25,330 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV00 and WV01.
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243     7,410 landings or 29,830 flight hours.
 airplanes, WV02, WV05, and WV06.
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -323, -342, and -  8,580 landings or 22,580 flight hours.
 343 airplanes, WV02 and WV05.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD: An affected MLG wheel axle 
may be installed on an airplane, provided the MLG wheel axle has not 
exceeded the limits specified in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD and it is replaced with a serviceable part before reaching the 
life limit defined in table 1 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD with respect to the affected MLG wheel axle 
defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable 
service information specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this 
AD, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Airbus All Operator Telex A330-32A3256, including Appendix 
1, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes).
    (2) Airbus All Operator Telex A340-32A4292, including Appendix 
1, dated August 24, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes).

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

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

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0170, dated September 7, 2011, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (l)(1)(ii) of this 
AD, for related information.
    (i) Airbus AOT A330-32A-3256, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, 
dated October 18, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix 
1, dated October 18, 2012.
    (2) For service information identified in this 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.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A330-32A-3256, 
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated October 18, 2012. The 
Document number and revision level are not identified on pages 2-5 
of this AOT; the revision date is identified on only page 1 of this 
AOT and the first page of Appendix 1 of this AOT.
    (ii) AOT A340-32A-4292, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated 
October 18, 2012. The Document number and revision level are not 
identified on pages 2-5 of this AOT; the revision date is identified 
on only page 1 of this AOT and the first page of Appendix 1 of this 
AOT.
    (3) For service information identified in this 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.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-08741 Filed 4-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P