Document ID: FAA-2010-0852-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Posted Date: 2010-09-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register: September 8, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 173)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 54536-54540]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08se10-20]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0852; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-005-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

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:

    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].

    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 October 25, 
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--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; e-mail airworthiness.A330-A340@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: 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: 

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-2010-0852; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-005-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 September 29, 2005, we issued AD 2005-20-32, Amendment 39-14329 
(70 FR 59263, October 12, 2005). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2005-20-32, we have determined that the existing 
inspection of the upper and lower elevator skin panels needs to be a 
repetitive inspection in order to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. We have also added airplane models to the 
applicability of this proposed AD, and we have identified additional 
affected elevators in Table 1 of this proposed AD. The European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0255, dated December 1, 2009 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].
    DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] 
France AD F-2004-118 R1 (EASA approval N. 2004-10125) required a 
one-time inspection of elevators skin panels installed on MSN up to 
091, to detect potential liquid ingress and repair as necessary, in 
accordance with Airbus inspection service bulletins (ISB) A330-55-
3032 and A340-55-4029.
    Following the AD issuance, further in-service experience has 
shown that in order to ensure the structural integrity of all A330/
A340 elevators skin panels with sandwich construction (excluding 
A340-500/-600), it is necessary to perform the same elevators panels 
inspection and to repair as necessary, but in a repetitive manner.
    The aim of this AD, which supersedes DGAC France AD F-2004-118 
R1, is to require this additional inspection program in order to 
maintain the structural integrity of the elevators.

The required actions include repetitive special detailed inspections 
and repetitive re-protection of the elevator assembly. The special 
detailed inspections consist of the following actions:

[[Page 54537]]

     Repetitive endoscopic inspections for damage (such as a 
scratch, disbonding, or a tear) of the inner skin of the upper and 
lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, and if any damage 
is found, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the 
instructions.
     Repetitive tap tests for debonding in the inner side of 
the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides, and if any debonding 
is found, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the 
instructions.
     Repetitive thermographic inspections for indications of 
trapped water in the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides of 
the airplane, and if any indications of trapped water are found, doing 
applicable corrective actions (including, but not limited to, repeating 
the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the damaged area, 
doing a general visual inspection to determine if there is an existing 
repair, contacting Airbus for instructions and doing the instructions, 
re-protecting the affected surfaces, and repairing holes).
     Repetitively re-protect the elevator assembly (including 
doing a general visual inspection to determine damage and repair if 
necessary, a general visual inspection to determine if the drainage 
holes are clean and not obstructed and cleaning the drainage holes if 
necessary, a general visual inspection to determine the status of the 
static discharges contour and sealing the static discharges contour if 
necessary, and installing front spar access hole covers).
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A330-55-3039 and 
A340-55-4035, both including Appendix 1, both dated August 7, 2009. The 
actions described in the service information are intended to correct 
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

Explanation of Change to This AD

    We have removed the ``Service Bulletin Reference'' paragraph from 
the ``Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-20-32'' section of this 
AD. That paragraph was identified as paragraph (f) in AD 2005-20-32. 
Instead, we have provided the full service bulletin citations 
throughout this AD.

Change to Existing AD

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2005-20-32. 
Since AD 2005-20-32 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in 
the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Corresponding  requirement in this
    Requirement in AD 2005-20-32                 proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          paragraph (f)(1)                        paragraph (g)
          paragraph (f)(2)                        paragraph (h)
             paragraph (g)                        paragraph (i)
             paragraph (h)                        paragraph (j)
             paragraph (i)                        paragraph (k)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 56 products of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2005-20-32 and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 1 work-hour 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 $85 per product.
    We estimate that it would take about 14 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic 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 $66,640, or $1,190 
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:

[[Page 54538]]

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 removing Amendment 39-14329 (70 FR 
59263, October 12, 2005) and adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2010-0852; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-
005-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by October 25, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-20-32, Amendment 39-14329.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, 
-243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes, and A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; 
certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers, if 
equipped with any of the elevator part numbers (P/N) identified in 
Table 1 of this AD (``ZZ'' indicates a number from 00 up to 99 
inclusive).

                     Table 1--Elevator Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    For the left-hand  elevator          For the right-hand  elevator
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P/N F55280000000ZZ                   P/N F55280000001ZZ
P/N F55280000002ZZ                   P/N F55280000003ZZ
P/N F55280000004ZZ                   P/N F55280000005ZZ
P/N F55280000006ZZ                   P/N F55280000007ZZ
P/N F55280000008ZZ                   P/N F55280000009ZZ
P/N F55280000012ZZ                   P/N F55280000013ZZ
P/N F55280002000ZZ                   P/N F55280002001ZZ
P/N F55280005000ZZ                   P/N F55280005001ZZ
P/N F55280005002ZZ                   P/N F55280005003ZZ
P/N F55280005004ZZ                   P/N F55280005005ZZ
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: 
Stabilizers.

Reason

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

    A debonding area was detected on the RH [right-hand] elevator of 
an A340 in-service aeroplane during a scheduled maintenance task 
inspection.
    Investigation has revealed that this debonding may have been 
caused by water ingress and, if not detected and corrected, might 
compromise the structural integrity of the elevators [and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane].

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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-20-32

Service Bulletin Exceptions for Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029

    (g) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both dated December 22, 2003, 
recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further 
flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de 
l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent), or EASA (or its 
delegated agent).
    (h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, both dated December 22, 2003, specify 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

Determining Part Number, Serial Number

    (i) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: At the later of the times 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, perform an 
inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the 
left- and right-hand elevator assemblies. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number and serial number of each elevator assembly can be 
conclusively determined from that review. If neither elevator 
assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified 
in Table 2 of this AD, no further action is required by this 
paragraph. If either elevator assembly has a part number and serial 
number combination identified in Table 2 of this AD, do paragraph 
(j) of this AD. Doing the actions in paragraph (k) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) Within 10 years after the date of the first flight of the 
airplane, or before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, 
whichever is first.
    (2) Within 18 months after the November 16, 2005 (the effective 
date of AD 2005-20-32).

Table 2--Affected Elevator Part Numbers and Serial Numbers in AD 2005-20-
                                   32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Affected part      Affected serial
              Part                      numbers             numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Left-hand elevator assembly.....  F55280000000,       CG1002 through
                                   F55280000004.       CG1091 inclusive,
                                                       CG1093, CG1094,
                                                       CG2001.
Right-hand elevator assembly....  F55280000001,       CG1002 through
                                   F55280000005.       CG1094 inclusive,
                                                       CG2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspections

    (j) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: If the left- or right-hand 
elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination 
identified in Table 2 of this AD, before further flight after 
accomplishing paragraph (i) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs 
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Doing the 
actions in paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) Perform an endoscopic inspection to detect damage (such as a 
scratch, disbonding, or a tear), and a tap test and a thermographic 
inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the upper and 
lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable, 
except as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (2) If any damage is found, before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (including, but not limited to, 
repeating the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the 
damaged area, and performing a tap test around the areas where 
moisture is indicated), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model 
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-

[[Page 54539]]

55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes) both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable, except as 
provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (3) Re-protect the elevator assembly (including performing a 
general visual inspection to determine if the drainage holes are 
clean, a general visual inspection to determine the condition of the 
sealant covering the static discharges contour, and applicable 
corrective actions), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model 
A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 
(for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), 
both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable, except as provided by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

New Requirements of This AD

Repetitive Inspection

    (k) Within the applicable time in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of 
this AD, do a special detailed inspection for discrepancies 
(scratches, debonding, tears, and indications of trapped water), on 
the elevator upper and lower skin panels, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -
302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), or 
A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months from the date of the 
elevator's first flight after the last inspection. Doing the special 
detailed inspection specified in this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.
    (1) For elevators identified in Table 1 of this AD that have not 
been inspected in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, 
-321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes): Within 144 months since the date of the 
elevator's first flight on any airplane, or within 24 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For elevators identified in Table 1 of this AD that have 
been inspected in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-
3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, 
-321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes), or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, 
and -313 airplanes): Within 72 months since the date of the 
elevator's first flight on any airplane after accomplishing Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-55-3032, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-
4029, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

Corrective Action

    (l) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (including applicable inspections and 
repair), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, 
-202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes) or A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009; or 
contact Airbus for instructions and follow their corrective actions.

Re-Protection

    (m) For elevators on which any action required by paragraph (k) 
or (l) of this AD is done: Before the elevator's next flight, do a 
re-protection (including all applicable inspections and corrective 
actions), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039 (for Model A330-201, 
-202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes), or A340-55-4035 (for Model A340-211, -212, 
-213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated August 7, 2009.

Reporting

    (n) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) 
of the inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD to Airbus, as 
specified in Appendix 1 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-
55-3039, dated August 7, 2009; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-55-4035, dated August 7, 2009; as applicable; at the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD. The report 
must include the information identified in Appendix 1 of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3039, dated August 7, 2009; or 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4035, dated August 7, 
2009; as applicable.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or 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.
    (o) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
elevator identified in Table 1 of this AD on any airplane, unless 
the elevator has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (l) of 
this AD and all applicable corrective actions have been done.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (p) 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. Send information 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. 
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.
    (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

    (q) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0255, dated December 1, 2009; and the service 
bulletins listed in Table 3 of this AD, for related information.

                       Table 3--Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin     August 7, 2009.
 A330-55-3039, including Appendix 1.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin     August 7, 2009.
 A340-55-4035, including Appendix 1.

[[Page 54540]]

Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032  December 22, 2003.
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029  December 22, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 30, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-22275 Filed 9-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P