Document ID: FAA-2010-0171-0005
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, etc.
Posted Date: 2010-06-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register: June 8, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 109)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 32266-32268]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08jn10-7]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0171; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-185-AD; 
Amendment 39-16329; AD 2010-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes; 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and 
Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series 
Airplanes); and Model A310 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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 a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the 
recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU 
by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was 
embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator to find three cracks 
on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the 
splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment 
fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness 
system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by 
the loss of the attachment fitting.
    As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, 
they are also affected.

* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 13, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 13, 
2010.

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: 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:

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 February 25, 2010 
(75 FR 8549). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the 
recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU 
by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was 
embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator to find three cracks 
on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the 
splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment 
fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness 
system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by 
the loss of the attachment fitting.
    As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, 
they are also affected.
    For the reasons stated above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections for cracks of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web face 
attachment fitting of rack 107VU and corrective action, depending on 
findings.

The corrective actions include contacting Airbus for repair 
instructions, and doing the repair if any crack is found. 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 considered the comment received. The commenter, FedEx 
Express, supports the NPRM.

Explanation of Change Made to This AD

    We have revised the subject header of this AD to identify the 
affected airplane models as published in the most recent type 
certificate data sheet.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 206 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $35,020, or $170 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.

[[Page 32267]]

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 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); 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 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, 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

0
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:

2010-12-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-16329. Docket No. FAA-2010-0171; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-185-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 13, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-
3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, 
B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, and F4-622R airplanes; Model C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes; and 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 53: 
Fuselage.

Reason

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

    During a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the 
recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU 
by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was 
embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator to find three cracks 
on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the 
splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the 
structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment 
fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness 
system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by 
the loss of the attachment fitting.
    As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, 
they are also affected.
    For the reasons stated above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections for cracks of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web face 
attachment fitting of rack 107VU and corrective action, depending on 
findings.

The corrective actions include contacting Airbus for repair 
instructions, and doing the repair if any crack is found.

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.

Actions

    (g) Do the following actions.
    (1) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracks of 
the crossbeam on the nose landing gear FR15A Web attachment fitting 
of rack 107VU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in 
the applicable service bulletin specified in Table 1 of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 6,600 total flight cycles.
    (ii) Within 2,300 flight cycles or 30 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 2,300 flight cycles, 
repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

                       Table 1--Service Bulletins
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            Model               Service bulletin            Date
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Airbus Model A300 series      Airbus Mandatory      March 17, 2009.
 airplanes.                    Service Bulletin
                               A300-53-0388,
                               including Appendix
                               01.
Airbus Model 300-600 series   Airbus Mandatory      March 17, 2009.
 airplanes.                    Service Bulletin
                               A300-53-6164,
                               including Appendix
                               01.
Airbus Model A310 series      Airbus Mandatory      March 17, 2009.
 airplanes.                    Service Bulletin
                               A310-53-2131,
                               including Appendix
                               01.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (3) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight 
contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and do the repair.
    (4) Submit an inspection report of the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, 
1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; 
telephone +33 5 61 93 33 33; fax +33 5 61 93 28 06; e-mail 
sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of this AD. The report must 
include the information specified on the inspection report sheet 
provided in Appendix 01 of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) 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.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) 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. 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

[[Page 32268]]

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

    (i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0165, dated July 31, 2009, and the service 
information specified in Table 1 of this AD, for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the applicable service information contained in 
Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this 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.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

               Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Document                               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-  March 17, 2009.
 53-0388, including Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-  March 17, 2009.
 53-6164, including Appendix 01.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-  March 17, 2009.
 53-2131, including Appendix 01.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-13435 Filed 6-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P