Document ID: FAA-2014-0587-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-08-26T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50869-50872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20257]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0587; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-219-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-13-
09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2011-13-
09 currently requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
new limitations and maintenance tasks for certain certification 
management requirements (CMRs). Since we issued AD 2011-13-09, we have 
determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed

[[Page 50870]]

AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to 
incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent safety-significant latent failures 
that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or 
events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 10, 
2014.

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 
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@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-
0587; 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-2014-0587; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-219-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

    On June 14, 2011, we issued AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 
FR 37255, June 27, 2011). AD 2011-13-09 requires actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 
series airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, 
June 27, 2011), we have determined that more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0245, dated October 2, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations are currently distributed in the 
Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS).
    The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations 
applicable to the Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR) are 
specified in Airbus A330 ALS Part 3, which is approved by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
    The revision 04 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 3 introduces more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations. Failure to comply with this revision constitutes an 
unsafe condition.
    For the reason described above, this new AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2010-0264 (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2010_0264.pdf), which is superseded, and requires the 
implementation of the maintenance requirements as specified in 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 3 revision 04.

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-
0587.

Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 04, dated August 
27, 2013. 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.

Difference Between MCAI and This Proposed AD

    The EASA MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the ALS 
inspection tasks, corrective actions must be accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus maintenance documentation. However, this proposed AD does 
not include that requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes 
are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to 
perform maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We 
consider those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions 
necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this 
proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The ALS revision required by AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 
FR 37255, June 27, 2011), and retained in this proposed AD takes 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 actions that were 
required by AD 2011-13-09 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on

[[Page 50871]]

these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $6,460, or $85 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);
    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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-13-
09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011), and adding the 
following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0587; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
219-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 10, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 
37255, June 27, 2011).

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Periodic 
inspections.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent safety-significant 
latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other 
specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic 
failure condition.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Revision of the Maintenance Program

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). Within 
90 days after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-09): 
Revise the maintenance program, which ensures the continuing 
airworthiness of each operated airplane, by incorporating Airbus 
A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 
03, dated July 29, 2010. Within the times specified in the Airbus 
A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 
03, dated July 29, 2010, comply with all applicable maintenance 
requirements and associated airworthiness limitations included in 
Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, 
Revision 03, dated July 29, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs 
(h) and (i) of this AD.

(h) Retained Exceptions to the Certification Maintenance Requirements 
(CMR) Tasks

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). At the 
latest of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) 
of this AD: Do the first accomplishment of Airbus A330 CMR Task 
213100-00001-2-C, Pressure Control Monitoring, of Airbus A330 ALS, 
Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated 
July 29, 2010.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 48,000 total flight hours.
    (2) Within 48,000 flight hours after the most recent 
accomplishment of Airbus A330 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) 
Task 21.31.00/05.
    (3) Within 3 months after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of 
AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011).

(i) Retained Exceptions to the CMR Tasks

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011). At the 
latest of the times specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) 
of this AD: Do the first accomplishment of Airbus A330 CMR Tasks 
242000-00005-1-C, AC Generation; 243000-00001-1-C, DC Generation; 
and 243000-00002-1-C, DC Generation; of Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 
2010.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight hours.
    (2) Within 12,000 flight hours after the most recent 
accomplishment of Airbus A330 MRBR Task 24.20.00/17, 24.30.00/04, or 
24.30.00/05 respectively.
    (3) Within 3 months after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of 
AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 2011).

(j) Retained Limitation of Alternative Inspections or Intervals

    This paragraph restates the limitation specified in paragraph 
(j) of AD 2011-13-09, Amendment 39-16732 (76 FR 37255, June 27, 
2011). After accomplishing the action required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be 
used, other than those specified in Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 03, dated July 29, 
2010, unless the inspections or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(k) New Requirements of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection 
Program

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013. Within the applicable compliance 
time defined in the ``Record of Revisions'' section of Airbus A330 
ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance

[[Page 50872]]

Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, except as provided 
by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, accomplish all applicable 
maintenance tasks. Accomplishing these actions terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph 3 of the ``Record of Revisions'' section of 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 3--Certification Maintenance Requirements, 
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, specifies accomplishing the 
actions ``from 27 August 2013,'' this AD requires compliance within 
the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.

(l) No Alternative Inspections or Intervals

    After accomplishing the action required by paragraph (k)(1) of 
this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be 
used, other than those specified in Airbus A330 ALS, Part 3--
Certification Maintenance Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 
27, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, unless 
the inspections or intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0245, dated October 2, 
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0587.
    (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@airbus.com; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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 18, 2014.
Kevin Hull,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-20257 Filed 8-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P