Document ID: FAA-2014-0006-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-02-03T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6104-6106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02156]

[[Page 6104]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0006; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-147-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the results 
of endurance qualification tests on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer 
actuator (THSA), which revealed a partial loss of the no-back brake 
(NBB) efficiency in specific load conditions. This proposed AD would 
require inspecting certain THSAs to determine the number of total 
flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and replacing the THSA if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct premature 
wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA, which could 
lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions and, in 
conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball 
screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded 
movements of the THS and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 20, 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-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; 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-2014-0006; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-147-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0144R1, dated August 27, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    During endurance qualification tests on A380 Trimmable 
Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA), a partial loss of the no-back 
brake (NBB) efficiency was experienced. Due to THSA design 
similarity on the A330/A340 fleet, a similar partial loss of the NBB 
efficiency was identified on THSA Part Number (P/N) 47147, installed 
on A330-300 and A340-200/-300 aeroplanes, and on THSA P/N 47172, 
installed on A330-200/-300 and A340-200/-300 aeroplanes.
    Investigation results concluded that this particular malfunction 
was due an ageing/endurance issue of the surfaces of the NBB carbon 
friction disks, leading to a partial loss of braking efficiency in 
some specific aerodynamic load conditions.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected and in conjunction 
with the power gear train not able to keep the ball screw in its 
last commanded position, could lead to uncommanded movements of the 
THSA, possibly resulting in the loss of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued * * * 
[an earlier AD] to require replacement of each THSA that has 
exceeded 16,000 flight cycles (FC) in-service, to be sent in shop 
for NBB carbon disk replacement.
    Since that AD was issued, a need for clarification has been 
demonstrated, regarding the identification of the THSA ``affected'' 
by this requirement.
    For this reason, EASA AD 2013-0144 is revised, confirming that 
the AD only affects those THSA identified by Part Number (P/N) in 
Airbus Alert Operator Transmission (AOT) A27L005-13. In addition, a 
note has been added to make clear that the life limits as specified 
in the current revision of ALS Part 4 are still relevant for the 
affected THSA, as applicable to aeroplane model and THSA P/N. This 
AD addresses the life limit for the NBB installed on the THSA, not 
the life limit for the THSA itself.
    A further reduction of the life limit of the NBB, probably down 
to 12,000 FC, is under evaluation by EASA and further actions are 
likely to follow for the THSA that have exceeded that limit in 
service. In that context and to assess the operational status of the 
THSA of the A330-200/-300 and A340-200/-300 fleet, this AD also 
requires identification of the THSA, collection of operational data, 
and reporting the results to Airbus.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0006.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A27L005-13, 
dated July 11, 2013. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

[[Page 6105]]

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $38,760, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 23 work-hours and require parts costing $722,556, for a cost 
of $724,511 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has 
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and 
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting 
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the 
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should 
be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 
20591. ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0006; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
147-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 20, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD; certificated in any category; all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the results of endurance qualification 
tests on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), which 
revealed a partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency in 
specific load conditions. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of 
the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain 
load conditions and, in conjunction with the inability of the power 
gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, 
could result in uncommanded movements of the THS and loss of control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    For airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in 
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A27L005-13, dated July 11, 
2013: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, identify 
each THSA that has accumulated 10,000 total flight cycles or more 
since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, and report the 
collected operational life data to Airbus, in accordance with the 
instruction of Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013.

(h) THSA Replacement

    For airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in 
Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013: At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, replace 
each affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the 
instructions of Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013.
    (1) For a THSA that has accumulated 20,000 total flight cycles 
or more since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, as of 
the effective date of this AD: Replace the

[[Page 6106]]

THSA within 12 months or 1,500 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For a THSA that has accumulated 16,000 total flight cycles 
or more, but less than 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's 
first installation on an airplane, as of the effective date of this 
AD, and that is installed on an Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, or -343 airplane: Replace the THSA within 30 months or 4,000 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.
    (3) For a THSA that has accumulated 16,000 total flight cycles 
or more, but less that 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's 
first installation on an airplane, as of the effective date of this 
AD, and that is installed on an Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -
311, -312, or -313 airplane: Replace the THSA within 30 months or 
3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first.

(i) Definition of Serviceable THSA

    Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, for the 
purposes of this AD a serviceable THSA is a THSA:
    (1) Having a part number identified in Airbus AOT A27L005-13, 
dated July 11, 2013, that has accumulated fewer than 20,000 total 
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane; or
    (2) Having a part number that is not identified in Airbus AOT 
A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation and Replacement

    (1) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install on any airplane a THSA with a part number 
specified in Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013, that has 
accumulated 20,000 total flight cycles or more since the THSA's 
first installation on an airplane. For any airplane having a THSA 
with a part number specified in Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 
11, 2013, that has accumulated 20,000 total flight cycles or more 
since the THSA's first installation on an airplane: As of 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, before further flight, replace 
the affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with Airbus 
AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013.
    (2) As of 30 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install on any airplane a THSA with a part number 
specified in Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013, that has 
accumulated 16,000 total flight cycles or more since the THSA's 
first installation on an airplane. For any airplane having a THSA 
with a part number specified in Airbus AOT A27L005-13, dated July 
11, 2013, that has accumulated 16,000 total flight cycles or more 
since the THSA's first installation on an airplane: As of 30 months 
after the effective date of this AD, before further flight, replace 
the affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with Airbus 
AOT A27L005-13, dated July 11, 2013.

(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, 
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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent, or by the Design Approval Holder with a State of 
Design Authority's design organization approval). For a repair 
method to be approved, the repair approval must specifically refer 
to this AD. You are required to ensure the product is airworthy 
before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2013-
0144R1, dated August 27, 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 it in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0006.
    (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. 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 January 22, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02156 Filed 1-31-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P