Document ID: FAA-2010-0131-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Posted Date: 2010-02-25T05:00Z

[Federal Register: February 25, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 37)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 8471-8473]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25fe10-4]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0131; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-132-AD; 
Amendment 39-16216; AD 2010-05-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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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:

    A review of A340 missions has demonstrated that CFM56-5C forward 
engine mount thrust links fitted with oversized bearing[s] will not 
reach the updated link fatigue life limit of 15,500 Flight Cycles 
(FC) due to an increase in bore diameter.
    * * * The consequent potential failure of the affected thrust 
link would reduce the forward engine mounts' structural integrity 
and could eventually lead to engine separation, constituting an 
unsafe condition.
* * * * *

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 12, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 12, 
2010.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 12, 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.

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 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:

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 2009-0108, dated May 5, 2009 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    A review of A340 missions has demonstrated that CFM56-5C forward 
engine mount thrust links fitted with oversized bearing[s] will not 
reach the updated link fatigue life limit of 15,500 Flight Cycles 
(FC) due to an increase in bore diameter.
    Oversized bearing repairs have been possible through the 
accomplishment of CMM 71-21-12 Repair 1. The consequent potential 
failure of the affected thrust link would reduce the forward engine 
mounts' structural integrity and could eventually lead to engine 
separation, constituting an unsafe condition.
    Consequently, this AD requires:

--The [detailed] inspection of the link assembly to identify a 
possible oversized bearing repair and, in case of finding, the 
application of the associated corrective actions, or
--The repetitive [detailed] inspection [for cracking, damage (e.g., 
dents), and missing fasteners] of the forward engine mounts until 
accomplishment of the inspection of the link assembly for the 
identification of a possible oversized bearing repair.

The corrective actions for finding oversized bearings in the forward 
engine mount thrust link assembly include contacting Goodrich for 
instructions and doing the repair. The corrective actions for finding 
cracking, damage (e.g., dents), and missing fasteners in the forward 
engine mounts include, depending on the findings, replacing cracked 
parts and missing fasteners, and polishing damaged areas. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-71-4007, 
including Appendix 1, dated April 1, 2009. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

[[Page 8472]]

Differences Between the 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0131; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-NM-132-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
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 AD.

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 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.

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:

2010-05-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16216. Docket No. FAA-2010-0131; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-132-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
12, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213 
airplanes; and Model A340-311, -312, and -313 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71: 
Powerplant.

Reason

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

    A review of A340 missions has demonstrated that CFM56-5C forward 
engine mount thrust links fitted with oversized bearing[s] will not 
reach the updated link fatigue life limit of 15500 Flight Cycles 
(FC) due to an increase in bore diameter.
    Oversized bearing repairs have been possible through the 
accomplishment of CMM 71-21-12 Repair 1. The consequent potential 
failure of the affected thrust link would reduce the forward engine 
mounts structural integrity and could eventually lead to engine 
separation, constituting an unsafe condition.
    Consequently, this AD requires:

--The [detailed] inspection of the link assembly to identify a 
possible oversized bearing repair and, in case of finding, the 
application of the associated corrective actions, or
--The repetitive [detailed] inspection [for cracking, damage (e.g., 
dents), and missing fasteners] of the forward engine mounts until 
accomplishment of the inspection of the link assembly for the 
identification of a possible oversized bearing repair.

The corrective actions for finding oversized bearings in the forward 
engine mount thrust link assembly include contacting Goodrich for 
instructions and doing the repair. The corrective actions for 
finding cracking, damage (e.g., dents), and missing fasteners in the 
forward engine mounts include, depending on the findings, replacing 
cracked parts and missing fasteners, and polishing damaged areas.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 1,700 flight cycles or 24 months from the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the actions required by 
paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Perform a detailed inspection for oversized bearing repair 
of the forward engine mount thrust link assembly, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A340-71-4007, dated April 1, 2009. If oversized bearings are found, 
before further flight, contact Goodrich for instructions, and do the 
repair.
    (ii) Perform a detailed inspection of the forward engine mounts 
for cracking, damage (e.g., dents), and missing fasteners, in 
accordance with Task 71-21-11-210-801-0 of the Airbus A340 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 68, dated October 1, 2009. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight in accordance 
with Task 71-21-11-210-801-0 of the Airbus A340 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 68, dated October 1, 2009. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,700 flight cycles or 24 
months, whichever occurs

[[Page 8473]]

first, until the inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD 
is done.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection specified in paragraph 
(f)(1)(ii) of this AD is done: Within 4,500 flight cycles from the 
effective date of this AD, do the inspection and applicable 
corrective actions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. Doing 
the inspection and applicable corrective actions required by 
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows:
    Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-71-4007, dated April 1, 
2009; does not contain corrective actions if damage is found during 
the inspection of the forward engine mounts. The corrective actions 
are specified in Task 71-21-11-210-801-0 of the Airbus A340 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 68, dated October 1, 2009. Therefore, 
this AD refers to Task 71-21-11-210-801-0 of the Airbus A340 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 68, dated October 1, 2009, for 
the inspection and corrective actions.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0108, dated May 5, 2009; Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A340-71-4007, dated April 1, 2009; and Task 71-21-11-210-
801-0 of the Airbus A340 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 68, 
dated October 1, 2009; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-71-4007, 
including Appendix 1, dated April 1, 2009; and Task 71-21-11-210-
801-0 of the Airbus A340 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 68, 
dated October 1, 2009; as applicable; to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Airbus aircraft 
maintenance manual contains the following effective pages:

                                             List of Effective Pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Page title/description              Page Nos.                 Revision No.          Date shown on page(s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMM Title Page.................  None shown...............  68.......................  October 1, 2009.
AMM Introduction--Description    1-6......................  None shown*..............  None shown.*
 and Operation.
Chapter 71--Table of Contents..  1, 3, 5..................  None shown*..............  January 1, 2009.
Chapter 71--Effective Pages....  2, 4, 6-11...............  None shown*..............  January 1, 2008.
Task 71-21-11-210-801-0........  1-5......................  None shown*..............  None shown.*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The revision level and date is indicated only on the title page of this document.

    (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--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.
    (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 or 425-227-1152.
    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 16, 2010.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2010-3472 Filed 2-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P