Document ID: FAA-2011-0570-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2011-10-05T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61555-61558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25308]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 193 / Wednesday, October 5, 2011 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 61555]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0570; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-014-AD; 
Amendment 39-16822; AD 2011-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A310 series airplanes; and 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes). 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 recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the * * * hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 9, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 9, 
2011.

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 June 22, 2011 (76 FR 
36387). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Since 1984, the design of the hydraulic accumulator installed on 
all the affected Airbus types has changed. The Part Number (P/N) 
remained the same, but the manufacturer did not record the serial 
number of the part that was the first to be manufactured to the 
changed design specification.
    The new design hydraulic accumulator is manufactured with 2 
pieces unit welded, instead of 4 pieces unit with 3 welds (old 
design) as pictured in Appendix 1 of this [EASA] AD. The welding 
process of the new design hydraulic accumulator provides a higher 
strength shell material and more reliability.
    A recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the old design hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.
    For the reasons explained above, this [EASA] AD requires a one 
time detailed visual inspection to identify the old designed 
accumulators installed on certain hydraulic systems, the replacement 
of those accumulators by new designed accumulators and, irrespective 
of findings, the installation of warning placards to avoid 
installation of old designed accumulators on the affected hydraulic 
systems.

    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 received no comments on the NPRM (76 FR 36387, June 22, 
2011) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data 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 about 184 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $197 
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs 
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $145,728, or $792 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $10,700, for a cost 
of $11,125 per product. We have no way of

[[Page 61556]]

determining the number of products that may need these actions.

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.

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 (76 FR 36387, June 22, 2011), 
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

    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:

2011-20-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-16822. Docket No. FAA-2011-0570; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-014-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
9, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the products identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; 
A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; A300 F4-605R and F4-622R 
airplanes; and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: 
Hydraulic power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
* * * * *
    A recent analysis conducted by the manufacturer showed a 
particular risk for explosive failure of the * * * hydraulic 
accumulator.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, might, for some 
aeroplane installations, lead to damage to all three hydraulic 
circuits, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane or 
could, for certain other aeroplane installations, lead to an 
undetected fire in the wheel bay.
* * * * *

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.

Inspection, Replacement, and Placard Installation

    (g) Within 30 months or 6,000 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of 
each type 5 hydraulic accumulator, part number (P/N) 3059103-1, P/N 
3059103-2, P/N 3059103-8, and P/N 3059103-9, to determine if an old 
design accumulator (i.e., pre-1984) is installed on any affected 
hydraulic circuit indicated in table 1 of this AD, as applicable, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
Airbus mandatory service bulletin identified in table 2 of this AD.

                 Table 1--Applicable Hydraulic Circuits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Airbus model                       Hydraulic circuit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes pre-modification 02447.  Blue and Green.
A300 airplanes post-modification 02447  Blue.
A300-600 airplanes....................  Blue.
A310 airplanes........................  Green.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 Table 2--Applicable Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Airbus Mandatory Service
           Bulletin--              Revision--           Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-29-0126 (for Model A300               01  October 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
A300-29-6063 (for Model A300-600  ...........  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).

[[Page 61557]]

 
A310-29-2099 (for Model A310      ...........  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (h) If, during any detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD, an old design hydraulic accumulator (i.e., pre-1984) is 
found installed on any affected hydraulic circuit as indicated in 
table 1 of this AD, as applicable to airplane model, before further 
flight replace each affected old design accumulator with a new 
design accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable Airbus mandatory service bulletin 
identified in table 2 of this AD.
    (i) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Install a placard at the 
designated location of any affected hydraulic circuit indicated in 
table 1 of this AD, as applicable to airplane model, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus 
mandatory service bulletin identified in table 3 of this AD.

              Table 3--Other Applicable Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Airbus Mandatory Service
           Bulletin--              Revision--           Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-29-0127 (for Model A300      ...........  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
A300-29-6064 (for Model A300-600  ...........  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
A310-29-2100 (for Model A310      ...........  August 12, 2010.
 airplanes).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) 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: 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. 
Information may be e-mailed 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 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.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0006, dated January 17, 2011; and the 
Airbus mandatory service bulletins identified in table 4 of this AD; 
for related information.

                  Table 4--Related Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Airbus Mandatory Service
           Bulletin--              Revision--           Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-29-0126....................           01  October 12, 2010.
A300-29-0127....................  ...........  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6063....................  ...........  August 12, 2010.
A300-29-6064....................  ...........  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2099....................  ...........  August 12, 2010.
A310-29-2100....................  ...........  August 12, 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the 
following service information on the date specified:
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-29-0126, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, Revision 01, dated October 12, 2010, approved 
for IBR November 9, 2011.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-29-0127, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated August 12, 2010, approved for IBR November 9, 
2011.
    (3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-29-6063, dated August 
12, 2010, approved for IBR November 9, 2011.
    (4) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-29-6064, dated August 
12, 2010, approved for IBR November 9, 2011.
    (5) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-29-2099, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated August 12, 2010, approved for IBR November 9, 
2011.
    (6) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-29-2100, dated August 
12, 2010, approved for IBR November 9, 2011.
    (7) 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.
    (8) 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.
    (9) 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.

[[Page 61558]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 22, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-25308 Filed 10-4-11; 8:45 am]
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