Document ID: FAA-2014-0448-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-07-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41459-41462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16690]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0448; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-055-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 A300 series airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, 
and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and 
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
report of early ruptures on the levers of the nose landing gear (NLG) 
sequence valve. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection 
for damage of the landing gear sequence valve levers and pin shearing 
indicating areas on the NLG and the main landing gears (MLGs); and 
depending on findings, replacing the sequence valve and lever, or doing 
a one-time inspection to detect interference between control rods and 
sequence valves and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct interference between a landing gear leg 
and door, which could result in failure of that landing gear to extend 
and could damage the airplane and injure occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 2, 
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--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@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-
0448; 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 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; 
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-2014-0448; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-055-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 2013-0058, dated March 11, 2013 (referred to 
after

[[Page 41460]]

this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively 
called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Operators have reported five cases of early ruptures on levers 
of the nose landing gear (NLG) sequence valve.
    Analysis showed that these fatigue ruptures were due to an 
incorrect adjustment of the mechanical links. As the design of the 
main landing gear (MLG) sequence valve lever is similar, there is 
sufficient reason to assume that these parts are similarly affected 
by fatigue.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
interference between landing gear leg and door and consequent 
failure of the landing gear to extend, possibly resulting in damage 
to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the sequence valve control lever [for damage, 
which could include cracking or deformation], of the adjustment of 
the control rod between doors and landing gear sequence valve and 
depending on inspections results, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective actions.

The corrective actions include adjusting the control rod between the 
door and the sequence valves; adjusting mechanical linkages; and 
replacing/installing a serviceable valve and lever. 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-2014-0448.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins:
     A300-32-0464, dated July 17, 2012 (for Model A300 
airplanes);
     A300-32-6110, dated July 17, 2012 (for Model A300-600 
airplanes); and
     A310-32-2146, dated July 17, 2012 (for Model A310 
airplanes).

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.

``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This Proposed AD

    Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled 
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD 
based on a foreign authority's AD.
    The MCAI or referenced service information in an FAA AD often 
directs the owner/operator to contact the manufacturer for corrective 
actions, such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy Product paragraph 
allowed owners/operators to use corrective actions provided by the 
manufacturer if those actions were FAA-approved. In addition, the 
paragraph stated that any actions approved by the State of Design 
Authority (or its delegated agent) are considered to be FAA-approved.
    In another NPRM, Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-101-AD (78 FR 
78285, December 26, 2013), we proposed to prevent the use of repairs 
that were not specifically developed to correct the unsafe condition, 
by requiring that the repair approval provided by the State of Design 
Authority or its delegated agent specifically refer to the FAA AD. This 
change was intended to clarify the method of compliance and to provide 
operators with better visibility of repairs that are specifically 
developed and approved to correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we 
proposed to change the phrase ``its delegated agent'' to include a 
design approval holder (DAH) with State of Design Authority design 
organization approval (DOA), as applicable, to refer to a DAH 
authorized to approve required repairs for the proposed AD.
    One commenter to the other NPRM, Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013), stated the following: ``The 
proposed wording, being specific to repairs, eliminates the 
interpretation that Airbus messages are acceptable for approving minor 
deviations (corrective actions) needed during accomplishment of an AD 
mandated Airbus service bulletin.''
    This comment has made the FAA aware that some operators have 
misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to 
allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer 
as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated 
action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or 
other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the 
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product 
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer 
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not 
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request 
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required 
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the 
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed that paragraph and 
retitled it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now 
clarifies that for any requirement in this proposed AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished 
using a method approved by the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), or Airbus's EASA DOA.
    The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature. The DOA signature indicates that the data and information 
contained in the document are EASA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer 
that do not contain the DOA-authorized signature approval are not EASA-
approved, unless EASA directly approves the manufacturer's message or 
other information.
    This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded 
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA 
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This 
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness 
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase 
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in 
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for 
Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to 
implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is 
required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an 
alternative method of compliance.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.

[[Page 41461]]

    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $43,520, or $340 
per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take up to 9 work-hours and require parts costing up to $42,000, for a 
cost of $42,765 per product. We have no way of determining the number 
of aircraft that might 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0448; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
055-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 2, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of early ruptures on the levers 
of the nose landing gear (NLG) sequence valve. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct interference between a landing gear leg and 
door, which could result in failure of that landing gear to extend, 
and could damage the airplane and injure occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Service Information

    Do the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD in 
accordance with the applicable service information identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A300 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
0464, dated July 17, 2012.
    (2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
32-6110, dated July 17, 2012.
    (3) For Model A310 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-
2146, dated July 17, 2012.

(h) Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Within 4,000 flight cycles, 6,000 flight hours, or 30 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a 
detailed inspection of each sequence valve lever and pin shearing 
indicating area on the nose landing gear and main landing gears for 
any damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD. Do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service information identified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (1) If damage is found, before further flight, replace the 
affected sequence valve and its lever with a serviceable sequence 
valve and lever. No further action is required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that replaced valve and lever.
    (2) If no damage is found, within the compliance time required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD, do a detailed inspection to detect 
interference between the landing gear door control rod and the 
landing gear sequence valve, and do all applicable corrective 
actions. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. 
No further action is required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: An 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane a landing gear sequence valve, unless that valve has 
been inspected and corrected, as applicable, in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) 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: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be 
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-

[[Page 41462]]

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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive 2013-0058, dated March 11, 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-2014-0448.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@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 July 3, 2014.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-16690 Filed 7-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P