Document ID: FAA-2013-0834-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-11-07T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66861-66864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26682]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0834; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directives AD 2003-14-
11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2008-06-07, and AD 
2012-04-07 that apply to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. AD 2003-14-11, AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, 
AD 2008-06-07, and AD 2012-04-07 required revising the maintenance 
program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations; replacing certain flap rotary actuators; 
repetitively inspecting elevator servo-controllers and pressure relief 
valves of the spoiler servo controls (SSCs); repetitively testing the 
elevator servo control loops, modifying the elevator servo controls, 
and repetitively replacing certain retraction brackets of the main 
landing gear; and revising the airplane flight manual. Since we issued 
those ADs, we have determined that more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed 
AD would require revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. The 
proposed AD also removes Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to 
address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could 
change the characteristics leading to an increased potential for 
failure, which, in isolation or in combination with one or more other 
specific failures or events, could result in failure of certain life 
limited parts, which could reduce the structural integrity of the 
airplane or reduce the controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 23, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 review copies of the referenced 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.

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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be

[[Page 66862]]

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-2013-0834; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-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 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    On July 7, 2003, we issued AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 
41521, July 14, 2003), for all Airbus Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. AD 2003-14-11 required revising the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to 
incorporate life limits for the servo-controls located on the ailerons 
and replacement of the servo-controls with new servo-controls when they 
have reached their operational life limits. AD 2003-14-11 resulted from 
a revision of Airbus airworthiness limitations which introduced more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We 
issued AD 2003-14-11 to prevent hydraulic leakage and failure of the 
servo-controls due to cracks in the end caps and along the barrel, 
which could result in loss of the ailerons and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.
    On May 20, 2004, we issued AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 
31874, June 8, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2004-11-08 required replacement of flap 
rotary actuators with modified flap rotary actuators. AD 2004-11-08 
resulted from reports of fatigue failure of rotary actuator levers. We 
issued AD 2004-11-08 to prevent fatigue failure of the rotary actuator 
lever for the flaps, which could result in loss of the flap surface and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    On June 24, 2004, we issued AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 
FR 41394, July 9, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and 
A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2004-13-25 required repetitive 
inspections to check the play of the eye-end of the piston rod of the 
elevator servo-controls and corrective actions if necessary, and 
replacement of certain elevator servo-controls with new, improved 
servo-controls. We issued AD 2004-13-25 to detect and correct excessive 
play of the eye-end of the piston rod of the elevator servo controls, 
which could result in failure of the elevator servo-control.
    On October 19, 2004, we issued AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 
(69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A330 and 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2004-18-14 required revising the 
Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to ensure that 
the flightcrew is advised of the proper procedures in the event of 
uncommanded movement of a spoiler during flight; inspecting the 
function of the pressure relief valves of each SSC, and performing 
corrective action if necessary; and eventually modifying the SSCs, 
which terminated the AFM revision. AD 2004-18-14 resulted from several 
reports of incidents where an SSC was not locked in the retracted 
position during flight. We issued AD 2004-18-14 to prevent uncommanded 
movement of a spoiler during flight, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane and consequent significant increased 
fuel consumption during flight, which could necessitate an in-flight 
turn-back or diversion to an unscheduled airport destination.
    On March 3, 2008, we issued AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 
FR 13103, March 12, 2008), for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. A correction of AD 2008-06-07 
was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367). 
AD 2008-06-07 required revising an accelerated schedule of repetitive 
testing of the elevator servo control loops, and doing corrective 
actions if necessary. AD 2008-06-07 resulted from reports of failed 
elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We issued AD 2008-06-07 
to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases 
of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator 
control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    On February 14, 2012, we issued AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 
(77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012), for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, 
A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2012-04-07 required 
replacement of certain retraction brackets of the main landing gear 
(MLG). AD 2012-04-07 resulted from reports of retraction brackets 
failures during fatigue testing before accumulation of the life limit 
of the MLG. We issued AD 2012-04-07 to prevent failure of the 
retraction bracket, which could result in a MLG extension with no 
damping, and consequent structural damage of the MLG.

Actions Since Existing ADs Were Issued

    Since we issued AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, 
July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004); 
AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004); AD 
2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008); and AD 
2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012); 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 2012-0020, dated January 30, 2012 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations 
applicable to the Ageing Systems Maintenance (ASM) are specified in 
Airbus A330 ALS Part 4, which is approved by the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA).
    The revision 03 of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4 introduces more 
restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness 
limitations. Failure to comply with the instructions of ALS Part 4 
could result in an unsafe condition.
    This [EASA] AD requires the implementation of the maintenance 
requirements and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus 
A330 ALS Part 4 revision 03, approved on 09 September 2011. In 
addition, this [EASA] AD supersedes DGAC [Directorate General for 
Civil Aviation] France ADs and EASA ADs listed in the 
``Supersedure'' section above, whose requirements have been 
transferred into Airbus A330 ALS Part 4.

    The unsafe condition is the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such 
aging

[[Page 66863]]

effects could change the characteristics leading to an increased 
potential for failure, which, in isolation or in combination with one 
or more other specific failures or events, could result in failure of 
certain life limited parts, which could reduce the structural integrity 
of the airplane or reduce the controllability of the airplane. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated September 09, 
2011. The airworthiness limitations introduce mandatory instructions 
and more restrictive maintenance requirements.

Related Rulemaking

    We have issued AD 2013-20-06, Amendment 39-17612 (78 FR 64156, 
October 28, 2013), for all Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes, to require revising the 
maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations. AD 2013-20-06 terminates the requirements of 
the following ADs for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes only (this 
proposed AD supersedes the following ADs):
     AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 
2003);
     AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004);
     AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 
2004);
     AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 
14, 2004);
     AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)); and
     AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).
    Because AD 2013-20-06 terminates the requirements of the preceding 
ADs for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes, we have not included Airbus 
Model A340 series airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD. 
The applicability of this proposed AD is Airbus Model A330 series 
airplanes as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD.

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.
    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of the 
following ADs:
     AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 
2003);
     AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004);
     AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 
2004);
     AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 
14, 2004);
     AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008);
     AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).
    This proposed AD would require implementation of certain 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed 
AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    This NPRM proposes to incorporate Airbus A330 ALS Part 4--Aging 
Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated September 9, 2011, including 
the compliance times for the actions; however, the compliance times for 
certain initial actions is different from those specified in Airbus 
A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 03, dated 
September 9, 2011, because the actions were required by AD 2003-14-11, 
AD 2004-11-08, AD 2004-13-25, AD 2004-18-14, AD 2008-06-07, and AD 
2012-04-07; therefore, the initial compliance time is relative to the 
effective date of the applicable superseded AD, as specified in 
paragraph (h) of this NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 71 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise maintenance program........  2 work-hours x $85 per                 $0             $170          $12,070
                                     hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have 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 that the 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

[[Page 66864]]

    (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 is revised 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directives AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 
(68 FR 41521, July 14, 2003); AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 
31874, June 8, 2004); AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, 
July 9, 2004); AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, 
September 14, 2004); AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, 
March 12, 2008); AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 
5, 2012); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0834; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-045-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 23, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) 
through (b)(6) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 
2003).
    (2) AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 
2004).
    (3) AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 
2004).
    (4) AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 
14, 2004).
    (5) AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 
2008).
    (6) AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 
2012).

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. 
Such aging effects could change the characteristics leading to an 
increased potential for failure, which, in isolation or in 
combination with one or more other specific failures or events, 
could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which could 
reduce the structural integrity of the airplane or reduce the 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance Program Revision

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program by incorporating Airbus A330 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, 
Revision 03, dated September 09, 2011. The initial compliance times 
for the actions are within the applicable compliance times specified 
in the Record of Revisions pages of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4, Revision 
03, dated September 09, 2011, or within 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is later, except as required by paragraph 
(h).

(h) Exceptions to Initial Compliance Times

    (1) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for 
elevator servo-controls having part number (P/N) SC4800-2, SC4800-3, 
SC4800-4, SC4800-6, SC4800-7, or SC4800-8 as August 31, 2004, the 
calendar compliance time is June 13, 2007 (34 months after the 
effective date of AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, 
July 9, 2004)).
    (2) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for 
spoiler servo-controls (SSC) having P/N 1386A0000-01, P/N 1386B0000-
01, P/N 1387A0000-01 or P/N 1387B0000-01 as December 31, 2003, the 
calendar compliance time is November 19, 2005 (13 months after the 
effective date of AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, 
September 14, 2004)).
    (3) Where A330 ALS Part 4--Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 
03, dated September 09, 2011, defines a calendar compliance time for 
elevator servo-controls having P/N SC4800-73, SC4800-93, SC4800-103 
and SC4800-113 as June 30, 2008, the calendar compliance time is 
September 16, 2009 (17 months after the effective date of AD 2008-
06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008)).
    (4) The initial compliance time for replacement of the 
retraction brackets of the MLG having a part number specified in 
paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (4)(h)(xvi) of this AD is before the 
accumulation of 19,800 total landings on the affected retraction 
brackets of the MLG, or within 900 flight hours after April 9, 2012 
(the effective date of AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 
12989, March 5, 2012), whichever occurs later.

(i) 201478303
(ii) 201478304
(iii) 201478305
(iv) 201478306
(v) 201478307
(vi) 201478308
(vii) 201428380
(viii) 201428381
(ix) 201428382
(x) 201428383
(xi) 201428384
(xii) 201428385
(xiii) 201428378
(xiv) 201428379
(xv) 201428351
(xvi) 201428352

(i) Alternative Intervals or Limits

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive 2012-0020, dated January 30, 2012, for related 
information. The mandatory continuing airworthiness information may 
be viewed on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26682 Filed 11-6-13; 8:45 am]
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