Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/11/22/E6-19535/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a330-200-a330-300-a340-200-and-a340-300-series-airplanes
Timestamp: 2018-03-23 04:06:58
Document Index: 242429723

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 39', 'art 39', 'art 21', 'art 21', '§\u200921', 'art 51']

Effective December 27, 2006.
67441-67445 (5 pages)
Docket No. 2001-NM-381-AD
Amendment 39-14832
AD 2006-24-03
Explanation of Changes to the Supplemental NPRM
Inspections: Airplanes Without Modification 51381
Repetitive Inspections: Airplanes With Modification 51381
Follow-on Investigative and Corrective Actions
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E6-19535 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E6-19535
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 27, 2006.
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on August 8, 2006 (71 FR 44937). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the grease and gear teeth of the radial variable differential transducer of the nose wheel steering gearbox; or repetitive inspections for damage of the chrome on the bearing surface of the nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting barrel; as applicable. And, for airplanes with any discrepancy or damage, that action proposed to require an additional inspection or corrective actions. That action also proposed to add a terminating action and remove certain airplanes from the applicability.
The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) states that, typically, airworthiness directives are based on service information originating with the type certificate holder or its suppliers. MARPA adds that manufacturer service documents are privately authored instruments generally having copyright protection against duplication and distribution. MARPA notes that when a service document is incorporated by reference into a public document, such as an airworthiness directive, it loses its private, protected status and becomes a public document. MARPA adds that if a service document is used as a mandatory element of compliance, it should not simply be referenced, but should be incorporated into the regulatory document; by definition, public laws must be public, which means they cannot rely upon private writings. MARPA adds that incorporated-by-reference service documents should be made available to the public by publication in the Docket Management System (DMS), keyed to the action that incorporates them. MARPA notes that the stated purpose of the incorporation-by-reference method is brevity, to keep from expanding the Federal Register needlessly by publishing documents already in the hands of the affected individuals; traditionally, “affected individuals” means aircraft owners and operators, who are generally provided service information by the manufacturer. Start Printed Page 67442MARPA adds that a new class of affected individuals has emerged, since the majority of aircraft maintenance is now performed by specialty shops instead of aircraft owners and operators. MARPA notes that this new class includes maintenance and repair organizations, component servicing and repair shops, parts purveyors and distributors, and organizations manufacturing or servicing alternatively certified parts [under part 21 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 21), § 21.303 (parts manufacturer approval)]. MARPA adds that the concept of brevity is now nearly archaic as documents exist more frequently in electronic format than on paper. Therefore, MARPA asks that the service documents deemed essential to the accomplishment of the supplemental NPRM be incorporated by reference into the regulatory instrument, and published in the DMS.
Paragraph (e)(2) of the supplemental NPRM specifies making repairs using a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the airworthiness authority for the European Union, has assumed responsibility for the airplane models subject to this AD. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (e)(2) of this AD to specify making repairs using a method approved by the FAA, the DGAC (or its delegated agent), or the EASA (or its delegated agent).
Model designations have been added to Table 2 of paragraph (g)(2) of the supplemental NPRM for clarification.
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously described. This change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Radial variable differential transducer inspection, per inspection cycle 6 $80 None $480 11 $5,280.
Chrome inspection, per inspection cycle 13 80 None $1,040 15 $15,600.
Modification (Service Bulletin A330-32-3164 or A340-32-4204) 15 80 $10,244 to $11,337 $11,444 to $12,537 12 $137,328 to $150,444.
Rotating sleeve grease system modification (Service Bulletin A330-32-3192 or A340-32-4227) 15 80 Unknown From $1,200 23 From $27,600.
The regulations adopted herein 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 Start Printed Page 67443levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
2006-24-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14832. Docket 2001-NM-381-AD.
Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any category, except those modified in production by both Airbus Modifications 51381 and 53073:
Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes
Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes
Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes
Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes
To prevent incorrect operation or jamming of the nose wheel steering (NWS), which could cause reduced controllability of the airplane on the ground, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes that were not modified in production by Airbus Modification 51381: Do the inspection specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the required service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable. The required compliance time is specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
(1) Inspect for discrepancies of the grease by sending it to a laboratory for analysis, and do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the gear teeth of the radial variable differential transducer (RVDT) driving ring and the gears in the RVDT gearboxes. If there are no discrepancies (such as metallic particles in the grease, abnormal wear of the gear teeth, or missing rubber sealant at the mating face between the main fitting and the RVDT gearbox), repeat the inspection as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. If there is any discrepancy, do the inspection in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD within 3 months after the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
(2) Do a detailed inspection for damage of the chrome on the bearing surface of the nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting barrel under the NWS rotating sleeve. If there is no damage (such as flaking, corrosion, or blistering), repeat the inspection as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. If there is any damage, before further flight, do the corrective action in paragraph (e) of this AD.
Table 1.—Inspection Service Bulletins
Approved revision level (for actions done before the effective date of the AD)
A330-200 and -300 series airplanes A330-32-3134 Revision 04, including Appendix 01, dated April 3, 2006 Original, dated September 11, 2001. Revision 01, dated November 29, 2001. Revision 02, dated August 8, 2003. Revision 03, dated May 11, 2005.
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes A340-32-4172 Revision 04, including Appendix 01, dated April 3, 2006 Original, dated September 11, 2001. Revision 01, dated November 29, 2001. Revision 02, dated August 8, 2003. Revision 03, dated May 11, 2005.
(b) For airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD: Do the initial inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD at the latest of the following times:
(1) Within 60 months after the date that the new NLG was installed on the airplane.
(2) Within 60 months after the last major NLG overhaul accomplished before the effective date of this AD.
(3) Within 700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(c) For airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD: Repeat either inspection specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD at intervals not to exceed the applicable interval specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, until the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD are done.
(1) If the most recent inspection was the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, then the next inspection must be done within 8 months.
(2) If the most recent inspection was the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, then the next inspection must be done within 18 months.
(d) For airplanes modified in production by Airbus Modification 51381: Perform a detailed inspection for damage of the chrome on the bearing surface of the NLG main fitting barrel under the NWS rotating sleeve. Do the inspection at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD in accordance with the applicable required Airbus service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months, until the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD have been done.
(e) For all airplanes: If any damage or discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this AD, do the corrective action before further flight in accordance with the Start Printed Page 67444applicable required Airbus service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, with the following exceptions:
(1) If discrepancies are found during any inspection specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, the inspection in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD is required within 3 months.
(2) Where the service bulletin recommends contacting Messier-Dowty for appropriate action. Repair before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; the Direction Gonorale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent); or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent).
Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3134 and A340-32-4172, both Revision 04, both dated April 3, 2006, refer to Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletins D23285-32-037, Revision 2, dated May 23, 2002; and D23285-32-044, dated January 12, 2004; as additional sources of service information for the inspections.
(f) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with an applicable Approved Revision Level of the service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (a), (d), and (e) of this AD.
(g) For all airplanes: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, modify the NLG as specified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For NLGs overhauled before the effective date of this AD: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD:
(i) Within 60 months since the NLG was overhauled or 180 months since the NLG was new, whichever occurs first.
(2) For NLGs not overhauled before the effective date of this AD: Within 120 months since the NLG was new, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
Table 2.—Modification
Modify the NLG in accordance with—
For Model A330 airplanes without Airbus Modifications 51381 and 53073 done in production Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3164, dated June 27, 2003, or Revision 01, dated March 21, 2006; and A330-32-3192, dated December 8, 2005.
For Model A340 airplanes without Airbus Modifications 51381 and 53073 done in production Airbus Service Bulletins A340-32-4204, dated June 27, 2003, or Revision 01, dated March 21, 2006; and A340-32-4227, dated December 8, 2005.
For Model A330 airplanes with Airbus Modification 51381 but not Airbus Modification 53073 done in production Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3192, dated December 8, 2005.
For Model A340 airplanes with Airbus Modification 51381 but not Airbus Modification 53073 done in production Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4227, dated December 8, 2005.
For Model A330 airplanes with Airbus Modification 53073 but not Airbus Modification 51381 done in production Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3164, dated June 27, 2003, or Revision 01, dated March 21, 2006.
For Model A340 airplanes with Airbus Modification 53073 but not Airbus Modification 51381 done in production Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4204, dated June 27, 2003, or Revision 01, dated March 21, 2006.
(h) Accomplishment of both NLG modifications specified in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3164 and A340-32-4204 refer to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin D23285-32-042, dated June 19, 2003, as an additional source of service information for the modification.
Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3192 and A340-32-4227 refer to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin D23581-32-047, dated December 1, 2005, as an additional source of service information for the modification.
(i) Certain service bulletins specify to submit a report to the manufacturer. This AD does not require a report, unless the grease analysis required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD is done at a lab chosen by the operator, which requires the results to be evaluated by Messier-Dowty.
(j)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives F-2005-209 and F-2005-210, both dated December 21, 2005.
(k) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with the applicable service bulletins identified in Table 3 of this AD. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.
A330-32-3134, including Appendix 01 Revision 04 April 3, 2006.
A330-32-3164 Original June 27, 2003.
A330-32-3164 Revision 01 March 21, 2006.
A330-32-3192 Original December 8, 2005.
A340-32-4172, including Appendix 01 Revision 04 April 3, 2006.
A340-32-4204 Original June 27, 2003.
A340-32-4204 Revision 01 March 21, 2006.
A340-32-4227 Original December 8, 2005.
(l) This amendment becomes effective on December 27, 2006.
[FR Doc. E6-19535 Filed 11-21-06; 8:45 am]