[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61555-61558]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25308]

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

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<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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

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<PHONE_NUMBER>) 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).

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<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.
Information may be e-mailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
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<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
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<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (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<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    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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