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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 28 (Friday, February 10, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7007-7010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3105]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0111; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-089-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
certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Model A330-300 series
airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes; Model A340-300 series
airplanes; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model A340-642 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin
caused by material heating due to friction between the bogie pivot pin
and bush. This proposed AD would require performing a detailed
inspection for degradation of the bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes
of the main and central landing gear for any cracks and damage, and
repairing or replacing bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes, if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to correct and detect cracks and
damage to the main and central landing gear, which could result in the
collapse of the landing gear and adversely affect the airplane's
continued safe flight and landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 26, 2012.
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
[[Page 7008]]
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--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 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 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-2012-0111;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-089-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 2011-0040, dated March 8, 2011 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During removals of A330/340 Main Landing Gear Bogie Beams and
A340-500/600 Centre Landing Gear Bogie Beams, cracks in the Bogie
Pivot Pin (BPP) have been found.
Investigations indicated that the main root cause is material
heating due to friction between bogie pivot pin and bush.
Consequences of that heating are chrome detachment and stress
corrosion cracking (SCC).
This situation, if not corrected, could result in the collapse
of the main or central landing gear.
As a precautionary measure, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time
[detailed] inspection of the main landing gear (all types of A330
and A340) and central landing gear (A340-500/600 only) to detect
degradation * * * of the BPP [and cracks and damages of the bushes],
as applicable to aeroplane model, and the reporting of inspections
results.
Required actions also include, for certain airplanes, a magnetic
particle inspection of the bogie pivot pin for corrosion and base metal
cracks. The corrective actions include replacing any cracked or damaged
pivot pin bush with a new or serviceable pivot pin bush, and replacing
any corroded or cracked bogie pin with a new bogie pin. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series airplanes
and Model A330-300 series airplanes);
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-200 series airplanes
and Model A340-300 series airplanes); and
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and
A340-642 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.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 29 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 22 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 the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $54,230, or $1,870 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $21,222, for a cost
of $21,732 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 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:
[[Page 7009]]
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2012-0111; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
089-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by March 26, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -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; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model A340-
642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 54500 has been
embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin
caused by material heating due to friction between the bogie pivot
pin and bush. We are issuing this AD to correct and detect cracks
and damage to the main and central landing gear, which could result
in the collapse of the landing gear and adversely affect the
airplane's continued safe flight and landing.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection
Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD or within
26 months after the first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs
later; but no earlier than 12 months after the first flight of the
airplane: Do a detailed inspection for degradation of the bogie
pivot pins and pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing
gear, for any cracks and damage (i.e., loss of chromium plate, loose
chromium, sharp edges), in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and
A340-642 airplanes).
(h) Corrective Action
If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
any pivot pin bush is found cracked or damaged: Before further
flight, record all findings (both positive and negative), as
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, and repair or replace the
pivot pin bush with a new or serviceable pivot pin bush, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin specified paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of
this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and
A340-642 airplanes).
(i) Record Findings and Inspection
If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
degraded chrome plating on any bogie pivot pin is found: Before
further flight, record findings (both positive and negative), as
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, and do a non-destructive test
(magnetic particle inspection) of the affected bogie pivot pin for
corrosion and base metal cracks, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
specified paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes).
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and
A340-642 airplanes).
(j) Repair or Replacement
If, during the non-destructive test (magnetic particle
inspection) specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, the bogie pivot
pin is found corroded or the base metal is cracked: Before further
flight, repair or replace the bogie pin with a new or serviceable
bogie pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or
(j)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A330-200 series
airplanes and Model A330-300 series airplanes.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Airbus Model A340-200 series
airplanes and Model A340-300 series airplanes).
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010 (for Model A340-541 airplanes and
A340-642 airplanes).
(k) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of
the inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD to
Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, ATTN: SDC32 Technical Data and
Documentation Services; fax (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email
sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD. The report must include the
inspection results and description of any discrepancies found.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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
[[Page 7010]]
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, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149.
Information may be emailed 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.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(m) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0040, dated March 8, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(3) of this
AD, for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3240, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4281, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5096, including
Appendix 1, dated December 8, 2010.
Issued in Renton, Washington on February 3, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-3105 Filed 2-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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