Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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:

[European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)] AD 2006-0191 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2006-21-08] required the installation of new heat shield panels with drainage over the air conditioning packs in order to avoid an undetected fire in this zone following a fuel leak from the centre tank.

These new heat shield panels have holes. In case of fuel leaking through these holes from the centre tank, any fuel vapour may develop into a potential source of ignition, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.***

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective March 30, 2010.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 30, 2010.

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:

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:

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 December 1, 2009 (74 FR 62713). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

* * * EASA AD 2006-0191 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2006-21-08] required the installation of new heat shield panels with drainage over the air conditioning packs in order to avoid an undetected fire in this zone following a fuel leak from the centre tank.

These new heat shield panels have holes. In case of fuel leaking through these holes from the centre tank, any fuel vapour may develop into a potential source of ignition, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. Airbus has developed a repair solution for these holes to prevent a fuel vapour ignition source in this area and improve the protection of the hot air equipment.

[T]his AD requires the installation of plugs on the heat shield panels of the Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) Air Conditioning packs.

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 or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance

Since issuance of the NPRM, we have increased the labor rate used in the Costs of Compliance from $80 per work-hour to $85 per work-hour. The Costs of Compliance information, below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

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

Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will affect about 12 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this 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 $3,060, or $255 per product.

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, 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.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-04-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-16202. Docket No. FAA-2009-1107; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-138-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 30, 2010.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category; on which Airbus Modification 49520 has been embodied in production, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3096, Revision 01, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4107, Revision 01, has been embodied in service; except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 58551 has been embodied in production.

(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -

(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; and Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; all manufacturer serial numbers.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air conditioning.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

* * * EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] AD 2006-0191 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2006-21-08] required the installation of new heat shield panels with drainage over the air conditioning packs in order to avoid an undetected fire in this zone following a fuel leak from the centre tank.

These new heat shield panels have holes. In case of fuel leaking through these holes from the centre tank, any fuel vapour may develop into a potential source of ignition, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. Airbus has developed a repair solution for these holes to prevent a fuel vapour ignition source in this area and improve the protection of the hot air equipment.

[T]his AD requires the installation of plugs on the heat shield panels of the Left Hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) Air Conditioning packs.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Plug the six receptacle holes on the heat shield of the left-hand air conditioning pack and plug the four receptacle holes on the heat shield of the right-hand air conditioning pack, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3148, dated January 30, 2009 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4147, dated January 30, 2009 (for Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; and Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes); as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

Note 1:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) 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. Send information 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards 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: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2009-0150, dated July 9, 2009; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3148, dated January 30, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4147, dated January 30, 2009; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-21-3148, including Appendix 1, dated January 30, 2009; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-21-4147, including Appendix 1, dated January 30, 2009; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) 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, e-mail airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com .

(3) 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 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.

(4) 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 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.