Proposed Rule2023-00262
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 13, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-07-03, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. AD 2013-07-03 requires repetitive inspections for degradation of the bogie pivot pins and for any cracks and damage of the pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing gear; an inspection of the affected bogie pivot pins for corrosion and base metal cracks; and repairing or replacing bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes, if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-07-03, a modification was developed that addresses the unsafe condition and it was determined that a parts installation prohibition is necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2013-07-03, add an optional modification that would terminate the repetitive inspections, and add a parts installation prohibition, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 9 (Friday, January 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 9 (Friday, January 13, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2283-2286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-00262]
[[Page 2283]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0011; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00211-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2013-07-03, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200
Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; and Model
A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. AD 2013-07-03 requires repetitive
inspections for degradation of the bogie pivot pins and for any cracks
and damage of the pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing
gear; an inspection of the affected bogie pivot pins for corrosion and
base metal cracks; and repairing or replacing bogie pivot pins and
pivot pin bushes, if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-07-03, a
modification was developed that addresses the unsafe condition and it
was determined that a parts installation prohibition is necessary. This
proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2013-07-03,
add an optional modification that would terminate the repetitive
inspections, and add a parts installation prohibition, as specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed
for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by February
27, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0011; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For the EASA AD identified in this NPRM, you may contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c5d586f5c797d6f7d3279696e736c7d327969"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7f6f3c4f7d2d6c4d699d2c2c5d8c7d699d2c2">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0011.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a1c060b0e03070318441f06130b04051c2a0c0b0b440d051c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cfb9a3aeaba6a2a6bde1baa3b6aea1a0b98fa9aeaee1a8a0b9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0011; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00211-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c3a202d282521253e623920352d22233a0c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4a2b8b5b0bdb9bda6faa1b8adb5babba294b2b5b5fab3bba2">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2013-07-03, Amendment 39-17407 (78 FR 21227,
April 10, 2013) (AD 2013-07-03), for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200,
A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes;
and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. AD 2013-07-03 was prompted
by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2012-0053, dated
March 30, 2012, to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2013-07-03 requires repetitive detailed inspections for
degradation of the bogie pivot pins and for any cracks and damage of
the pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing gear; a magnetic
particle inspection of the affected bogie pivot pins for corrosion and
base metal cracks; and repairing or replacing bogie pivot pins and
pivot pin bushes, if necessary. The FAA issued AD 2013-07-03 to detect
and correct 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.
Actions Since AD 2013-07-03 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2013-07-03, EASA superseded EASA AD 2012-
[[Page 2284]]
0053, dated March 30, 2012, and issued EASA AD 2022-0025R2, dated
August 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0025R2) (also referred to as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330-201, A330-
202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F, A330-243, A330-243F, A330-301,
A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342
and A330-343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-
311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, A340-542, A340-642 and A340-643
airplanes. Model A340-542 and A340-643 airplanes are not certificated
by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data
sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in
the applicability.
The MCAI states that since EASA issued AD 2012-0053, dated March
30, 2012, Airbus developed mod 207165 and mod 207649, introducing a new
bogie pivot pin for certain main landing gear. The MCAI includes the
modification as an optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. The MCAI also determined that a parts installation
prohibition is necessary. The MCAI also states that main and central
landing gear overhauls contains actions that are equivalent to those
required by EASA AD 2012-0053, dated March 30, 2012, and therefore,
credit is provided for those actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks and damage to the main
and central landing gear. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in the collapse of the landing gear and consequent damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants. You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0011.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2013-07-03, this proposed AD would retain certain
requirements of AD 2013-07-03. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2022-0025R2, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0025R2 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections for degradation of the bogie pivot pins and for any cracks
and damage of the pivot pin bushes of the main and central landing
gear; an non-destructive test (NDT) inspection (i.e., magnetic particle
inspection) of the affected bogie pivot pins for corrosion and base
metal cracks; and corrective actions if necessary (i.e., repairing or
replacing bogie pivot pins and pivot pin bushes). EASA AD 2022-0025R2
also provides an optional modification, which terminates the repetitive
inspections. EASA AD 2022-0025R2 also includes a parts installation
prohibition for the affected parts.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0025R2 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022-0025R2 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0025R2 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2022-0025R2 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2022-
0025R2. Service information required by EASA AD 2022-0025R2 for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2023-0011 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 115 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 22 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,870 $215,050
2013[dash]07[dash]03. hour = $1,870.
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Estimated Costs for New Optional Action
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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24 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $30,150.. Up to $32,190.
= $2,040.
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[[Page 2285]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 8 work-hours x $85 per Up to $2,122... Up to $2,802.
hour = $680.
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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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2013-07-03, Amendment 39-
17407 (78 FR 21227, April 10, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2023-0011; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-
00211-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 27, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2013-07-03, Amendment 39-17407 (78 FR 21227,
April 10, 2013) (AD 2013-07-03).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD; certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243 and -243F
airplanes.
(2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
(3) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(4) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(5) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin
of the main and central landing gear bogie beams. Investigation
indicated these finding were the result of material heating due to
friction between the bogie pivot pin and bush, leading to chrome
detachment and chrome dragging on the bogie pivot pin. Since
issuance of AD 2013-07-03, an optional terminating modification was
developed and it was also determined that a parts installation
prohibition is necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracks and damage to the main and central landing gear. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in the collapse of the
landing gear and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0025R2, dated August 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0025R2).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0025R2
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0025R2 refers to March 1, 2022 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0025, dated February 15, 2022), this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0025R2 refers to April 13, 2012 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2012-0053, dated March 30, 2012), this AD
requires using May 15, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-03).
(3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0025R2 specifies
corrective actions for the non-destructive test (NDT) inspection,
replace the text ``the base metal of the affected part is found
corroded'' with ``the bogie pivot pin is found corroded or the base
metal is found cracked.''
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0025R2.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0025R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d54402c3b3e402c243f405a5e5d402c20222e2d0b0c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5ecf8948386f8949c87f8e2e6e5f894989a9695b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-07-03 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0025R2 that
are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions
[[Page 2286]]
from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a
method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch,
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3229; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99eff5f8fdf0f4f0ebb7ecf5e0f8f7f6efd9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee98828f8a8783879cc09b82978f808198ae888f8fc0898198">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0025R2,
dated August 9, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0025R2, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7f3e3b0c3f1a1e0c1e511a0a0d100f1e511a0a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this 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, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef899dc186819c9f8a8c9b868081af818e9d8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6c78246364797a6f697e6365644a646b786b246d657c">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on January 5, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-00262 Filed 1-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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