AD 2010-12-08

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:

During a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator to find three cracks on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by the loss of the attachment fitting.
As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, they are also affected.

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

Final rule.

2010-12-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-16329. Docket No. FAA-2010-0171; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-185-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 13, 2010.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K- 3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, and F4-622R airplanes; Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, - 322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.

Reason

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

During a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator tofind three cracks on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by the loss of the attachment fitting.
As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, they are also affected.
For the reasons stated above, this AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web face attachment fitting of rack 107VU and corrective action, depending on findings.

The corrective actions include contacting Airbus for repair instructions, and doing the repair if any crack is found.

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.

Actions

(g) Do the following actions.
(1) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracks of the crossbeam on the nose landing gear FR15A Web attachment fitting of rack 107VU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in the applicable service bulletin specified in Table 1 of this AD.
(i) Before the accumulation of 6,600 total flight cycles.
(ii) Within 2,300 flight cycles or 30 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 2,300 flight cycles, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Table 1--Service Bulletins

Model
Service bulletin
Date
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300 53 0388, including Appendix 01
March 17, 2009.
Airbus Model 300 600 series airplanes
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300 53 6164, including Appendix01
March 17, 2009.
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310 53 2131, including Appendix 01
March 17, 2009.

(3) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and do the repair.
(4) Submit an inspection report of the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 33 33; fax +33 5 61 93 28 06; e-mail sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of this AD. The report must include the information specified on the inspection report sheet provided in Appendix 01 of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(h) 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. Send information to Attn: 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 (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

(i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0165, dated July 31, 2009, and the service information specified in Table 1 of this AD, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(j) You must use the applicable service information contained in Table 2 of this AD 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--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 account.airworth-eas@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.
(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.

Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference

Document
Date
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300 53 0388, including Appendix 01
March 17, 2009.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300 53 6164, including Appendix 01
March 17, 2009.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310 53 2131, including Appendix 01
March 17, 2009.

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 February 25, 2010 (75 FR 8549). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

During a maintenance check performed by an A310 operator, the recommended modification of the lower attachment beam of rack 101VU by accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-53-2076 was embodied on the aeroplane, leading the operator to find three cracks on the FR15A crossbeam above the NLG [nose landing gear] box at the splicing with rack 107VU fitting.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the structural integrity of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web attachment fitting of rack 107VU. Rack 107VU contains major airworthiness system components whose functioning could be adversely affected by theloss of the attachment fitting.
As the A300 and A300-600 aeroplanes share this design feature, they are also affected.
For the reasons stated above, this AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the crossbeam on NLG FR15A Web face attachment fitting of rack 107VU and corrective action, depending on findings.

The corrective actions include contacting Airbus for repair instructions, and doing the repair if any crack is found. 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 considered the comment received. The commenter, FedEx Express, supports the NPRM.

Explanation of Change Made to This AD

We have revised the subject header of this AD to identify the affected airplane models as published in the most recent type certificate data sheet.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and determined that airsafety 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 206 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 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, weestimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $35,020, or $170 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 officebetween 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.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

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