AD 2002-26-11

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, that currently requires an inspection of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV) of the main landing gear to identify the part and serial numbers, and follow-on actions if necessary. That AD also provides for optional terminating action for the requirements of that AD. This amendment requires accomplishment of the previously optional terminating action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent leakage of the PBOV and consequent failure of the "blue" hydraulic system and alternate parking brake and emergency braking systems, which could affect elements of the hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, certain spoilers, elevator, rudder, and aileron. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Final rule.

2002-26-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-12999. Docket 2002NM-67-AD. Supersedes AD 2002-08-12, Amendment 39-12720.

Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 or A340-32A4176, both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001; certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should includespecific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent leakage of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV) and consequent failure of the "blue" hydraulic system and alternate parking brake and emergency braking systems, which could affect elements of the hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, certain spoilers, elevator, rudder, and aileron, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-08-12, Amendment 39-12720

Inspections/Follow-On Actions

(a) Within 7 days after May 8, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-08-12): Do a one-time detailed inspection to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of the PBOV of the main landing gear, according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32A4176 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001; as applicable.

(1) If no P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipmentaccording to the applicable service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If any P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment according to the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, perform the follow-on actions (which may include a visual inspection for hydraulic fluid leakage at the PBOV, repair or replacement of the PBOV with a new or serviceable part if leakage is found, and an operational test) according to the applicable service bulletin. If the affected PBOV is not replaced, or if the PBOV is replaced with a part having the same P/N or S/N, repeat the inspection thereafter at the time specified by and according to the service bulletin, as applicable, until the part is replaced.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required."

New Requirements of This AD

PBOV Modification/Replacement

(b) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify affected PBOVs, or replace them with new PBOVs, according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32A4176 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001, as applicable. This modification terminates the requirements of this AD.

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletins

(c) Accomplishment of the actions before the effective date of this AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 or A340- 32A4176, dated September 14, 2001, as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.Alternative Methods of Compliance

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall bedone in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated November 23, 2001; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32A4176, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated November 23, 2001; as applicable. (Although the service bulletins reference a reporting requirement in Appendix 01 of the service bulletin, such reporting is not required by this AD). This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 8, 2002 (67 FR 19650, April 23, 2002). Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2001-516(B) R1 and 2001-517(B) R1, both dated February 6, 2002.Effective Date

(g) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2003.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2002-08-12, amendment 39-12720 (67 FR 19650, April 23, 2002), which is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on August 16, 2002 (67 FR 53523). The action proposed to continue to require an inspection of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV) of the main landing gear to identify the part and serial numbers, and follow-on actions if necessary. That action also proposed to require accomplishment of the previously optional terminating action.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 9 airplanes of U.S. registry that are affected by this AD.

The inspection that is currently required by AD 2002-08-12, and retained in this AD, takes approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions is estimated to be $120 per airplane.

The new modification/replacement required by this AD will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,160, or $240 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussedin AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12720 (67 FR 19650, April 23, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),amendment 39-12999, to read as follows: