[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 141 (Friday, July 22, 2016)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Pages 47696-47699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17014]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-3993; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-065-AD; Amendment 39-18592;
AD 2016-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series
airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R
Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of partial loss of no-back brake (NBB) efficiency on the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA). This AD requires an inspection to determine THSA
part numbers, serial numbers, and flight cycles on certain THSAs; and repetitive replacement of
certain THSAs. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of THSA NBB efficiency, which, in
conjunction with the inability of the power gear to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position,
could lead to an uncommanded movement of the horizontal stabilizer, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD as of August 26, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness OfficeEAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3993.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3993; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD,
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; fax: 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD
that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R
series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600
series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
March 7, 2016 (81 FR 11690) (''the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of partial loss of
NBB efficiency on the THSA. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine THSA part
numbers, serial numbers, and flight cycles on certain THSAs; and repetitive replacement for certain
THSAs. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of THSA NBB efficiency, which, in conjunction with
the inability of the power gear to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could lead to an
uncommanded movement of the horizontal stabilizer, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2015-0081, dated May 7, 2015 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ''the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition on all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R series
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series
airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During endurance qualification tests on a Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator
(THSA) concerning another aeroplane type, a partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB)
efficiency was experienced. Investigation results concluded that this partial loss of
braking efficiency in some specific aerodynamic load conditions was due to polishing
and auto-contamination of the NBB carbon friction disks.
Due to design similarity on the A300-600, A300-600ST and A310 fleet, the same tests
were initiated by the THSA manufacturer on certain type THSA, sampled from the
field. Subject tests confirmed that THSA Part Number (P/N) 47142 series, as installed
on the A300-600, A300-600ST and A310 fleet, are also affected by this partial loss of
NBB efficiency.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in conjunction with the power gear
not able to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could potentially lead
to an uncommanded movement of the Horizontal Stabilizer, possibly resulting in loss
of control of the aeroplane.
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For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the removal from service
of each affected THSA, with the intent of in-shop NBB carbon disk replacement.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3993.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Airline Pilots Association International stated that it fully supports the intent of the NPRM.
Requests To Revise Compliance Date
Airbus, FedEx Express, and United Parcel Service requested that we revise the compliance date
in paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD from February 1, 2018, to February 1, 2019. The commenters
stated that this revision would match the MCAI.
We agree with the commenters' request. This was a typographical error. Our intent was to match
the MCAI. We have revised paragraph (j)(3) of this AD accordingly.
Request To Allow Maintenance Records Review
FedEx Express requested that we allow a review of the operator's maintenance records to
determine the part number and serial number of the THSA specified in paragraph (h)(1) of the
proposed AD. FedEx Express stated that this review would accomplish the same intent as a physical
inspection of the THSA.
We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised paragraph (h)(1) of this AD to allow
doing a review of airplane maintenance records in lieu of the THSA inspection if the part number and
serial number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously and minor
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070, dated February 17, 2015; and Airbus
Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015. This service information describes
procedures for inspection and replacement of the THSA.
This service information 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.
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Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 152 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 27 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost
about $590,000 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $90,028,840, or $592,295 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 that 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);
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.
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 39AIRWORTHINESS 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. The FAA amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
FAA
Aviation Safety

www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html

2016-15-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-18592. Docket No. FAA-2016-3993; Directorate Identifier

2015-NM-065-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 26, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD,
certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(5) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(6) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of partial loss of no-back brake (NBB) efficiency on the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of THSA
NBB efficiency, which, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear to keep the ball screw in
its last commanded position, could lead to an uncommanded movement of the horizontal stabilizer,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Affected THSAs
THSAs affected by the requirements of this AD have part numbers (P/Ns) 47142-403, 47142413, 47142-414, and 47142-423.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: FAA AD 2011-15-08, Amendment 39-16755 (76 FR 42029,
July 18, 2011), requires installation of three secondary retention plates for the gimbal bearings on the
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THSA upper primary attachment, which involved a THSA part number change from the -300 series
to the -400 series.
Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The life limits specified in Part 4 of the airworthiness
limitations section are still relevant for the affected THSA. This AD addresses a replacement limit for
the NBB disks installed on the THSA, not the life limit for the THSA itself.
(h) Inspection for Affected THSAs, Flight Cycles, and THSA Replacement
Before each date and before exceeding the corresponding THSA flight-cycle limits specified in
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2)
of this AD; and before exceeding the flight-cycle limit corresponding to each date as specified in
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(1) Do an inspection of the THSA to determine the part number and serial number. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial
number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review.
(2) Do an inspection of the airplane maintenance records to determine the flight cycles
accumulated on each affected THSA since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB
replacement, whichever is later. If no maintenance records conclusively identifying the last NBB disk
replacement are available, the flight cycles accumulated since first installation of the THSA on an
airplane apply.
(i) THSA Replacement
By each date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, for those affected
THSAs having reached or exceeded the corresponding number of flight cycles specified in
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070, dated
February 17, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015, as applicable.
(j) Compliance Dates and THSA Flight-Cycle Limits
Paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD specify compliance dates and THSA flight-cycle
limits for accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
(1) As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD: The affected THSA flight-cycle limit is
30,000 flight cycles since first installation of the THSA on an airplane, or since last NBB
replacement, whichever is later.
(2) As of February 1, 2017: The affected THSA flight-cycle limit is 20,000 flight cycles since
first installation of the THSA on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.
(3) As of February 1, 2019: The affected THSA flight-cycle limit is 14,600 flight cycles since
first installation of the THSA on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.
(k) Serviceable THSA Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable THSA is a unit identified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2)
of this AD.
(1) A THSA identified in paragraph (g) of this AD that, as of each date specified in paragraphs
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, has not exceeded the flight-cycle limits specified in paragraphs
(j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD since first installation of the THSA on an airplane, or since the last
NBB disk replacement, whichever is later.
(2) A THSA with a different part number (e.g., a THSA that is not identified in paragraph (g) of
this AD) that is not affected by the requirements of this AD.
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(l) THSA Replacements

As of each date and before exceeding the flight-cycle limit corresponding to each date specified
in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD: Replace each affected THSA with a serviceable
unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070,
dated February 17, 2015; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015.
(m) Parts Installation Limitation
Before each date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, an operator may
install an affected THSA on an airplane, provided that the unit has not exceeded the corresponding
number of flight cycles specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, since first
installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever is later.
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 to the International Branch, send it to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; fax: 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed
to: [email protected]. 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): 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.
(o) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2015-0081, dated
May 7, 2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3993.
(p) 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.
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(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD,
unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6070, dated February 17, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2106, dated February 17, 2015.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office
EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 11, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.