The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 14, 2008.

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: 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 June 24, 2008 (73 FR 35595). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

During manufacturing of A330/A340 aircraft framework, cracks have been found on Frame (FR) 12, left (LH) and right (RH) sides. It has been confirmed that a defect of the FR12 forming tool press is the root cause of the cracks.

If undetected such damage could affect, after propagation, the structural integrity of the aircraft.

In order to permit an early detection and repair of cracks on FR12, LH and RH sides, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a one time High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) inspection of FR12.

Corrective actions include, for certain findings, contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing the repair; repairing cracking (i.e., installing a new splice); and applying new protective coatings and corrosion inhibitors. 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.

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

We estimate that this AD will affect about 20 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 $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $4,800, or $240 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.

SEC 39.13 [Amended]

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

2008-18-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-15660. Docket No. FAA-2008-0672; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-032-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 14, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; all certified models, all manufacturing serial numbers (MSN) from MSN 0489 through 0722 inclusive, and MSN 0725, 0726, 0728, 0730, 0732, and 0734.

Subject

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

Reason

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

During manufacturing of A330/A340 aircraft framework, cracks have been found on Frame (FR) 12, left (LH) and right (RH) sides. It has been confirmed that a defect of the FR12 forming tool press is the root cause of the cracks.

If undetected such damage could affect, after propagation, the structural integrity of the aircraft.

In order to permit an early detection and repair of cracks on FR12, LH and RH sides, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a one time High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) inspection of FR12.

Corrective actions include, for certain findings, contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing the repair; repairing cracking (i.e., installing a new splice); and applying new protective coatings and corrosion inhibitors.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.

(1) Prior to the accumulation of 19,500 total flight cycles or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a HFEC inspection at the LH and RH sides of frame 12, in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3174 or A340-53-4177, both dated October 10, 2007, as applicable. If no cracking is found, no further action is required by this AD. Except as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, if any cracking is found, before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3174 or A340-53-4177, as applicable.

(2) If any cracking is found that exceeds the limits specified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3174 or A340-53-4177, both dated October 10, 2007, as applicable; or if any cracking is found during any HFEC inspection of the cut-out area; before further flight, contact Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair.

FAA AD Differences

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

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 appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

--This is a summary of a Federal Register article originally published on the page number listed below--

Final rule.

CFR Part: "14 CFR Part 39"

RIN Number: "RIN 2120-AA64"

Citation: "73 FR 51906"

Document Number: "Docket No. FAA-2008-0672; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-032-AD; Amendment 39-15660; AD 2008-18-03"

Federal Register Page Number: "51906"

"Rules and Regulations"

Sheikh Ahmed said, "Dubai's aims to attract 15 million visitors a year by 2012 and Emirates is forging ahead with expansion plans. The A350 XWB and A330 will enable Emirates to expand using modern fuel efficient aircraft and alongside the A380 will be key tools in achieving our goals." "Emirates Airline continues to impress with its pace of growth. We are honoured in the faith Emirates places in Airbus and we are delighted that the vision and innovation that are hallmarks of the A330, the A350 and all Airbus aircraft products, will further support the growth and success of Emirates. These orders and the delivery of its first A380, make this a truly remarkable day in the history of both companies," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium - to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost, which is reinforced today by high fuel prices. The A330-300 is the current most economical means of flying around 300 passengers on medium range routes in true long-haul comfort.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus' response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers in a typical three-class layout. The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines delivering each up to 92,000 lbs of thrust, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns. Not taking the Emirates LoI into account, firm orders for the aircraft stand at more than 470 from 28 customers.

Airbus is an EADS company.(C) 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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    Greg Brostowicz                            Jennifer Whitlow
    Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners    Pratt & Whitney
    860.565.1655                               860.214.7502
    gregory.brostowicz@pw.utc.com              jennifer.whitlow@pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney

http://www.pratt-whitney.com