Airworthiness directives: Airbus,
[Federal Register: July 25, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 142)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42026-42028]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25jy06-6]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD; Amendment 39-14689; AD 2006-15-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A310 Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes, and for certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 29, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes, and for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2006 (71 FR 28611). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 29 Model A300 airplanes, 63 Model A310 airplanes, and
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102 Model A300-600 series airplanes of the affected design in the U.S. fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. For some actions, the estimated work hours and cost of parts in the following table depend on the airplane configuration.
Number of U.S.- Model
Action
Work hours
Parts
Cost per registered Fleet cost airplane
airplanes
A300 airplanes...................... Inspect wing and center
40 None
$3,200
29
$92,800 fuel tanks for P-clips. Install bonding leads/
136-155 $3,800-5,200
14,680-17,600
29
425,720- points in wing and
510,400 center fuel tank. A310 airplanes...................... Inspect wing and center
40 None
3,200
63
201,600 fuel tanks for P-clips. Install bonding leads/
248-285 $8,840-9,190
28,680-31,990
63 1,806,840- points in wing and
2,015,370 center fuel tank. Inspect and install
53-61 $50-70
4,290-4,950
63
270,270- bonding leads/points
311,850 in the trim fuel tank. A300-600 series airplanes........... Inspect wing and center
40 None
3,200
102
326,400 fuel tanks for P-clips. Install bonding leads/
157-185 $8,840-9,190
21,400-23,990
102 2,182,800- points in wing and
2,446,980 center fuel tank. Inspect and install
2-61 50-70
210-4,950
102
21,420- bonding leads/points
504,900 in the trim fuel tank.
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 have 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 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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-15-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14689. Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) All Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4- 622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; except those airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Airplanes not equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226, 12365, and 12308 have been incorporated in production.
(ii) Airplanes equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226, 12365, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within
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the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.
Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
And the actions Use Airbus Service For Airbus--
specified in--
Bulletin--
Dated--
Model A300 airplanes.............. Paragraph (g) of this A300-28-0081........ July 20, 2005. AD. Paragraph (h) of this A300-28-0079........ September 29, 2005. AD. Model A310 airplanes.............. Paragraph (g) of this A310-28-2143........ July 20, 2005. AD. Paragraph (h) of this A310-28-2142........ August 26, 2005. AD. Paragraph (i) of this A310-28-2153........ July 20, 2005. AD. Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, Paragraph (g) of this A300-28-6068........ July 20, 2005. and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 AD.
A300-28-6064........ July 28, 2005. B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Paragraph (h) of this A300-28-6077........ July 25, 2005. Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R AD. airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Paragraph (i) of this Variant F airplanes.
AD.
Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the right and left wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, if applicable, to determine if any NSA5516-XXND and NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips are installed for retaining wiring and pipes in any tank, and do all applicable corrective actions before further flight after the inspection, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for Wing and Center Fuel Tanks
(h) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin.
(1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do a general visual inspection of the electrical bonding points of the equipment identified in the service bulletin for the presence of a blue coat, and do all related investigative and corrective actions before further flight after the inspection.
(2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, if applicable, install bonding leads and electrical bonding points on the equipment identified in the service bulletin.
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for the Trim Fuel Tank
(i) For Model A310 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; equipped with a trim fuel tank: Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new bonding lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and install electrical bonding points on the equipment identified in the service bulletin in the trim fuel tank, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin, as applicable.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any NSA5516-XXND or NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clip for retaining wiring and pipes in any wing, center, or trim fuel tank, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec. 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2006-031, dated February 1, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use the Airbus service bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the 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
Airbus Service Bulletin--
Dated--
A300-28-0079........................ September 29, 2005. A300-28-0081........................ July 20, 2005. A300-28-6064........................ July 28, 2005. A300-28-6068........................ July 20, 2005. A300-28-6077........................ July 25, 2005. A310-28-2142........................ August 26, 2005. A310-28-2143........................ July 20, 2005. A310-28-2153........................ July 20, 2005.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 14, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11713 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
