Airworthiness directives: Airbus,
[Federal Register: July 17, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 137)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 46937-46939]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jy02-38]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-40-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300- 600) Series Airplanes; and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposal would require revising the Airplane Flight Manual to advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds. This action is necessary to prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 16, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-40-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-40-AD'' in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical Information: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055- 4056; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
Other Information: Sandi Carli, Airworthiness Directive Technical Editor/Writer; telephone (425) 227-1119, fax (425) 687-4243. Questions or comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: sandi.carli@faa.gov. Questions or comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2002-NM-40-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-40-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Background Information
On October 25, 1999, a Learjet Model 35 airplane operating under part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 135) departed Orlando International Airport en route to Dallas, Texas. Air traffic control lost communication with the airplane near Gainesville, Florida. Air Force and National Guard airplanes intercepted the airplane, but the flightcrews of the chase airplanes indicated that the windows of the Model 35 airplane were apparently frosted over, which prevented the flightcrews of the chase airplanes from observing the interior of the Model 35 airplane. The flightcrews of the chase airplanes reported that they did not observe any damage to the airplane. Subsequently, the Model 35 series airplane ran out of fuel and crashed in South Dakota. To date, causal factors of the accident have not been determined. However, lack of the Learjet flightcrew's response to air traffic control poses the possibility of flightcrew incapacitation and raises concerns with the pressurization and oxygen systems.
Recognizing these concerns, the FAA initiated a special certification review (SCR) to determine if pressurization and oxygen systems on Model 35 airplanes were certificated properly, and to determine if any unsafe design features exist in the pressurization and oxygen systems.
The SCR team found that there have been several accidents and incidents that may have involved incapacitation of the flightcrews during flight. In one case, the airplane flightcrew did not activate the pressurization system or don their oxygen masks, and the airplane flew in excess of 35,000 feet altitude. In another case, the airplane
[[Page 46938]]
flightcrews did not don their oxygen masks when the cabin aural warning was activated. Further review by the SCR team indicates that the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) of Learjet Model 35 and 36 airplanes does not have an emergency procedure that requires donning the flightcrew oxygen masks when the cabin altitude aural warning is activated. Additional review has found that the AFMs of Model 35A and 36A airplanes also do not contain appropriate flightcrew actions when the cabin altitude aural warning is activated. However, the AFMs do contain an abnormal procedure that allows the flightcrew to troubleshoot the pressurization system prior to donning the oxygen masks after the cabin altitude warning sounds. Troubleshooting may delay donning of the oxygen masks to the point that flightcrews may become incapable of donning their oxygen masks.
The SCR findings indicated that the most likely cause for incapacitation was hypoxia (lack of oxygen). The only other plausible cause of incapacitation is exposure to toxic substances. However, no evidence was found to support the existence of toxic substances.
Delayed response of the flightcrew in donning oxygen masks as a first and immediate action upon the activation of the cabin altitude warning horn could lead to incapacitation of the flightcrew and loss of control of the airplane.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports that a review of the emergency procedures in the AFMs for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300- 600) series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes revealed that those AFMs also did not contain the requirement for the flightcrew to immediately don emergency oxygen masks. In light of this, the FAA considers issuance of this AD is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition.
Other Related Rulemaking
The FAA has previously issued AD 2000-23-10, amendment 39-11980 (65 FR 70294, November 22, 2000), which applies to all Lockheed Model 188A and 188C series airplanes. That AD requires a revision of the AFM to add procedures for donning the flightcrew oxygen masks when the cabin altitude warning horn is activated. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew as a result of lack of oxygen and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
In addition, we have previously issued AD 2001-22-10, amendment 39- 12489 (66 FR 54425, October 29, 2001), which applies to all Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-Falcon 900, and Falcon 900EX series airplanes. That AD requires revising the Emergency Procedures and Abnormal Procedures sections of the AFM to advise the flightcrew to immediately don oxygen masks in the event of significant pressurization or oxygen level changes. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of oxygen, which could result in their inability to continue to control the airplane.
We are continuing to review emergency procedures in the AFMs for other airplane models to ensure that the AFMs contain appropriate instructions for donning the flightcrew oxygen masks. We may consider further rulemaking based on the results of these reviews.
FAA's Determination
The FAA finds that it is necessary to require revisions to the Emergency Procedures section (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes) and the Procedures Following Failure section (for Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes) of the FAA-approved AFM, as applicable.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus issued a facsimile, dated January 30, 2002, which revises the Emergency Procedures and the Procedures Following Failure sections of the FAA-approved AFMs for the respective airplane models referenced above. These AFM revisions specify that flightcrews must don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds. Airbus will incorporate the revisions in the next general revision to the AFM for Model A300 B2 and B4, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would require revising two sections of the FAA-approved AFM, as described previously in the Explanation of Relevant Service Information section of this proposed AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 168 Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300-600; and Model A310 series airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,080, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 discussed in 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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
[[Page 46939]]
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus: Docket 2002-NM-40-AD.
Applicability: All Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Revision to the Airplane Flight Manual
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, to advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds.
(1) For Model A300 series airplanes, revise the Emergency Procedures section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CABIN DEPRESSURIZATION
CREW OXYGEN MASKS....................... ON
CREW COMMUNICATIONS..................... established
PASSENGER OXYGEN........................ as required
EMERGENCY DESCENT....................... as required (see 3.02.00 page 8)''
(2) For Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes: Revise the Procedures Following Failure section of the FAA-approved AFM. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``PROCEDURES FOLLOWING FAILURE CABIN PRESS
EXCESS CAB ALT OXY MASKS........................... ON DESCENT............................. AS RQRD IF RAPID DECOMPRESSION EMERG DESCENT APPLY'' PROC.
Removal of AD From AFM
(b) When the information included in the AFM procedures specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD has been incorporated into the FAA-approved general revision of the AFM, and the information contained in the general revision is identical to that specified in this AD, this AD may be removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 11, 2002. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-18027Filed7-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
