Airworthiness directives: Airbus,

[Federal Register: October 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 207)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 57796-57798]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr27oc99-15]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-202-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300, A310, and A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped with Dowty Ram Air Turbines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and checks of the adjustment of the locking rod. This action would require modification of the RAT, which would terminate the repetitive tests and checks. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to ensure the availability of the RAT in case of need.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-202-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

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 notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

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 notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 99-NM-202-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. 99-NM-202-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

On February 7, 1994, the FAA issued AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823 (59 FR 7208, February 15, 1994), applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, to require repetitive deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and checks of the adjustment of the locking rod. That action was prompted by reports of failure of the RAT to rotate when necessary, due to maladjustment of the locking rod. The requirements of that AD are intended to ensure the availability of the RAT in case of need.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Since the issuance of AD 94-04-05, Airbus Industrie has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 02 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2078, Revision 02 (for Model A310 series airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 02 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 26, 1999. These service bulletins describe procedures for modification of the RAT by installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal assembly, replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring, and re-identifying the RAT with a new part number. Such modification would eliminate the need for the repetitive tests and checks specified in Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-09, dated November 16, 1993. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 98-448-262(B), dated November 18, 1998, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

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. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

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 supersede AD 94-04-05 to continue to require repetitive deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and checks of

[[Page 57797]]

the adjustment of the locking rod until accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Explanation of Changes Made to Applicability

The applicability of this proposed AD is different from AD 94-04- 05. Two RAT part numbers were incorrectly identified in the applicability of that AD: RAT 16C 116 VG and RAT 16C 117 VG. Those part numbers identify RAT's that have already incorporated the modifications that would be required by this proposed AD; therefore, they have been removed from the applicability.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 126 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.

The repetitive tests and checks that were previously required by AD 94-04-05, and retained in this proposed AD, take 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 this requirement of this proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $15,120, or $120 per airplane, per test/check cycle.

The new modification that is proposed in this AD action would take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $3,995 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $548,730, or $4,355 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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.

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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8823 (59 FR 7208, February 15, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows:

   Airbus Industrie: Docket 99-NM-202-AD. Supersedes AD 94-04-05, Amendment 39-8823.

   Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Dowty ram air turbines (RAT) having the following part numbers:

   RAT 16C 100 VG RAT 16C 101 VG RAT 16C 102 VG RAT 16C 103 VG RAT 16C 104 VG RAT 16C 105 VG RAT 16C 109 VG RAT 16C 110 VG

   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)(1) 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 include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To ensure the availability of the RAT in case of need, accomplish the following:

   Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-04-05

   Repetitive Tests and Checks

   (a) Within 60 days after March 2, 1994 (the effective date of AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823), or 500 hours time-in-service after March 2, 1994, whichever occurs first, perform a deployment test of the RAT and check the adjustment of the locking rod, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-09, dated November 16, 1993. Repeat the deployment test and adjustment check thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 months.

   (1) If no discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, apply grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit positions of the locking rod spring housing, in accordance with the AOT.

   (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, correct it and apply grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit positions of the locking rod spring housing, in accordance with the AOT.

   New Requirements of this AD

   (b) Within 49 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the RAT by installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal assembly, replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring, and re- identifying the RAT with a new part number; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 02 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2078, Revision 02 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 02 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 26, 1999; as applicable. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive tests and checks required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

   Note 2: The service bulletins refer to Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 for modification instructions and new part numbers.

   Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 01; A310-29-2078, Revision 01; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 01; all dated September 8, 1997; as applicable; is acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

   Spares

   (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a RAT having the following part numbers on any airplane:

   RAT 16C 100 VG RAT 16C 101 VG RAT 16C 102 VG RAT 16C 103 VG RAT 16C 104 VG RAT 16C 105 VG RAT 16C 109 VG RAT 16C 110 VG

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   Alternative Methods of Compliance

   (d)(1) 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.

   (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

   Note 4: 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 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.

   Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 98-448-262(B), dated November 18, 1998. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-28081Filed10-26-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-U