Airworthiness directives: Airbus,

[Federal Register: September 17, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 180)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 49656-49657]

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

[DOCID:fr17se98-3]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-17-AD; Amendment 39-10763; AD 98-19-22]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, that requires repetitive visual inspections to detect corrosion on the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead; and follow-on actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion at the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the bulkhead, and consequent decompression of the cabin.

DATES: Effective October 22, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 22, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 20, 1998 (63 FR 13572). That action proposed to require repetitive visual inspections to detect corrosion on the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead; and follow-on actions, if necessary.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received.

The commenter, Airbus, requests that the applicability of the proposed rule be clarified. The commenter states that the words ``in production'' were omitted from the translation of the relevant French airworthiness directive. The commenter indicates that the proposed AD should not apply to airplanes on which Airbus Modification 6788 was installed in production of the airplane. The commenter explains that those airplanes have skin panel corrosion protection that airplanes on which the modification described in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53- 2036 or A300-53-6017 do not have. Consequently, the latter airplanes must be inspected repetitively (every five years) for corrosion of the panels.

The FAA concurs with this request for the reasons provided by the commenter. The applicability of this final rule has been revised accordingly.

The manufacturer also notes that Revision 01 of the service bulletins cited in the proposed AD has been issued, and requests that the proposal be revised to reference this latest revision.

The FAA concurs. Since the issuance of the proposal, Airbus issued Service Bulletins A310-53-2092 (for Model A310 series airplanes) and A300-53-6066 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both Revision 01, both dated March 11, 1998. Revision 01 of the service bulletins is essentially identical to the original issue; however, Revision 01 includes minor editorial changes. This final rule has been revised to include Revision 01 of these service bulletins as an additional source of service information.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 90 Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD,

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that it will take approximately 62 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $334,800, or $3,720 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive:

   98-19-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-10763. Docket 98-NM-17-AD.

   Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 6788 has not been accomplished during production; certificated in any category.

   Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (c) 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 detect and correct corrosion at the lower rim area of the fuselage rear pressure bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the bulkhead, and consequent decompression of the cabin, accomplish the following:

   (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, perform a visual inspection to detect corrosion of the lower rim area of the aft pressure bulkhead, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2092 (for Model A310 series airplanes), dated October 16, 1996, or Revision 01, dated March 11, 1998; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300- 53-6066 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), dated October 16, 1996, or Revision 01, dated March 11, 1998; as applicable. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at the interval specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable.

   (1) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2036 or A300-53-6017 has not been accomplished: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3 years.

   (2) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2036 or A300-53-6017 has been accomplished: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 5 years.

   (b) If any discrepancy is found during an inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

   (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. 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.

   Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

   (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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.

   (e) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53- 2092, dated October 16, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2092, Revision 01, dated March 11, 1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53- 6066, dated October 16, 1996; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53- 6066, Revision 01, dated March 11, 1998; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 97-061-212(B), dated February 26, 1997.

   (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 22, 1998.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 1998. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-24871Filed9-16-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-U