Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 Series Airplanes; Model A310 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600), 10339-10342 [05-4078]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
22, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–4073 Filed 3–2–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20475;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–157–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by April 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777–
200, –200ER, and –300 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as listed in
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777–53–0042, dated April 15, 2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking of the aluminum splice plates under
the floor panels in the cabin aisle. We are
issuing this AD to prevent loss of the
capability of the cabin floor and seat track
structure to support the airplane interior
inertia loads under emergency landing
conditions. Loss of this support could lead to
galley or seat separation from attached
restraints, which could result in blocking of
the emergency exits and consequent injury to
passengers and crew.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Modification
(f) Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD: Except as provided by
paragraph (g) of this AD, modify the splice
plate assemblies installed under the floor
panels at the forward and aft edges of the
cabin aisle (including replacement of
damaged fasteners with new fasteners) in
accordance with Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–53–0042, dated April
15, 2004.
(g) The referenced service bulletin
recommends marking the service bulletin
number on the top of the floor panel
assembly, but this proposed AD does not
require that action.
VerDate jul<14>2003
12:11 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20474; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–221–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2–203 and B4–203 Series
Airplanes; Model A310 Series
Airplanes; Model A300 B4–600, B4–
600R, and F4–600R Series Airplanes,
and Model C4–605R Variant F
Airplanes (Collectively Called A300–
600)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus transport category
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine if the
suspect part numbers (P/N) and serial
numbers of certain Thales Avionics
equipment is installed, and replacement
of any suspect part with a modified part
having a new P/N. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports of loss of the
digital distance radio magnetic indicator
and subsequent loss of both very high
frequency omnidirectional range
indicators, both distance measuring
equipment, and one centralized
maintenance computer. We are
proposing this AD to prevent loss of
navigation indications on the primary
flight display requiring continuation of
the flight on emergency instruments,
which could lead to reduced ability to
control the airplane in adverse
conditions.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 4, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
10339
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
20474; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–221–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2004–20474; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–221–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of our docket
Web site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
10340
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://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 DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on Airbus Model A300 B2–203 and
B4–203 series airplanes with a forward
facing crew cockpit configuration;
Model A310 series airplanes; and Model
A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R
series airplanes, and Model C4–605R
variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300–600); equipped with certain
Thales Avionics equipment.
The DGAC advises that it has received
a report of loss of the digital distance
radio magnetic indicator (DDRMI) and
subsequent loss of both very high
frequency omnidirectional range (VOR)
indicators, both distance measuring
equipment (DME), and one centralized
maintenance computer (CMC) on a
Model A330 series airplane. The DGAC
also received a similar report also with
the loss of both VORs and DMEs on a
Model A320 series airplane. In both
cases, the circuit breakers had tripped
and the computers failed. Investigations
revealed that the power transformer had
short-circuited, leading to a leakage of
115 volt alternating current (VAC) to
systems connected to the DDRMI ARINC
429 input buses. The reason for the
transformer failure has been traced to a
manufacturing issue, which affects a
batch of transformers (i.e., altimeter,
vertical speed indicator (VSI), radio
magnetic indicator (RMI)/automatic
direction finder (ADF) indicator, and
RMI/VOR/DME indicator).
Failure of the DDRMI, if not corrected,
could result in loss of navigation
indications on the primary flight display
requiring continuation of the flight on
emergency instruments, which could
lead to reduced ability to control the
airplane in adverse conditions.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We have previously issued AD 2002–
06–53, amendment 39–12724 (67 FR
19511, April 22, 2002), applicable to
Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330,
and A340 series airplanes equipped
with certain Thales Avionics DDRMIs.
That AD requires deactivation of certain
Thales Avionics DDRMIs. The actions
specified in that are intended to prevent
failure of the DDRMI, which could
cause the loss of data from the affected
computers to other systems and
degradation or total failure of the
computers, leading to reduced ability to
control the airplane in adverse
conditions.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following
service bulletins:
AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS
For model—
Airbus service bulletin—
A300–600 series airplanes .......................................................................
A310 series airplanes ...............................................................................
A300 B2–203 and B4–203 series airplanes ............................................
The service bulletins describe
procedures for doing an inspection to
determine if the suspect part numbers
(P/N) and serial numbers (S/N) of
certain Thales Avionics equipment is
installed, and replacement of any
suspect part with a modified part having
a new P/N. Accomplishing the actions
A300–34A6145, Revision 01, dated October 17, 2003.
A310–34A2178, Revision 01, dated October 17, 2003.
A300–34A0173, Revision 01, dated December 18, 2003.
specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the
unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated
the service information, operational
restrictions, and a report; and issued
French airworthiness directive F–2004–
037, issued March 17, 2004; to ensure
the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
Each Airbus service bulletin refers to
the following Thales Avionics service
bulletins as additional sources of service
information for accomplishing the
inspection and replacement if
necessary.
THALES AVIONICS SERVICE BULLETINS
Thales Avionics service bulletin—
354–34–051
354–34–053
520–34–014
520–34–015
520–34–016
520–34–017
528–34–006
528–34–007
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are
manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United
VerDate jul<14>2003
Revision—
15:01 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
States under the provisions of section
21.29 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness
agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
03
02
04
04
03
03
03
02
Dated—
October 13, 2003.
October 10, 2003.
April 22, 2004.
July 1, 2004.
November 20, 2003.
July 1, 2004.
June 29, 2004.
October 10, 2003.
airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has
kept the FAA informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the
DGAC’s findings, evaluated all pertinent
information, and determined that we
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
need to issue an AD for products of this
type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the Airbus service
information described previously and
submitting a report to the airplane
manufacturer.
Differences Between French
Airworthiness Directive and the
Proposed AD
The French airworthiness directive
mandates a revision to the Minimum
Equipment List (MEL) to require that
operation of certain navigation units
(i.e., altimeter, vertical speed indicator,
RMI/ADF indicator, and RMI/VOR/DME
indicator) is necessary for dispatch of
the airplane, until the actions specified
in the Airbus service information
described previously are done. This
proposed AD does not contain this
restriction because the FAA’s Master
MEL already contains these operational
restrictions for these navigation units.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
158 Model A310 series airplanes, and
Model A300–600 series airplanes of U.S.
registry. The proposed inspection would
take about 1 work hour per airplane, at
an average labor rate of $65 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for
these U.S. operators is $10,270, or $65
per airplane.
Currently, there are no affected Model
A300 B2–203 and B4–203 series
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However,
if an affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future,
the required actions would take about 1
work hour, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of this AD
for Model A300 B2–203 and B4–203
series airplanes to be $65 per airplane.
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
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the 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. 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
10341
this proposed AD. 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–20474;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM–221–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
April 4, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this AD
certificated in any category, equipped with at
least one of the Thales Avionics equipment
part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R,
and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model C4–
605R variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300–600);
(2) Airbus Model A310 series airplanes;
and
(3) Airbus Model A300 B2–203 and B4–203
series airplanes with a forward facing crew
cockpit configuration.
TABLE 1.—AFFECTED THALES AVIONICS EQUIPMENT
Equipment
Part number (P/N)
Altimeter indicator .....................................................................................
Radio magnetic indicator (RMI)/automatic direction finder (ADF) indicator.
RMI/very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) indicators/distance measuring equipment (DME).
Vertical speed indicator (VSI) ...................................................................
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
loss of the digital distance radio magnetic
indicator and subsequent loss of both VORs,
both DMEs, and one centralized maintenance
computer. We are issuing this AD to prevent
loss of navigation indications on the primary
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:52 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
65205–211–2, –3, or –4; 65205–230–1, –2, or –3; or 65205–235–1.
63540–040–1 or 63540–031–2
63540–170–2 or 63540–156–3.
65285–220–2 or 65285–230–1.
flight display requiring continuation of the
flight on emergency instruments, which
could lead to reduced ability to control the
airplane in adverse conditions.
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
10342
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Service Bulletins
(f) The term ‘‘Airbus service bulletin,’’ as
used in this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
in Table 2 of this AD.
TABLE 2.—AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS
For Model—
Airbus service bulletin—
(1) A300–600 series airplanes .................................................................
(2) A310 series airplanes .........................................................................
(3) A300 B2–203 and B4–203 series airplanes .......................................
(g) Each Airbus service bulletin in Table 2
of this AD refers to the Thales Avionics
A300–34A6145, Revision 01, dated October 17, 2003.
A310–34A2178, Revision 01, dated October 17, 2003.
A300–34A0173, Revision 01, dated December 18, 2003.
service bulletins in Table 3 of this AD as
additional sources of service information for
accomplishing the inspection and
replacement if necessary.
TABLE 3.—THALES AVIONICS SERVICE BULLETINS
Thales Avionics service bulletin—
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
354–34–051
354–34–053
520–34–014
520–34–015
520–34–016
520–34–017
528–34–006
528–34–007
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
Inspection and Replacement
(h) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, do an inspection to determine if
the suspect P/Ns and serial number (S/N) of
the Thales Avionics equipment is installed,
in accordance with the Airbus service
bulletin. If any suspect P/N and S/N is found,
within 6 months after the effective date of
this AD, replace the suspect part with a
modified part having a new P/N, in
accordance with the Airbus service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install any Thales Avionics
equipment specified in Table 1 of this AD on
any airplane.
Reporting Requirement
(j) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, submit a report of all P/Ns and
S/N of overhauled equipment found during
the inspection required by paragraph (h) of
this AD to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax
011–33–561934251. Information collection
requirements contained in this AD have been
approved by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB
Control Number 2120–0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k) 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.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F–2004–
037, issued March 17, 2004, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
VerDate jul<14>2003
Revision—
15:01 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–4078 Filed 3–2–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20453; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–270–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require replacing
the water drain valves in the forward
and aft cargo doors with new valves.
This proposed AD is prompted by a
report indicating that, during a test of
the fire extinguishing system, air
leakage through the water drain valves
in the forward and aft cargo doors
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
03
02
04
04
03
03
03
02
Dated—
October 13, 2003.
October 10, 2003.
April 22, 2004.
July 1, 2004.
November 20, 2003.
July 1, 2004.
June 29, 2004.
October 10, 2003.
reduced the concentration of fire
extinguishing agent to below the level
required to suppress a fire. We are
proposing this AD to prevent air leakage
through the water drain valves, which,
in the event of a fire in the forward or
aft cargo compartment, could result in
an insufficient concentration of fire
extinguishing agent and consequent
inability of the fire extinguishing system
to suppress the fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 4, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 41 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10339-10342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4078]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20474; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-221-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203
Series Airplanes; Model A310 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F
Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine if the suspect part numbers (P/N)
and serial numbers of certain Thales Avionics equipment is installed,
and replacement of any suspect part with a modified part having a new
P/N. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of loss of the digital
distance radio magnetic indicator and subsequent loss of both very high
frequency omnidirectional range indicators, both distance measuring
equipment, and one centralized maintenance computer. We are proposing
this AD to prevent loss of navigation indications on the primary flight
display requiring continuation of the flight on emergency instruments,
which could lead to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse
conditions.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2005-20474; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-221-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-20474;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-221-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual
[[Page 10340]]
who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review the DOT's
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203
series airplanes with a forward facing crew cockpit configuration;
Model A310 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300-600); equipped with certain Thales Avionics
equipment.
The DGAC advises that it has received a report of loss of the
digital distance radio magnetic indicator (DDRMI) and subsequent loss
of both very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) indicators,
both distance measuring equipment (DME), and one centralized
maintenance computer (CMC) on a Model A330 series airplane. The DGAC
also received a similar report also with the loss of both VORs and DMEs
on a Model A320 series airplane. In both cases, the circuit breakers
had tripped and the computers failed. Investigations revealed that the
power transformer had short-circuited, leading to a leakage of 115 volt
alternating current (VAC) to systems connected to the DDRMI ARINC 429
input buses. The reason for the transformer failure has been traced to
a manufacturing issue, which affects a batch of transformers (i.e.,
altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), radio magnetic indicator
(RMI)/automatic direction finder (ADF) indicator, and RMI/VOR/DME
indicator).
Failure of the DDRMI, if not corrected, could result in loss of
navigation indications on the primary flight display requiring
continuation of the flight on emergency instruments, which could lead
to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse conditions.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We have previously issued AD 2002-06-53, amendment 39-12724 (67 FR
19511, April 22, 2002), applicable to Airbus Model A319, A320, A321,
A330, and A340 series airplanes equipped with certain Thales Avionics
DDRMIs. That AD requires deactivation of certain Thales Avionics
DDRMIs. The actions specified in that are intended to prevent failure
of the DDRMI, which could cause the loss of data from the affected
computers to other systems and degradation or total failure of the
computers, leading to reduced ability to control the airplane in
adverse conditions.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Airbus Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For model-- Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-600 series airplanes.............. A300-34A6145, Revision 01,
dated October 17, 2003.
A310 series airplanes.................. A310-34A2178, Revision 01,
dated October 17, 2003.
A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes A300-34A0173, Revision 01,
dated December 18, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The service bulletins describe procedures for doing an inspection to
determine if the suspect part numbers (P/N) and serial numbers (S/N) of
certain Thales Avionics equipment is installed, and replacement of any
suspect part with a modified part having a new P/N. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated the service
information, operational restrictions, and a report; and issued French
airworthiness directive F-2004-037, issued March 17, 2004; to ensure
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Each Airbus service bulletin refers to the following Thales
Avionics service bulletins as additional sources of service information
for accomplishing the inspection and replacement if necessary.
Thales Avionics Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thales Avionics service
bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
354-34-051.................... 03 October 13, 2003.
354-34-053.................... 02 October 10, 2003.
520-34-014.................... 04 April 22, 2004.
520-34-015.................... 04 July 1, 2004.
520-34-016.................... 03 November 20, 2003.
520-34-017.................... 03 July 1, 2004.
528-34-006.................... 03 June 29, 2004.
528-34-007.................... 02 October 10, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 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. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we
[[Page 10341]]
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the Airbus service information
described previously and submitting a report to the airplane
manufacturer.
Differences Between French Airworthiness Directive and the Proposed AD
The French airworthiness directive mandates a revision to the
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) to require that operation of certain
navigation units (i.e., altimeter, vertical speed indicator, RMI/ADF
indicator, and RMI/VOR/DME indicator) is necessary for dispatch of the
airplane, until the actions specified in the Airbus service information
described previously are done. This proposed AD does not contain this
restriction because the FAA's Master MEL already contains these
operational restrictions for these navigation units.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 158 Model A310 series
airplanes, and Model A300-600 series airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed inspection would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for these U.S. operators is $10,270,
or $65 per airplane.
Currently, there are no affected Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203
series airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane
is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the required
actions would take about 1 work hour, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD
for Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes to be $65 per
airplane.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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 proposed AD. 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-20474; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
221-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by April 4, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (c)(3) of this AD certificated in any category, equipped
with at least one of the Thales Avionics equipment part numbers
listed in Table 1 of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and Model C4-605R variant F airplanes (collectively
called A300-600);
(2) Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and
(3) Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes with a
forward facing crew cockpit configuration.
Table 1.--Affected Thales Avionics Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Part number (P/N)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Altimeter indicator.................... 65205-211-2, -3, or -4; 65205-
230-1, -2, or -3; or 65205-235-
1.
Radio magnetic indicator (RMI)/ 63540-040-1 or 63540-031-2
automatic direction finder (ADF)
indicator.
RMI/very high frequency omnidirectional 63540-170-2 or 63540-156-3.
range (VOR) indicators/distance
measuring equipment (DME).
Vertical speed indicator (VSI)......... 65285-220-2 or 65285-230-1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of loss of the digital
distance radio magnetic indicator and subsequent loss of both VORs,
both DMEs, and one centralized maintenance computer. We are issuing
this AD to prevent loss of navigation indications on the primary
flight display requiring continuation of the flight on emergency
instruments, which could lead to reduced ability to control the
airplane in adverse conditions.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
[[Page 10342]]
Service Bulletins
(f) The term ``Airbus service bulletin,'' as used in this AD,
means the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Airbus Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Model-- Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A300-600 series airplanes.......... A300-34A6145, Revision 01,
dated October 17, 2003.
(2) A310 series airplanes.............. A310-34A2178, Revision 01,
dated October 17, 2003.
(3) A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series A300-34A0173, Revision 01,
airplanes. dated December 18, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(g) Each Airbus service bulletin in Table 2 of this AD refers to
the Thales Avionics service bulletins in Table 3 of this AD as
additional sources of service information for accomplishing the
inspection and replacement if necessary.
Table 3.--Thales Avionics Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thales Avionics service
bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 354-34-051................ 03 October 13, 2003.
(2) 354-34-053................ 02 October 10, 2003.
(3) 520-34-014................ 04 April 22, 2004.
(4) 520-34-015................ 04 July 1, 2004.
(5) 520-34-016................ 03 November 20, 2003.
(6) 520-34-017................ 03 July 1, 2004.
(7) 528-34-006................ 03 June 29, 2004.
(8) 528-34-007................ 02 October 10, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Replacement
(h) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do an
inspection to determine if the suspect P/Ns and serial number (S/N)
of the Thales Avionics equipment is installed, in accordance with
the Airbus service bulletin. If any suspect P/N and S/N is found,
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the
suspect part with a modified part having a new P/N, in accordance
with the Airbus service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any Thales Avionics equipment specified in Table 1 of this AD on any
airplane.
Reporting Requirement
(j) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, submit
a report of all P/Ns and S/N of overhauled equipment found during
the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax 011-
33-561934251. Information collection requirements contained in this
AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) 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.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-037, issued March 17,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-4078 Filed 3-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
