Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-620, A310-304, A310-324, and A310-325 Airplanes, 45587-45590 [05-15591]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Affected ADs
(b) Accomplishment of certain actions
required by this AD terminates certain
requirements of AD 2005–02–04, amendment
39–13949.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to
Meggitt Model 602 smoke detectors approved
under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO–
C1C and having any P/N 8930–( ) identified
in Meggitt Safety Systems Service
45587
Information Letter 8930–26–01, as installed
on various transport category airplanes,
certificated in any category, including but not
limited to the airplane models listed in Table
1 of this AD.
TABLE 1.—CERTAIN AFFECTED AIRPLANES
Manufacturer
Model
Aerospatiale ....................................
ATR42–200, –300, –320, and –500 airplanes.
ATR72–101, –201, –102, –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes.
727, 727C, 727–100, 727 –100C, 727–200, and 727–200F series airplanes.
737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, –500, –600, –700, –700C, –800 and –900 series airplanes.
DC–10–10 and DC–10–10F; DC–10–15; DC–10–30 and DC–10–30F, (KC–10A and KDC–10); and DC–
10–40 and DC–10–40F airplanes.
MD–10–10F and MD–10–30F airplanes.
MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes.
Boeing .............................................
McDonnell Douglas .........................
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by a report
indicating that the affected smoke detectors
can ‘‘lock up’’ during electrical power
transfer from the auxiliary power unit (APU)
to the engines. We are issuing this AD to
identify and provide corrective action for a
potentially inoperative smoke detector and to
ensure that the flightcrew is alerted in the
event of a fire.
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.
Smoke Detector Identification/Replacement
(f) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the affected smoke
detector with a modified smoke detector, in
accordance with Meggitt Safety Systems
Service Information Letter 8930–26–01.
Effect on AD 2005–02–04
(g) For airplanes subject to the
requirements of AD 2005–02–04: After all
affected smoke detectors have been replaced
with modified smoke detectors in accordance
with paragraph (f) of this AD, the operational
limitation required by paragraph (h) of AD
2005–02–04 is terminated and may be
removed from the airplane flight manual.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install on any airplane a Meggitt
Model 602 smoke detector having any P/N
8930–( ) identified in Meggitt Service
Information Letter 8930–26–01, dated
November 8, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 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 August
1, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–15590 Filed 8–5–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22032; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–049–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B4–620, A310–304, A310–324,
and A310–325 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 A300 B4–620,
A310–304, A310–324, and A310–325
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require installing fused adaptors
between the external wiring harness and
the in-tank wiring at the connectors on
the fuel tank wall of the auxiliary center
tank (ACT). This proposed AD is
prompted by the results of fuel system
reviews conducted by the manufacturer.
We are proposing this AD to prevent an
ignition source in the ACT, which, in
combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 7, 2005.
DATES:
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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.
• 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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
proposed 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:
ADDRESSES:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Include the
docket number ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2005–
22032; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–
049–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 received by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
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45588
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
The FAA has examined the
underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several
large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the
service history of airplanes subject to
those regulations, and existing
maintenance practices for fuel tank
systems. As a result of those findings,
we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and
Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7,
2001). In addition to new airworthiness
standards for transport airplanes and
new maintenance requirements, this
rule included Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’
Amendment 21–78, and subsequent
Amendments 21–82 and 21–83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
requires certain type design (i.e., type
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered
transport airplanes and for subsequent
modifications to those airplanes. It
requires them to perform design reviews
and to develop design changes and
maintenance procedures if their designs
do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble
to the rule, we intended to adopt
airworthiness directives to mandate any
changes found necessary to address
unsafe conditions identified as a result
of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we
have established four criteria intended
to define the unsafe conditions
associated with fuel tank systems that
require corrective actions. The
percentage of operating time during
which fuel tanks are exposed to
flammable conditions is one of these
criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation:
single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent
condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the
evaluations included consideration of
previous actions taken that may mitigate
the need for further action.
The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
has issued a regulation that is similar to
SFAR 88. (The JAA is an associated
body of the European Civil Aviation
Conference (ECAC) representing the
civil aviation regulatory authorities of a
number of European States who have
agreed to co-operate in developing and
implementing common safety regulatory
standards and procedures.) Under this
regulation, the JAA stated that all
members of the ECAC that hold type
certificates for transport category
airplanes are required to conduct a
design review against explosion risks.
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B4–
620, A310–304, A310–324, and A310–
325 airplanes. The DGAC advises that
the electrical wiring for the fuel quantity
indicators (FQIs) of the auxiliary center
tank (ACT) is installed in harnesses that
also contain 115V wiring that supplies
other systems. The DGAC further
advises that, pursuant to SFAR 88 and
JAA reviews, the electrical routing of
the ACT FQI wiring should be improved
by segregating it from the 115V wiring.
Wiring that is not segregated could
result in an ignition source in the ACT,
which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the service
bulletins in the following table.
AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS
Service bulletin
Revision
Date
A300–28–6073 ................................
A310–28–2149 ................................
Original ....
Original ....
December 23, 2004
September 29,
2004.
These service bulletins describe
procedures for installing fused adaptors
between the external wiring harness and
the in-tank wiring at the connectors on
the fuel tank wall of the ACT.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The DGAC mandated the
service information and issued French
airworthiness directive F–2005–021,
dated February 2, 2005, to ensure the
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20:26 Aug 05, 2005
Jkt 205001
Model
A300 B4–620 airplanes.
A310–304, A310–324, and A310–325 airplanes.
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
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
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kept the FAA informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the
DGAC’s findings, evaluated all pertinent
information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for airplanes 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 service
information described previously.
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Difference Between the French
Airworthiness Directive and This
Proposed AD
The applicability of French
airworthiness directive F–2005–021
excludes airplanes on which Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–28–6073 or
Airbus Service Bulletin A310–28–2149
was accomplished in service. However,
we have not excluded those airplanes in
the applicability of this proposed AD;
rather, this proposed AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions
specified in those service bulletins. This
requirement would ensure that the
actions specified in the service bulletins
and required by this proposed AD are
accomplished on all affected airplanes.
Operators must continue to operate the
airplane in the configuration required
by this proposed AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is
approved. This difference has been
coordinated with the DGAC.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
2 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 52
work hours per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would cost about $5,410
per ACT (up to two ACTs per airplane).
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the proposed AD for U.S.
operators is $8,790 per ACT, per
airplane.
Currently, there are no Model A300
B4–620 airplanes of U.S. registry with
one or more ACTs. However, if an
affected airplane is imported and placed
on the U.S. Register in the future, the
required actions would take about 52
work hours, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts
would cost about $10,730 per ACT, per
airplane. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD to be
$14,110 per ACT.
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.
45589
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 Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–22032;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–049–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by September 7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus
Model A300 B4–620, A310–304, A310–324,
and A310–325 airplanes, certificated in any
category; equipped with one or more
auxiliary center tank (ACT), except those on
which Airbus Modification 12471 has been
accomplished in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by the results of
fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to
prevent an ignition source in the ACT,
which, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion
and consequent loss of the airplane.
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 24 months after the effective
date of this AD: Install fused adaptors
between the external wiring harness and the
in-tank wiring at the connectors on the fuel
tank wall of the ACT by doing all the actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
in Table 1 of this AD.
TABLE 1.—AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS
Airbus service bulletin
Revision
Date
A300–28–6073 ................................
A310–28–2149 ................................
Original ....
Original ....
December 23, 2004
September 29,
2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority
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Model
A300 B4–620 airplanes.
A310–304, A310–324, and A310–325 airplanes.
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
in accordance with the procedures found in
14 CFR 39.19.
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Related Information
(h) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
021, dated February 2, 2005, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
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45590
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
2, 2005.
Kevin Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–15591 Filed 8–5–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22033; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–218–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB–135 Airplanes
and Model EMB–145, –145ER, –145MR,
–145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and –145EP
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to certain
EMBRAER Model EMB–135 airplanes
and Model EMB–145, –145ER, –145MR,
–145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and –145EP
airplanes. The existing AD currently
requires repetitive inspections of the
spring cartridges of the elevator gust
lock system to determine if the lock
washer projection correctly fits the slots
in the cartridge flange, and corrective
action if necessary. The existing AD also
provides for interim optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections for certain airplanes. This
proposed AD would retain the
requirements of the existing AD, and
provide for final terminating action for
all affected airplanes. This proposed AD
is prompted by reports of an improperly
fitting lock washer causing the clevis of
the spring cartridge in the
electromechanical elevator gust lock
system to become unscrewed. We are
proposing this AD to prevent
unscrewing of the spring cartridge clevis
from jamming the elevator, which could
lead to reduced controllability of the
airplane.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http:/
/dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
DATES:
VerDate jul<14>2003
20:26 Aug 05, 2005
Jkt 205001
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.
• 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 Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225,
Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil.
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–
22033; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–218–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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.
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–
2005–22033; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–218–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 received 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
who sent the comment (or signed the
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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
On April 21, 2003, we issued AD
2003–09–03, amendment 39–13132 (68
FR 22585, dated April 29, 2003), for
certain EMBRAER Model EMB–135
airplanes and Model EMB–145, –145ER,
–145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and
–145EP airplanes. That AD requires
repetitive inspections of the spring
cartridges of the elevator gust lock
system to determine if the lock washer
projection correctly fits the slots in the
cartridge flange, and corrective action if
necessary. That AD also provides for
interim optional terminating action for
the repetitive inspections for certain
airplanes. That AD was prompted by
reports of spring cartridges unscrewing
in the electromechanical gust lock
system. We issued that AD to prevent
the elevator from jamming due to the
spring cartridges unscrewing in the gust
lock system, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Action Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2003–09–03, the
Departmento de Aviacao Civil (DAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for
Brazil, issued Brazilian airworthiness
directive 2003–01–03R1, dated July 26,
2004, to mandate replacing the existing
spring cartridges with improved spring
cartridges having a new part number.
Relevant Service Information
EMBRAER has issued Service Bulletin
145LEG–27–0012, Revision 01, dated
April 12, 2004 (for Model EMB–135BJ
airplanes); and Service Bulletin 145–27–
0102, Revision 02, dated January 20,
2005 (for Model EMB–135ER, –135KE,
–135KL, –135LR, –145, –145ER,
–145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and
–145EP airplanes). The service bulletins
describe procedures for replacing the
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45587-45590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15591]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22032; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-049-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-620, A310-304,
A310-324, and A310-325 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-620, A310-304, A310-324, and A310-325
airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing fused adaptors
between the external wiring harness and the in-tank wiring at the
connectors on the fuel tank wall of the auxiliary center tank (ACT).
This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent an
ignition source in the ACT, which, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of
the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 7,
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.
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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this proposed 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. Include the docket number
``Docket No. FAA-2005-22032; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-049-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 received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
[[Page 45588]]
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 who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes,
including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of
airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance
practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we
issued a regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements'' (67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new
airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance
requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation
No. 88 (``SFAR 88,'' Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82
and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has issued a regulation that
is similar to SFAR 88. (The JAA is an associated body of the European
Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) representing the civil aviation
regulatory authorities of a number of European States who have agreed
to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory
standards and procedures.) Under this regulation, the JAA stated that
all members of the ECAC that hold type certificates for transport
category airplanes are required to conduct a design review against
explosion risks.
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 certain Airbus Model A300 B4-620, A310-
304, A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes. The DGAC advises that the
electrical wiring for the fuel quantity indicators (FQIs) of the
auxiliary center tank (ACT) is installed in harnesses that also contain
115V wiring that supplies other systems. The DGAC further advises that,
pursuant to SFAR 88 and JAA reviews, the electrical routing of the ACT
FQI wiring should be improved by segregating it from the 115V wiring.
Wiring that is not segregated could result in an ignition source in the
ACT, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in
a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the service bulletins in the following table.
Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service bulletin Revision Date Model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-28-6073...................... Original.......... December 23, 2004............ A300 B4-620 airplanes.
A310-28-2149...................... Original.......... September 29, 2004........... A310-304, A310-324, and
A310-325 airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These service bulletins describe procedures for installing fused
adaptors between the external wiring harness and the in-tank wiring at
the connectors on the fuel tank wall of the ACT. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated the service information
and issued French airworthiness directive F-2005-021, dated February 2,
2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
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 need to
issue an AD for airplanes 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 service information
described previously.
[[Page 45589]]
Difference Between the French Airworthiness Directive and This Proposed
AD
The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2005-021
excludes airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6073 or
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2149 was accomplished in service.
However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the applicability of
this proposed AD; rather, this proposed AD includes a requirement to
accomplish the actions specified in those service bulletins. This
requirement would ensure that the actions specified in the service
bulletins and required by this proposed AD are accomplished on all
affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in
the configuration required by this proposed AD unless an alternative
method of compliance is approved. This difference has been coordinated
with the DGAC.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 52 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $5,410 per ACT (up to two ACTs per airplane). Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$8,790 per ACT, per airplane.
Currently, there are no Model A300 B4-620 airplanes of U.S.
registry with one or more ACTs. However, if an affected airplane is
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the required
actions would take about 52 work hours, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Required parts would cost about $10,730 per ACT, per
airplane. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to be
$14,110 per ACT.
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22032; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
049-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September
7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-620,
A310-304, A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes, certificated in any
category; equipped with one or more auxiliary center tank (ACT),
except those on which Airbus Modification 12471 has been
accomplished in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent an
ignition source in the ACT, which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane.
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 24 months after the effective date of this AD:
Install fused adaptors between the external wiring harness and the
in-tank wiring at the connectors on the fuel tank wall of the ACT by
doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions
of the applicable service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service bulletin Revision Date Model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-28-6073...................... Original.......... December 23, 2004............ A300 B4-620 airplanes.
A310-28-2149...................... Original.......... September 29, 2004........... A310-304, A310-324, and
A310-325 airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, 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
(h) French airworthiness directive F-2005-021, dated February 2,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
[[Page 45590]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2005.
Kevin Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15591 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P