Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model 340-541 and -642 Airplanes, 8450-8453 [06-1411]
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8450
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Credit for Prior Revisions of Service
Information
(b) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
applicable service information listed in Table
2 of this AD are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
TABLE 2.—PRIOR REVISIONS OF SERVICE INFORMATION
BAE Systems (operations) limited modification service bulletin
Revision level
SB.27–167–01614C.D.G .................................................................................................................
SB.27–167–01614C.D.G .................................................................................................................
SB.27–168–01614EH ......................................................................................................................
SB.27–168–01614EH ......................................................................................................................
SB.27–169–01692A .........................................................................................................................
27–170–01692E, including Appendix 1 1 .........................................................................................
SB.27–170–01692E, including Appendix 1 1 ...................................................................................
SB.27–170–01692E, including Appendix 1, Revision 1, dated August 27, 2001 1 .........................
SB.27–171–01692F, including Appendix 1 2 ...................................................................................
Original ......................
1 ................................
Original ......................
1 ................................
Original ......................
Original ......................
1 ................................
2 ................................
Original ......................
1 (For
2 (For
Date
January 2, 2001.
July 11, 2002.
January 22, 2001.
July 11, 2002.
December 10, 2001.
March 20, 2001.
August 27, 2001.
July 10, 2002.
March 20, 2001.
Model BAE 146 airplanes only).
Model Avro 146–RJ airplanes only).
No Reporting Requirement
(c) Although all referenced service
bulletins describe procedures for reporting
accomplishment to the manufacturer, this AD
does not require that action.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is
authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
the appropriate principal inspector in the
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding
District Office.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed
in British airworthiness directive 005–12–
2001.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD,
the actions must be done in accordance with
the service information specified in Table 3
of this AD, 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. To get
copies of this service information, contact
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft
American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. To inspect copies
of this service information, go to the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
TABLE 3.—SERVICE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
BAE Systems (operations) limited modification service bulletin
Revision level
SB.27–167–01614C.D.G .................................................................................................................
SB.27–168–01614EH ......................................................................................................................
SB.27–169–01692A .........................................................................................................................
SB.27–170–01692E, including Appendix 1, Revision 1, dated August 27, 2001 ...........................
SB.27–171–01692F, including Appendix 1, dated March 20, 2001 ...............................................
SB.27–174–01692G ........................................................................................................................
2 ................................
2 ................................
1 ................................
3 ................................
1 ................................
Original ......................
Effective Date
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(f) This amendment becomes effective on
March 24, 2006.
Federal Aviation Administration
200 and –300 series airplanes, Model
A340–200 and –300 series airplanes,
and Model 340–541 and –642 airplanes.
This AD requires identifying the part
number of the emergency evacuation
slides or slide rafts installed on Type
‘‘A’’ exit doors, and modifying the
regulator valves of the slide and slide
raft assemblies if necessary. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to
prevent failure of an emergency
evacuation slide raft to deploy and
inflate during an emergency situation,
which could impede an evacuation and
result in injury to passengers or
crewmembers. This action is intended
to address the identified unsafe
condition.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
6, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–1410 Filed 2–16–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003–NM–211–AD; Amendment
39–14484; AD 2006–04–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200 and –300 Series Airplanes,
Model A340–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes, and Model 340–541 and
–642 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a
new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Airbus Model A330–
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Date
July 25, 2003.
July 25, 2003.
July 11, 2002.
May 16, 2003.
July 10, 2002.
December 10, 2001.
Effective March 24, 2006.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
DATES:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of March 24,
2006.
The service information
referenced in this AD may be obtained
from Airbus, 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.
ADDRESSES:
Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM–
116, International Branch, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
the slide and slide raft assemblies if
necessary.
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 all Airbus Model
A330 and A340–200, –300, –500, and
–600 series airplanes was published as
a supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register on June 22, 2005 (70 FR 36078).
The supplemental NPRM proposed to
require identifying the part number of
the emergency evacuation slides or slide
rafts installed on Type ‘‘A’’ exit doors,
and modifying the regulator valves of
Comments
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Interested persons have been afforded
an opportunity to participate in the
making of this amendment. Due
consideration has been given to the
comments received from one
commenter.
Request To Change Applicability
The commenter, on behalf of the
manufacturer, asks that we change the
applicability of the supplemental
NPRM, which excludes the following
airplanes if no slide has been removed
since delivery from the manufacturer:
Model—
Modified by—
A330–200 and –300 and A340–200 and –300 series airplanes .............
A340–500 and –600 series airplanes ......................................................
Both Airbus Modifications 52708 and 52811.
Airbus Modification 52708.
He explains that airplanes modified
by both Modifications 52708 and 52811
include only Model A330–200 and –300
and A340–200 and –300 series airplanes
that have the optional doors (type A
door 3) installed per Modification
40161. Airplanes modified by only
Modification 52708 include some Model
A330 and A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes, as well as all of the Model
A340–500 and –600 series airplanes;
these airplanes have the basic doors
(type 1 door 3). He requests that the
applicability for Model A330 and A340–
200 and –300 series airplanes account
for both configurations: (1) those with
both Modification 52708 and 52811, and
(2) those with Modification 52708 only.
He therefore recommends that we revise
the applicability to exclude the
following airplanes if no slide has been
removed since delivery from the
manufacturer:
Model—
Modified by—
A330–200 and A340–200 and –300 series airplanes ..............................
Both Airbus Modifications 52708 and 52811, or
Only Airbus Modification 52708.
Airbus Modification 52708.
A340–500 and –600 series airplanes ......................................................
We agree to change the applicability
section in this final rule. In the ‘‘Actions
Since Issuance of Original NPRM’’
section of the supplemental NPRM, we
specify, in part, that French
airworthiness directive F–2004–094 R1,
dated February 16, 2005, limits the
applicability specified in French
airworthiness directive 2003–213(B) R1,
dated August 20, 2003. The new
applicability is consistent with the
commenter’s request; therefore we have
changed the applicability in this final
rule accordingly.
Request To Remove/Change Certain
Part Numbers
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8451
The commenter states that there is a
discrepancy between the supplemental
NPRM and the referenced French
airworthiness directive for certain P/Ns
specified in the table in paragraph (b) of
the supplemental NPRM. The
commenter asks that we remove P/Ns
007/013/015/017 for Door 3, LH and RH,
and we add P/N 111 in place of P/N
113. We agree with the commenter. We
inadvertently included incorrect P/Ns in
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the subject table, and we have verified
that the P/Ns do not exist for the doors
identified. We have changed the final
rule to match the French airworthiness
directive.
Explanation of Change to Final Rule
We have removed the reference to
French airworthiness directive 2003–
213(B) R2, dated July 3, 2004, from Note
1 of the supplemental NPRM. That
airworthiness directive is merely a
cancellation notice and is replaced by
French airworthiness directive F–2004–
094 R1, which is also referenced in Note
1.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of
this AD to identify model designations
as published in the most recent type
certificate data sheet for the affected
models.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available
data, including the comments noted
above, we have determined that air
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safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule with the changes
previously described. These changes
will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the
scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 17 Model A330–200
and –300 series airplanes of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take about 1 work hour to
accomplish the parts identification, at
an average labor rate of $65 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the parts identification on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,105,
or $65 per airplane.
If necessary, it will take about 13
work hours per slide (8 slides per
airplane) to accomplish the
modification, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts will
be provided by the manufacturer at no
cost to operators. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the modification is
estimated to be $6,760 per airplane.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Currently, there are no affected A340–
200 and –300 series airplanes, and
A340–541 and –642 airplanes on the
U.S. Register. However, if an affected
airplane is imported and placed on the
U.S. Register in the future, the parts
identification will take about 1 work
hour, and the modification will take
about 104 work hours, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts will be provided by the
manufacturer at no cost to operators.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of the parts identification to be $65
per airplane, and the modification to be
$6,760 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed
above are 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. The cost impact
figures discussed in AD rulemaking
actions represent only the time
necessary to perform the specific actions
actually required by the AD. These
figures typically do not include
incidental costs, such as the time
required to gain access and close up,
planning time, or time necessitated by
other administrative actions.
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 Impact
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The regulations adopted herein will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national Government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government. Therefore, it is
determined that this final rule does not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132.
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:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Service Information References
(a) The following information pertains to
the service information referenced in this
AD:
(1) The term ‘‘service bulletin’’ as used in
this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins
A330–25–3225, Revision 01 (for Model
A330–200 and –300 series airplanes), and
A340–25–4228, Revision 01 (for Model
A340–200 and –300 series airplanes), both
dated September 30, 2004; and A340–25–
5054 (for Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes), dated August 2, 2004.
(2) The service bulletins refer to Goodrich
Alert Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1,
dated May 21, 2003; and Goodrich Service
Bulletin 25–347, Revision 1, dated August
30, 2004; as additional sources of service
information for accomplishment of the
modification specified in the service
bulletins.
(3) Accomplishing the modification before
the effective date of this AD in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330–25–3225
or A340–25–4228, both dated August 2, 2004;
is considered acceptable for compliance with
the modification required by this AD.
Part Number Identification/Modification
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
airplanes on which Airbus Modification
52708 was done during production, and on
which no slide or slide raft has been removed
since delivery from the manufacturer.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of an emergency
evacuation slide raft to deploy and inflate
during an emergency situation, which could
impede an evacuation and result in injury to
passengers or crewmembers, accomplish the
following:
[Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
I
2006–04–03 Airbus: Amendment 39–14484.
Docket 2003–NM–211–AD.
Applicability: Model A330–201, –202,
–203, –223, and –243 airplanes; Model
A330–301, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and
–343 airplanes; Model A340–211, –212, and
–213 airplanes; Model A340–311, –312, and
–313 airplanes; Model A340–541 airplanes;
and Model 340–642 airplanes; certificated in
any category; except Model A330–200 and
–300 and A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes on which both Airbus
Modifications 52708 and 52811 were done
during production, or only Airbus
Modification 52708 was done during
production, and Model A340–541 and –642
(b) Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD: Determine the part number
of the emergency slides or slide rafts fitted
on the door types and locations listed in
Table 1 of this AD. If no affected slides or
slide rafts are found installed on the airplane,
then no further action is required by this
paragraph. If any affected slides or slide rafts
are found installed on the airplane: Modify
the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft
assemblies at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in
accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(1) For airplanes on which the regulator
valves have not been modified as of the
effective date of this AD per Goodrich Alert
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated
May 21, 2003: Before further flight.
(2) For airplanes on which the regulator
valves have been modified as of the effective
date of this AD per Goodrich Alert Service
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21,
2003: Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD.
TABLE 1.—PART NUMBERS
Door type
Door location
Goodrich slide/slide raft part number
A ...............
1 and 4, left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH).
7A1508–001, –003, –005, –007, –013, –015, –017, –101, –103, –105, –107, –109,
–113, –115, or –117.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
8453
TABLE 1.—PART NUMBERS—Continued
Door type
Door location
Goodrich slide/slide raft part number
A ...............
2, LH ...........................................................
A ...............
2, RH ..........................................................
A ...............
3, LH ...........................................................
A ...............
3, RH ..........................................................
1 ...............
1 ...............
1 ...............
3, LH and RH .............................................
3, LH ...........................................................
3, RH ..........................................................
Parts Installation
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a regulator valve having
a part number listed in the old part number
column specified in Paragraph 1.L. of the
applicable service bulletin on any airplane,
unless that regulator valve has been modified
in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD,
the actions must be done in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–25–3225,
Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004;
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–25–4228,
Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–25–5054,
dated August 2, 2004; 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. To get copies of this service
information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France. To inspect copies of this service
information, go to the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Effective Date
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(f) This amendment becomes effective on
March 24, 2006.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
1, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–1411 Filed 2–16–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22411; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–074–AD; Amendment
39–14482; AD 2006–04–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is
authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed
in French airworthiness directive F–2004–
094 R1, dated February 16, 2004.
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7A1539–001, –003, –005, –007, –013, –015, –017, –101, –103, –105,
–113, –115, or –117.
7A1539–002, –004, –006, –008, –014, –016, –018, –102, –104, –106,
–114, –116, or –118.
7A1510–001, –003, –005, –007, –013, –015, –017, –101, –103, –105,
–113, –115, or –117; or 4A3934–1 or –3.
7A1510–002, –004, –006, –008, –014, –016, –018, –102, –104, –106,
–114, –116, or –118; or 4A3934–2 or –4.
7A1509–001, –003, –005, –101, –103, –105, –107, –109, –111, –115, or
4A3928–1.
4A3928–2.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2 Series Airplanes; Model A300
B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4–
600 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4–
600R Series Airplanes; Model A300 F4
600R Series Airplanes; Model A300
C4–605R Variant F Airplanes; and
Model A310–200 Series Airplanes; and
Model A310–300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus transport category airplanes.
This AD requires replacing the existing
cabin altitude indicator in the cabin
pressure control panel with a new,
improved cabin altitude indicator. This
AD results from a report of injuries
occurring on in-service airplanes when
crewmembers forcibly initiated opening
of passenger/crew doors against residual
pressure causing the doors to rapidly
open. We are issuing this AD to prevent
injury to crewmembers, and subsequent
damage to the airplane caused by rapid
opening of the door.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
March 24, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of March 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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,
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–107, –109,
–108, –110,
–107, –109,
–108, –110,
–117.
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM–
116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055–4056;
telephone (425) 227–1622; fax (425)
227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus transport
category airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
September 14, 2005 (70 FR 54321). That
NPRM proposed to require replacing the
existing cabin altitude indicator in the
cabin pressure control panel with a
new, improved cabin altitude indicator.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Agreement With the NPRM
One commenter states that it agrees
with the proposed requirements of the
NPRM.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8450-8453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1411]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-14484; AD 2006-04-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model 340-541
and -642 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes,
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 340-541 and -642
airplanes. This AD requires identifying the part number of the
emergency evacuation slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit
doors, and modifying the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft
assemblies if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and
inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede an evacuation
and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 24, 2006.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the
[[Page 8451]]
regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
March 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2797; 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 all Airbus Model A330 and A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes was published as a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register on June 22, 2005 (70 FR 36078). The supplemental NPRM proposed
to require identifying the part number of the emergency evacuation
slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit doors, and modifying
the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft assemblies if
necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received from one commenter.
Request To Change Applicability
The commenter, on behalf of the manufacturer, asks that we change
the applicability of the supplemental NPRM, which excludes the
following airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from
the manufacturer:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model-- Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Both Airbus Modifications 52708
series airplanes. and 52811.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes..... Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
He explains that airplanes modified by both Modifications 52708 and
52811 include only Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes that have the optional doors (type A door 3) installed per
Modification 40161. Airplanes modified by only Modification 52708
include some Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, as well
as all of the Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes; these airplanes
have the basic doors (type 1 door 3). He requests that the
applicability for Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes
account for both configurations: (1) those with both Modification 52708
and 52811, and (2) those with Modification 52708 only. He therefore
recommends that we revise the applicability to exclude the following
airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from the
manufacturer:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model-- Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and A340-200 and -300 series Both Airbus Modifications 52708
airplanes. and 52811, or
Only Airbus Modification 52708.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes..... Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We agree to change the applicability section in this final rule. In
the ``Actions Since Issuance of Original NPRM'' section of the
supplemental NPRM, we specify, in part, that French airworthiness
directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2005, limits the
applicability specified in French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B)
R1, dated August 20, 2003. The new applicability is consistent with the
commenter's request; therefore we have changed the applicability in
this final rule accordingly.
Request To Remove/Change Certain Part Numbers
The commenter states that there is a discrepancy between the
supplemental NPRM and the referenced French airworthiness directive for
certain P/Ns specified in the table in paragraph (b) of the
supplemental NPRM. The commenter asks that we remove P/Ns 007/013/015/
017 for Door 3, LH and RH, and we add P/N 111 in place of P/N 113. We
agree with the commenter. We inadvertently included incorrect P/Ns in
the subject table, and we have verified that the P/Ns do not exist for
the doors identified. We have changed the final rule to match the
French airworthiness directive.
Explanation of Change to Final Rule
We have removed the reference to French airworthiness directive
2003-213(B) R2, dated July 3, 2004, from Note 1 of the supplemental
NPRM. That airworthiness directive is merely a cancellation notice and
is replaced by French airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1, which is
also referenced in Note 1.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data
sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described.
These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator
nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 17 Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take about 1 work hour to accomplish the parts
identification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the parts identification on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $1,105, or $65 per airplane.
If necessary, it will take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides
per airplane) to accomplish the modification, at an average labor rate
of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the modification is estimated to be $6,760 per airplane.
[[Page 8452]]
Currently, there are no affected A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes on the U.S. Register.
However, if an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, the parts identification will take about 1 work
hour, and the modification will take about 104 work hours, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the parts identification to be $65 per
airplane, and the modification to be $6,760 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
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 Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
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
0
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
0
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]
0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2006-04-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14484. Docket 2003-NM-211-AD.
Applicability: Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243
airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; Model A340-311,
-312, and -313 airplanes; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model 340-
642 airplanes; certificated in any category; except Model A330-200
and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes on which both Airbus
Modifications 52708 and 52811 were done during production, or only
Airbus Modification 52708 was done during production, and Model
A340-541 and -642 airplanes on which Airbus Modification 52708 was
done during production, and on which no slide or slide raft has been
removed since delivery from the manufacturer.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to
deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede
an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers,
accomplish the following:
Service Information References
(a) The following information pertains to the service
information referenced in this AD:
(1) The term ``service bulletin'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-
3225, Revision 01 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes),
and A340-25-4228, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes), both dated September 30, 2004; and A340-25-5054 (for
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes), dated August 2, 2004.
(2) The service bulletins refer to Goodrich Alert Service
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003; and Goodrich
Service Bulletin 25-347, Revision 1, dated August 30, 2004; as
additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the
modification specified in the service bulletins.
(3) Accomplishing the modification before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225 or
A340-25-4228, both dated August 2, 2004; is considered acceptable
for compliance with the modification required by this AD.
Part Number Identification/Modification
(b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD:
Determine the part number of the emergency slides or slide rafts
fitted on the door types and locations listed in Table 1 of this AD.
If no affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the
airplane, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If
any affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the
airplane: Modify the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft
assemblies at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or
(b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(1) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have not been
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Alert
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Before
further flight.
(2) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have been
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Alert
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Within 18
months after the effective date of this AD.
Table 1.--Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodrich slide/slide raft
Door type Door location part number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................... 1 and 4, left-hand 7A1508-001, -003, -005, -
(LH) and right-hand 007, -013, -015, -017, -
(RH). 101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117.
[[Page 8453]]
A................... 2, LH................. 7A1539-001, -003, -005, -
007, -013, -015, -017, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117.
A................... 2, RH................. 7A1539-002, -004, -006, -
008, -014, -016, -018, -
102, -104, -106, -108, -
110, -114, -116, or -118.
A................... 3, LH................. 7A1510-001, -003, -005, -
007, -013, -015, -017, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117;
or 4A3934-1 or -3.
A................... 3, RH................. 7A1510-002, -004, -006, -
008, -014, -016, -018, -
102, -104, -106, -108, -
110, -114, -116, or -118;
or 4A3934-2 or -4.
1................... 3, LH and RH.......... 7A1509-001, -003, -005, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -111, -115, or -117.
1................... 3, LH................. 4A3928-1.
1................... 3, RH................. 4A3928-2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts Installation
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
regulator valve having a part number listed in the old part number
column specified in Paragraph 1.L. of the applicable service
bulletin on any airplane, unless that regulator valve has been
modified in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2004.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225,
Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4228, Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-25-5054, dated August 2, 2004; 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. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect
copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or
to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2006.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1411 Filed 2-16-06; 8:45 am]
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