Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F Series Airplanes Equipped With Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., Fuel Quantity Indicating System Sensors and In-Tank Harnesses Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO, 55116-55118 [E9-24011]

Download as PDF 55116 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 27, 2009 / Rules and Regulations hydraulic circuits at the same time. This will mitigate the risk of having a malfunction on the three hydraulic systems at the same time. FAA AD Differences Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: This AD does not include the reporting requirement specified in paragraph (1) of the MCAI. The MCAI carried this requirement forward from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2007–0245, dated September 5, 2007. We previously determined that no action was required on our part regarding EASA AD 2007–0245. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with RULES Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008–0058, dated March 20, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–27–6060, dated February 18, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300– 27A6062, dated July 6, 2007; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–27–6060, excluding Appendix 1, dated February 18, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–27A6062, excluding Appendix 1, dated July 6, 2007; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS–EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail: account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https:// www.airbus.com. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:23 Oct 26, 2009 Jkt 220001 (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 2009. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–24938 Filed 10–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0324; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–186–AD; Amendment 39–16039; AD 2009–21–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–605R, B4– 620, B4–622, B4–622R, F4–605R, F4– 622R, and C4–605R Variant F Series Airplanes Equipped With Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., Fuel Quantity Indicating System Sensors and In-Tank Harnesses Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus model series airplanes listed above. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness to incorporate new fuel system limitations for airplanes modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO. This AD also requires a general visual inspection for tank unit separation and compensator separation of the center, inner, and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel tanks of the tank units, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which in combination PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective December 1, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 1, 2009. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Sensors and Integrated Systems (Formerly Fuel and Utility Systems), 100 Panton Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491–1008; telephone 802– 877–4476; e-mail sis.techpubsvt@goodrich.com; Internet https:// www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Ronell, Aerospace Engineer, ANE– 150, FAA, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7776; fax (781) 238–7170. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4– 603, B4–605R, B4–620, B4–622, B4– 622R, F4–605R, F4–622R, and C4–605R Variant F series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2009 (74 FR 16152). That NPRM proposed to require revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness to incorporate new fuel system limitations for airplanes modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO. That NPRM also proposed to require a general visual inspection for tank unit separation and compensator separation of the center, inner, and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel tanks of E:\FR\FM\27OCR1.SGM 27OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 27, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 55117 the tank units, and corrective actions if necessary. manufacturer in the product identification line. Comments Revision to Paragraph (l) of this AD We have revised paragraph (l) of this AD to include the phrase, ‘‘if done before the effective date of this AD.’’ This text was inadvertently omitted. It was our intention to provide credit for operators which have completed the inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, before the effective date of this AD, using Goodrich Service Bulletin 300723–0101–28–01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (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. You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Actions Since NPRM Was Issued Since we issued that NPRM, we have determined that it is necessary to clarify the AD’s intended effect on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components, regarding the use of maintenance manuals and instructions for continued airworthiness. Section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.403(c)) specifies the following: No person may operate an aircraft for which a manufacturer’s maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness has been issued that contains an airworthiness limitation section unless the mandatory * * * procedures * * * have been complied with. Some operators have questioned whether existing components affected by the new CDCCLs must be reworked. We did not intend for the AD to retroactively require rework of components that had been maintained using acceptable methods before the effective date of the AD. Owners and operators of the affected airplanes therefore are not required to rework affected components identified as airworthy or installed on the affected airplanes before the required revisions of the ALS. But once the CDCCLs are incorporated into the ALS, future maintenance actions on components must be done in accordance with those CDCCLs. We have added Note 2 to this AD to clarify the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. Revision to Paragraph (h) of This AD pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with RULES We removed a redundant reference to the service information, ‘‘in accordance with Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012–0005– 0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008,’’ from paragraph (h) of this AD. Revision to the Product Identification Line We have revised the product identification line that precedes paragraph (a) of this AD to specify Airbus. For ADs that apply to STCs installed on only one type of airplane, we identify the name of the airplane VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:23 Oct 26, 2009 Jkt 220001 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 68 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes about 8 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $43,520, or $640 per product. 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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 AD: ■ 2009–21–02 Airbus: Amendment 39–16039. Docket No. FAA–2009–0324; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–186–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 1, 2009. Affected ADs (b) This AD affects AD 2004–05–05, Amendment 39–13499. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–605R, B4–620, B4–622, B4–622R, F4–605R, F4–622R, and C4–605R Variant F series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., Fuel Quantity Indicating System sensors and in-tank harnesses installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), E:\FR\FM\27OCR1.SGM 27OCR1 55118 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 27, 2009 / Rules and Regulations the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (o) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank fire or explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section To Incorporate Inspections (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the inspections specified in Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012– 0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with RULES Inspection for Correct Separation (h) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for tank unit separation and compensator separation of the center, inner, and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel tanks of the tank units, in accordance with Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012– 0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. If incorrect separation is found, before further flight, correct the separation in accordance with the Airplane Maintenance Manual for the corresponding inspection specified in Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012–0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the requirement of Table 6 in Section 10.1 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012–0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008, can be conclusively determined to have been done from that review. Revision to the ALS To Incorporate CDCCLs (i) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the CDCCLs, as defined in Section 10.1 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012–0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. (j) Except as provided by paragraph (o) of this AD: After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:23 Oct 26, 2009 Jkt 220001 no alternative inspection, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used. Note 2: Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational requirements, components that have been identified as airworthy or installed on the affected airplanes before the revision of the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness, as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do not need to be reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness has been revised, future maintenance actions on these components must be done in accordance with the CDCCLs. Actions Done According to Previous Service Information (k) Inspections are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 300723–0101–28– 01, dated April 15, 2004. (l) Inspections are also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 300723–0101–28– 01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004. Acceptable Methods of Compliance for AD 2004–05–05 (m) Doing the inspections in Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012– 0005–0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008, is considered an acceptable method of compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of AD 2004–05–05. (n) Doing the inspections in accordance with Goodrich Service Bulletin 300723– 0101–28–01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004, is an acceptable method of compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of AD 2004–05–05. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (o)(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Marc Ronell, Aerospace Engineer, ANE–150, FAA, Boston ACO, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7776; fax (781) 238– 7170. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (p) You must use Goodrich A300–600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012–0005–0101, Revision B, PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 dated June 12, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (The List of Effective Pages section of this document does not include pages iii, 6, 15, and 16 of this document. Those pages are also at Revision B, dated June 12, 2008.) (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Sensors and Integrated Systems (Formerly Fuel and Utility Systems), 100 Panton Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491–1008; telephone 802–877–4476; e-mail sis.techpubsvt@goodrich.com; Internet https:// www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 18, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–24011 Filed 10–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0997; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–158–AD; Amendment 39–16062; AD 2007–22–03 R1] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This AD clarifies the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. This AD E:\FR\FM\27OCR1.SGM 27OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55116-55118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24011]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0324; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-186-AD; 
Amendment 39-16039; AD 2009-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-
605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F 
Series Airplanes Equipped With Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., Fuel 
Quantity Indicating System Sensors and In-Tank Harnesses Installed in 
Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus model series airplanes listed above. This AD requires revising 
the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for 
Continuing Airworthiness to incorporate new fuel system limitations for 
airplanes modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) ST00092BO. This AD also requires a general visual inspection for 
tank unit separation and compensator separation of the center, inner, 
and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel tanks of the tank units, and 
corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system 
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank 
fire or explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective December 1, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 1, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Goodrich Corporation, Sensors and Integrated Systems (Formerly Fuel and 
Utility Systems), 100 Panton Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491-1008; 
telephone 802-877-4476; e-mail sis.techpubs-vt@goodrich.com; Internet 
https://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Ronell, Aerospace Engineer, ANE-
150, FAA, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7776; fax (781) 238-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
certain Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F series airplanes. That 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2009 (74 FR 
16152). That NPRM proposed to require revising the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continuing 
Airworthiness to incorporate new fuel system limitations for airplanes 
modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST00092BO. That NPRM also proposed to require a general visual 
inspection for tank unit separation and compensator separation of the 
center, inner, and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel tanks of

[[Page 55117]]

the tank units, and corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued that NPRM, we have determined that it is necessary 
to clarify the AD's intended effect on spare and on-airplane fuel tank 
system components, regarding the use of maintenance manuals and 
instructions for continued airworthiness.
    Section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
91.403(c)) specifies the following:

    No person may operate an aircraft for which a manufacturer's 
maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness has 
been issued that contains an airworthiness limitation section unless 
the mandatory * * * procedures * * * have been complied with.

Some operators have questioned whether existing components affected by 
the new CDCCLs must be reworked. We did not intend for the AD to 
retroactively require rework of components that had been maintained 
using acceptable methods before the effective date of the AD. Owners 
and operators of the affected airplanes therefore are not required to 
rework affected components identified as airworthy or installed on the 
affected airplanes before the required revisions of the ALS. But once 
the CDCCLs are incorporated into the ALS, future maintenance actions on 
components must be done in accordance with those CDCCLs.
    We have added Note 2 to this AD to clarify the intended effect of 
the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components.

Revision to Paragraph (h) of This AD

    We removed a redundant reference to the service information, ``in 
accordance with Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300-600 Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012-0005-0101, Revision B, dated 
June 12, 2008,'' from paragraph (h) of this AD.

Revision to the Product Identification Line

    We have revised the product identification line that precedes 
paragraph (a) of this AD to specify Airbus. For ADs that apply to STCs 
installed on only one type of airplane, we identify the name of the 
airplane manufacturer in the product identification line.

Revision to Paragraph (l) of this AD

    We have revised paragraph (l) of this AD to include the phrase, 
``if done before the effective date of this AD.'' This text was 
inadvertently omitted. It was our intention to provide credit for 
operators which have completed the inspections specified in paragraph 
(h) of this AD, before the effective date of this AD, using Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 300723-0101-28-01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 68 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it takes about 8 work-hours per product to comply 
with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to 
be $43,520, or $640 per product.

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2009-21-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16039. Docket No. FAA-2009-0324; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-186-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 1, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD affects AD 2004-05-05, Amendment 39-13499.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-
605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant 
F series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with 
Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., Fuel Quantity Indicating System 
sensors and in-tank harnesses installed in accordance with 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00092BO.

    Note 1:  This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c),

[[Page 55118]]

the operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance according to paragraph (o) of this AD. The request should 
include a description of changes to the required inspections that 
will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD 
to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which 
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
fire or explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless already 
done.

Revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section To Incorporate 
Inspections

    (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the inspections specified in 
Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300-600 Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, Document T3012-0005-0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 
2008.

Inspection for Correct Separation

    (h) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection for tank unit separation and compensator 
separation of the center, inner, and outer fuel tanks, and trim fuel 
tanks of the tank units, in accordance with Section 2.2.3 of the 
Goodrich A300-600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document 
T3012-0005-0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. If incorrect 
separation is found, before further flight, correct the separation 
in accordance with the Airplane Maintenance Manual for the 
corresponding inspection specified in Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich 
A300-600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012-
0005-0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
requirement of Table 6 in Section 10.1 of the Goodrich A300-600 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012-0005-0101, 
Revision B, dated June 12, 2008, can be conclusively determined to 
have been done from that review.

Revision to the ALS To Incorporate CDCCLs

    (i) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to 
incorporate the CDCCLs, as defined in Section 10.1 of the Goodrich 
A300-600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness,
    Document T3012-0005-0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008.
    (j) Except as provided by paragraph (o) of this AD: After 
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of 
this AD, no alternative inspection, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs 
may be used.

    Note 2: Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational 
requirements, components that have been identified as airworthy or 
installed on the affected airplanes before the revision of the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continuing 
Airworthiness, as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do not need 
to be reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continuing 
Airworthiness has been revised, future maintenance actions on these 
components must be done in accordance with the CDCCLs.

Actions Done According to Previous Service Information

    (k) Inspections are acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 300723-0101-28-01, dated April 15, 2004.
    (l) Inspections are also acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 300723-0101-28-01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004.

Acceptable Methods of Compliance for AD 2004-05-05

    (m) Doing the inspections in Section 2.2.3 of the Goodrich A300-
600 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Document T3012-0005-
0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 2008, is considered an acceptable 
method of compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of AD 2004-05-05.
    (n) Doing the inspections in accordance with Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 300723-0101-28-01, Revision 1, dated July 1, 2004, is an 
acceptable method of compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of AD 
2004-05-05.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
ATTN: Marc Ronell, Aerospace Engineer, ANE-150, FAA, Boston ACO, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7776; fax (781) 238-7170.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use Goodrich A300-600 Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, Document T3012-0005-0101, Revision B, dated June 12, 
2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. (The List of Effective Pages section of this document 
does not include pages iii, 6, 15, and 16 of this document. Those 
pages are also at Revision B, dated June 12, 2008.)
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Goodrich Corporation, Sensors and Integrated Systems (Formerly Fuel 
and Utility Systems), 100 Panton Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491-
1008; telephone 802-877-4476; e-mail sis.techpubs-vt@goodrich.com; 
Internet https://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 18, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-24011 Filed 10-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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