[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1738-1740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-316]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-247-AD; Amendment 39-10282; AD 98-01-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series
airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection of the attachment
bolts and washers for the forward cargo container and pallet latches in
the aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers having the
correct part numbers are installed; and replacement of the bolts and
washers with parts having the correct part numbers, if necessary. This
AD also requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual and certain
supplements to specify certain cargo loading procedures that must be
used until the inspection is accomplished. This amendment is prompted
by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to prevent cargo from shifting in flight, and consequent
structural damage and reduced controllability of the airplane.
[[Page 1739]]
DATES: Effective January 27, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 27, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 11, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-247-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A310 and
A300-600 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that operators have
experienced difficulties with the installation of the latches for the
forward cargo containers and pallets in the aft cargo compartment.
Investigation revealed that, in some cases, incorrect part numbers for
the attachment bolts and washers of these latches had been installed.
If the proper attachment hardware is not installed, the forward cargo
container or pallet latches could detach from the floor when subjected
to high acceleration forces during takeoff, landing, and flight. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in cargo shifting in flight,
and consequent structural damage and reduced controllability of the
airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03,
dated June 25, 1997, which describes procedures for a one-time
inspection of the attachment bolts and washers for the forward cargo
container and pallet latches in the aft cargo compartment to determine
if bolts and washers having the correct part number are installed; and
replacement of the bolts and washers with parts having the correct part
numbers, if necessary. The AOT also describes procedures for loading
the aft cargo compartment for in-service operation. Accomplishment of
the one-time inspection and any necessary corrective action eliminates
the need for use of these loading procedures. Accomplishment of the
actions specified in the AOT is intended to adequately address the
identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory
and issued French airworthiness directive 97-143-227(B), dated July 2,
1997, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes
in France.
FAA's Conclusions
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. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD will require a one-time inspection of the
attachment bolts and washers for the forward cargo container and pallet
latches in the aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers
having the correct part numbers are installed; and replacement of the
bolts and washers with parts having the correct part numbers, if
necessary. The one-time inspection is required to be accomplished in
accordance with the AOT described previously.
This AD also requires revising the Limitations Sections of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), AFM Supplements, and Airplane
Weight and Balance Supplements to specify certain cargo loading
procedures. Accomplishment of the one-time inspection and any necessary
corrective action terminates the requirement for revising the AFM, AFM
Supplements, and Airplane Weight and Balance Supplements.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-247-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
[[Page 1740]]
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-01-20 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10282. Docket 96-NM-247-AD.
Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 6919 or 11849 has not been accomplished; certificated
in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent cargo from shifting in flight, and consequent
structural damage and reduced controllability of the airplane,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Limitations Section of all FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manuals
(AFM) and AFM Supplements, and the Limitations Section of all FAA-
approved Airplane Weight and Balance Supplements, to include the
following information for loading of cargo containers or pallets in
the aft cargo compartment. This may be accomplished by inserting a
copy of this AD in all AFM's, AFM Supplements, and Weight and
Balance Supplements.
``Limitations
Do not load cargo in the most forward position in the lower deck
aft cargo compartment, just aft of frame 54. Additionally, the
second most forward position in the lower deck aft cargo
compartment, if used, must be occupied by Unit Load Devices (ULD's)
over the full width.
If half size ULD's are loaded in the aft cargo compartment, the
following loading procedure may be accomplished:
On both the left and right sides of the aft cargo compartment,
the most forward position and the second most forward position must
be either both loaded or both empty. In the case where these
positions are empty, all aft cargo compartment latches must be
raised.''
(b) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, perform a one-time inspection of the attachment bolts and
washers for the forward cargo container and pallet latches in the
aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers having the
correct part numbers are installed, in accordance with Airbus All
Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03, dated June 25, 1997. If any
discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, accomplish corrective
action in accordance with the AOT. Accomplishment of this
inspection, and corrective action, if necessary, constitutes
terminating action for the requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD;
after these actions are accomplished, the previously required AFM
limitation may be removed from the AFM and AFM supplements.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The one-time inspection shall be done in accordance with
Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03, dated June 25,
1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 97-143-227(B), dated July 2, 1997.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-316 Filed 1-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
