97-682. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 8 (Monday, January 13, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 1695-1698]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-682]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-101-AD]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 series 
    airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive checks and testing of 
    certain equipment that regulates the flow of fuel from wing tank 2A to 
    the number 2 engine. This proposal also would require replacement of 
    this equipment with equipment that has been designed to prevent 
    incorrect installation; this replacement would be terminating action 
    for the repetitive equipment checks and tests. This proposal is 
    prompted by reports indicating that the incorrect installation of this 
    equipment has caused the flight crew to shut off,
    
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    rather than open, certain valves that regulate the flow of fuel from 
    between this tank and engine. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
    are intended to detect and rectify incorrect installations, which could 
    result in the flight crew inadvertently shutting off the flow of fuel 
    to the engine, and consequent engine failure during flight.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by February 24, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
    Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
    location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
    Federal holidays.
        The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
    227-2797; fax (206) 227-1149.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed 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 above. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
    specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
    proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
    light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 96-NM-101-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 96-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        The Direction Generale de l' Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
    airworthiness authority for France, has notified the FAA that an unsafe 
    condition may exist on certain Airbus A300 series airplanes. The DGAC 
    advises that it has received reports indicating that the number 2 
    engine on some airplanes had failed because fuel from wing tank 2A was 
    not reaching this engine. Subsequent investigation detected the 
    presence of a loose control knob for the isolation valve switch that 
    controls the flow of fuel between this wing tank and engine, and it was 
    determined that the knob had been incorrectly installed. Consequently, 
    when the control knob was turned to the ``open'' position, it was, in 
    fact, closed, thereby cutting off the fuel supply to the engine. This 
    condition, if not corrected, could result in the flight crew 
    inadvertently shutting off the supply of fuel to this engine, and 
    consequent failure of this engine during flight.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        Airbus has issued A300 All Operator Telex (AOT) 28-03, dated June 
    6, 1991, which describes procedures for conducting a physical check of 
    the control knobs for the isolation valve and crossfeed valve control 
    unit 5QB, which is located on fuel panel 52 VU in the cockpit; and 
    procedures for testing this control unit to determine if the control 
    knob settings are correct.
        The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued airworthiness 
    directive (C/N) 91-173-126(B) R1, dated February 19, 1992, in order to 
    assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
        Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-28-055, Revision 3, 
    dated December 19, 1991, as amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice 
    3.A., dated March 16, 1992. This service bulletin describes procedures 
    for replacing the isolation valve and crossfeed valve control unit 5QB 
    with a modified control unit. This replacement is intended to make it 
    impossible to incorrectly install this control unit.
        Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-28-0061, Revision 1, 
    dated March 14, 1992, which describes procedures for replacing the 
    control knobs on the isolation valve and crossfeed valve control unit 
    5QB with new knobs. The replacement knobs are designed so that they can 
    only be installed the correct way.
    
        Note: The Airbus service bulletins reference the following 
    service bulletins, issued by L'equipment et La Construction 
    Electrique (ECE), as additional sources of procedural service 
    information for performing these actions:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
         ECE Service Bulletin Number                      Date              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    28-191...............................  July 26, 1982.                   
    28-195...............................  August 31, 1983.                 
    28-196...............................  August 31, 1983.                 
    28-228...............................  November 1, 1991.                
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The DGAC classified the Airbus service bulletins as optional; 
    accomplishment of the procedures described in these service bulletins, 
    however, would terminate the repetitive equipment checks and tests, 
    required by French CN 91-173-126(B) R1.
    
    FAA's Conclusions
    
        This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require repetitive checks 
    of the control knobs on isolation valve and crossfeed valve control 
    unit 5QB; and repetitive tests of this control unit. As terminating 
    action for these repetitive checks and tests, operators would be 
    required to replace these knobs and this control unit with knobs and a 
    control unit that have been modified. These modified items prevent the 
    knobs and control unit from being
    
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    installed incorrectly. The actions would be required to be accomplished 
    in accordance with the service documents described previously.
    
    Differences Between the Proposed Rule and the French CN
    
        Operators should note that, while the proposed AD would require the 
    replacement of the control knobs on the isolation valve and crossfeed 
    valve control unit with modified units, the French DGAC, as iterated in 
    its CN 91-173-126(B) R1, has provided for this replacement only as an 
    optional action. Both the FAA and the DGAC agree, however, that 
    accomplishment of the replacement would terminate the requirements for 
    repetitive checks and tests of this equipment.
        In proposing to mandate these replacement actions, the FAA 
    considers that, unless the equipment is replaced with the modified 
    equipment, the possibility of incorrect installation will always exist 
    whenever normal maintenance is performed. The FAA has determined that 
    long-term continued operational safety will be better assured by 
    modifications or design changes to remove the source of the problem, 
    rather than by repetitive checks or tests. Long-term checks or tests 
    may not provide the degree of safety assurance necessary for the 
    transport airplane fleet. This, coupled with a better understanding of 
    the human factors associated with numerous repetitive checks and tests, 
    has led the FAA to consider placing less emphasis on special procedures 
    and more emphasis on design improvements. The proposed replacement 
    requirement is in consonance with these considerations.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 13 Airbus Model A300 series airplanes of 
    U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
        It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
    each proposed check and test cycle, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
    work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this proposed 
    requirement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $780, or $60 per 
    airplane, per check/test cycle.
        It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
    the proposed replacement of the control knobs and control unit, at an 
    average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
    approximately $1,043 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the proposed replacement action on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $14,339, or $1,103 per airplane.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
    of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
    in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations proposed herein would 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 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
    regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
    Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
    and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
    Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    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:
    
    Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-101-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model A300 series airplanes, as listed in the 
    Airbus service documents referenced in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) 
    of this AD; 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 (e) 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 the flight crew from inadvertently shutting off the 
    flow of fuel from wing tank 2A to the number 2 engine, due to the 
    incorrect installation of the isolation valve and crossfeed valve 
    control unit 5QB, and the consequent failure of the engine, 
    accomplish the following:
        (a) For airplanes listed in Airbus A300 All Operator Telex (AOT) 
    28-03, dated June 6, 1991: Within 30 days after the effective date 
    of this AD, perform a check and functional test of the control knob 
    configurations for the isolation valve and crossfeed valve control 
    unit 5QB, in accordance with Airbus AOT 28-03, dated June 6, 1991.
        (1) Repeat the check and test thereafter at intervals not to 
    exceed 500 hours time-in-service, and prior to further flight after 
    any maintenance action is performed on the control unit.
        (2) Any unit that does not successfully pass the check/
    functional test, must be repaired or otherwise rectified prior to 
    further flight, in accordance with the AOT.
        (b) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-055, 
    Revision 3, dated December 19, 1991, as amended by Service Bulletin 
    Change Notice 3.A., dated March 16, 1992: Within 2 years after the 
    effective date of this AD, replace the crossfeed and isolation valve 
    control unit 5QB with a modified unit, in accordance Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A300-28-055, Revision 3, dated December 19, 1991, as 
    amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice 3.A.
    
        Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-055, Revision 3, 
    references L'equipment et La Construction Electrique (ECE) Service 
    Bulletins 28-195 and 28-196, both dated August 31, 1983, as 
    additional sources of procedural information for replacement of the 
    control unit.
    
        (c) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-
    0061, Revision 1, dated March 14, 1992: Within 2 years after the 
    effective date of this AD, replace the control knobs on the 
    crossfeed and isolation valve control unit 5QB with new knobs, in 
    accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0061, Revision 1, 
    dated March 14, 1992.
    
        Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0061, Revision 1, 
    references ECE Service Bulletins 28-191, dated July 26, 1982, and 
    28-228, dated November 1, 1991, as additional sources of procedural 
    information for replacement of the control knobs.
    
        (d) Accomplishment of both of the replacements specified in 
    paragraphs (b) and
    
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    (c) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
    checks and tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
        (e) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
    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, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        (f) 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.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 1997.
    S. R. Miller,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-682 Filed 1-10-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/13/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
97-682
Dates:
Comments must be received by February 24, 1997.
Pages:
1695-1698 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-101-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-682.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13