96-590. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes (Excluding Model A300 B4-600 Series Airplanes)  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 14 (Monday, January 22, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 1528-1532]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-590]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 94-NM-246-AD]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes 
    (Excluding Model A300 B4-600 Series Airplanes)
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
    airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 
    series airplanes (excluding Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes), that 
    currently requires certain structural inspections and modifications. 
    This action would require additional structural inspections and 
    modifications that have been identified as necessary to ensure the 
    structural integrity of these airplanes as they approach their economic 
    design goal. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
    prevent degradation of the structural capability of the affected 
    airplanes.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by March 1, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-246-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: Phil Forde, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
    227-2146; 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 94-NM-246-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. 94-NM-246-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        On December 27, 1991, the FAA issued AD 92-02-09, amendment 39-8145 
    (57 FR 8257, March 9, 1992), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 series 
    airplanes (excluding Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes), to require 
    certain structural inspections and modifications. That action was 
    prompted by reports of incidents involving fatigue cracking and 
    corrosion in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have 
    exceeded their economic design goal. These incidents have jeopardized 
    the airworthiness of the affected airplanes. The requirements 
    
    [[Page 1529]]
    of that AD are intended to prevent degradation of the structural 
    capability of the affected airplanes.
        Since the issuance of that AD, the Direction Generale de l'Aviation 
    Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, has 
    advised the FAA that additional structural inspections and 
    modifications have been identified that are necessary in order to 
    ensure the continuing structural integrity of the aging Model A300 
    fleet.
    
    Explanation of Revised Service Information
    
        Airbus has issued revisions of several of the service bulletins 
    that currently are referenced in AD 92-02-09 as sources of service 
    information. They are:
        1. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-103, Revision 5, dated February 
    23, 1994, which describes procedures for repetitive visual inspections 
    to detect cracks or other discrepancies in the junction seat tracks and 
    dummy hinged seat tracks of the center section of the fuselage, and 
    repair, if necessary.
        2. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-162, Revision 5, dated March 17, 
    1994, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
    external inspections to detect cracks of the left-and right-hand 
    doubler angles, cracks of Hi-Lok fasteners securing the doubler angle, 
    and cracks or stretching of the fastener heads; and various follow-on 
    actions, if necessary. (The follow-on actions include replacement of 
    the doubler angle; replacement of the fasteners; eddy current or 
    rotating probe inspections to detect cracks of the fasteners; eddy 
    current inspections to detect cracks or distortion of the attach holes; 
    opening the attach holes to oversize the diameter, installation of 
    certain fasteners; and eddy current inspections of the doubler angle 
    pick-up holes to detect cracks or distortion.)
        3. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196, Revision 1, dated November 
    12, 1990, as amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice 1.A., dated 
    February 4, 1991, which describes procedures for repetitive inspections 
    using various inspection techniques to detect cracks of certain 
    fastener holes, and repair, if necessary. (The inspections include 
    ultrasonic, rototest eddy current, and manual eddy current techniques.) 
    The actions described in the service bulletin are to be accomplished 
    following the accomplishment of those described in Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A300-53-194.
        4. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-278, Revision 1, dated March 17, 
    1994, which describes procedures for repetitive eddy current 
    inspections to detect cracks of the lower radius of the aft window 
    frame at frame 10 in the flight compartment, and repair, if necessary.
        5. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-045, Revision 6, dated February 
    25, 1994, which describes procedures for repetitive internal and 
    external visual inspections to detect cracks and looseness of the bolt/
    nut assemblies between RIB8 and RIB18, and replacement of cracked or 
    loose bolt/nut assemblies with new parts.
        6. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-060, Revision 3, dated February 
    25, 1994, which describes procedures for repetitive intensive visual 
    inspections to detect damage of the hinge fittings and the associated 
    fasteners of the fan reverser cowl, and replacement of damaged parts 
    with new parts.
        7. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-063, Revision 2, dated February 
    25, 1994, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
    inspections to detect damage of the hinge fittings and the associated 
    fasteners of the fan reverser cowl, and replacement of damaged parts 
    with new parts.
        8. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-066, Revision 2, dated February 
    25, 1994, which describes procedures for repetitive external visual 
    inspections to detect cracks and damage of the skin panel (on both the 
    outboard and inboard sides) around the first core cowl fitting at RIB6, 
    and various follow-on actions, if necessary. (The follow-on actions 
    include inspection of the bolts of the second core cowl fitting at 
    RIB9, reinforcement of the skin panel at RIB6, and replacement of 
    damaged parts.)
        9. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-126, Revision 8, dated September 
    18, 1991, which describes procedures for reinforcing the strap and 
    longitudinal joint between frames 72 and 80. Revision 8 of the service 
    bulletin was issued to remove an inspection that was specified 
    previously for accomplishment prior to installing Modification 2525.
        10. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226, Revision 5, dated 
    September 7, 1991, which describes procedures for modifying the aft 
    pressure bulkhead of the fuselage to improve corrosion protection. 
    Revision 5 of the service bulletin was issued only to indicate that the 
    DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory.
    
    Explanation of Other Pertinent Service Information
    
        Since the issuance of AD 92-02-09, Airbus also has issued the 
    following service bulletins that are not referenced in AD 92-02-09, but 
    relate to modifications and inspections deemed necessary for the 
    continuing structural integrity of the fleet:
        11. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194, Revision 2, including 
    Appendix 1, dated August 19, 1993, which describes procedures for 
    modification of the bottom boom at the stringer 8 runout plate on ribs 
    10 and 11 of the front spar of the wing. The modification involves 
    removing the termination plate on stringer 8 and the termination cleat 
    on rib 10 to stringer 8; machining off the integral rib foot at the 
    stringer at rib 10 and replacing it with a new cleat; reprofiling and 
    thinning down the end of stringer 8 at rib 10 in two stages; changing 
    the existing bolts to the next nominal size or oversizing in the cold-
    expanded interference fit holes; and, if installed, replacing the 
    existing tack rivet with a bolt. Accomplishment of this service 
    bulletin further improves Modification 7811; this modification is 
    required currently by AD 92-02-09 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin 
    A300-57-165).
        12. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-166, Revision 3, including 
    Appendix 1, dated July 12, 1993, which describes procedures for cold 
    expansion of certain spar holes on the front and center of the wings. 
    Accomplishment of these procedures will reduce the probability of 
    cracking in these areas of the wings.
        13. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0167, Revision 1, including 
    Appendix 1, dated May 25, 1993, which describes procedures for 
    modification of the bottom boom between ribs 6 and 7 and between ribs 8 
    and 9 of the front spar of the wings. The modification includes 
    removing the bolts on the bottom boom; drilling out holes to allow for 
    certain bolts to be fitted; inspecting the holes for cracks; cold 
    expanding the bolt holes; installing new bolts into the cold-expanded 
    holes; drilling, reaming, countersinking, and installing Taper-lok 
    bolts; repairing damage to the fuel tank sealant; and performing a fuel 
    leak test. Accomplishment of the modification will reduce the 
    probability of cracks in these areas of the wings.
        14. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0168, Revision 3, including 
    Appendix 1, dated November 22, 1993, which describes procedures for 
    modification of the bottom boom in certain areas between ribs 1 and 9 
    of the rear spar of the wings. The modification involves draining and 
    venting the fuel tanks in the wings; removing the existing bolts from 
    the affected area; and either cold expanding the holes for transition 
    fit bolts, or drilling, reaming, and countersinking for Taper-lok 
    bolts. Accomplishment of the modification will reduce the probability 
    of cracks in these areas of the wings.
        15. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0180, Revision 1, dated March 
    29, 1993, 
    
    [[Page 1530]]
    which describes procedures for cold working the sealing angles of the 
    center spar outboard of rib 8 adjacent to the pylon attachment fitting. 
    These procedures include draining and venting the fuel tanks in the 
    wings; removing any skin attachment bolts that obstruct access to the 
    bolts in the vertical flange of the sealing angle; removing nine bolts 
    from the vertical flange of the sealing angle and remachining the spot 
    faces; cold expanding the nine bolt holes in the vertical flange; 
    installing oversize bolts in the vertical flange; installing new 
    oversize bolts at the skin attachment positions, if necessary; and 
    repairing the damage to the fuel tank sealant. Accomplishment of these 
    procedures will lower the probability of a reduction in the flight 
    loading residual strength of the structure below the acceptable level 
    due to cracking in the vertical web of a sealing angle in the center 
    spar. -
        16. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0185, Revision 1, including 
    Appendix 1, dated March 8, 1993, which describes procedures for 
    replacing the attachment bolts on the bottom skin of the front spar of 
    the wings between ribs 1 and 6. Accomplishment of the replacement 
    involves removing the existing bolts between ribs 1 and 6; cold 
    expanding the holes; and installing certain new bolts. Accomplishment 
    of this replacement will improve the fatigue life of the bottom boom on 
    the front spar of the wing. -
        17. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-0084, dated April 21, 1994, 
    which describes procedures for repetitive ultrasonic inspections to 
    detect sheared rivets on the outer side lateral panels between ribs 12 
    and 18 of the pylon, and replacement of sheared rivets with new rivets.
        The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
    French airworthiness directives 90-222-116(B)R2, dated July 6, 1994, 
    and 93-154-149(B), dated September 15, 1993, in order to assure the 
    continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    
    Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD
    
        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.
        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 supersede AD 92-02-09. It 
    would continue to require the structural inspections and modifications 
    specified in AD 92-02-09, and would require other additional structural 
    inspections and modifications, as well. The new proposed actions would 
    be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins 
    described previously.
    
    Economic Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 4 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
    affected by this proposed AD.
        The recurring inspections, which were required by AD 92-02-09 and 
    continue to be required by this proposed AD, take approximately 196 
    work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
    per work hour. The cost for required parts is $2,000. Based on these 
    figures, the cost impact of these recurring inspections on U.S. 
    operators is estimated to be $13,760 per airplane, or $55,040 for the 
    affected U.S. fleet.
        The recurring inspection procedures that are added by this new AD 
    action would require approximately 196 additional work hours per 
    airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
    The cost for required parts is $2,000. Based on these figures, the 
    added recurring inspection cost impact of this proposed AD on U.S. 
    operators is estimated to be $13,760 per airplane, or $55,040 for the 
    affected U.S. fleet.
        The modifications required by AD 92-02-09, which continue to be 
    required by this proposed AD, take approximately 316 work hours per 
    airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
    The cost for required parts is $72,000. Based on these figures, the 
    cost of this modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $90,960 
    per airplane, or $363,840 for the affected U.S. fleet.
        The modifications that are added by this proposed AD action would 
    require approximately 1,599 additional work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost for 
    required parts is $145,000. Based on these figures, the added 
    modification cost impact of this proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $240,940 per airplane, or $963,760 for the affected 
    U.S. fleet.
        Based on the figures discussed above, the cost impact of all of the 
    requirements of this proposed AD is estimated to be $418,880 for the 
    recurring inspections and modifications required by AD 92-02-09, plus 
    $1,018,800 for the additional inspections and modifications required by 
    this proposed AD. These cost impact figures assume that no operator has 
    yet accomplished any of the requirements of this proposed AD. However, 
    it can be reasonably assumed that the majority of affected operators 
    have already initiated the inspections and modifications required by AD 
    92-02-09, and many may have already initiated the additional 
    inspections and modifications that are proposed by this new AD action.
        The FAA recognizes that the obligation to maintain aircraft in an 
    airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive. Because AD's 
    require specific actions to address specific unsafe conditions, they 
    appear to impose costs that would not otherwise be borne by operators. 
    However, because of the general obligation of operators to maintain 
    aircraft in an airworthy condition, this appearance is deceptive. 
    Attributing those costs solely to the issuance of this AD is 
    unrealistic because, in the interest of maintaining safe aircraft, 
    prudent operators would accomplish the required actions even if they 
    were not required to do so by the AD.
        A full cost-benefit analysis has not been accomplished for this 
    proposed AD. As a matter of law, in order to be airworthy, an aircraft 
    must conform to its type design and be in a condition for safe 
    operation. The type design is approved only after the FAA makes a 
    determination that it complies with all applicable airworthiness 
    requirements. In adopting and maintaining those requirements, the FAA 
    has already made the determination that they establish a level of 
    safety that is cost-beneficial. When the FAA, as in this proposed AD, 
    makes a finding of an unsafe condition, this means that the original 
    cost-beneficial level of safety is no longer being achieved and that 
    the proposed actions are necessary to restore that level of safety. 
    Because this level of safety has already been determined to be cost-
    beneficial, a full cost-benefit analysis for this proposed AD would be 
    redundant and unnecessary.
    
    Regulatory Impact -
    
        The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
    effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
    government and 
    
    [[Page 1531]]
    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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8145 (57 FR 
    8257, March 9, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    to read as follows:
    
    Airbus Industrie: Docket 94-NM-246-AD. Supersedes AD 92-02-09, 
    Amendment 39-8145.
    
        Applicability: All Model A300 series airplanes, excluding Model 
    A300 B4-600 series airplanes, 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 use the authority 
    provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
    FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
    configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
    necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
    a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
    configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
    case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
    remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously. -
        To prevent degradation of the structural capability of the 
    airplane, accomplish the following: -
        (a) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in 
    the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the 
    thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within 
    1,000 landings or 12 months after April 13, 1992 (the effective date 
    of AD 92-02-09, amendment 39-8145), whichever occurs later. Required 
    inspections shall be repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
    those specified in the corresponding service bulletin for the 
    inspection. After the effective date of this AD, the actions shall 
    only be accomplished in accordance with the latest revision of the 
    service bulletins specified. -
        (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-103, Revision 4, dated June 
    30, 1983; or Revision 5, dated February 23, 1994; -
        (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-126, Revision 7, dated 
    November 11, 1990; or Revision 8, dated September 18, 1991; -
        (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146, Revision 7, dated April 
    26, 1991;
    
        Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146 provides for a 
    compliance threshold of within 5 years after the date of issuance of 
    French airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12, 
    1990, the accomplishment of which is required by AD 85-07-09, 
    amendment 39-5033.
    
        (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-162, Revision 4, dated 
    November 12, 1990; or Revision 5, dated March 17, 1994; -
        (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196, Revision 1, dated 
    November 12, 1990; or Revision 2, dated November 12, 1990, as 
    amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice 1.A., dated February 4, 
    1991;
    
        Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196 provides for a 
    compliance threshold of within 6,000 landings after accomplishment 
    of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-194, accomplishment of which is 
    required by AD 87-04-12, amendment 39-5536.
    
        (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-225, Revision 2, dated May 
    30, 1990; -
        (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226, Revision 4, dated 
    November 12, 1990; or Revision 5, dated September 7, 1991;
    
        Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226 provides for a 
    compliance threshold of within 5 years after the issuance of French 
    airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12, 1990; 
    but not later than 20 years after first delivery; the accomplishment 
    of which is required by AD 90-03-08, amendment 39-6481.
    
        (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-278, dated November 12, 
    1990; or Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994; -
        (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-045, Revision 4, dated 
    January 31, 1990; or Revision 6, dated February 25, 1994; -
        (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-060, Revision 2, dated 
    September 7, 1988, and Change Notice 2.A., dated February 13, 1990; 
    or Revision 3, dated February 25, 1994;
        (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-063, Revision 1, dated 
    April 22, 1987, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990; or 
    Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994; and
        (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-066, Revision 1, dated 
    February 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990; 
    or Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994.
        (b) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in 
    the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the 
    thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within 
    1,000 landings or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    whichever occurs later. Required inspections shall be repeated 
    thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in the 
    corresponding service bulletin for the inspection.
        (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194, Revision 2, including 
    Appendix 1, dated August 19, 1993;
    
        Note 5: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194 provides for a 
    compliance threshold of prior to the accumulation of 36,000 landings 
    for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on which the modification 
    described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-165 has not been 
    accomplished and for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on which that 
    modification has been accomplished prior to the accumulation of 
    24,000 landings on the airplane. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-
    0194 also provides for a compliance threshold of prior to the 
    accumulation of 12,000 landings after the accomplishment of Airbus 
    Service Bulletin A300-57-165 (for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on 
    which the modification described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-
    165 has been accomplished on or after the accumulation of 24,000 
    landings on the airplane).
    
        (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-166, Revision 3, including 
    Appendix 1, dated July 12, 1993;
        (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0167, Revision 1, including 
    Appendix 1, dated May 25, 1993;
        (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0168, Revision 3, including 
    Appendix 1, dated November 22, 1993;
        (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0180, Revision 1, dated 
    March 29, 1993;
        (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0185, Revision 1, including 
    Appendix 1, dated March 8, 1993; and
    
        Note 6: The Airbus service bulletins specified in paragraphs 
    (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) of this AD provide for a 
    compliance threshold of prior to the accumulation of 36,000 landings 
    (for Model A300 B2 series airplanes); 30,000 landings (for Model 
    A300 B4-100 series airplanes); and 25,000 landings (for Model A300 
    B4-200 series airplanes) after the effective date of French 
    airworthiness directive 93-154-149(B), issued on September 15, 1993.
    
        (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-0084, dated April 21, 1994.
        
    [[Page 1532]]
    
        (c) If any discrepant condition identified in any service 
    bulletin referenced in this AD is found during any inspection 
    required by this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the 
    corresponding corrective action specified in the service bulletin.
        (d) 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 7: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        (e) 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 12, 1996.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-590 Filed 1-19-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/22/1996
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
96-590
Dates:
Comments must be received by March 1, 1996.
Pages:
1528-1532 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 94-NM-246-AD
PDF File:
96-590.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13