00-8. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-203 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 211-213]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 00-8]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 99-NM-327-AD; Amendment 39-11490; AD 99-27-09]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-203 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), 
    applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-203 series airplanes. This 
    action requires repetitive inspections of the attachment bolts of the 
    brake bar on the main landing gear (MLG) to detect missing or damaged 
    bolts, and replacement with new bolts, if necessary. 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 detachment of the brake bar from the 
    MLG strut, which could result in failure of the main landing gear to 
    extend.
    
    DATES: Effective January 19, 2000.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of January 19, 2000.
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before February 3, 2000.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-327-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
    
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    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 A300 B4-203 series 
    airplanes. The DGAC advises that three cases of brake bar (rod) loss 
    after fracture of retaining bolts have been reported by operators of 
    Model A300 series airplanes equipped with La Guardia landing gears and 
    Messier Bugatti steel brakes. In three other cases, there was no bar 
    separation but retaining bolts were found damaged. The reason for these 
    anomalies is not known at this time. However, such discrepancies, if 
    not corrected, could result in failure of the main landing gear (MLG) 
    to extend.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-32-0430, dated January 29, 
    1999, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
    inspections of the attachment bolts on the brake bar of the MLG to 
    detect damaged or missing bolts, and replacement of any damaged or 
    missing bolt with a new bolt. The service bulletin describes damage 
    criteria and procedures for determining when the brake bar attachment 
    bolts need to be replaced. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
    the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
    unsafe condition. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as 
    mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999-284-290(B), 
    dated July 13, 1999, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
    these airplanes in France.
    
    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 21.19) 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 the 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 is being issued to prevent detachment of 
    the brake bar from the main landing gear strut, which could result in 
    failure of the main landing gear to extend. This AD requires 
    accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
    described previously, except as discussed below.
    
    Differences Between the Rule and the Service Information
    
        The manufacturer's service bulletin recommends repetitive 
    inspections to begin at the next ``A'' check with an ``A''-check 
    repetitive interval. The DGAC has established an initial inspection 
    time of 500 flight hours and a repetitive inspection interval of 500 
    flight hours. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this 
    action, the FAA considered the safety implications, the compliance time 
    of the DGAC, and normal maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment 
    of the inspections. Consequently, the FAA concurs with the DGAC's 
    mandated compliance time.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
    Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule 
    currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; 
    therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, 
    the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
    condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
    are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
        Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
    Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to 
    accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
    work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
    $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    
    Determination of Rule's Effective Date
    
        Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
    on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
    additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
    procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
    effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
    Register.
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
    preceded by notice and 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 99-NM-327-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.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3)
    
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    will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a 
    substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for 
    this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may 
    be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
    caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
    
    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:
    
    99-27-09 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11490. Docket 99-NM-327-AD.
        Applicability: Model A300 B4-203 series airplanes, certificated 
    in any category, equipped with La Guardia main landing gears (MLG) 
    and Messier Bugatti steel brakes.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    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 (b) 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 detachment of the brake bar from the MLG strut, which 
    could result in failure of the MLG to extend, accomplish the 
    following:
        (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
    perform a detailed visual inspection to detect missing brake bar 
    attachment bolts on the left and right MLG, in accordance with 
    Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0430, dated January 29, 1999.
        (1) If no attachment bolt is missing, prior to further flight, 
    remove the attachment bolts, and perform a detailed visual 
    inspection to detect damage, as specified by Figure 1 of the service 
    bulletin. Accomplish the actions in accordance with the service 
    bulletin.
        (i) If no damage is detected, repeat the detailed visual 
    inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at 
    intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
        (ii) If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, replace 
    the two attachment bolts with new bolts in accordance with the 
    service bulletin. Repeat the detailed visual inspection required by 
    paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 
    flight hours.
        (2) If any attachment bolt is missing, prior to further flight, 
    replace the two attachment bolts with new bolts, in accordance with 
    the service bulletin. Repeat the detailed visual inspection required 
    by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
    500 flight hours.
    
        Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
    inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
    specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
    detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
    normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
    intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
    as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
    and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
    
    Alternative Methods of Compliance
    
        (b) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
    
    Special Flight Permits
    
        (c) 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.
    
    Incorporation by Reference
    
        (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
    Bulletin A300-32-0430, dated January 29, 1999. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
    airworthiness directive 1999-284-290(B), dated July 13, 1999.
    
        (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 19, 2000.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 1999.
    Vi L. Lipski,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 00-8 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/19/2000
Published:
01/04/2000
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
00-8
Dates:
Effective January 19, 2000.
Pages:
211-213 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-NM-327-AD, Amendment 39-11490, AD 99-27-09
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
00-8.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13