[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53849-53851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25030]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-174-AD; Amendment 39-9391; AD 95-21-06]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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 A330 and A340 series airplanes. This
action requires replacement of the fire extinguisher distribution pipe
and attachments in the lower deck cargo compartment fire extinguishing
system. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that, in
response to a smoke warning in the forward cargo compartment on one
airplane, bottle 2 of the fire extinguishing system did not discharge
extinguishing agent into the cargo compartment due to a blockage of the
discharge pipe by debris within it. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to ensure that, in the event of a fire, adequate fire
extinguishing agent is discharged into the cargo compartment.
DATES: Effective November 2, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 2, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 18, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-
[[Page 53850]]
174-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: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2589; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that one
operator has reported that, in response to a forward cargo compartment
smoke warning, the cargo fire extinguishers were fired. Bottle #1
discharged extinguishing agent into the cargo compartment normally;
however, bottle #2 did not discharge. Investigation revealed that
debris from the cartridge/disc from bottle #1 had partially clogged the
discharge pipe, which then prevented the extinguishing agent from being
discharged from bottle #2. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in an inadequate amount of fire extinguishing agent being
discharged to the cargo compartment in the event of a fire.
Airbus has issued three service bulletins relevant to this problem:
1. Service Bulletin A330-26-3002, dated March 29, 1994, which is
applicable to Model A330 series airplanes;
2. Service Bulletin A340-26-4007, Revision 1, dated May 16, 1994,
which is applicable to Model A340 series airplanes; and
3. Service Bulletin A340-26-4007, Revision 2, dated November 22,
1994, which also is applicable to Model A340 series airplanes.
These service bulletins describe procedures for installing a
modified discharge pipe between bottle #2 and the halon filter in the
fire extinguishing system of the lower deck cargo compartment. The
modified pipe entails two new hoses with an increased diameter and
larger elbow radius, which will prevent the blockage problems caused by
debris in the discharge pipe.
The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued
French Airworthiness Directives (CN) 94-117-001(B), dated May 11, 1994,
which is applicable to Model A330 series airplanes; and 94-118-007(B),
dated May 11, 1994, which is applicable to Model A340 series airplanes;
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
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 21.19) 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.
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 ensure that, in the
event of a fire, adequate fire extinguishing agent is discharged into
the cargo compartment. This AD requires replacing the fire extinguisher
distribution pipe and attachments of the extinguishing system of the
lower deck cargo compartment with a modified pipe assembly. The actions
are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service
bulletins described previously.
None of the Model A330 or A340 series 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 8 work hours to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per
work hour. Required parts would be provided free of charge by the
manufacturer. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD
would be $480 per airplane.
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, 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 95-NM-174-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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)
[[Page 53851]]
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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-21-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-9391. Docket 95-NM-174-AD.
Applicability: Model A330-301 series airplanes, and Model A340-
211, -212, -311, and -312 series airplanes; on which Airbus
Modification 42451 has not been installed; 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 (b) 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 ensure that, in the event of a fire, adequate fire
extinguishing agent is discharged into the cargo compartment,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 450 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
replace the fire extinguisher distribution pipe and attachments of
the lower deck cargo compartment fire extinguishing system in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-26-3002, dated March
29, 1994 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-26-4007, Revision 1, dated May 16, 1994, or Revision
2, dated November 22, 1994 (applicable to Model A340 series
airplanes).
(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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(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.
(d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-26-3002, dated March 29, 1994; and Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-26-4007, Revision 1, dated May 16, 1994, or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-26-4007, Revision 2, dated November 22,
1994; as applicable. These service bulletins contain the following
list of effective pages:
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Service bulletin No. and date Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-26-3002, March 29, 1994... 1-11 (Original).................. March 29, 1994.
A340-26-4007, Revision 1, May 1-11 1........................... May 19, 1994.
16, 1994.
A340-26-4007, Revision 2, 1 2........................... November 22,1994.
November 22, 1994.
2-11 1........................... May 16, 1994.
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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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on November 2, 1995.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25030 Filed 10-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
